If you’re thinking of going from London to Windsor, this blog post is for you. Find out everything you need to know about one of the best day trips from London you could take.
Windsor is an incredibly charming destination which I would highly recommend visiting if you have some extra time in London. It’s one of my favourite day trips from the capital, and I’m sure your London to Windsor trip will be equally exciting as mine was, especially if you use this guide!
Keep reading to find out more about Windsor, its famous castle, how to get from London to Windsor, and other things you can see and do in the town!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WHERE IS WINDSOR
Windsor is located in the county of Berkshire, in southeastern England. You’ll find it about 20 miles (32 km) west of central London, along the River Thames. You can reach it fairly easily so I would encourage you to book this day trip if you’re visiting London.
Read more >>> ULTIMATE LONDON 4-DAY ITINERARY
LONDON TO WINDSOR: HOW TO REACH IT?
As I’ve said, Windsor is quite easy to reach from London, and there are a few travel options you can choose from:
GO BY TRAIN
Trains in England are an excellent way of transportation. While they might not be the cheapest, you can still find some great prices if you’re going during the off-peak hours. We went from London to Windsor by train and it was a really great experience.
Windsor has 2 train stations, and each are equally close to the town and the castle. Either is fine when booking your ticket.
You can take the train from London Paddington Station or From London Waterloo Station.
From London Paddington you need to go to Slough (a short 15–20 minute journey). Then you transfer to a train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central Station. The entire journey typically takes about 30–40 minutes. The price is around 15 euros per way.
From London Waterloo Station you can take a direct train which goes to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. This journey takes about 50–60 minutes, but it’s a direct route with no transfers, so it can be more convenient. The price is around 10 euros per way.
We took the direct train from Waterloo and I would highly recommend it. We always book our tickets through Trainline – it’s quick and painless!
GO BY BUS
If you’re on a tighter budget and need something less expensive, check out the bus lines. There’s the London Line Bus 702 which is a great option if you’re planning on going by bus. This bus departs from Victoria Coach Station in London and travels to Legoland while stopping at Windsor. It’s a longer journey, around 1.5 hours, but it’s a direct and very affordable option – a one-way ticket is only 2£! Here’s a detailed timetable you can check out.
You can also explore the option of National Express. This coach service has around 15 coaches per day going to Windsor, and it’s a bit quicker than the Bus 702. This bus ride is usually from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and the prices start at 4£.
GO BY CAR
If you have a car, or you’re renting one, driving from London to Windsor is not a problem, so it can be a good idea to go by car. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach Windsor, depending on traffic and your starting point. Windsor is accessible via the M4 motorway, all you need to do is take exit 6 toward Windsor.
The bigger problem is definitely parking, especially near the castle. There aren’t many car parks and usually they’re quite pricey, so plan accordingly. I would recommend going by car only if you already have a car in London and there are 4-5 of you going. Otherwise, it’s cheaper and less complicated to just go by train.
BOOK A GUIDED TOUR
If you want to relax completely and have no worries about going from London to Windsor, book a guided tour. Many companies offer day tours from London to Windsor, often combined with other attractions like Stonehenge or Bath. These tours usually start from central London locations, so check out what’s the closest one to you.
If you, however, feel okay to go on your own, I think that option is much better. You’ll get more time in Windsor, as well as a different experience if you decide to go by yourself.
Here’s a few guided tours as an option:
WHY VISIT WINDSOR
Windsor is one of the most popular day trips from London because of its famous Windsor Castle. The castle is definitely the main reason why you need to visit this town, and it’s absolutely worth the hype. I think this has been my favorite day trip I’ve had in England, and it’s all because of the incredible Windsor Castle tour.
Besides the stunning castle, the town itself is quite charming, with a gorgeous walkway by the river, several shops, and lovely pubs and restaurants. Just across the river you can also explore Eton College, which is another great reason for visiting. All in all, Windsor is a beautiful place even without the ticket to the castle, but the castle will definitely solidify the importance and beauty of this place.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN WINDSOR IN A DAY
VISIT WINDSOR CASTLE
The key landmark in Windsor, and England in general, is the Windsor Castle. It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it has been the official residence of the British monarch for over 900 years. You can purchase the entrance tickets on their website. The tickets are 30£, and they’re worth every penny. The castle is absolutely mind-blowing, and here are some of the key locations you must visit when visiting Windsor Castle.
State Apartments
State Apartments are the biggest and most interesting part of your castle tour. The Apartments are lavish rooms used for ceremonial and state functions. They are richly decorated with artworks, tapestries, and period furniture. On the walls you’ll see incredible art by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck, which are all part of the Royal Collection.
Some of the most important rooms are St. George’s Hall, Waterloo Chamber, and Grand Reception Room. There are many others and they’re so incredibly decorated that I’ve been speechless for the majority of the tour.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Before the State Apartments, you’ll get the chance to see and explore the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. The Dolls’ House was designed for Queen Mary in the 1920s, and it’s an exquisite miniature palace. It was was created by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and to this day it’s one of the most intricate and famous dollhouses in the world.
It won’t take you long to explore the Dolls’ House, but trust me you’ll be shocked by the details on this work of art. There’s also an additional part of the Queen’s library, where you can see the miniature pieces of all the books she kept in there!
St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel is a must-see, and you’ll find more details about this stunning architectural piece further in the post. But not only is this chapel the final resting place for many British monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, it’s also home to the Order of the Garter, as well as one of the most breathtaking churches in all of England.
The Changing of the Guard
One of the more interesting activities you can witness is the Changing of the Guard. Similar to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle has a Changing of the Guard ceremony that is incredibly impressive and worth seeing. During the ceremony, the guards march from the barracks to the castle to the sound of a military band.
The Changing of the Guard does not happen every day, so make sure you check out this website where you’ll find the dates and times of all planned ceremonies!
If you have more time, you can also check out the following locations around the castle:
- The Round Tower
- The Semi-State Rooms
- The Moat Garden (absolutely stunning!)
- The Horseshoe Cloister
VISIT THE ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL
St. George’s Chapel is within Windsor Castle grounds, and it’s included in your ticket. It’s important to know that when visiting this chapel, you’re stepping into one of the most historic and architecturally stunning sites in the United Kingdom. This Gothic church has served as a place of worship, royal ceremonies, and burials for over 500 years, and even if you’re not religious you’ll appreciate the significance of this building.
The first magnificent thing you’ll notice in this chapel is its architecture. This Gothic church is known for its tall pointed arches, intricate stonework, and large stained-glass windows. The stone fan-vaulted ceiling, especially in the Quire, is breathtaking. Unfortunately, you cannot take photos inside the chapel or the castle, but the photos wouldn’t do them justice anyway, you just need to experience it in person!
The chapel is famous for its spectacular stained-glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of Christ, saints, and various figures significant to British history. These colorful and detailed windows allow natural light to illuminate the chapel and truly take your breath away. The West Window is the most beautiful stained-glass window, and one of the largest in England. It’s truly remarkable and a must-see.
Finally, St. George’s Chapel is the final resting place of several British monarchs, making it a significant place for history enthusiasts. Some of the tombs include King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, King Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. You can walk by and pay your respects if you wish.
TAKE “THE LONG WALK” TO WINSOR CASTLE
One of the prettiest walks in all of England, and even beyond, is right here in Windsor. It would be a shame to miss it when you’re already here. The Long Walk is a beautiful, tree-lined avenue stretching 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue in Windsor Great Park.
This is a really iconic pathway with some of the most spectacular views of the castle and the surrounding countryside. It’s loved by walkers, joggers, and anyone interested in the stunning views of the castle. It’s also very popular with photographers due to breathtaking scenery there.
The Long Walk is free and open to the public year-round, so you can take it whenever you’re in Windsor. It’s relatively flat and easy for most people to enjoy, but keep in mind that it’s quite long (4.2 km one way)! Definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring your own refreshments if you’re visiting during summer.
WALK THROUGH THE CHARMING TOWN
The town of Windsor is very picturesque and there are several stunning streets where you can walk through, get lost, and enjoy the breathtaking historical views of the castle and several churches. You can also visit Windsor Royal, a shopping center with several international and local brands, just waiting for you.
If you’d rather be in nature, make sure you check out the lovely walkway by the Thames where you can enjoy the views of the castle and the river. There are also Thames boat tours if that’s something you’d enjoy. The boat tours are from 7-9£ for a 40-45 minute ride, which is more than a fair price for the incredible views this scenic ride gives you.
VISIT THE FAMOUS ETON COLLEGE
Eton College is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the UK and it’s located in Eton, separated from Windsor only by the river. The school was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, and today it’s a renowned boarding school with a reputation for educating some of Britain’s most famous leaders and royalty.
Eton College is only a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle, so it’s definitely worth seeing, at least from the outside. On your way to Eton, you’ll pass through a lovely main street with several great shops and cafes where you can sit down or grab something you like. If you wish to walk the grounds of the school, you can do that only during certain time of the year. The next available guided tours will happen from May to September 2025, with bookings starting in March. All the other times the school is not open to visitors.
HAVE A DRINK WITH A VIEW
There are many pubs and restaurants surrounding the castle, so there are many options where you can sit and have a drink with a stunning view of the Windsor Castle. We personally choose Wetherspoon Pub which has an excellent table on the top floor looking straight onto the castle. If the weather is nice, you can even sit outside on one of the many terraces overlooking the castle.
IS IT WORTH GOING FROM LONDON TO WINDSOR?
There is no doubt about it! Going from London to Windsor is definitely worth it, especially if you’re interested in British history, architecture, and royal tradition. The castle is one of the prettiest in the world, the history of it is monumental, and the town around it is most charming. I highly recommend taking this London to Windsor day trip if you ever find yourself in London.
