Royal connections, history, horse racing and the simple pleasure of messing about on the River Thames make this destination one of the jewels in the crown of the English countryside.

Home to Windsor Castle, an official residence of the Queen and the British Royal Family, Windsor and neighbouring town Eton are also famous for public school Eton College (and its famous pud, Eton Mess) and Royal Ascot - as well as the less historic but equally well loved Legoland Windsor.

Read on to discover where to stay and to find out a little more about the area's top attractions and annual events. Then, when you have your heart set on a break here, simply use the TravelSupermarket price-comparison service to find your ideal hotel in Windsor or neighbouring Eton. 

Popular for short breaks, many Windsor hotels and Eton hotels evoke the pomp and prestige of the towns, making them some of the finest luxury hotels in Berkshire. Most are located in Windsor, which is larger than Eton, including the village of Eton Wick.

Eton has plenty of sights to see and antique shops to nose around in, though, and its delights are only a few minutes further from hotels in Windsor than from the handful of hotels in Eton itself, which is just across the River Thames.

Either way, you might struggle to find budget hotels in Windsor and Eton, especially if you plan to get your glad rags on and have a flutter at Royal Ascot in June. Local hotels can charge top whack during this hugely popular event and Ascot Racecourse is just 20 minutes from Windsor and Eton. Big name chains in the area, which include Mercure, Macdonald, Holiday Inn Express and Travelodge, as well as cosy inns, might offer cheaper rates, though.

Opting for a stay in the winter months will also help to keep the cost of a Windsor and Eton break down. Whenever you plan to travel, booking your hotel as far in advance as possible is one of the best ways to secure a cheap rate. 

Top five attractions

Windsor Castle

Steeped in history, this castle is one of the great royal residences of Europe.

Legoland Windsor

Those small plastic bricks have provided hours of fun for children around the world, and your youngsters will love this great theme park.

Royal Windsor Wheel

For the best view of Windsor, take the wheel. Check ahead to make sure that this semi-permanent Ferris wheel is operating during your visit.

Royal Windsor Racecourse

One of only two figure-of-eight racecourses in the country, it's believed Henry VIII enjoyed racing horses in the fields here. This isn't the venue for Royal Ascot (that's 20 minutes away at Ascot Racecourse), but there's still a fantastic line up of events.

Windsor Great Park

Explore this enormous deer park and see how the passing centuries have left their mark on the land.

Royal Windsor Horse Show; May: This premier event has been an annual fixture on the equestrian calendar since the height of the second world war.

Royal Ascot; June: Hats at the ready for one of the horse racing world's greatest events. A jug of Pimm's and lemonade near the finishing post is a must.

Windsor Festival; September: Brainchild of the celebrated violinist Yehudi Menuhin, this classical music festival attracts a host of distinguished artists.