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Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

Explore Windsor’s rich heritage and royal history in the charming Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, set within the historic Guildhall.

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Located within the historic Windsor Guildhall, the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of Windsor and its surrounding borough. The museum displays over a hundred fascinating objects spanning from Stone Age flints to First World War letters, alongside treasures like a 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk and a model of the Hawker Hurricane. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it features interactive exhibits and guided tours of the Guildhall’s ornate rooms, blending local history with royal connections.

A brief summary to Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

  • & Royal Borough Museum, 51 High St, Windsor, SL4 1LR, GB
  • +441628685686
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when the museum is open from 10am to 4pm for full access to exhibits and guided tours.
  • Join a guided tour of the Windsor Guildhall’s historic rooms to see royal portraits and learn about the building’s civic history.
  • Take advantage of free admission but consider donating to support the museum’s ongoing preservation efforts.
  • Explore interactive exhibits and audio trails that bring local stories and history to life, ideal for families and children.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Windsor Castle and the Changing of the Guard for a full day of historic discovery.
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Getting There

  • Train

    From London Paddington, take a train to Slough and change for Windsor & Eton Central Station. Alternatively, from London Waterloo, take a direct train to Windsor & Eton Riverside. Both stations are about a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. Train journeys typically take 30-60 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £10-£20 one way.

  • Car

    Drive via the M4 motorway to junction 6 (Slough) or the M3 to junction 3, then follow signs to Windsor. Nearest parking is available at Victoria Street, King Edward Court, and River Street car parks. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour. Note: There is no parking at the Guildhall itself.

  • Bus

    Local buses run frequently to Windsor town centre from surrounding areas. The bus stop near the Queen Victoria Statue is served by City Sightseeing Tour buses and local routes. Typical journey times vary depending on origin but expect 20-40 minutes from nearby towns. Tickets cost around £2-£4.

  • Walking

    The museum is located in the town centre and is easily reached on foot from Windsor Castle and nearby attractions. Walking routes are flat and accessible, taking approximately 10-15 minutes from the castle or train stations.

Windsor & Royal Borough Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

A Treasure Trove of Local History

Nestled on the ground floor of the Grade I listed Windsor Guildhall, the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum presents a carefully curated collection that chronicles the diverse history of Windsor and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. The museum’s holdings span thousands of years, from prehistoric Stone Age flints and Roman tiles to poignant First World War letters, offering a tangible connection to the past. Among its prized artifacts is a 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk, a remarkable relic that underscores the deep natural history of the area.

Royal Connections and Civic Heritage

The museum’s location in the historic Guildhall enriches the visitor experience, as the building itself is steeped in history. The Guildhall’s ornate rooms, accessible through guided tours, showcase portraits of monarchs dating back to Elizabeth I and reveal Windsor’s civic legacy. These tours, led by knowledgeable volunteers, share stories of significant events held within the Guildhall, including royal weddings and civil partnerships, weaving a narrative that connects local governance with royal tradition.

Engaging and Family-Friendly Exhibits

Designed to engage visitors of all ages, the museum offers interactive displays and an audio trail featuring stories told by local residents, bringing the borough’s evolving landscape and community life to vivid life. The museum also encourages community participation through projects like the Royal Borough Memory Box, which collects personal items and stories documenting recent history such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Living Collection and Dedicated Stewardship

With over 13,000 items in its archive, the museum’s collection is continually expanding and being catalogued, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve and share the borough’s heritage. The dedicated staff and volunteers play a vital role in curating exhibitions, managing collections, and providing educational resources, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant cultural hub.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm, admission is free, making it an accessible cultural resource. The museum is wheelchair accessible, with nearby accessible toilets and blue badge parking available in the town center. Visitors can also explore the surrounding historic town of Windsor, including landmarks such as Windsor Castle and the Changing of the Guard.

Discovering Windsor’s Story

Whether you are a history enthusiast or a family seeking an educational outing, the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum offers a compact yet rich exploration of the area’s past. Its blend of artifacts, stories, and royal heritage provides a unique window into the life and times of this iconic English town, making it a must-visit for those wanting to understand Windsor beyond the castle walls.

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