Your Self-Guided Windsor Visit, No Tailoring Required
Planning a visit to Windsor? As local experts with a passion for our town, we’re excited to share this self-guided itinerary that pairs perfectly with our scheduled monthly heritage rides. These 1-mile return rides offer a glimpse of Windsor’s history and our experiences, and our itinerary adds ideas for a complete day of exploring Windsor’s best sights!
Our historic town, home to the iconic Windsor Castle, offers a wealth of experiences. From royal encounters to riverside relaxation, here's your step-by-step guide on how to make the most of your Windsor visit.
The cornerstone of this adventure is our popular 30-minute scheduled carriage rides, operating on select dates. All the attractions and eateries we recommend are proudly local, family-owned businesses, supporting Windsor's vibrant community.
This itinerary is best suited to a visit on a Saturday!
Arrive in Style at Windsor Castle
Windsor is easily accessible by train or car:
By Train: Choose between two conveniently located stations - Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside. Both are just a short walk from Windsor Castle and other attractions.
By Car: Head to King Edward VII Car Park (King Edward VII Avenue, Windsor SL4 6HX) for easy access to the central shopping area.
Start with a Carriage Ride - Rain or Shine!
Begin your Windsor visit with our unique 30-minute scheduled carriage ride along The Long Walk. The best part? Our carriages operate in all weather conditions!
Enjoy a dry, warm experience thanks to our carriages' roofs and sides.
Snuggle under cozy blankets for extra comfort.
Never worry about your plans being ruined by unexpected British weather.
Here's what else you need to know:
Book in advance for select dates, with rides typically operating from 9am to midday.
Choose between a shared carriage (£99 per adult, children free) or a private carriage (£396).
Meet Windsor Joey, the Instagram-famous carriage horse (@windsor_joey).
Stop by Clairmont Café on your way and enjoy a hot drink in your carriage.
Learn about the royal estate's history from your knowledgeable guide.
Our guests say 'I accidentally hugged one of our hosts as we left the carriage because my family and I had such a special time. A really magical experience!'
Your carriage guide and coachman are also local experts, ready to answer any questions you have on the day if we haven't answered them here. A truly personal experience is promised!
Brunch and Guard Watching
After your carriage ride, head to The Castle Hotel for a delightful brunch:
Try their salmon omelette or indulge in a dreamy hot chocolate.
Watch the famous guard change procession from the comfort of the hotel, either inside through their wide windows or outside at their street café-style tables.
For those with children, our top pick for a quick sit-down meal is Daniel's Department Store, offering plenty of choice to suit even the pickiest eaters. Alternatively, there's a Marks & Spencer nearby on the same street, perfect for grabbing specific food items. It's just a 10-minute round-trip walk from the guard change location outside the Castle hotel, so you can nip there and back without missing a thing.
For a special occasion, check out Sebastian's Italian, a charming, locally-owned restaurant with a romantic yet family-friendly vibe. Bustling with Italian chefs, they serve delicious, authentic pasta and pizza dishes that kids love.
Windsor Castle Afternoon Adventures
Spend your afternoon exploring Windsor's many attractions:
Shop in the charming town centre.
Visit the magnificent Windsor Castle.
Take a 40-minute boat ride on the River Thames with French Brothers.
For families, enjoy the Windsor Duck tour or visit Daniels department store's toy department.
For a special occasion, hire a private boat with champagne and afternoon tea with the boat hire company.
A Must-See on Your Windsor Visit
The Royal Borough and Windsor Museum. Make your Windsor visit complete with a trip to the Royal Borough and Windsor Museum in the historic Guildhall. In 2022, we achieved official heritage status, with our story now permanently displayed at the museum.
By visiting this exhibit, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history behind our carriage rides and understand why they remain a beloved Windsor tradition and one we are committed to continue.
"Stories are the heart of our experiences. Growing up around carriages, we inherited century-old tales that continue to create smiles and offer a unique perspective on this magnificent royal estate. Our joy comes from creating exceptional experiences, prioritizing our cherished horses' welfare, and honouring time-honoured practices where luxury meets tradition." Rebecca Seear, Present Custodian.
By following this step-by-step guide, you'll experience the best of Windsor's royal heritage, scenic beauty, and local charm. Our all-weather carriage rides offer a perfect starting point for your self-guided Windsor visit, allowing you to create lasting memories in this historic town, regardless of the weather.
Don't forget to check our scheduled dates for our heritage carriage rides first, for a truly memorable day!
Or contact us today if you would like us to curate your exceptional Windsor visit with the utmost attention to detail and personalisation, ensuring your time in Windsor is enchanting.
We look forward to meeting you, Rebecca Seear,
Custodian, Director and 5th Generation Windsor Hackney Carriage Licensee.