Whether you're eager to visit royal residences, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Thames or looking for great days out for all the family, Windsor and the East Berkshire region can be an ideal destination for day trips and longer breaks within easy reach of London.

Exploring Royal Windsor can take several days in itself, with beautifully preserved historical sites from famous Windsor Castle - the most well-known castle in the world - to less well-travelled sites such as Frogmore House, Queen Victoria's Windsor residence that is open to the public for a limited time during August and September.

Simply taking time to explore Windsor's historic streets and immerse yourself in its culture can be a highly rewarding experience, learning how people of the past lived at places such as the Guildhall and Market Cross House, now a fashionable tea room and nestled alongside Britain's shortest street. Taking an open top bus tour around the city can be an effective way to take in all the major sights, though visiting with your own car provides even greater freedom to spend time at favourite stops.

One event that visitors to Windsor won't want to miss is the changing of the guard, which takes place on the High Street and up to Castle Hill, passing in front of the Guildhall on the way. A favourite among those heading to East Berkshire to soak up its quaint cultural traditions, this ceremony occurs at 11am sharp, and takes place every day in the summer (except Sundays) and on alternating days throughout the rest of the year.

A less omnipresent event is the famous races at Ascot, which take place over five days in June. Ascot Racecourse was granted a charter to hold public races in 1813, and plays host to other prestigious events throughout the year too, notably Ladies Day at Ascot. Windsor Racecourse is an alternative destination for race lovers heading to the city at other times.

Visiting Windsor doesn't all have to be about history and ceremony, of course, and one of the most popular modern-day attractions is Legoland Windsor, easily reached from the city and an ideal day out for families with young children in particular. If you're visiting Windsor from London or further afield, arranging Heathrow Airport car hire could get you to the city in less than 30 minutes, just off Junction 6 of the M4 motorway.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.