Things to do in Windsor with kids

Are you planning a family trip to Windsor? Then you need to know the best things to do in Windsor with kids. Windsor is a great place for family days out and holidays. There are attractions that all the family will love walks, parks and play areas and not forgetting Windsor Castle. It’s perfect to combine with a trip to Legoland Windsor which is just 2 miles away.

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Things to do in Windsor with kids

Windsor castle

If you love a Royal residence or historical building then Windsor castle must be top of your list for a trip to Windsor. In fact, for some, it is their sole reason for visiting.

Windsor Castle is now the home of Queen Elizabeth. One of the great things about Windsor castle is that it is right in the heart of Windsor so you can easily travel by train and walk on foot to the castle. It also means you can combine your visit to the castle with a bit of shopping or something to eat and drink in one of the many cafe, restaurants and bars in Windsor. You can also easily get to the other suggestions below.

Windsor castle has been home to kings and queens for over 900 years. You can * book a tour of the castle here.  With prices starting from £23.50. Tickets must be booked in advance currently but there is a full refund policy if cancelled more than 24 hours in advance.

Watch changing the guard at Windsor Castle

The changing of the guard at Windsor castle ceremony can only be seen with a castle ticket.

You can see the guards march from the barracks through Windsor high street and into the castle.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is normally scheduled for 11:00 am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This is subject to change though so please check here Armys Household Divisions website here.

Take a walk in The Great Park

The Great Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. There are numerous car parks but you can access the Long Walk from the town centre through Cambridge gate which is right opposite, Windsor Castle.

The Great Park is free to enter but there are charges if you choose to visit Savill garden. There are several gardens (including Savill garden) as well as a children’s play area, picnic areas, Virginia water, deer park and so much more. Find full details here.

Home Park play area

Home park is a short walk from Windsor town centre and has a lovely play area for children from 3-12 on the edge. It is located on Romney Lock Road, off King Edward VII Avenue in Windsor.

There is pay and display car parking if you don’t walk from the centre of Windsor but it’s really not far. In fact, on our last visit, we parked here all day and went up into Windsor from here.

Walk around Eton

Eton is just the other side of the Thames river from Windsor. Just a very short stroll over a bridge. Here you’ll find the famous Eton boys boarding school. It’s a lovely little town to walk around.

Explore Windsor and Eton on the hop on and off bus

Why not explore Windsor, Eton and the surrounding area on the open-top, hop on and off bus. Kid’s love buses, especially open-topped ones and this type of ticket makes exploring Windsor with kids so much easier.

There are 11 stops around the area with loads of places to discover and explore. The audio guide onboard will give you the history of Windsor so you can learn about the famous landmarks like Windsor Castle, the Holy Trinity Church, Eton College, the Long Walk and Windsor Farm House. * Book your tickets here.

Windsor Duck tours

Explore Windsor by road and on the river on one of the popular Windsor duck tours. Such a fun way to explore. * Book your tickets in advance here.

Explore Alexandra gardens

Alexandra Gardens are just along the Thames river banks and have great views of the castle. There is a bandstand, plenty of green space and a cafe. Another great spot for a picnic.

Explore the Goswells

This is another green space, across the road from Alexandra gardens. Here you will find a simple path maze where children enjoy running around, tennis courts and a beautiful fountain.

Visit kiddies corner, fun fair

At the end of Alexander gardens you’ll find this small fun fair. It is perfect for young children. There are mini dodgems and merry-go-rounds. 

Play crazy golf

Right next to kiddies corner you will find a small but fun adventure golf for all the family to enjoy. 

Explore Bath Island 

Bath island is a small island in the middle of the Thames. It’s not very big and is pedestrian only. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic as you watch all the boats go by.

Rent a rowing boat or canoe

There are various points along the banks of the River Thames where you can rent a rowing boat or canoes. Such a lovely way to spend time on a nice day.

See the replica, life-size hawker hurricane 

There is a full-size replica Hawker Hurricane at the end of Alexandra gardens.

See a show at The Theatre Royal

Perhaps you’d like to see a show on one evening of your stay in Windsor. Find out what shows are on during your next visit here.

Take a boat trip down the Thames

There are many boat trips operating trips down the Thames from Windsor/Eton. They offer a variety of different length cruises and many allow tickets to be purchased on the day. Booking in advance is advisable in busy holiday periods and one company that has online bookings is French Brothers.

Our top tips for visiting Windsor with kids

• Windsor central Travelodge is very central. It’s close to the shops, the castle and lots of places to eat. It is the perfect budget accommodation for families.
• There is a Waitrose directly below the Travelodge. Perfect for buying a picnic for eating in one of the Windsor parks above or taking with you on a day trip to Legoland.
• There are lots of family-friendly restaurants around for eating out. Our favourite is Carluccio’s in Windsor train station
• Windsor Castle, great park, Eton, Alexander gardens and Home park playground are all within a very short walking distance. Although a buggy would be needed for toddlers. All of these places are very pushchair friendly.
• Home park playground has lots of fun play equipment for children of all ages.

Days out from Windsor

• Legoland Windsor is only a short drive from Windsor and well worth a day out. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Legoland Windsor with young children here.
• Another short drive away is a fantastic National Trust for kids with lots of walks (mostly pram-friendly) and 2 amazing play areas – Find out more about * Cliveden here.
• RHS Wisley is about 45 minutes away. It’s surprisingly a fantastic day out for families. Find out more here – visiting RHS Wisley with kids.

Where to stay in Windsor with kids

There are so many options for places to stay in Windsor or in the surrounding area. I can personally recommend a few great places to stay with kids.

The first is the Legoland Windsor resort hotel which is amazing for kids. You can read more about it in my full review. The only downside is that is quite expensive unless you get a good deal like we did when we visited with a toddler in term time.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option then you can’t go wrong with my second choice. The second is Windsor central Travelodge which has a fantastic central location, is just a few minutes walk from the shops and Windsor castle (we even had a castle view from our room when we stayed) and the rooms are clean, spacious and modern. We had a family room which was perfect for us.

You can also find 10 Premier inns near Legoland Windsor here. We love Premier inn family rooms and the breakfasts are great for families.