The Crooked House Windsor Guide & Reviews (2026)
The Crooked House (also known as Market Cross House) is one of those Windsor sights you can accidentally stroll past, then immediately stop, reverse, and stare. It sits on the High Street right beside the Windsor Guildhall, leaning at a angle that looks like it should be illegal. The best part is that it is a free photo stop, and if it is open as a café or bar, it is also a handy place to duck in for a quick drink after the Castle crowds.
The Crooked House at a Glance
Essential visit information
Time Needed
10 - 20 mins (photo stop)
Dated
1687
Best For
Quirky photos & history
The Crooked House Address & Location
Getting here
Address & Navigation
You will find it right beside the Windsor Guildhall on the High Street. If you are doing the classic Windsor day out, it is an easy stop on the walk between the stations and the Castle. For sat nav, use SL4 1LR.
Market Cross House, 51 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LR
Official listing: Historic England (List Entry 1204614)
A Brief History of The Crooked House
Why it leans, and why it matters
Market Cross House
The building is formally known as Market Cross House and it is Grade II listed. It has had plenty of lives, from a butcher's shop to tea rooms and more, which is exactly what you would expect in a prime High Street spot.
Dated 1687
Historic England dates the current structure to 1687, with later changes in the 18th century. It is timber-framed with stuccoed infill, and the small footprint makes it feel even taller and more dramatic in person.
Why it is crooked
One local explanation is wonderfully practical: the lean likely comes from the way the building was put together, including the use of green oak that was not fully seasoned. The result is the wonky silhouette that now steals everyone's camera roll.
Is The Crooked House Expensive?
Trav's Wallet Score
TRAV’S WALLET SCORE:
(Note: For the 'How Expensive' rating, the lower the number, the cheaper it is!)
Squawk! This one is easy on the wallet because the main experience is completely free. Snap your photos outside, then only spend money if you choose to pop inside for a drink (when it is open and trading).
Pricing & Entry
What you need to know before you go
Entry Information
There are no tickets for The Crooked House itself. The main attraction is the exterior and the lean, which you can enjoy at any time from the street. If the building is open as a café or bar, it works like any other venue: you go in as a customer and order as normal.
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Discounts and Offers
Ways to keep it cheap in Windsor
Do it as a free stop
This is one of the easiest budget wins in Windsor. Treat it as a quick, free photo stop while you are already walking the High Street.
Skip pricey Castle snacks
If you are doing the Castle, consider grabbing a sandwich or snack from the town centre and using the Crooked House as a natural pause point on your wander.
Walk it, do not taxi it
Windsor is brilliantly walkable. The Crooked House is close to the stations and the Castle, so you can keep transport costs at £0 if you stay on foot.
Who Should Visit?
Is it right for your itinerary?
WHO WILL LOVE IT
WHO MIGHT HATE IT
Visiting With Kids
Is it family-friendly?
Spot the wonky windows
Turn it into a mini game: which windows look the most skewed, and can you find the best angle where the whole building looks like it is gently sliding?
Perfect short stop
Kids rarely want another long museum moment. This is a 10-minute stop that still feels memorable, especially when the High Street is busy and the building looks even more surreal.
Easy treat break
You are surrounded by cafés and snack spots in the town centre. It is an easy place to pause, refuel, then continue towards the Castle or the river.
What to Look For
Tiny details that make it special
The lean from the kerb
The tilt reads best when you are a few steps back on the opposite side of the pavement. Try framing the photo so the Guildhall looks upright next to it for contrast.
Timber frame and bay windows
Look closely and you will spot the character: the timber-framed structure, the compact proportions, and the bay windows that make the upper levels feel even more precarious.
Queen Charlotte Street corner
Take a quick peek down the side by Queen Charlotte Street. It is a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but it helps you understand how tightly the building is wedged into Windsor's historic centre.
Peak Crowd Heatmap
When to expect the biggest footfall
🟢 Early Mornings
Best for photos. If you want a cleaner shot, aim for earlier in the day before the Castle crowds properly fill the High Street.
🔴 Midday Rush
Busiest pavements. Late morning through mid-afternoon is peak time, especially on weekends and school holidays.
🟡 Late Afternoons
Quieter again. Once day trippers start drifting back towards the stations, it becomes easier to linger and take a few angles.
Trav’s Insider Hack: The best angle
“Squawk! For the most dramatic photo, step back so you can see both the Crooked House and the Guildhall. If it is open inside, ask for a seat near the front upstairs window (if available) for prime High Street people-watching without being in the crowd.”
How Close Is It? (Distance Matrix)
Approximate walking times from key landmarks
🏰 Windsor Castle (Castle Hill)
🚶 4 - 6 mins
(A gentle walk along the High Street)
🚆 Windsor & Eton Central Station
🚶 6 - 8 mins
(Straight through the town centre)
🎓 Eton College (near the bridge)
🚶 10 - 14 mins
(Across the river, then up through central Windsor)
Best Areas to Stay Near The Crooked House
Top neighbourhoods for easy access
Windsor Town Centre
Most convenient. You can walk to the Crooked House, the Castle, the stations, and the river without thinking about transport.
Eton
Quieter evenings with a lovely riverside feel. You are still within easy walking distance across the bridge into central Windsor.
Datchet or Old Windsor
Good value options can appear here, especially midweek. You will likely use a short taxi or train hop, but the savings can be worth it.
Windsor Parking Information
Where to leave your car
Nearest Car Parks (Postcodes)
The Crooked House sits right in the town centre, so there is no on-site parking. These nearby council car parks are common choices for central Windsor:
Blue Badge bays are available in council car parks, but spaces can fill quickly on busy days. If you are visiting at peak times, consider arriving earlier to avoid circling the centre.
Other Attractions Near The Crooked House
Build a full Windsor day out
Traveller Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick answers for your visit
