10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Windsor

The Long Walk is a 2.6-mile footpath connecting Windsor Castle with the King George III Statue. Slicing through serene farmlands, the tree-lined path boasts the most iconic scenery in the city. Snapping a photo of Windsor Castle framed by this long, bullet-straight stretch is a quintessential experience for visitors to the town.

Walk towards the north to admire the majestic castle as it appears over the horizon. Don’t fancy tackling the whole thing? Take a taxi to the Albert Road intersection for a shorter jaunt. Whichever route you take, the walk is a great way to work off excess dinner carbs while taking in some splendid scenery.

The Windsor city centre is a pleasant place to wander in the evening. While other British cities can become overrun with rowdy, fast-drinking pub-goers, Windsor remains relatively tranquil. Feeling energetic? Consider extending your meander towards the adjacent town of Eton.

Start with a stroll down Peascod Street to bounce between cafes and boutiques. Next, hit Bachelor’s Acre, a leafy park with fountains, statues, and a kid’s playground. Thames Street has numerous notable buildings, including the Windsor Guildhall and the wonky Crooked House of Windsor (pop in for some post-dinner scones).

A River Thames dinner cruise sees you soak up the city’s regal ambience before devouring a delicious gourmet meal. The leisurely sunset cruise sails through the Royal Borough to admire its most iconic sites. Highlights include Windsor Castle, Eton College, and the Windsor Racecourse to name a few.

Once darkness falls, talented chefs prepare a delectable 5-course dinner from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. With dishes spanning smoked salmon cannelloni to slow-roast lamb, you’re guaranteed to eat like a king. Treat yourself to a cheeky tipple from the onboard bar to top off the experience.

A Windsor Castle evening tour gives guests an intimate glimpse at the world-famous fortress sans the thick day tour crowds. Over one and a half hours, you’ll get an insider peek at the royal apartments, learning how past monarchs shaped its evolution over the years.

This small group (30 max), behind-the-ropes tour departs on select scheduled dates throughout the year. Come during the Christmas season, and you’ll see its interiors spruced up with whimsical decorations. Guests get a glass of bubbly, a mince pie, and a copy of the official guidebook to take home. Book well in advance to secure your spot.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts puts on a dazzling ensemble of shows most evenings of the week. During the day, the community-orientated arts centre hosts workshops, classes, “crafternoons,” pilates, and other wholesome events. But the evenings are all about entertainment - expect anything from concerts to comedy and theatre to tango.

Norden Farm organises over 150 events per season, so there’s bound to be something happening while you’re in town. Fine-tuned performances, top-notch audio-visuals, and an onsite cafe/bar ensure a fun night out. See the official website for an up-to-date roster and to pre-purchase tickets online.

Royal Windsor Racecourse is a traditional thoroughbred horseracing venue straddling the tranquil waters of the Thames. Although most competitions occur during daylight, the establishment organises a few night-time events.

The most famous – and frequent – is the Monday Night Races (from April to October), where top British jockeys gallop their steeds at breakneck speed. If you’re there on the 5th of November, don’t miss the fireworks and roaring bonfires celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. Christmas sees a string of evening events, from carols to concerts and lavish turkey-filled banquets.

Check out the Windsor & Eton Brewery for frothy hoppy beers served in a lively warehouse-style taproom. The longstanding venue has become a smash hit for its tasty ales and food – everything is reasonably priced. Friendly service and a warm community-driven vibe make it a favourite among locals and visitors.

The well-regarded establishment has garnered over 70 accolades, including numerous international awards. With over 18 incredible craft brews on tap, you’re bound to find something you like. Brewery tours are available, but you’ll need to rock up during the day to join a group – book in advance.

Theatre Royal Windsor is your go-to venue for a theatrical performance or live music gig while in the town. Located opposite the castle, the historic venue runs a diverse range of shows, from drama to opera and pantomime. Expect a healthy mix of locally grown productions and international extravaganzas.

The historic venue has been entertaining audiences for over 200 years. During that time, a laundry list of famous names graced the stage, including the lauded Sir Ian McKellen (he starred in Hamlet). The theatre operates year-round – see the official website for upcoming events and tickets.

The Old Court Cinema is your best bet to watch a flick on the big screen in Windsor. Although Slough and Maidenhead have larger, flashier multiplexes, this traditional redbrick building oozes old-world charm. Comfy upholstered seats, a sizeable screen, and immersive Dolby surround sound enhance the cinematic experience.

The small, independent cinema screens around 20 films per month, from blockbusters to art house films. Unlike other cinemas, punters are welcome to bring pints inside from the bar. Old Court also serves as a community arts space, hosting events like theatrical performances and child-friendly exhibitions.

A wide array of Windsor pubs serves traditional British dishes and refreshing pints around town. While the royal city isn’t big on booming nightclubs or flashy bars, its boisterous pub scene delivers. Many venues lie scattered around the castle – perfect for an impromptu pub crawl. Try The Horse & Groom, The Duchess of Cambridge Pub, The Carpenters Arms, and The Queen Charlotte.

If you’d rather sink pints with the locals, it’s worth wandering further afield. A solid selection of well-regarded venues gravitates around the Thames. Local favourites include The Boatman and The Royal Windsor. Alternatively, you could cross the river to Eton, where you’ll find The George Inn and The Watermans Arms.