Windsor

[movesyouveneverseen]

We are looking to visit Windsor Castle over the Easter break; we’ll have a 5 year old and an 18 month old with us. Does anyone have any suggestions of stuff locally we could also do, places to eat etc etc?

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

I would def go on a day when they are doing Changing of the Guard. Here is the schedule for April www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/changing-the-guard-p264351.
Then if you do a castle tour you can see the change over inside.
Def walk down to the river and feed the swans.
There is a small funfair in Alexandra Gardens which should be open.
You can do a duck boat tour or a horse and carriage tour.
Walk down Eton high street and see Eton college-very beautiful.
There is a Jelly Lounge where you could have lunch and the kids have a play. You didn't say if you'll have a car?
Lots and lots of places to eat lunch/dinner-did you want to book or just pop in??
Happy to answer any other questions you may have guessed I live around the corner from the castle
You can have a peek at Harry and Meghan's house from the Long Walk too!!

[LIZS]

River boat trip, Legoland, Beckonscot model village if you have a car.

[movesyouveneverseen]

Wow! This is all quite exciting (for a big fan of the royal family!).

The changing of the guard is going to happen on the day we are planning! Thank you for the link.

We will be driving to Windsor so will have a car if some places are a little further a field.

Is it usually quite busy on a weekend? If so I guess we could always book somewhere for lunch. The weather doesn’t look too great so a picnic may not work as I’d initially hoped.

Thank you all, I’m very grateful of the suggestions.

[LIZS]

Yes heaving at a weekend(was there a few weekends ago) especially in good weather. The on street spaces and open air carparks near the river are limited to 3 hours and patrolled.

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

I wouldn't count on parking on the street-most of the town centre is residents only at the weekend. There is parking down by the river and a multi-storey on Victoria Street but it does get full. Also extended parking behind the library.
The Jelly Lounge might be a good shout for lunch and a break for kidsthejellylounge.co.uk or a good family friendly restaurant is Sebastians but loads of places so you'll find somewhere if you don't want to have to book. Tourism has increased massively since the wedding and I have seen some long lenses and paparazzi on the Long Walk this past week hoping for a sniff of royal baby...It will be busy but a lovely day

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

No idea why link didn't work but you get the idea

[movesyouveneverseen]

Ah amazing! Thank you. I had assumed we’d use a car park / multi story.

I’m hoping we will get there around 9.30 / 10, so hopefully we will get a space somewhere ok.

@mumsiedarlingrevolta thank you for the link, it looks great. I also saw Enzo’s, would you recommend it?

I’m heavily pregnant, so I’m not sure my achy pelvis would manage the whole of the Long Walk but definitely some of it!!

I’m envious, you live in such a beautiful spot.

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

It is a fab place to live-I consider myself very lucky!!

Admit to never having been to Enzo's as we tend to be creatures of habit and love Sebastians! www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186419-d5027484-Reviews-Sebastian_s_Italian-Windsor_Windsor_and_Maidenhead_Berkshire_England.html
I hope you have a brilliant day. If you have any questions I'm happy to help in any way!!

[movesyouveneverseen]

@mumsiedarlingrevolta thank you so so much for your recommendations.

We’ve had such a great day, I think one of the best as a family of four.

We managed to catch the parade through the street for the changing of the guard, our 5 year old loved it! We then went for a walk along the Long Walk before some lunch and then heading in to the castle grounds which we all loved and then the state rooms (we were not in these long because of our toddler!).

We ended up parking at the station, just so we didn’t have to get some cash out and change - we totally forgot about having change for parking.

We got our tickets stamped so can go again in to the grounds and castle any time over the next year for free. We’ll definitely be back for a riverside picnic and some more exploring over the summer once baby has arrived.

You live in a very beautiful town.

[Amimissingsomethinghere]

Go to Daniels Dept Store in town.. they have a really sweet old fashioned toy department which is lovely to look around. Also on that floor there is a little cafe, it's nothing special but yummy cake and a little area for the kids to play. I often go there with my 14 mo as it's nice and quiet compared to all the busy cafes!

[stressedoutpa]

Parking is very expensive.

Where are you coming from? Windsor and Eton Riverside train station runs to London Waterloo and is at the bottom of castle hill.

[stressedoutpa]

Oh, just saw that you've been and gone!