Windsor
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Logistics
Getting There
Getting to Windsor from London is easy and quick. Trains run from Waterloo station or Paddington Station and take less than an hour to travel from. If traveling from Paddington station, you will take a train to Slough and then transfer to take the train to Windsor. The transfer at Slough is very easy as you walk across the platform to another set of tracks to catch a smaller train running between Slough and Windsor. Take the train to Windsor & Eton Central as this is the more central train station.
Trains to Windsor are frequent and tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel. From Paddington station, there are typically a few train options every hour where some are slower and have stops between London and Slough, or alternatively catching the faster option where Slough is the first stop from London.
Getting Around
After arriving in Windsor, the main visiting points in the town are walkable. If needed, you can find cabs throughout the area. The furthest distance you will likely travel is to check out The Long Walk.
Things to do and see
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is located just NW of London and is the oldest occupied castle in the world. In the summer, the late Queen Elizabeth liked to spend her weekends here and you would know she is in if the flag was raised.
It is also where the royal wedding for Harry and Meghan was held. The castle is open to visitors who can purchase tickets around 25 GBP. Visitors are given an audio tour to explore the grounds including St. George’s Chapel, State Rooms, and the Semi-State Rooms. If listening to the entire audio tour, one can easily spend 2 – 3 hours in Windsor Castle.
Keep in mind the Castle is a working castle and therefore, may have closures. Be sure to check the website for information on opening / closing times as well as specific day closures.
The Long Walk
This path extends from Windsor Castle for 3 straight miles. It provides a nice view of the Castle and has a large park on both sides of it where you can often spot deer roaming. Cyclists are not allowed on the path so the only way to enjoy the path is by walking it.
Food and Drinks
Windsor & Eton Brewery
Drinks
If you have some extra time and like local breweries, stop in the brewery for a tour or a drink.
Cinnamon Cafe
Cafe
A cyclist cafe right near the station, this is a great spot to grab a coffee on the go before walking around Windsor. There will definitely be cyclists here as it is cycle friendly with lots of bike racks and space to sit.
Other Notes
Duration
Windsor is an easy day-trip from London. The town center is quite small, making the highlights a visit to Windsor Castle, a stroll on the Long Walk, and a break for a bite to eat. If you have extra time, try out the local brewery or head over to Eton to walk around the area.
Time of Year
This is a great, year-round day-trip option from London as it does not require warm, or particularly good weather to visit. The crowds will be larger in the summer months, as the castle is more appealing to visit if you intend to do the Long Walk, but can offer a great colder weather option since most of the visit to Windsor Castle is inside.