Organized Tours

The tourist office can put you in touch with a Blue Badge (official) guide to lead you on a walking tour of town. The cost depends upon the number of people and the length of the tour. Advance booking is essential.

The best way to see the area around Windsor is from the water. Informative boat tours depart from Windsor's main embarkation point along Windsor Promenade, Barry Avenue, for a 40-minute round-trip to Boveney Lock. The cost is £5 for adults, £2.50 for children. You can also take a 2-hour tour through the Boveney Lock and up past stately private riverside homes, the Bray Film Studios, Queens Eyot, and Monkey Island for £8 for adults, £4 for children. Of all the tours offered, we find this one the most scenic, insightful, and evocative. There's also a 45-minute tour from Runnymede on board the Lucy Fisher, a replica of a Victorian paddle steamer. You pass Magna Carta Island, among other sights. This tour costs £5 for adults, £2.50 for children. In addition, longer tours between Maidenhead and Hampton Court are offered. The boats offer light refreshments and have a well-stocked bar, plus the decks are covered in case of an unexpected shower. Tours are operated by French Brothers, Ltd., Clewer Boathouse, Clewer Court Road, Windsor (tel. 01753/851900; www.boat-trips.co.uk).