Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, Windsor Travel Guide

4.3 (78)

Discover Windsor’s rich heritage and royal history in the atmospheric Windsor Guildhall museum, featuring treasures from prehistoric times to the modern day.

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Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

Located within the historic Grade I listed Windsor Guildhall, Windsor & Royal Borough Museum offers a captivating journey through the rich history of Windsor and the surrounding Royal Borough. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the museum showcases a diverse collection from prehistoric flints to wartime memorabilia, including a 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk and a model of the Hawker Hurricane designed by Windsor-born Sir Sydney Camm. Visitors can also join guided tours of the Guildhall’s splendid rooms, exploring royal portraits and civic heritage.

A brief summary to Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

& Royal Borough Museum, 51 High St, Windsor, SL4 1LR, GB
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Windsor & Royal Borough Museum.

Visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm, as the museum is closed the rest of the week.
Book a guided tour of the Windsor Guildhall’s upstairs rooms to see royal portraits and learn about Windsor’s civic past.
Explore the Royal Borough Memory Box project by contributing your own stories or artifacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Use nearby car parks such as Victoria Street or King Edward Court, as there is no parking at the Guildhall itself.
Combine your visit with a stroll around Windsor town centre to see other attractions like Windsor Castle and the Parish Church.

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Getting There

Train

From London, take a train to Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside stations. Both are within a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. Train journeys typically take 30-60 minutes depending on the London departure station. Tickets cost approximately £10-£20 one way.
Car

Drive via the M4 motorway, exiting at junction 6 (Slough) and follow signs to Windsor. Parking is available in nearby car parks such as Victoria Street and King Edward Court, with typical charges of £2-£4 per hour. Note there is no parking at the Guildhall itself.
Bus

Local buses serve Windsor town centre with stops near the Guildhall. Bus travel times vary depending on starting point, typically 20-40 minutes from Slough or nearby towns. Tickets cost around £2-£5.
Walking

If staying in Windsor town centre, the museum is easily reachable on foot within 10-15 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is wheelchair accessible and well signposted.

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Discover more about Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

A Treasure Trove of Local Heritage

Nestled on the ground floor of the magnificent Windsor Guildhall, the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum is a gateway to the rich and varied history of Windsor and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. Since its establishment in 1951 during the Festival of Britain celebrations, the museum has grown to house over 13,000 objects that chronicle the area's story from prehistoric times to the present day. The collection includes Stone Age flints, Roman tiles, poignant First World War letters, and much more, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.

Historic Setting in the Windsor Guildhall

The museum shares its home with the Grade I listed Windsor Guildhall, a building steeped in history and royal significance. The Guildhall’s upstairs rooms, accessible via guided tours, are adorned with portraits of monarchs dating back to Elizabeth I and have hosted notable events such as the marriage of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. These tours provide an intimate glimpse into Windsor’s civic history and the grandeur of its heritage.

Engaging Exhibits and Interactive Experiences

The museum’s exhibits are designed to engage visitors of all ages with interactive displays and fascinating stories told through an audio trail by local residents. Highlights include a 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk and a detailed model of the Hawker Hurricane aircraft, designed by Windsor-born Sir Sydney Camm. The museum also embraces contemporary history, inviting the community to contribute to the Royal Borough Memory Box project, which collects personal artifacts and stories reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community and Volunteer Spirit

Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and the Friends of Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, the museum thrives as a community hub. Volunteers assist with everything from curating exhibitions to hosting visitors and managing the extensive archives. The museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing local history is evident in its ongoing digitisation efforts, making thousands of objects accessible online.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm, admission to the museum is free. The site is wheelchair accessible, with nearby accessible toilets and blue badge parking available in the town centre. Visitors can enhance their experience by joining the affordable guided tours of the Guildhall’s upper rooms, which last around 30 to 40 minutes. The museum is conveniently located a short walk from Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside train stations.

A Living Archive of Windsor’s Past and Present

Beyond its physical displays, the museum actively preserves Windsor’s heritage through exhibitions, online content, and community projects. Its collection continues to grow and evolve, reflecting the dynamic history of the Royal Borough. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum offers a unique and enriching insight into this iconic English town.