Windsor Tourist Information

The suburban town of Windsor lies 21 miles west of London.

Set immediately south of the River Thames, Windsor faces the smaller town of Eton on the opposite bank.  The two settlements are connected by the Windsor Bridge, now used only by pedestrians and cyclists.

Windsor grew up in the 11th century when William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a new fortress to protect the western approaches to London.  The settlement which grew up around Windsor Castle, was originally called 'New Windsor' to distinguish it from Old Windsor, which lies two miles south and predates it by 300 years.

Windsor expanded to encompass three Saxon villages: Clewer, Dedworth and Losfield.  Clewer Village derives its name from the 'Cliff-Dwellers' who once lived below the hill on which Windsor Castle was built.  The oldest village in the Royal Borough of Windsor, Clewer grew up at a fording-place on the River Thames.  This was the only crossing place for several miles and became famous for traders, pilgrims and soldiers.

Further expansion took place after the arrival of the railways in the 1840 and later when Windsor Castle became the permanent residence of the Royal Family.  The arrival of the Court brought about a considerable amount of building in Clewer for the courtiers.

As the location of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the Royal Family, Windsor is a very popular tourist destination.

In late June visitors to Windsor can watch the royal family as they leave Windsor Castle for the Royal Meeting at Ascot Racecourse (stand in Long Lane and see the fleet of royal cars emerge at around 1.35 pm).

There are good road links and the town is also served by two separate railway lines.

Those who want to see Windsor in style can take a horse-drawn carriage.  Visitors are collected from the High Street (opposite the Harte and Garder Hotel) and trips last either 30 minutes or an hour.  The carriages operate from 12.30 pm - 5.30 pm according to demand.

The delightful Theatre Royal Windsor nestles in the shadow of Windsor Castle.  One of the UK's leading theatres, it has gained a reputation the high quality of its productions.