Windsor Riverside Walk

The Thames path from Windsor proper is where you want to be on a decent afternoon. The Riverside Walk proper - that's the stretch along the water - gives you proper river watching without the crowds you'd get tumbling around the castle. It's flat, manageable, and the path is well-maintained throughout.

You're walking between the water and the town, with benches scattered along where you can just sit and watch the boats pass. Swans, ducks, the occasional heron if you're patient. The path takes you past Windsor Bridge and onwards, and it's the sort of place where an hour disappears without you noticing. Kids won't get bored - there's always something on the water to point at, and the flat terrain means even younger walkers cope fine.

The whole thing is free, which helps. No gates, no tickets, just walk in from the town and follow the river. Allow an hour for a gentle potter, or two if you're planning to sit about. The town itself gets heaving with tourists, but the walk itself feels quieter, especially midweek.

Stay at Queens Acre just down the road and you're perfectly positioned to use this as your morning walk before heading into Windsor proper. Hampshire Park Homes and Amerden are similarly close by. Early morning or late afternoon is best - you'll get the light right and fewer people bumbling about with selfie sticks.