Things To Do
in Englefield Green

Englefield Green is a leafy Surrey village just southwest of Windsor and adjacent to Egham, perched at the edge of Windsor Great Park. It hosts the historic Royal Holloway, University of London campus with its pink-and-white Founder’s Building. The area blends traditional English cottages, green commons, and easy access to riverside landscapes along the Thames.

It serves as a tranquil base for exploring the Windsor area, Royal Holloway, and the surrounding Surrey countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Windsor Great Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing walk through Windsor Great Park, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and picturesque views. The serene atmosphere is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll or a brisk jog. Be sure to stop by the picturesque deer park to observe the roaming deer.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely morning, head to the nearby village for lunch at a cozy café offering traditional British fare. Post-lunch, visit the Savill Garden to explore its diverse flora, where you can enjoy the vibrant colors and delightful scents of the various plants. Consider bringing a book to relax in one of the quaint gardens.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, make your way to the historic town of Egham to experience its charming streets. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in seasonal produce, giving you a taste of the area’s culinary delights. Conclude your evening with a stroll along the Thames, soaking in the tranquility of the riverside.

day 2
A Day in Windsor
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to the iconic Windsor Castle, which opens its doors early to visitors. Marvel at the stunning architecture and explore the State Apartments, which are filled with exquisite art and historical treasures. Don't forget to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony if you manage to time it right.

afternoon
:

After a tour of the castle, stroll down the quaint streets of Windsor, popping into local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs. Stop for lunch at a riverside pub, savoring classic dishes while watching boats glide by. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat cruise along the River Thames, providing a different perspective of the castle and surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Windsor for a delightful dinner at a restaurant offering views of the illuminated castle. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the riverbank, enjoying the beautiful reflections and serene atmosphere. If you're interested, catch a show at the Theatre Royal Windsor for some local entertainment.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🍽️Meal for two in mid-range restaurant$40-60
🏨Mid-range hotel room per night$90-150
🚌Local transit (one-way)$3-7

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to London and Windsor, with easy day trips
  • Beautiful parks, lakes, and historic sites
  • Well-connected rail and road access
  • Safe, peaceful village atmosphere with friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife in Englefield Green itself
  • Can be pricey in peak tourist seasons around Windsor
  • Public transport options are better in neighbouring towns than inside the village
  • Parking can be challenging near popular spots in high season

Places to Visit in Englefield Green

Visit one of these nice places.

Savill Garden & The Savill Building

Colorful ornamental gardens and modern architecture with seasonal planting, ideal for formal and close-up shots.

Virginia Water Lake & Cascade

Picturesque lake with a cascading waterfall and woodland paths—golden hour reflections are popular.

Runnymede Meadows & Magna Carta Memorial

Open meadow and river backdrop with historic memorials, great for wide landscape shots.

Long Walk, Windsor Great Park

Iconic tree-lined avenue leading toward Windsor Castle, offering dramatic perspective shots especially at sunrise or sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Englefield Green

The region combines traditional British pub fare with refined country-house dining and cozy cafés. Expect seasonal produce, hearty portions, and tea-time treats common to the Thames Valley.

Englefield Green Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cream tea

Scones with clotted cream and jam, served with tea at cafés and tea rooms around Windsor and Egham.

Must-Try!

Sunday roast

Classic roasted meats with vegetables and gravy, a staple at many local pubs.

Eton Mess

A fruity and meringue dessert associated with the nearby Eton area, often enjoyed in cafés and restaurants.

Ploughman’s lunch

A rustic cold platter of cheeses, pickle, and bread, popular in pubs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Windsor Royal Market

Weekend market in Windsor with stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, pies, and street snacks.

Egham Farmers Market

Local market offering seasonal fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and regional specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Englefield Green experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rain is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year; the area can be damp and windy, particularly along the River Thames corridor. The warmest months are July and August, while January tends to be the coolest.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

British etiquette favors orderly queues; step to the side until served and avoid saving places in lines.

Pubs and quiet hours

Pubs are social hubs; keep noise reasonable, and be mindful of late-evening quiet hours in residential areas.

Privacy and greetings

A polite greeting like 'Hello' or 'Hi' is typical; avoid overly personal questions when first meeting locals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally a safe area with low crime rates. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, be cautious on unlit paths at night, and follow local guidance when near water or large crowds.

Tipping in Englefield Green

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are sometimes included; if not, leaving 10-15% for good service is customary in pubs and restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cards (including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still accepted but less common in some venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days and plenty of outdoor events; expect lush greenery, warm temperatures (often 20-25°C), and frequent sunshine but occasional showers.

Autumn

Varied foliage with golden to reddish tones; ideal for landscape photography and tranquil walks; temperatures mild.

Winter

Cool, damp days with occasional frost; by far the quietest season for sightseeing; daylight is shorter.

Spring

Blossoms and fresh greenery; comfortable walking weather and pleasant garden color displays.

Nightlife Guide

Englefield Green at Night

The Englefield Green area has limited nightlife, focused on traditional pubs with occasional live music. For more options, Windsor and Egham offer a wider selection of bars, riverside hangouts, and clubs, typically bus or taxi-accessible from Englefield Green.

Hiking in Englefield Green

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Virginia Water Lake Loop

A picturesque circuit around the lake with woodland scenery and viewpoints.

Sheepleas (Chobham/Weybridge area)

Extensive woodland and heathland trails with cross-country routes.

Runnymede Meadows Walk

Riverside meadows with Magna Carta Memorial and open skies for expansive photography.

Airports

How to reach Englefield Green by plane.

London Heathrow Airport

Closest major international airport; around 8-12 miles by road with frequent public transport connections.

London Gatwick Airport

Accessible within about 40-50 miles; good for international flights when Heathrow is busy.

Getting Around

Walkability

Englefield Green is pleasant to explore on foot within the village and immediate surrounds, with many scenic sidewalks and footpaths to Windsor Great Park. For longer trips into Windsor and Egham, car or bus travel is convenient, but the area is not a dense urban center. The Long Walk and park trails are particularly walkable and accessible.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

A significant portion due to Royal Holloway, with a diverse international student population.

Families

Many long-term residents in the village and nearby housing, with good local schools.

Retirees

Seasoned residents who value the countryside and slower pace.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular at local clubs and school parks.

Cricket

Regional and village cricket clubs with seasonal matches.

Rugby

Local clubs and school fixtures available in the wider Surrey area.

Golf

Several nearby golf clubs and courses within a short drive.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable in the village; however, the surrounding M25 and A30 can experience congestion during peak hours and tourist seasons, especially near Windsor. Public transport options exist but schedules vary; consider rail connections from nearby Egham or Windsor for faster travel to central London.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Englefield Green.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most pubs and cafés in the area offer vegetarian mains; look for veggie burgers, veggie roasts, and seasonal veggie plates. When dining out, ask staff about cheese and stock ingredients to avoid animal-based broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the UK NHS. Local GP practices can be found in Egham and surrounding towns, with the nearest major hospitals in Frimley, Guildford, and Slough. Emergency care is available at Frimley Park Hospital and Royal Surrey County Hospital, depending on location.

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