Windsor: A Royal Escape of Gardens, Horses, and Riverside Charm
Just a short journey from the capital, Windsor stands as one of England’s most prestigious destinations, offering a perfect blend of royal history and serene natural beauty. Whether you are drawn to the majesty of the castle or the tranquility of the Thames, a day in this royal borough provides a sophisticated retreat from the city.
🌲 The Grandeur of the Windsor Long Walk
No visit to this historic town is complete without experiencing the Windsor Long Walk. This iconic tree-lined avenue stretches for nearly three miles from the George IV Gateway of Windsor Castle all the way to the Copper Horse statue at Snow Hill.
A Royal Legacy: Originally envisioned by King Charles II in the 17th century, the avenue was first planted with 1,652 elm trees to provide the King perfect access to Windsor Great Park.
Dramatic Views: Walking this dead-straight path offers the most dramatic views of the Castle’s silhouette, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and breathtaking panoramic photography.
A Living History: After the original elms were felled due to age and Dutch Elm Disease in the 1940s, the walk was replanted with London plane and horse chestnut trees, which continue to thrive today.
Local Wildlife: The avenue passes through the Windsor Great Park, where visitors can often spot the resident deer herd that roams freely through the surrounding 1,652 acres.
🛶 Scenic Views via Windsor Boat Trips
To see the town from a different perspective, embark on one of the many Windsor boat trips. Gliding along the River Thames allows you to appreciate the architectural scale of Windsor Castle and the historic Eton College from the water.
Short and Long Cruises: Operators like French Brothers offer short 40-minute round trips for a quick castle view or longer 2-hour cruises that explore further up or downstream.
Themed Experiences: Many boat trips can be booked to include a marvelous boxed afternoon tea to enjoy as you cruise, or special events on fantastic Victorian steam boats.
Self-Drive and Private Hire: For those seeking more independence, self-drive rowing and motorboats are available for hire from the Windsor Promenade, while luxury skippered launches can be booked for private groups.
Amphibious Adventures: For a unique twist, Windsor Duck Tours offers a road and river adventure that culminates in a "splashdown" into the Thames.
🌷 Tranquility in Windsor Gardens
The area is home to some of the most meticulously maintained landscapes in the country, spanning over 13 acres of castle grounds and thousands of acres in the Great Park.
The Savill Garden: Commissioned by King George V in 1932, this 35-acre natural haven features a living collection of rare and exotic specimens from around the globe.
Botanical Highlights: Visitors can explore the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, and the award-winning Queen Elizabeth II Temperate House. The Rose Garden, opened in 2010, remains a fragrant summer favorite.
Castle Precincts: The gardens at Windsor Castle include the formal East Terrace Garden, which features beautiful flower beds and fountains, and the Moat Garden, nestled within a dry moat for a peaceful escape.
The Savill Kitchen: After exploring the Windsor gardens, visitors can relax at the Visitor Centre's restaurant for a cream tea or simple, Great British food.
🐎 The Prestige of the Royal Windsor Horse Show
If your visit coincides with May, the Royal Windsor Horse Show is an unmissable event. It is the UK’s largest outdoor premier horse show and has been held annually in the private grounds of Windsor Castle since 1943.
2026 Event Details: The 2026 show will take place from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th May, delivering four days of world-class equestrian action.
Elite Competition: The show features international show jumping, dressage, driving, and endurance, alongside over 120 national showing classes.
Grand Finale: The event culminates on Sunday with the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix, showcasing the world's finest horse-and-rider combinations.
Shopping & Spectacle: Beyond the arena, the show hosts more than 150 artisan stalls, military demonstrations, and interactive family experiences.
Private Transfers: London to Windsor
Navigating train schedules can detract from the elegance of your royal day out. We specialize in providing premium private transfers from London to Windsor, ensuring you arrive at the castle gates in comfort and style.
Our car at disposal service is designed for those who value flexibility. Whether you want to spend an extra hour at the Windsor Horse Show or enjoy a late lunch after your Windsor boat trips, your professional driver will be waiting. Traveling in our 8-seater Mercedes Vito, you can relax and enjoy the scenic route through the English countryside, knowing your return journey is handled with absolute precision.
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The 2026 Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place from Thursday, May 14, to Sunday, May 17, and is the only time the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. The event features top-tier equestrian competition in Jumping, Dressage, Driving, and Endurance, alongside over 120 showing classes. A special highlight for 2026 is a Royal Centenary Celebration on Friday, May 15, marking 100 years since the birth of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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The Windsor Long Walk is a straight three-mile avenue stretching from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue at Snow Hill, typically taking about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk one way. In 2026, the Long Walk will host unique events including "Long Walk Live," a brand-new two-day music festival on June 26–27 featuring artists like Chesney Hawkes and Boyzlife. Additionally, the Parallel Windsor disability inclusion event will be staged on the iconic walk on July 5, 2026.
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The Savill Garden is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm, and offers advance booking discounts for tickets purchased online. Standard advance adult entry for 2026 is priced at £8.50, while on-the-day entry is £10.50. For a more indulgent visit, passengers can pre-book entry combined with a traditional cream tea for £20 or a full Afternoon Tea experience for £40, provided they book at least 72 hours in advance.
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Travelers can choose between scheduled public cruises or exclusive private charters, with options ranging from 40-minute round trips to all-day bespoke voyages. French Brothers offers 40-minute and 2-hour public tours, with 2026 online adult prices starting at £11.90. For those seeking luxury, Golding Bros provides vintage private charters for up to 10 guests starting from £265, which include a glass of fizz and the option to bring your own picnic.
