There’s more to this town than the castle…

One of the country’s most popular attractions, Windsor Castle lies just outside London. The Queen's favourite weekend home and the world's oldest, largest inhabited castle, it’s a must-visit, as is the picturesque town set on the River Thames. Within easy access of our Ibis hotels in London, Windsor is a 30-minute train hop away from Paddington station. But if you prefer to stay in a hotel near Windsor and out of the big city, check into our hotel in Reading, a half-hour drive away, or Beaconsfield, just 20 minutes away by car.

Visit Windsor Castle

Most visitors flock to Windsor to visit the castle the royal family have called home for over a century. Check to see if the Queen is in, thanks to the Royal Standard flag on the Castle’s Round Tower. Take a tour of the State Apartments, the gothic St George's Chapel and don’t miss the free fun, including a Precinct Tour with a warden and the Changing of the Guard.

More sights to see…

"For something different, take a trip to the Windsor and Eton Brewery where you can find out all about the brewing process, and taste the local ale! Need to find a souvenir? Stop by the old Victorian railway station-turned-shopping haven that is the Windsor Royal Shopping Centre. Prefer to absorb the local culture? A quick and easy tour of the tiny Windsor and Royal Borough Museum will do the trick, covering everything from Neolithic burials to Windsor’s history for a mere £2 access. It’s also home to the Ascot Room, where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles tied the knot."

Stretch your legs

"Windsor’s 4,991 acres of Great Park make a fantastic place to take a walk. Wander the parkland, the woods with their age-old oak trees, or take in the lake on foot or by bike. We suggest you bring your camera for views of the castle from the Copper Horse, admire the deer that roam free, or visit the Guards Polo Club. Also in Windsor, Saville Garden is worth a stroll. Dubbed Britain’s finest ornamental garden, it’s paradise for flower enthusiasts with its exotic woodland, vibrant plants and the Queen’s Rose Garden."

A quick bite

"Just across the road from the castle, try the new Duchess of Cambridge pub or, for something steeped in history, the Fox and Hounds dating back to 1780 is at the Bishopsgate entrance of Windsor Great Park. For an even more ancient locale a bit further afield, prop up the bar at the Olde Bell in Hurley, a pub since 1135. Real foodies should head to Bray, where 2 Michelin-starred restaurants await, or to Marlow where the Compleat Angler offers world-renowned fine dining (and high tea) with a wide river view."

Getting around

"The heart of Windsor is compact and walkable, but to get further afield you can drive or take advantage of the extensive bus services. Most bus companies offer day tickets valid across their networks. To explore the eco- and budget-friendly way, why not rent a bike? It’s the best way to visit Windsor Great Park. The Royal Borough Cycle Map and Guide points out quiet roads and cycle lanes, not to mention cycle repair shops in case you need one."