Old Windsor: Parkland, History and British Specialties

Old Windsor offers different ways to approach a trip: Windsor Great Park represents nature and landscape, historical traces tell of the area’s long development, and Windsor Farm Shop leads visitors to British specialties. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Old Windsor can therefore decide on their preferred focus as early as the trip-planning stage.

Windsor Great Park as a Defining Landscape

Windsor Great Park is open all year round and can be entered free of charge. Most of the park lies within the boundaries of the parish of Old Windsor. The parkland is therefore one of the important topics for visitors who would like to combine their stay with experiences in nature. When choosing accommodation, it may be useful to consider whether the park should be the focus of your days or whether you are primarily interested in the local history and cultural traces of Old Windsor.

The park can be regarded as a travel destination in its own right, without equating it with the historic buildings or the offerings of Windsor Farm Shop. Families who want to bring together different interests can therefore get to know Old Windsor as a destination with several thematic points of connection: landscape, history and regional products each represent a different way of discovering the area.

Saxon and Early Norman History

Old Windsor was the oldest Saxon town in Berkshire and was the seat of Edward the Confessor. The Saxon and early Norman remains in Old Windsor represent an elite settlement spanning several centuries up to and immediately following the foundation of Windsor Castle and New Windsor. This development makes the area particularly interesting for travellers who are not only looking for a view of the town as it is today, but also want to understand the historical significance Old Windsor once held.

After around 1100, Old Windsor gradually lost importance when Windsor Castle was built two miles upstream. This detail forms part of the area’s historical development and helps place Old Windsor chronologically in relation to its later surroundings. Those interested in medieval history will therefore find an independent narrative here, distinct from today’s parkland and townscape.

Church of St Peter and St Andrew

The Church of St Peter and St Andrew also incorporates several building phases. Its fabric dates back to the early 13th century; the chancel and nave were partly rebuilt in the mid-14th century. In 1863–64, Sir Gilbert Scott restored the church. At the same time, a north chancel aisle, a south porch and a spire were added.

For visitors interested in church architecture and local history, the church therefore offers several historical layers. The medieval building elements and the 19th-century restoration belong to different stages of its development. When looking for accommodation in Old Windsor, you can consider this historical focus alongside Windsor Great Park or regional products as a separate criterion for planning your trip.

British Specialties at Windsor Farm Shop

Windsor Farm Shop offers a wide range of products from producers of British specialties, local craftspeople and the Windsor Farms. The butcher’s counter offers the Windsor Farms’ own beef and pork. The delicatessen counter offers traditionally made British cheeses.

Windsor Farm Shop thus complements the historical and landscape aspects of Old Windsor with a culinary element. Anyone who enjoys discovering regional produce and British specialties while travelling can incorporate this focus into their planning.

Other Places for Your Trip Planning

For further orientation, you can also explore Cookham, Windsor, Sunninghill, Sunningdale, Ascot, Maidenhead, Hurley and Wraysbury.

For the overarching travel overview: Windsor And Maidenhead.