Fun and free/cheap things to do in Windsor for 3 and 5 yr old???

[arwen]

We are going to be in Windsor this wednesday, mainly to show my son the castle before we head on to legoland on thursday. I understand you can't climb around the battlements so I don't think viewing the rooms is worth the money for him. What else can we see once we have marvelled at the exterior and good places to park and eat that you can recommend would be fab

Thanks in anticpiation

From looking at the castle, head a little way down the hill (there is a short cut along Acres Passage) Bachelors Acre - a park, with swings and water jets in the summer (take swimming things!)

Car Parking can be a nightmare, I prefer the carpark off King Edward VII avenue. There is also a playpark near the carparks - now added to Mumsnet Local, so click for a map. There is Park & Ride from the carpark in Romney Lock Road, though it is not that far to walk from the either carpark to the Castle.

In addition to the playground, Home Park is a large open space, used for football, rugby, cricket etc. So lots of space to run about, should your ds need to release some energy.

Ok, as you head into Windsor by car drive through and look for signs for the station. The station will be on your left. Take the first left after the station and that is the cheapest carpark in Windsor!!

£2.50 for 4 hours!

There is also a lovely childrens' park as well.

Go back to the main road and head up towards the castle and you will see where the entrance is.

After visiting the castle cross over the road and turn right slightly and you will see the old station which has been converted into fab shops and places to eat. There are loads so you will have plenty of choice. Cafe Rouge, Carluccios, Pizza Express, etc

Walk round in a full circle and you will end up back on the main road and head back to the car!!

HAve a great time.

HTH.

Collision and I mention the same car park, I think... the one in Romney Lock Road.

Windsor Great Perk in Old Station I find is nice (though does have sweets, so tempting for little ones), have taken children there before. Little pricy but then so is anything in Windsor, being a tourist area.

Don Beni Pizzeria is also nice, child friendly though a bit small - so try booking online! When walking from the carpark to the castle, you will probably pass Don Beni as it is on Thames Street, opposite a castle wall.

Something to note for other readers, is that Windsor Great Perk and Don Beni are listed on BreastFeedingSupport.co.uk as breastfeeding friendly places.

If it is a nice day you could get sandwich ingredients, cold snacks and drinks from Marks & Spencer's, Waitrose, Woolworths (less choice there of course), and picnic in Bachalors Acre.

Yep same carpark - Romney Lock - Car Park Charges
Home Park and King Edward VII are same price for 4 hours. Both same general location.
Map of car parks

Do you live nr Windsor then Nick?

How old are the children you look after?

Yes, live about 9 miles from Windsor by road.

The children I nanny are: 3 months, 2, 4 and 8.
I also babysit, so look after a variety of other children of various ages, from babies to young teens, some of whom live in the Windsor area.

Have printed out all your fab tips, just one more question, what to do if it pours??? It is tipping in Hampshire at the mo, wouldn't be fun to be in a park. Any alternatives that cost little or no money?

Thanks

bumping to see if this info is up date? Also I just want to walk the dds up the great park so they can view the castle as we walk down the hill IYSWIM is it easy to work out how to do this?