Windsor, based conveniently on the outskirts of London, is home to some of the grandest buildings in England, including Windsor Castle. As Berkshire Rooms has a variety of properties based in Windsor, we’re well versed in the local attractions that are on offer, from royal castles to award winning restaurants and a plethora of vintage shops. Have a read of some of the best places in Windsor today.
With the original buildings standing since the 11th Century, Windsor Castle is a feat of architecture to behold. You can either choose to simply walk around the gardens, or if the state rooms are open, explore inside the castle as well.
As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, you will need to be aware that the castle may close at short notice, and your plans may need to change, luckily, Windsor is filled with great things to do.
While at Windsor Castle, you can explore the state apartments, the state rooms, see the famous dolls’ house owned by Queen Mary, see the changing of the guard, and if you’re a history or art buff, take a look at the numerous paintings and treasures that are stored there.
Tickets start from £26.50 for adults, and family discounts are on offer. The official website states to leave 1.5-2 hours to visit the castle, but in order to be able to take it in at a gentle pace, most of the day could easily be occupied with a visit.
Head to the official Royal Collection website to learn more.
Until the 1930s, Windsor was home to a wide range of breweries, putting Windsor on the map for being one of the great homes of brewing in the UK. However, with the closing of the last brewery in 1931, Windsor had no breweries until 2010, when a group of friends set up the Windsor and Eton Brewery to bring brewing back to Windsor.
Now, the Windsor and Eton Brewery (WEBREW for short) has become one of the most popular attractions locally, and its beers are served in over 20 local pubs.
You can take a 90 minute tour of the brewery on Saturdays, and there’s also pub quizzes or musical bingo on alternating Tuesdays.
Take a look at their website for more information.
Set up by chef and restaurant manager power couple John and Milly, Test Kitchen is one of the hottest food spots in Windsor.
Test Kitchen is famed for its sometimes daily changing menu, focusing on using seasonal produce from local farms all around Windsor. Based at Patch on the Plaza, a local outdoor restaurant, the menu consists of a variety of bites and plates, designed to be shared.
It’s had rave reviews from its countless visitors, and the cocktails are also fantastic.
Windsor Great Park, home to a herd of red deer, is an expansive park that spans the length of Windsor. With the castle at one end, and Frogmore Palace at the other, the Great Park can be wandered through for hours. The deer are known to love being photographed, and at sunrise and sunset, the light filtering through the trees is fantastic.
You can choose to walk down the three mile Long Walk, or visit Virginia Water at the southernmost end of the Great Park. Regardless of whether walking is your thing, or if you’re a bigger fan of a gentler approach, the Great Park is a perfect place to visit.
There is parking on site, but if you’re staying in Windsor, it’s either a bus journey or a short walk away. You can learn more about the extensive range of sights the Great Park has to offer here.
Based in the Old Ticket Hall, Cinnamon Café is very highly rated for its simple food and amazing coffee. The cinnamon buns are raved about, either by the slice or the entire thing. Whether you’re commuting to a meeting, off for a day trip into London or just want a café to sit and muse, the Cinnamon Café is a great choice.
Take a look at their website for location and opening times.
Across Windsor, there’s a huge variety of vintage shops, some for profit and some for charity.
Just over the river is the Eton Antique Bookshop. A haven for a variety of antique books, bibliophiles will love the range on offer, from rare finds to books to bulk out collections. Visitors describe it as a ‘treasure trove’ of books.
Based on Peascod Street, Thames Hospice Vintage and Retro stocks one of a kind items. Used by film and TV producers as well as vintage lovers, it’s a haven of items rarely found elsewhere. The staff are well versed in everything vintage, and it’s a spot to definitely visit.
Just off the main road is Windsor Vintage, which holds a huge variety of vintage items, from homeware to children’s toys. As well as being able to source vintage items on request, Windsor Vintage stock a ‘bizarre selection’ of gems in what can only be described as an eclectic mix.
Stay with Berkshire Rooms in one of our serviced apartments and have a home from home experience in one of our well-situated apartments. There’s so much on offer, so why not book a visit?