Attractions around the local area

Windsor
Windsor itself has a great deal to offer visitors.
Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and open daily with the exception of very special occasions (check with Windsor Tourist Information Centre, just to be sure:- 01753 743 908). It really is worth a visit and offers something for everyone – including the children! This was the Queens favourite residence and if the Royal Standard flag is flying – you know the King is in residence!
Entry ticket into the castle allows you access to St Georges Chapel. If your trip includes a Sunday stay you may wish to attend evensong to which the general public are welcome. Remember to validate your ticket on entry as you are then able to us it as often as you like during the 12 months from purchase.
Close to Windsor Castle, the Sir Christopher Wren-designed Guildhall is a premier wedding and special occasion location. The intimate Ascot Room, chosen by King Charles for his wedding and Sir Elton John for his civil partnership, seats 30 people. The impressive Council Chamber with its chandeliers on loan from The Queen and royal portraits dating back to Elizabeth I seats 120.The Council Chamber accommodates up to 100 guests for wedding ceremonies but is also suitable for smaller parties. The Chamber is licensed for wedding ceremonies. Check with the Windsor tourist information centre for opening times for visitors.
Windsor town is great for shopping with all the major chains present – M&S, Zara, H&M, Mango, TK Max – to name but a few. The bulk of the shops are in the pedestrian area including a department stores Daniels, which is worth a visit. Windsor Central Station has numerous shops and stalls again worth a look and is home to the Windsor Tourist Information Centre – situated in the old ticket hall.

Eton & Windsor Castle
Eton is located just across the river from Windsor, a couple of minutes walk from the Castle. A short walk down the attractive High Street will bring you to the famous Eton College, founded in 1440 by Henry VI. Eton College’s former pupils include 18 British Prime Ministers. Tours of the college are available, including an exhibition of the College’s history, and the oldest schoolroom in the world. It’s worth seeing the interior of Eton Chapel, similar to King’s College, Cambridge – for views of the exterior, the best view is probably from Eton High Street. See the official Eton College website for more information.
It’s also worth having a good look at the interesting array of shops as you walk down the High Street – mostly antique shops, art galleries and curiosity shops. Look out for the shop that sells nothing but teddy bears! The Cockpit Restaurant is the site of the 17th and 18th century cockfights, frequented by Charles II. There’s an original Victorian post box by the restaurant. The Eton Traders Association has its own Eton website.
As you cross the bridge, stop for a moment to admire the view of the River Thames, and to look at the interesting artwork created for the bridge by the artist Wendy Ramshaw: bollards and brass paving set into the bridge itself. There is also a “tower” bollard with a lens for viewing the High Street and the Castle. Look out for street and bridge entertainers during the summer.
Amongst all the shops are numerous restaurants and cafes with excellent Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Greek and Italian restaurants together with the usual chains such as Pizza Hut and MacDonald’s! We have plenty of experience eating out in and around Windsor so feel free to pick our brains when you arrive. In the summer it is advisable to book tables in advance particularly at the weekend. For the discerning “foodies” there is always Heston Blumenthal’s “The Fat Duck “ restaurant in Bray (circa 6 miles from Windsor). The meal is an experience to remember and if you do want to go you need to book well in advance – three months ordinarily! A Taxi to Bray from Park Farm Bed and Breakfast accommodation is just under £10 – so why not make a weekend of it?
Windsor Castle -
PUBLIC ACCESS
Daily: 09:45 – 16:15. Last admission 15:00.
Monday – Saturday
Precincts, State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, The Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St. George’s Chapel.
Sundays
Precincts, State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, The Drawings Gallery and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
ADMISSION CHARGES
Adult - £31 (£35 on the day)
Young Person 18-24 - £20 (£23 on the day)
Child 5-17 & Disabled persons -£15.50 ( £17.50 on the day)
Carers Access - Free
Visit the rct/visit/ windsorcastle for reduced rates when The State Apartments are closed
REDUCED ADMISSION CHARGES APPLY TO GROUPS OF 15 OR MORE VISITORS
NOTES / CLOSURES:
• Changing the Guard will take place at 11:00; weather permitting, on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays (check windsor castle website)
• The State Apartments will be closed for state visits and occassional events.
• Meet the experts
Meet experts in conservation from across the Castle, who will be on hand throughout the State Apartments and St George's Chapel to share their extraordinary work with visitors. Whether repairing delicate porcelain, applying gold leaf, or restoring paintings, the conservators' skills can reveal fascinating insights into the precious collections and interiors of Windsor Castle.
More details to be fund on the rct website
• Musical treasures - 8th February
Enjoy a concert of baroque music in the splendour of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle. This performance brings together extraordinary instruments from the Royal Collection; from a harpsichord made by Burkhat Shudi to a flute made of porcelain by the Meissen factory which was presented to George III.
• Family Saturdays – in addition to trails and a children's audio guide, an exciting family programme is also offered throughout the year linked to the history of Windsor Castle, art works on display and royal residents past and present. Visit
• Special Tours
- From Great Kitchen to State Apartments – An introduction to the history of royal dining, past and present followed by a guided visit to the Great Kitchen and medieval Undercroft, neither of which are normally open to the public.
- Private Evening Tours – In the company of an expert guide, guests will enjoy an exclusive ‘behind-the-ropes’ experience in the magnificent State Apartments. The tour ends with a glass of champagne.
- Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the State Apartments – The tour offers a fascinating talk and a private viewing of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the most famous dolls’ house in the world.
The visit begins by exploring the State Apartments at leisure with an audio tour. The guided tour then starts in the Winchester Tower with refreshments and an introduction to the history of the Dolls’ House and its delightfully detailed contents. The tour then concludes with a private viewing of the Dolls’ House after visitors have left for the day.
- Exhibition Talk – The tour begins in the Castle’s Winchester Tower with refreshments and an introduction to the special exhibition in the Drawings Gallery.
The special exhibition Waterloo at Windsor: 1815 - 2015 combines a display of prints, drawings and fascinating archival material with a trail around the State Apartments that highlights specific Waterloo-related objects at the Castle. Groups can enjoy this exhibition in more depth as part of a special themed visit, 'A Prince, A Duke and An Emperor'.
- The Military Knights’ Tale – This brand new group tour offers a personal insight into the ancient and noble institution of the Military Knights of Windsor presented by a serving Military Knight.
The above tours are available to pre-booked groups on selected dates only by appointment with the Ticket Sales and Information Office at Buckingham Palace on +44 (0)20 7766 7322.
Opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
• Castle Information +44 (0)20 7766 7304
• St. George’s Chapel recorded information message +44 (0)1753 865538
• Royal Windsor Information Centre +44 (0)1753 743900n this text to edit it.
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park has witnessed countless events throughout history, dating back to pre-Saxon times, each of which has left its own distinctive mark on this impressive landscape. But it wasn’t until the 13th Century that the areas making up Windsor Great Park were properly defined, creating an incredible variety of landscapes across the 1,942 hectares (4,800 acres) that have grown and been developed over time.
There is a long line of Royal heritage at Windsor Great Park. From William I using the landscape as a hunting ground a thousand years ago, to the original planting of the Long Walk by Charles II, Queen Victoria entertaining on the shores of Virginia Water, to the stewardship of The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as Ranger of Windsor Great Park for nearly 70 years.
Although the Forest of Windsor was already established in 1066, William I was the first monarch to see its potential as a royal hunting ground.
The word ‘forest’, or ‘foris’, originally meant an outside enclosure, so we know there was some sort of fencing before William’s time. But he was the first monarch to build a residence here, and larger hunting enclosures followed.
The Deer Park is part of William’s legacy, as are the outer walls of Windsor Castle which visitors to Windsor Great Park and Windsor can still experience today.
Windsor Great Park underwent significant changes following the Restoration of the Monarchy in the 17th Century, and many of the recognisable features that our visitors enjoy today originated during this period.
With the Restoration came the introduction of the formal avenues, most notably The Long Walk – an addition that was influenced by King Charles II’s fondness for French architecture.
William also saw the opportunity to create something extraordinary near the hunting grounds of the Forest. With the help of architects Henry Flitcroft and John Vardy, as well as the topographical draughtsman Thomas Sandby, he conceived a royal pleasure ground of beauty, pageantry and spectacle. The result was Virginia Water, a project that began in 1752 and took almost 40 years to complete.
George IV continued the development in and around Virginia Water. With the help of architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville, he built a magnificent oriental fishing temple.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Queen Victoria is known to have loved Virginia Water as a child, and enjoyed frequent picnics there after she became Queen.
At the same time, Prince Albert committed himself to improving the living conditions of the Estate workers. To that end, he oversaw the building of cottages and the establishment of The Royal School, which is still used today.Queen Victoria unveiled a statue commemorating Prince Albert’s contribution to the Windsor Estate on 12 May 1890. The ceremony drew over 7,000 well-wishers and guests. Known as The Prince Consort Statue, it can be seen today at Smith’s Lawn.
King George V
Commissioned by King George V and created by Eric Savill in 1932, The Savill Garden has delighted visitors ever since.
Previously the site of a plant nursery, the area’s abundance of natural water caught the eye of Eric Savill in 1931. He had recently become the Deputy Surveyor of the Crown Lands at the Windsor Estate and saw the opportunity to create Windsor Great Park’s first garden.
The following year, with the support of King George V and Queen Mary, Eric Savill set out to transform the landscape into the amazing garden we see today The project was a huge success, with Savill’s design still shaping our experience ninety years later. Although it was initially called The Bog Garden because of the abundance of water, it was renamed in 1951 at the request of King George VI, to honour its creator, who was later knighted in 1955.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother moved into The Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate as the Duke and Duchess of York in 1931.
On 19 June 1937, following his succession to the throne, King George VI planted the first of 60 oak trees to commemorate the coronation. Known as the King George VI Coronation Plantation, the 20 different species were planted by representatives from 59 Commonwealth countries and are placed in positions that correspond with the compass points at which the countries lie in relation to the British Isles.
The trees can be seen today as you walk from Cumberland Lodge to Cow Pond.
Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth II was passionate about the countryside. During her lifetime, Windsor had a major influence on this passion, becoming the place that she called ‘home’.
Her Majesty had a significant impact on Windsor Great Park and the wider Estate as we know it today; supporting initiatives and projects that ensured it can be enjoyed by millions of visitors every year whilst maintaining it as a haven for wildlife and securing its future for generations to come.
The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving Ranger of Windsor Great Park, acting as steward for one of the nation’s most iconic landscapes for nearly 70 years. During this time, His Royal Highness became affectionately known to the Estate workers as simply ‘The Duke’.
His Majesty King Charles III became The Ranger of Windsor Great Park on 14 November 2022, seventy years after his father, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was appointed to the post.

Ascot
Founded in 1711,
QUEEN ANNE FINDS A PLACE FOR "HORSES TO GALLOP AT FULL STRETCH"
In 1711 it was Queen Anne who first saw the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, declaring that it looked an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch” while out riding. Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over the age of six, took place on 11th August. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12st and seven runners took part. The race consisted of three separate heats which were four miles long (each heat was about the length of the Grand National), so the winner would have been a horse with tremendous stamina.
Ascot is rich in history and heritage and it's not just racing that Ascot plays host to - a year-round calendar of non-racing events takes place across the estate, ranging from popular art fairs to jubilant parties, weddings and more.
Royal Ascot 2025 dates are 17th -21st June inclusive
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses to compete for £10 milllion in prize money. Nineteen Group races, eight of them in Group One, have made legends of the finest thoroughbreds. Black Caviar, Frankel, Yeats – all are Royal Ascot winners turned household names.
These are five days made for socialising. Experience all the elements of Royal Ascot in 2025: the racing, the pageantry, the dining and the style!
Every day of the Royal Ascot meeting – from Tuesday to Saturday – is attended by the royal family.
Walking Tours in Windsor provides walking tour experiences with passionate, local guides. They offer a 90-minute public tour every day at 11am (and 2pm in summer!) for £12 per person, as well as private walking tours so you can take Windsor at your own pace.
walkingtoursinengland@gmail.com.
Daily Windsor Town Tour
Join your local guide on a 1.5-hour stroll around the main sights of Windsor, walking in the footsteps of Britain's Kings and Queens, and every day folk too. From William the Conqueror claiming the town after the infamous 1066 battle, to Queen Elizabeth II having her official residence here, our streets are steeped in history and culture.
What you'll see and discover
• Windsor Guildhall
• Windsor Castle
• Eton College
• River Thames
• Thames Street
• The Crooked House
Meeting point: outside Windsor Guildhall

Windsor Racecourse
Closer to home, less than a mile away from Park Farm B&B, is Windsor Racecourse located on the banks of the River Thames and in the shadow of Windsor Castle. Royal Windsor Racecourse is the Home of Monday Night Racing. Famed for its picturesque grounds and highly enjoyable summer flat racing, its the perfect day out for all. Plus, jumps racing continues at Windsor over the winter period following its stunning return in two decades in 2024.
Dorney Court
Dorney Court is one of England’s finest stately houses. Grade 1 listed and renowned for its architectural importance and historical significance, any visit is a fascinating and unique experience.
Built in the 15th century, the Tudor Manor House has been home to the Palmer family for more than 450 years – this remarkable and characterful building has been passed from father to son over thirteen generations.
“Dorney” is the ancient Saxon word for “island of bees” and the Estate remains famous for its honey which is still produced to this day. The very first pineapple to be raised in England was grown at Dorney Court and presented to Charles II in 1661 though the King showed more interest in the lady of the house, making Barbara Palmer (nee Villiers) his mistress gaining her notoriety and power in the process while her husband was exiled to Constantinople as Ambassador to the Ottoman Court. Spookily, a spectre of a bald lady haunts the wood panelled hallways.
Dorney Court remains very much a family home and visitors will find that the House and Grounds have an easy charm and a warmth of welcome that reflect continuing family use and the passion and love of everyone involved with the Estate.
Dorney Court has featured as a film and TV location since the 1970s. The House and Grounds appearing in a wide range of productions including Bridgerton, The Sandman, The Essex Serpent, 24, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, Inspector Morse, Poirot and many more.
Visitors will find rooms full of history alongside the tell-tale signs of continuing occupation, not least the sight of an occasional rogue child or spaniel. Oak and beautiful lacquer furniture compete for space with family portraits and treasures collected over six centuries.

Wentworth Golf
If Golf is your thing….Golf at Wentworth is an experience. Follow in the footsteps of the game’s great players from the last 80 years – legends such as Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods. Park Farm Bed and Breakfast is just 15 minutes from this famous Golf Club so why not save on your accommodation and stay with us – spend your savings on another round!
Guards Polo Club
The best place in the world to watch the fast-paced sport of polo is Guards Polo Club, situated in the heart of Windsor Great Park. Founded by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, in 1955, Guards Polo Club not only retains its coveted Royal connections but hosts some of the sport’s most famous tournaments, including the world-class Cartier Queen’s Cup tournament.
The Club hosts more than 500 games between April and September and accompanying a packed fixtures list is an elegant Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar, managed by Searcys, overlooking The Queen’s Ground, our number one polo field
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Royal Windsor Horse Show is the UK’s largest outdoor premier Show and takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The Show will host International Show Jumping, the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, International Endurance and National Showing. There are also National classes in Show jumping and Windsor is one of the UK’s premier Showing events.
There are numerous exciting displays which take place at the Show including The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. There will also be international equestrian displays to be confirmed.
The site itself includes an extensive shopping village and there are many different places to sit and eat. It is the only time of year the public can access the private grounds of the Castle.
During the day there are 5 different arenas in operation, housing the many varied equestrian classes. Access to the arenas is included in a general entry ticket.
New for 2024, Royal Windsor Horse Show introduces The Hubs. The five Hubs, which cover everything from gardening to art to children’s activities, aim to engage and educate spectators providing continued entertainment in the midst of the huge schedule of equestrian action at the Show.

Savill Garden
About
Resting in the heart of Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden is one of Britain's greatest ornamental gardens. Commissioned by George V and created by Sir Eric Savill in 1932, The Savill Garden has been an inspiration for all.
A royal connection continues to run through the garden, and on your visit see the Queen Elizabeth II Temperate House, the Golden Jubilee Garden, and the Rose Garden opened by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2010.
Today, this natural haven of 35 acres of beautifully designed gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone, from dedicated horticulturists to those who just want to spend a relaxing day out with family or friends.
A place of discovery, The Savill Garden contains distinctive interlocking gardens including the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds.
Renowned for its mix of native and exotic species, The Savill Garden joins together design, colour and texture to delight the senses. Visit throughout the seasons and you will see there is always something new to discover.
Getting there:
It is difficult to get to via public transport so a car or taxi is required circa 15 minutes from Park Farm
Dementia Mornings at Windsor Castle
Dementia-friendly mornings at Windsor Castle
Every month, Windsor Castle welcomes people living with dementia and their support-givers to Pug Yard, the learning centre for Windsor Castle, for a fun morning with refreshments, an interactive short talk, and activity.
A different theme will be talked about each week, supported by the dementia-friendly team at Windsor Castle.
Join Windsor Castle for a chance to relax, enjoy time together and learn something new about the Castle and Royal History.
2025 themes for monthly dementia-friendly mornings
29 January – Windsor Castle: Historic Castle, Royal Home
26 February – Running Windsor Castle
26 March – Royal Homes
30 April – the Fire of 1992
28 May – The King at Windsor Castle
25 June – Banquets and dinners at Windsor Castle
30 July – George IV at Windsor Castle
24 September – A virtual walkthrough of the Castle
29 October – The Fire at Windsor Castle
26 November – A Victorian Christmas at Windsor Castle
Getting About
Travelling to and around Windsor is relatively easy using public transport. From London the Green line coach station, which is located behind the London Victoria Train Station will bring you to Windsor. The 702 will bring you to Park Farm direct (exit Prince Albert Pub) for just £3 , journey time circa 1 hour 40. There are various stops and boarding points on the journey including Hyde Park Corner, Kensington High Street and Olympia. Visit reading-buses.co.uk london line 702 for more information.
To find out more about travelling around the local area, please click here