Why Windsor is the best London alternative for families

We all love London for its energy, museums and endless excitement, but if you are raising a family, there may come a point where the noise and fast pace no longer feel quite so appealing.

If you’re thinking about moving out of the capital, or you’re just looking for a location that puts family life first, here we explore why Windsor is one of the best towns near London, especially for those looking for a premium, well-connected chapter.

1. You get fast, predictable travel to the capital

For many, one of the biggest worries of leaving London behind is giving up the great transport connections. In Windsor however, you won’t have to worry as you’ll have two separate rail options from two town centre stations providing fast and convenient routes into the capital.

Windsor & Eton Central runs a shuttle service to Slough, where you can connect to fast Great Western Railway services that reach London Paddington in as little as 16 minutes. Slough is also served by the Elizabeth Line, providing you with links to Bond Street, Farringdon and Canary Wharf. And if you regularly travel to a different part of the city, Windsor & Eton Riverside offers a direct train to London Waterloo.

Alternatively, both Slough and Maidenhead stations are just a 10 to 15-minute drive away, giving you even more rail connections across London and the South East.

2. You can swap the tube for the trees

Living in Windsor means having an easy escape to some of the finest managed parkland in the country. Windsor Great Park is over 4,800 acres where children can safely ride bicycles, spot roaming herds of deer and explore nature away from traffic.

You’ll also have The Long Walk, a straight, 2.5-mile tree-lined avenue, running from the castle gates to the Copper Horse statue at the top of Snow Hill. Located within the park estate is Adventure Play, a hand-crafted playground with treehouses and slides built from sustainable timber right from the royal grounds. Closer to the town centre, Alexandra Gardens sits on the riverbank and has a local playground for the little ones and a traditional bandstand.

3. You’ll have plenty of options for family-friendly activities

Moving away from the West End doesn’t mean losing access to major attractions. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Windsor, including LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, which is located right on the edge of the town, offering over 55 interactive rides, hands-on building workshops and the Duplo Valley splash zone to keep children entertained throughout the summer holidays.

Located in the centre of the town, Windsor Royal Station, housed in a converted Victorian railway station, features premium brands like Whistles, Mint Velvet and Sweaty Betty, alongside restaurants like Bill’s, Intoku and Creperie Doux Sourire.

4. You get clear path to top-tier education

Securing one of our new build homes in Windsor can get you close to some of the best schools in the country. The area has a choice of primary and secondary schools rated "Good" or "Outstanding" by Ofsted, including Trinity St. Stephen Church of England First School, Clewer Green First School, and The Windsor Boys' School. The development is also just a short drive from a number of grammar schools, including Langley Grammar School, Herschel Grammar School, St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School and Upton Court Grammar School.

For younger children, you'll find several Ofsted-rated "Outstanding" nurseries nearby, including The Lawns Nursery School and Eton Pre-School. Those looking for private schools will find St George's School Windsor Castle sits within the castle grounds, while St John's Beaumont Preparatory School is just a short drive away. There are also a range of private boarding schools within a short journey of Windsor including Luckley House School and Eton College.

5. You can trade the city chaos for the relaxing River Thames

Living alongside the Thames will change how your family spends its weekends. You’ll find Windsor Marina, which has a range of facilities with 175 secure berths for boats and companies like Canoe and Kayak Adventures for guided Canoe tours, turning the river into a perfect venue for summer activities. You can also rent electric motorboats from French Brothers or take the Windsor Duck Tour to splash straight into the water.

The flat, well-maintained towpaths run for miles in both directions too, giving you completely safe, vehicle-free routes for morning jogs and pushing prams, and you'll also be just a short walk from the riverside, for views of swans and riverboats passing by.

Enjoy modern family living at Windsor Gate

To help you make the most of everything the town has to offer, we offer a range of premium three, four, and five-bedroom houses for sale in Windsor at our Windsor Gate development.

Get in touch with our sales team to learn more about our available properties, current incentives, and how you can secure your energy-efficient new home at Windsor Gate.

 

FAQ: Family living in Windsor

What are the closest school options near the Windsor Gate development?

Nearby options include high-performing schools and nurseries, such as The Lawns Nursery School and The Windsor Boys' School (both rated "Outstanding"), alongside highly rated primary options like Homer First School and Nursery and Dedworth Green First School.

Which London train stations can you reach directly from Windsor?

Windsor & Eton Riverside provides a direct, regular service to London Waterloo, which takes less than an hour. Windsor & Eton Central offers a fast connection to London Paddington via a quick change at Slough, completing the journey in approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

What do families do on a rainy weekend in Windsor?

Beyond the wave machine and indoor racing slides at the Windsor Leisure Centre, you can book separate tickets for the indoor LEGOLAND Adventure Golf centre right outside the main theme park. Alternatively, you can head over to The Old Court, which runs regular family cinema screenings, youth theatre, and community art workshops.

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