Living in Windsor

Windsor is well-regarded for its high educational standards and variety of schools. Primary schools in Windsor include St Edward's Catholic First School (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2018), Cleven House School, Trinity St Stephen Church of England First School (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2022), and Windsor Royal Free First School (Ofsted rated 'Outstanding', 2016). These schools have a strong reputation for pastoral care and academic achievement.

For secondary education, The Windsor Boys' School and The Windsor Girls' School serve as prominent state secondary schools, with The Windsor Girls' School rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019. Trevelyan Middle School is another notable option, offering a smooth transition before students move on to upper schools. In addition, Upton Court Grammar School in nearby Slough is a popular choice for academically-driven students.

Independent education has a strong presence locally. Eton College, just across the Thames, is one of the world’s most prestigious boarding schools for boys, although admissions are exceptionally competitive and selective. St. George’s School Windsor Castle, an independent co-educational prep school, is well-respected for its rich tradition and high academic standards.

For further education, Windsor College (part of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group) offers a broad range of A-levels and vocational courses. The area is well-connected to higher education opportunities, with Royal Holloway, University of London, located in nearby Egham.

Windsor’s transport connections are a major attraction for residents and visitors alike. The town benefits from two railway stations: Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside. The former provides services to Slough (with fast links onward to London Paddington), while the latter connects directly to London Waterloo, typically taking just under an hour. Frequent bus services link Windsor with Maidenhead, Slough, Staines, and Ascot, making local travel straightforward.

The road network is efficient, with the M4 motorway providing rapid access to London, Reading, and the West Country, while the M25 London Orbital is only a short drive away. Heathrow Airport is just over 9 miles to the east—about 20 minutes by car—making international travel exceptionally accessible.

• London Paddington – approx. 30-40 mins via rail (change at Slough)
• London Waterloo – approx. 55 mins by direct train
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 20 mins by car (9 miles)
• Reading – approx. 30 mins by train or car
• Slough – approx. 10 mins by train

Cycle routes and pedestrian-friendly paths further aid accessibility, especially into Windsor Great Park and along the riverside. The town’s layout makes it suitable for both residents relying on public transport and those travelling by car.

Windsor is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates below the national average for urban areas. The presence of both a high-profile royal residence and tourist attractions ensures a visible police presence in the town centre, contributing to a heightened sense of security, especially during major events.

The residential areas to the south and west of Windsor tend to be particularly peaceful, and crime is most often related to periods of heightened tourism. Community safety initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch schemes and regular community policing forums work to address local concerns and encourage public involvement in safety matters. The town’s investment in public spaces, lighting, and CCTV has also helped to keep the crime rate lower than some neighbouring towns.

Parking in Windsor can be challenging at peak times, especially during tourist seasons and major town events. There are several public car parks located around the town centre, such as the Windsor Yards Car Park and King Edward VII Avenue Car Park, though spaces fill quickly. Resident parking permit schemes operate in the most popular residential streets, helping to ensure availability for locals.

On-street parking is available in much of Windsor but is often time-limited and metered, particularly around commercial areas and key attractions. The road access into and out of Windsor is generally straightforward, with the A308 and A332 providing main routes across the Thames and towards nearby towns. The M4 motorway is accessible from junction 6, making journeys to London or the west of England convenient for drivers.

• Slough – approx. 15 minutes via A332 (6 miles)
• Maidenhead – approx. 20 minutes via A308 (8 miles)
• Reading – approx. 35 minutes via M4 (23 miles)
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 20 minutes via M4/A355 (9 miles)

While congestion is possible near the central tourist attractions, especially Windsor Castle, outside of peak hours road travel is generally smooth.

Windsor’s food scene is notably diverse, ranging from independent British bistros to international restaurants and high-end dining. The town is home to longstanding establishments such as The Two Brewers and The Carpenters Arms, offering traditional pub fare and cosy atmospheres. Trendier venues such as The Boatman on the river provide modern takes on classic dishes, while specialist restaurants serve Italian, Indian, Thai, and French cuisine.

Café culture is present too, with artisan bakeries and coffee shops dotted through the old town and along Peascod Street. Takeaways and quick options cater for families and commuters, while the riverside offers a scenic setting for dining out. Windsor’s nightlife is relatively laid-back compared to larger cities but still offers several bars, live music venues, and late-night pubs. The Theatre Royal Windsor presents a varied programme of plays and live entertainment throughout the year, adding a cultural dimension to evening outings.

The overall scene is lively, especially on weekends, though the focus is on convivial dining and relaxed socialising rather than a heavy club circuit.

Community life in Windsor is underpinned by a strong sense of local pride and civic engagement, bolstered by regular events like the annual Windsor Festival, royal ceremonies, and themed markets in Windsor Royal Station. Local societies and volunteer groups offer ways for residents to become involved, whether through charity events, environmental initiatives, or neighbourhood gatherings.

The town’s proximity to green spaces plays a significant role in day-to-day living. Windsor Great Park is a focal point for walks, cycling, and outdoor community activities, while Alexandra Gardens and the riverside embankment host weekend picnics and family meet-ups, especially in the summer.

Cultural institutions like the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum and Theatre Royal Windsor support a thriving arts and historic community, while smaller community centres and religious buildings act as hubs for classes, youth groups, and local support networks.

School quality: Windsor’s schools have strong academic records, with several primaries and secondaries rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Independent options like St. George’s School and Eton College add to the breadth of choice.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from access to extensive green spaces such as Windsor Great Park, Alexandra Gardens, and riverside walks—ideal for outdoor play, cycling, and sports.

Childcare: A range of nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs are available throughout Windsor, supporting working parents and young families.

Safety: The town’s generally low crime rate and visible policing contribute to a reassuring environment for raising children.

Family activities: Attractions like Legoland Windsor Resort, boating on the Thames, playgrounds, and local festivals ensure entertainment for all ages, making Windsor especially appealing to families moving to the area.

Windsor is exceptionally well-suited to pet owners, with vast open spaces and countryside on the doorstep. Windsor Great Park is a popular destination for dog walks, offering miles of trails and leash-free zones. The riverside meadows and surrounding rural areas further provide ample space for exercising pets.

There are multiple veterinary practices in the area, as well as pet supply stores and groomers catering to a variety of animals. Many local pubs and some cafés are dog-friendly, and it’s common to see pets accompanying their owners throughout the town’s parks and outdoor venues. Rental properties and housing developments increasingly acknowledge the demand for pet-friendly accommodation, reflecting Windsorians’ general consideration for animals and outdoor lifestyles.