Old Windsor combines a long history of settlement with the Church of St Peter and St Andrew and Windsor Great Park. The history of the town, the church’s different building phases, and the park offer different points of interest for planning a trip. Windsor Great Park is open year-round and admission is free. Check the latest visitor information before your visit, as operational details may change.
A history of settlement spanning several centuries
The Saxon and early Norman remains represent an elite settlement that existed over several centuries, up to and immediately after the founding of Windsor Castle and New Windsor. Old Windsor was the oldest Saxon town in Berkshire and the seat of Edward the Confessor. After around 1100, the town gradually lost importance as Windsor Castle was built two miles upstream.
The dates mark different developments: the remains relate to a settlement that existed over several centuries, while around 1100 places the town’s gradual loss of importance in the context of the castle’s construction. The history of the town thus tells of both long-standing settlement and later change. These two aspects help place the archaeological remains within a broader historical development.
The building phases of the Church of St Peter and St Andrew
The Church of St Peter and St Andrew also has a layered history. Some of its fabric dates from the early 13th century; the chancel and nave were partly rebuilt in the mid-14th century. Sir Gilbert Scott restored the church in 1863–64. A north chancel aisle, a south porch, and a spire were also added.
It is important to consider the early fabric, partial rebuilding, and Scott’s restoration as distinct phases. The church therefore cannot be reduced to a single year of construction. The three added features belong to the 19th-century restoration and add a clearly defined later chapter to the older building history.
Windsor Great Park and Old Windsor
Windsor Great Park is a distinct focal point of the area. Most of the park lies within the boundaries of the parish of Old Windsor. This connection locates the park geographically without equating the entire park with the parish. Its year-round opening and free admission are useful details for planning; since operational details may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The park and the area’s history appeal to different interests: one centres on a visit to Windsor Great Park, the other on the development of a Saxon and early Norman settlement. Together, they offer two different ways to experience Old Windsor, without assuming a particular length of stay or a set itinerary.
Products at Windsor Farm Shop
Windsor Farm Shop adds a specific shopping destination to these points of interest. Its wide range includes products from British speciality producers, local craftspeople, and Windsor Farms. The offerings at two counters are clearly identified: the butcher’s counter sells Windsor Farms’ own beef and pork, while the delicatessen counter offers artisan British cheeses.
The range can therefore be distinguished by product source and category: it includes products from various producers and local craftspeople, with meat and cheese as two explicitly named examples. Alongside the park and history, visitors to Old Windsor will also find a connection to British specialities and produce from Windsor Farms.
Discover more destinations: Windsor, Datchet, Cookham, Sunninghill, Ascot, Maidenhead, Hurley, Sunningdale.
For the wider travel overview: Windsor And Maidenhead.
