Windsor Day Trip at a Glance: Quick Facts
For those who love a quick summary, here are the essential details for planning your day trip to Windsor from London. This table gives you all the key information at a glance, perfect for a speedy overview before you dive into the details.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from London | Approx. 25 miles (40 km) west of Central London. |
| Travel Time | 30-60 minutes by train; 60-90 minutes by coach/car. |
| Average Visit Duration | 4-5 hours for the Castle & town; 6-8 hours total trip. |
| Estimated Cost | £70 – £120 per person (transport, ticket, food). |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring/Autumn (April-June, Sep-Oct) on a weekday for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. |
How to Get to Windsor from London
Getting to Windsor is remarkably simple, thanks to its excellent transport links. Whether you prioritize speed, budget, or scenery, there’s a perfect option for your journey. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel.
By Train (The Fastest Option)
The train is undoubtedly the most popular and efficient way to reach Windsor. You have two fantastic routes to choose from, both dropping you just a short walk from the castle.
- From London Paddington: Take the Great Western Railway (GWR) service to Windsor & Eton Central. This route involves a quick and easy change at Slough. It’s the fastest journey overall, making it ideal if you want to maximize your time in Windsor. Travel Time: ~30-40 minutes.
- From London Waterloo: Hop on the South Western Railway service directly to Windsor & Eton Riverside. This is a direct, no-change journey that offers more scenic views as you leave the city. It’s slightly slower but perfect for a more relaxed trip. Travel Time: ~55 minutes.
Cost: Expect to pay around £20-£35 for a return ticket. Insider Tip: Book your tickets in advance online or use a Railcard to get the best prices.
By Coach (The Budget-Friendly Option)
If you’re watching your pennies, the coach is a brilliant alternative. The Green Line 702 service departs regularly from London Victoria Coach Station and takes you right to the heart of Windsor. It’s a comfortable and straightforward journey.
- Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: This is often the cheapest public transport option, with tickets sometimes available for under £15 if booked ahead.
- Pros vs. Cons: While it’s slower than the train, it’s very affordable and requires no changes, making it a stress-free choice.
By Car
We generally advise against driving to Windsor if you can avoid it. The route via the M4 motorway is straightforward, but you can encounter heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. The biggest challenge is parking, which is both limited and expensive near the town centre. Expect to pay £15-£25 for 4+ hours of parking at locations like Romney Lock or King Edward VII Avenue.
By Guided Tour
For the ultimate hassle-free experience, a guided tour is the way to go. All your transportation and tickets are handled for you, often with the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide. However, be aware that many tours bundle Windsor with other attractions like Stonehenge and Bath, which can feel rushed. If you want to truly immerse yourself in Windsor, a dedicated trip is best.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets & Opening Times 2025
A little forward planning goes a long way. Securing your tickets in advance is the single best thing you can do to ensure a smooth visit.
Entry Fee: A standard adult ticket costs approximately £30. We strongly recommend booking online in advance via the official Royal Collection Trust (rct.uk) website. This not only guarantees your entry on popular days but can also save you a few pounds compared to buying on the day. Entry is also included with the London Pass, which can be great value if you’re visiting multiple attractions.
Opening Hours: The castle is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM in the summer and closes earlier (around 4:15 PM) in the winter. However, as a working royal palace, Windsor Castle is subject to closures for state ceremonies or royal events, sometimes at short notice. You MUST check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times for your specific travel date.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Windsor Castle
Once inside the ancient walls, you’ll be surrounded by a thousand years of history. Here are the five sights you absolutely cannot miss to make your visit truly unforgettable.
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The State Apartments
Prepare to be dazzled. The State Apartments are the grand ceremonial rooms still used today by the Royal Family to host official state visits. Walk through opulent halls decorated with priceless masterpieces from the Royal Collection, including works by Rubens, Holbein, and Van Dyck. The scale of the Grand Reception Room, magnificently restored after the 1992 fire, is truly breathtaking.
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St. George’s Chapel
An absolute masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, St. George’s Chapel is more than just a beautiful building; it’s a place steeped in royal history. It’s the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter and has hosted many royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It is also the final resting place for numerous monarchs, most notably Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and King Henry VIII. Crucial Tip: The chapel is an active place of worship and is closed to visitors on Sundays.
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Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
This isn’t just any dolls’ house; it’s the most famous and intricate in the world. A perfect 1:12 scale model of an aristocratic home from the 1920s, it’s a marvel of craftsmanship. Look closely to spot the incredible details, including tiny books written by famous authors of the day, a wine cellar stocked with real wine, and even electricity and running water.
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The Changing of the Guard
Witness a slice of iconic British pageantry. This colourful ceremony sees the new guard exchange duties with the old guard, accompanied by a military band. It typically occurs at 11:00 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but the schedule can vary. Always check the official British Army website for the confirmed schedule before your visit to avoid disappointment.
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Views from the Round Tower
For the best view in Windsor, look no further. During the summer months (usually August and September), you can book a “Conquer the Tower” tour for an additional fee. This guided tour takes you up 200 steps to the top of the iconic Round Tower for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the castle grounds, Windsor Great Park, the River Thames, and even the London skyline on a clear day.
Sample Windsor Day Trip Itinerary
Want to make the most of your day without feeling rushed? Follow this simple schedule to see the best of the castle and the charming town surrounding it.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Depart from London Paddington or Waterloo Station. Enjoy the journey! |
| 9:30 AM | Arrive in Windsor. Grab a coffee from a local cafe and take a short walk towards the castle entrance. |
| 10:00 AM | Enter Windsor Castle with your pre-booked tickets. Pick up the free multimedia guide to enhance your visit. |
| 10:15 AM | Head straight to the State Apartments to experience them before the main crowds arrive. |
| 11:30 AM | Visit the magnificent St. George’s Chapel. Take your time admiring the architecture and royal tombs. |
| 12:30 PM | Be enchanted by Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and explore the surrounding castle grounds. |
| 1:30 PM | Time for lunch! Find a traditional pub just outside the castle walls for some classic British fare. |
| 2:45 PM | Take a leisurely stroll across the Windsor & Eton Bridge to catch a glimpse of the famous Eton College. |
| 3:30 PM | Walk down the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park for that iconic, postcard-perfect photo of the castle. |
| 4:30 PM | Enjoy some souvenir shopping on the high street or treat yourself to a final cream tea. |
| 5:30 PM | Head back to the train station for your relaxing journey back to London. |
Where to Eat in Windsor: From Pubs to Posh Nosh
Windsor offers a fantastic range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Budget-Friendly (£)
- The Duchess of Cambridge Pub: Perfect for classic fish and chips or a hearty pie. Its royal-themed name and cozy atmosphere make it a popular choice.
- Cornish Bakery: Grab a delicious, authentic Cornish pasty for a quick and satisfying lunch on the go.
Mid-Range (££)
- The Bel & The Dragon: Located just across the bridge in Eton, this historic inn serves high-quality gastropub food in a beautiful riverside setting.
- PizzaExpress or Nando’s: For families or those seeking familiar favourites, you’ll find reliable chain restaurants conveniently located in the town centre.
A Special Treat (£££)
- Afternoon Tea at The Castle Hotel Windsor: For a truly memorable experience, indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea. It’s the perfect, quintessentially British way to cap off your royal day out.
Insider Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle
Follow these simple tips from seasoned visitors to make your day trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
- Book Everything in Advance: This is our number one tip! Booking your castle tickets and train tickets online will save you both money and precious time queuing on the day.
- Check for Closures: Remember, the Castle is a working royal residence. Always check the official website right before your trip for any last-minute closures or restrictions.
- Arrive Early or Late: The castle is busiest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when tour buses arrive. Aim to get there for opening at 10:00 AM or visit after 2:00 PM for a more peaceful experience.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and up a steep hill at the entrance. Your feet will thank you!
- Don’t Miss the Multimedia Guide: It’s included with your ticket price and provides fascinating stories and context that bring the castle’s history to life.
- Photography Rules: Be aware that photography and filming are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St. George’s Chapel.
- Accessibility: While there is step-free access to most of the site, it is a historic building with some uneven surfaces. Check the official accessibility guide online if you have mobility concerns.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
Pack light, but pack smart. Here’s a quick checklist of essentials for your Windsor adventure.
- Comfortable walking shoes (non-negotiable!)
- A waterproof jacket or umbrella (this is England, after all)
- Portable phone charger/power bank
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Camera for capturing memories outside the restricted areas
- Pre-booked tickets (digital or printed)
- A light snack for the train journey
Windsor Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Wondering how much to budget? Here’s a realistic breakdown of potential costs per person, showing how a little planning can help you save.
| Expense Item | Saver Estimate | Standard Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Train Ticket | £22 | £35 | Booked in advance online vs. buying on the day. |
| Windsor Castle Ticket | £28 | £30 | Booked online vs. on the day. |
| Lunch | £15 | £25 | A sandwich/pasty vs. a sit-down pub meal. |
| Coffee/Snacks | £5 | £10 | |
| Souvenirs/Extras | £0 | £20 | Optional. |
| TOTAL | ~£70 | ~£120 | Per person. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a day trip to Windsor worth it?
Absolutely. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from London, combining over 1,000 years of royal history with a charming English town. The sheer scale of the castle and its significance make it a must-see, and it’s all less than an hour away from the city.
How long do you need at Windsor Castle?
You should plan for at least 2.5 to 3 hours inside the castle itself to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. A full day trip, including travel from London, lunch, and a walk around the town and Eton, will typically take around 6 to 8 hours.
What is the best way to get from London to Windsor?
The train from London Paddington is the fastest and most convenient option, taking around 30-40 minutes. For travellers on a tighter budget, the Green Line coach from Victoria is an excellent and affordable alternative, though it takes a bit longer.
Can you see the Changing of the Guard for free?
The main ceremony takes place inside the castle grounds, so you need a valid admission ticket to get the best view. However, you can often see the guards and their band marching through the streets of Windsor on their way to or from the castle for free, which is still a great experience.
TLDR: The Perfect Windsor Day Trip in a Nutshell
No time to read it all? Here are the key takeaways for an amazing day trip to Windsor.
- Go by Train: Take the fast train from London Paddington for the quickest journey.
- Book Ahead: Purchase your castle and train tickets online in advance to save money and skip the queues.
- Check the Website: Always check the official RCT website for closures before you travel.
- Must-Sees: Don’t miss the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel (closed on Sundays!), and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
- Wear Comfy Shoes: The castle is huge and involves a lot of walking.
- Arrive Early: Get to the castle right at 10:00 AM to beat the biggest crowds.
