Windsor, situated in the county of Berkshire, is a picturesque town along the banks of the River Thames, not far from London. Most famous as the home of Windsor Castle, residence of the royal family, this charming town is an English gem with a homely feel.

Accommodation in Windsor

Windsor's accommodation options are varied, ranging from sprawling Victorian-era homes and cute cottages to exclusive new developments and studio apartments. It's common for people to opt to live in Windsor and travel into London daily for work.

The housing market in Windsor moves quickly, so house hunters should start looking early and be ready to snap up their choice home right away if they see something they like.

Those looking to buy or rent should note that, while Windsor accommodation prices are lower than London, they're still high compared to the national average. 

Read more about finding accommodation in Windsor.

Lifestyle in Windsor

Lush surrounds are part and parcel of life in Windsor, and green spaces abound including, most famously, the 5,000-acre Royal Park, Windsor Great Park. Windsor's status as a tourist hotspot means that, while the town can get crowded, a wide selection of attractive eateries and boutiques benefits locals and tourists alike.

Find out more about entertainment, shopping and outdoor activities in Windsor.

Education in Windsor

Windsor offers a good selection of schools to choose from. A variety of state-funded and independent schools are available in the area, including a handful of schools offering the International Baccalaureate.

Read more about education and schools in Windsor.

Travel in Windsor

Sitting just off the M4 motorway, and with a mainline train station, Windsor is very well-connected. Central London is half an hour away by car, assuming no traffic, and Heathrow Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Trains leave regularly from Windsor and Eton Riverside to Clapham Junction and on to Victoria. Alternatively, travel a few miles to Slough's station, where regular fast trains to Paddington Station abound.

Overall, getting around Windsor is a breeze, and the town centre is very walkable. Still, many who live in Windsor prefer to have a car, so this should be considered when planning one's move.

Windsor is a charming town, located 30 minutes to an hour away from London, stretching alongside the River Thames. Whether looking to rent or buy, new arrivals will find that accommodation in Windsor tends to be pricey, though still generally cheaper than in the capital.

While Windsor's location is convenient, prospective buyers and renters should be aware that the town is in the flight path of Heathrow Airport, meaning that there is daily noise overhead as planes go to and from the airport.

Types of accommodation in Windsor

Windsor has various accommodation types to choose from, including freestanding single-family homes, blocks of flats (apartments), terraced houses (rowhouses) and semi-detached houses. When it comes to the amount of space available and the level of maintenance required, families often prefer freestanding homes, while single professionals may opt for the convenience of a flat. 

Many of Windsor's homes are old Victorian-era or Georgian-era restorations, while new developments have sprung up in other parts of Windsor to accommodate the high demand.

Those on the hunt for a house should keep their transport situation in mind when considering accommodation listings. Many people in Windsor have cars, especially families or those who commute daily to another nearby town or city, such as London. As a result, parking in Windsor is scarce, so those who need it should ensure their new home-to-be has such a space available.

Finding accommodation in Windsor

The property market in Windsor moves fast, so new arrivals should start the search for their new home well in advance of moving. Staying in short-term accommodation, such as Airbnb, can be an ideal way to get to know the area before committing to renting or buying. This way, house hunters can go to viewings in person, as they will be in the area.

Online property portals, as well as local groups on social networks, are a good place to start the property search. Hiring an estate agent is another possible route – these professionals tend to have a lot of local knowledge and may have access to listings before they go public.

Useful links

• www.rightmove.com
• www.onthemarket.com
• www.zoopla.co.uk

Signing a lease in Windsor

Once prospective tenants have found a place they like, they'll need to pay a deposit, usually the equivalent of up to six weeks' of rent, before signing the lease. Most leases in the UK are for a set period, most often six or 12 months, and are renewable.

For more information, see our page on Renting Accommodation in the UK.

Utilities in Windsor

Utilities are home services that generally come at an extra cost and are paid by the tenant monthly over and above the rent. In some cases, some or all utility costs may be included in the rent, but this is rare and tends to hike up the rental cost.

When budgeting, it's important to consider the monthly cost of electricity, water, gas, heating, phone, internet, and council tax bills.

For more detail, see Setting up Household Utilities in the UK. 

Best places to live in Windsor

Windsor is an attractive place to live, with many scenic and safe areas. Its proximity to London, as well as other working towns such as Reading and Slough, makes Windsor popular with commuters. Some of the most sought-after areas here include the town centre near Windsor Castle, Eton, Clewer Village, Dedworth and Old Windsor. 

For newly arrived families, the matter of education and schools in Windsor will be a top priority. As the home of the esteemed Eton Academy, education is given a great deal of importance in Windsor and parents can expect a high quality overall.

Planning in advance is imperative to secure a spot in the preferred school. Parents should research the options ahead of time to ensure they find the best fit for their child and the family as a whole. 

Families will need to decide between state-funded or independent schooling. State-funded schooling is free, but admission is based on catchment areas, so those who opt to go this route should base their accommodation search around preferred schools. 

On the other hand, independent schools operate their own admission policies – this means that, while it's convenient to attend a school close to where the family lives, it's not mandatory to live nearby and won't determine admission preference.

Schooling in Windsor operates on a three-tier system:

• Primary (first) schools – ages 5 to 11
• Middle schools – ages 11 to 14
• Secondary (upper) schools – 14 to 18

All schools in the UK are regularly inspected by a government organisation known as Ofsted. All reports and rankings are available on the Ofsted website.

State-funded schools in Windsor

There are several highly ranked state-funded schools in Windsor. These schools are funded by taxes, so the better schools will usually be found in more prestigious areas. It's worth noting that living in a particular school's catchment area doesn't guarantee a spot in the school – rather, local students are given priority if the school is oversubscribed.

State-funded schools in England teach the English National Curriculum, including the GCSE and A-Levels. This curriculum is highly regarded and is taught worldwide in international schools, allowing easy transition should the family relocate beyond the UK.

Some top state-funded schools in Windsor include Windsor Girls' School and Windsor Boys' School.

Find out more about state-funded schools in the UK.

Useful links

• List of catchment areas in Windsor

Private schools in Windsor

Private or independent schools in Windsor charge fees for attendance, but generally offer a higher standard of education with smaller class sizes and better resources. Additional funds should also be budgeted for uniforms and stationery.

Private schools, like state-funded schools, teach the English National Curriculum, though they have more freedom in teaching style. They may teach through a particular pedagogical approach, such as Montessori, or a religious lens, like Christianity.

Windsor is near some of the best-known private schools in England, but most notably Eton College, which is just across the River Thames.

Learn more about independent schools in the UK.

Useful links

• Independent School Council

International schools in Windsor

Though there are no schools in Windsor offering the curriculum of a foreign country, several schools in and around the town teach the globally respected International Baccalaureate, including St George's School Windsor Castle and ACS International School Egham.

An hour's drive or train ride from Windsor, London has a wealth of international schools that teach a range of curricula, including that of the US, Germany, and France. Many of these schools have flexible boarding options available at an additional cost.

See our list of recommended international schools in London.

With family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures and historical landmarks, the lifestyle in Windsor has something to entertain everyone. Should new arrivals wish to explore beyond Windsor itself, London and its myriad entertainment options is just 40 minutes away by train or car.

Shopping in Windsor

Shopping streets, malls, and markets provide a range of options for splurging in Windsor, whether it's just a quick trip out to pick up some essentials or a languid afternoon indulging in some retail therapy.

Peascod Street is the main pedestrian shopping area in Windsor, and it cuts right through the city centre, leading up to Windsor Castle. Anything and everything can be found on this street, while shoppers on the hunt for boutique finds should head over the river to Eton High Street.

Windsor Royal Station is a restored Victorian-era train station that has been converted into a shopping centre. Shops are a mix of big international brands, local businesses and charming eateries. Conveniently, the complex includes the Windsor and Eton Train Central Station, connecting travellers to London.

Arts and culture in Windsor

With more than a million visitors a year, Windsor Castle is the royal family's favoured residence and the crown jewel of this small town. It is the world's oldest and largest occupied castle. The medieval-era walls surrounding the castle grounds, the sweeping greenery of the gardens and the luxurious interiors of the castle itself are a sight to be seen. 

For something a bit more whimsical, Legoland Windsor is an excellent choice for a day out and will be a fun experience for the whole family, especially the young and the young-at-heart. It has over 55 interactive rides and displays, including Lego versions of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower.

For more arts, culture, and entertainment options nearby, have a look at our page about things to see and do in London.

Sports and outdoor activities in Windsor

While abundant rain in winter may make staying indoors more appealing at times, the town's sunny days are best spent enjoying the emerald green of Windsor's outdoor areas. Whether going for a picnic, taking a bracing walk or going on a bike ride, there are endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Windsor.

Windsor Great Park is a sprawling 5,000 acres of land where visitors can enjoy forests, grasslands, lakes, and gardens. Smith's Lawn, home to the Guards Polo Club, is within the Park and is a popular summer attraction. Other nearby green spaces include The Savill Garden and Swinley Forest. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a day out on the water might like to explore the variety of boating options available on the River Thames and Bray Lake, including kayaking, speedboating and enjoying luxury passenger boats.