Windsor on a Budget
A tree-lined avenue and a riverside promenade that both cost nothing to walk, here’s how to keep the rest of a Windsor trip affordable too.
Windsor has a genuine reputation for being on the pricier side given its royal connections and castle admission, but several of its best sights, the Long Walk, the riverside, Eton’s exterior, cost nothing at all. Here’s how to keep the rest of the costs down without cutting the trip short.
The Long Walk and riverside are free
Walking the Long Walk and Windsor’s Thames promenade costs nothing, only Windsor Castle and Eton College’s Heritage Tours charge admission. Eton’s exterior and School Yard are free to wander too.
Visit outside major events for lower prices
Windsor’s hotel prices and crowds spike around Royal Ascot each June and any royal events at the castle, considerably higher than the rest of the year. Booking outside these windows offers noticeably lower rates.
Walk the town centre over taking taxis
Windsor town centre is genuinely compact and walkable, the Castle, Eton and the riverside all sit within a comfortable stroll of each other. A car or taxi only becomes necessary for anything outside the immediate town.
A market stall beats a castle-view tourist restaurant
A sandwich or pastry from a proper market stall is widely cheaper than a sit-down restaurant right by the castle gates, considerably better value for similar quality. A traditional pub lunch remains one of the better mid-range options too.
Consider staying a short train ride from Windsor
Hotels right in Windsor town centre sit at the top of the price range given the location. A base in nearby Slough or Maidenhead runs noticeably cheaper while staying a short train ride from the Castle.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
