Windsor
skip the castle, walk the park
The castle costs a fortune but the town, the river and the three mile Long Walk through the deer park are free. That view back to the castle is the best bit anyway.
Free to visit · Windsor · Berkshire · Waterloo → Windsor & Eton Riverside · SL4 1PX
Windsor Castle will lighten your wallet considerably, so do not bother. The real free pleasure here is the Long Walk, a three mile tree-lined avenue running from the castle gates straight through the Great Park to a statue on a hill, with the most famous view of the castle waiting at the far end.
The town itself, the riverside by the Thames and the walk across the bridge to Eton are all free to enjoy, and the deer in the Great Park come for nothing. Bring a picnic, walk the avenue and you get the whole Windsor postcard without the entry fee.
Getting there from London: Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, 55 min direct, advance singles from £12 each way. The castle is ticketed and pricey. The town, the riverside and the Long Walk in the Great Park are all free.
Getting there: Both Windsor stations sit right in the centre by the castle walls. The Long Walk starts at the castle gates and runs straight out into the park.
Best time to go: A clear day for the Long Walk out to the Copper Horse statue and the classic view back to the castle. Autumn in the park is glorious.
Official site: https://www.windsor.gov.uk
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