Windsor The Long Walk Guide & Reviews (2026)

Time Needed

1 - 3 Hours

Laid Out

1682 - 1685

Best For

Views, Walks & Photos

Address & Navigation

The classic start point is by the Castle gates at the end of Park Street. For sat nav, SL4 1NJ gets you right to Windsor Castle, while SL4 1BP works well if you are aiming for The Long Walk itself.

A Royal Statement

Created under King Charles II in 1682 - 1685, The Long Walk was designed as a grand approach linking Windsor Castle to the wider landscape of Windsor Great Park.

An Avenue of Trees

The original double lines of elms shaped the look of the route for centuries. After Dutch elm disease, the avenue was replanted, keeping the classic straight-line perspective that makes photos here so satisfying.

The Copper Horse

At the top of Snow Hill sits the famous Copper Horse, an equestrian statue of George III, erected in 1831 and standing guard over the best panorama back towards the Castle.

Typical Costs

There are no tickets for The Long Walk, and you can stroll it any time. Your spend is mainly down to parking and any extras (coffee, snacks, or a picnic you bring along).

• The Long Walk: FREE
• Windsor Great Park entry: FREE
• Town-centre parking (from): £2.60 per hour
• Town-centre parking (upper end, all day): £30.00

Park and Ride

If you are driving in, consider Windsor’s Park and Ride options on busy days. It can be cheaper (and calmer) than hunting for a central space.

Arrive by Train

Windsor is one of those places where arriving by train feels like a small win. Both Windsor stations put you close to the Castle, so you can start the walk without paying for parking.

Bring a Picnic

A snack stop with Castle views does not need to cost a thing. A flask and a sandwich beats expensive tourist queues, especially if the sun makes an appearance.

WHO WILL LOVE IT

• First-time Windsor visitors: It is the quickest way to get that “I am really in Windsor” feeling.
• Photographers: The Castle view down the avenue is ridiculously satisfying, especially at golden hour.
• Walkers and runners: The straight, tarmac route is ideal for an easy out-and-back.

WHO MIGHT HATE IT

• Anyone short on time: The “just a quick look” can easily turn into a full walk to the Copper Horse.
• Those who dislike hills: Most of the walk is gentle, but the climb up Snow Hill at the end can feel steep.

Scooters and Pushchairs

The main route is largely tarmac and step-free, so pushchairs and scooters generally do well. Just save a bit of energy for the steeper bit near the Copper Horse.

Deer Spotting

You can sometimes spot deer near the Deer Park and around Snow Hill. Keep your distance and treat it like a proper wildlife moment, not a petting zoo.

Easy Turning Point

If little legs are fading, the Middlegate halfway along is a great “we made it!” moment. Turn around there and it still feels like a full Windsor experience.

🏰 The Castle View

The main event is the view back towards Windsor Castle. It is the kind of perspective that makes you stop without realising.

🚪 The Middlegate

A handy halfway marker and a natural turning point. If you want the best bits without the full distance, this is your cue.

🐴 The Copper Horse

The hilltop finale. Once you reach the statue, turn around for the “wow” view back down the avenue. It is where the whole walk clicks into place.

🟢 Early Mornings

Quiet and crisp. Early mornings are brilliant for photos, and you often share the avenue with a few runners and dog walkers rather than big crowds.

🔴 Midday Rush

Most popular. Late morning to early afternoon is when Castle visitors spill out for a stroll, especially on weekends and school holidays.

🟡 Late Afternoons

Golden hour vibes. It often feels calmer again later on, and the lower sun can make the Castle glow beautifully.

🚉 Windsor & Eton Central

🚶 8 mins
(A straightforward stroll to the Castle end of Park Street)

🚉 Windsor & Eton Riverside

🚶 12 mins
(A gentle walk through town, handy for grabbing a coffee first)

🎓 Eton College

🚶 18 mins
(Over the bridge and up towards the Castle)

Windsor Town Centre

Perfect if you want to walk everywhere. You can reach the Castle end of The Long Walk in minutes and still pop back into town for dinner.

Eton

Quieter, charming, and just across the river. Great for a more relaxed base while still being close enough to stroll to the main sights.

Old Windsor and Datchet

Good value options sometimes pop up here, and you are still within easy reach of Windsor by taxi or train. Handy if you are watching the budget.

Nearest Car Parks (Postcodes)

The Long Walk itself does not have dedicated visitor parking at the Castle end. These central Windsor car parks are the most practical options if you want to start near Park Street:

• River Street Car Park: SL4 1QT - Very central and convenient for the Castle, but it can be pricey on busy days.
• Victoria Street Car Park: SL4 1EG - A solid all-round choice, and easy to walk from.
• Alexandra Gardens (Alma Road): SL4 3HY - Handy for riverside strolls and often a good fallback when the centre is packed.
• King Edward VII Car Park: SL4 6HX - Larger option a little farther out, and often used for Park and Ride.

Blue Badge bays are available in many of the car parks above, but always check signage and local council rules before leaving the car.