CAMBRIDGE OR WINDSOR: WHICH IS A BETTER DAY TRIP FROM LONDON

If you have a day to explore England outside of London, Cambridge or Windsor are great options for a quick and uncomplicated day trip. Keep reading to find out which one is better for you!

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DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON

London is my absolute favorite city in the world, but it can get quite crowded and overwhelming at times. If you want to take a step back and enjoy a scenic day trip to other beautiful spots in England, Cambridge or Windsor could be great options.

The quickest and easiest day trips from London are by train. With several well-connected stations, London makes it simple to explore other great destinations if you have the time. While there are many day trip options, this blog post focuses on Cambridge and Windsor. These two charming places are just a short ride from London.

CAMBRIDGE OR WINDSOR: WHICH IS EASIER TO REACH?

Both cities are fairly easy to reach from London, though Windsor is a bit more convenient since the train ride is slightly shorter.

To get to Windsor, you can take a train from London Paddington (with a quick change at Slough) or a direct train from London Waterloo. The journey takes around 30-50 minutes, depending on the route. We traveled from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, which was a direct train and took about 50 minutes. Tickets cost around 10 euros each way.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Victoria Coach Station, which is a budget-friendly option at just 2 pounds per way. However, it’s much slower, usually taking over 1.5 hours.

For Cambridge, trains run from London King’s Cross or London Liverpool Street, with journey times ranging from 50 to 90 minutes. We took a direct train from London Liverpool Street. It took about 1 hour and 10 minutes and cost around 20 euros one way.

If you prefer the bus, FlixBus offers a connection for 25 euros. However, the journey takes significantly longer, around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Since Windsor is closer, has more frequent connections, and offers two train stations, it’s the more convenient choice for a quick and easy day trip from London. That said, Cambridge isn’t far behind, and I’d say it’s just as doable for a day trip.

CAMBRIDGE OR WINDSOR: WHICH IS MORE HISTORICAL?

Both Cambridge and Windsor are full of history, but they offer very different types of historical significance. Windsor is focused on the castle and the British monarchy, while Cambridge is famous for its historic universities.

Windsor is most famous for Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, which dates back to the 11th century. It has served as a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years and it’s used by the British monarchy today. The castle itself is absolutely stunning, and a tour is worth the trip alone. Just a short walk away, you’ll also find Eton College, one of the most famous private schools in England.

Cambridge is famous for the University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The city is filled with historic colleges, chapels, and libraries that have played a key role in shaping scientific, literary, and political history. With many colleges to explore, make sure you tour most of them!

If you’re drawn to royal history and medieval castles, Windsor is the place to go. However, if you’re more interested in academic and intellectual history, Cambridge is the clear winner.

CAMBRIDGE OR WINDSOR: WHICH HAS MORE TO SEE?

These two towns don’t offer an overwhelming number of attractions, so a day trip is enough to explore both. It ultimately depends on what you’re looking for, but generally, Cambridge has more to see and do. Here’s a quick overview of both towns:

Windsor

The main attraction in Windsor is definitely Windsor Castle. It’s the first place you should visit, and you’ll want to set aside at least 3 hours to fully explore this incredible site. While the tickets to the castle can be pricey, they’re absolutely worth every penny. On the castle grounds, you’ll also get to visit St. George’s Chapel, a stunning Gothic church and the burial site of many monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, where you can pay your respects.

If you enjoy walks in nature, don’t miss the Long Walk. This beautiful 4.2 km avenue takes you from The Copper Horse Statue in Windsor Great Park to Windsor Castle. You should also take some time to explore the charming Old Town and walk over to Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Here’s a guide on what to do in Windsor for a day!

Cambridge

In Cambridge, the main attraction is the University of Cambridge, a collection of historic colleges. Some of the most famous include King’s College, Trinity College, St. John’s College, and Corpus Christi College. These colleges are endlessly fascinating, though you’ll need to book a tour to explore them, as visitors can’t walk in without one.

Once you’ve explored the colleges, one of the most enjoyable activities in Cambridge is punting on the River Cam. Whether you choose to go it alone or with a guide, it’s a must-do in Cambridge. You can also visit the Fitzwilliam Museum or take a stroll through the botanic garden.

Lastly, don’t miss the charming market square and the lovely, quaint streets—perfect for wandering and immersing yourself in the atmosphere. Here’s a guide on what to do in Cambridge for a day!

CAMBRIDGE OR WINDSOR: WHICH IS MORE INTERESTING?

You’ll have to decide yourself which one you find more interesting, but here’s what’s interesting in each of the towns.

Windsor will appeal more to those who love royal history, as Windsor Castle is one of the most breathtaking castles in the world. It’s also a great destination for fans of medieval architecture, with sites like St. George’s Chapel, as well as those who enjoy scenic walks, such as the beautiful Long Walk.

Cambridge will be more appealing if you’re interested in academic history and want to learn about the University of Cambridge and its influence on global science, literature, and politics. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy fun activities like punting, as well as museums and beautiful libraries. Lastly, if you’re a fan of architecture, the stunning colleges will certainly impress you!

CONCLUSION: WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

It’s tough to choose between the two, as they offer such different experiences. If you love royal history, castles, and the countryside, Windsor is the place for you. However, if you’re more interested in intellectual history and impressive university architecture, Cambridge will be the more captivating option.

Personally, I enjoyed Windsor a bit more because Windsor Castle literally took my breath away. It was one of the most incredible tours I’ve ever experienced, and I’d highly recommend it. The Long Walk was also mesmerizing, and it’s something I’ll never forget. That said, I also loved Cambridge. As someone who’s passionate about academia, the colleges were absolutely stunning, especially the architecture of St. John’s College.

I’d definitely recommend visiting both, but if you only have time for one – Cambridge or Windsor, I hope this post helps make your decision a little easier!