Travellers attending a meet today raced their horses and carts just yards from Windsor Castle, in breach of rules banning the animals from the Long Walk.

Families came together to attend the Windsor Horse Drive in Berkshire on Saturday, meeting for a 13-mile ride complete with handy pub stops.

But some of those in attendance then decided to deviate onto the royal estate and approach the castle, even allowing their horses to graze on the grass accompanying the iconic approach.

The Long Walk is usually reserved for pedestrians only, with bikes, scooters and roller blades all banned under strict rules for visitors.

Horseriding on the Windsor estate is also tightly controlled, and is not allowed on the castle approach.

Anyone wishing to ride a horse on the estate must hold an annual membership, costing £395, and stick to certain trails.

But today saw horse and carts in the usually pedestrianised zone, with the animals encroaching on both the main path and well-kempt grass. 

Images showed how bemused looking passersby were caught off guard by the sudden arrival of the caravan of trailers.

At least two entered the Long Walk itself before careering onto nearby grass, carrying as many as three people at a time. 

It came on a busy day for the royal estate as visitors took advantage of glorious weather to get out in the sunshine. 

The only carts usually permitted in the area are those belonging to Windsor Great Park itself.

Visitors can book to be driven down the Long Walk in a regal carriage drawn by two horses.

The experience includes unique photos, a chance to meet the horses and panoramic views of the castle. 

A group of travellers also held a drive at Windsor last year, although there were no reports of carts entering the park itself on that occasion.