Windsor Travel Guide: Windsor Castle, Eton and the Easiest Royal Day Trip from London
Introduction
Windsor is the easiest way to add royal England to a London trip without turning the day into a logistics project. The castle is the obvious reason to come, but the best Windsor day includes more than State Apartments and castle walls: walk the Long Walk, cross the bridge into Eton, have a riverside lunch, and leave enough time to enjoy the town rather than sprinting back to the train.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, families, older relatives, royal-history fans and anyone who wants a high-impact day trip close to London. If you only have one spare day and want something classic, Windsor is one of the safest choices.
Quick Facts
Best from
London Paddington or Waterloo
Travel time
Around 30-60 minutes depending on route
Car needed?
No
Best for
Royal history, families, easy logistics
Time needed
Full day
Main cost
Windsor Castle ticket
Map
Top Things to Do
Windsor Castle
Must visit 2-3 hours Check current prices on the official site Excellent exterior photos Very family-friendly Tip: Book ahead and go early. Check closures before travelling, as this is a working royal residence.
Official site: Royal Collection Trust – Windsor Castle Map: Windsor Castle
The Long Walk
Best free experience 30-60 minutes Free 10/10 castle views Tip: You do not need to walk the full length. Even the first section gives you the classic view back to the castle.
Map: The Long Walk
Eton
Worth adding 45-90 minutes Free to wander Pretty old streets Tip: Cross after lunch when Windsor town feels busiest.
Map: Eton High Street
🍽 Where to Eat
The Boatman
Best for: riverside lunch 🍽 Order: pub classics, fish, Sunday roast if available ££ 📅 Book: yes on sunny weekends Website: The Boatman Map: The Boatman
The Duchess of Cambridge
Best for: central pub near the castle 🍽 Order: pub classics ££ Website: The Duchess of Cambridge Map: The Duchess of Cambridge
🏨 Where to Stay
The Castle Hotel Windsor
Best for a central overnight stay close to the castle. Website: Castle Hotel Windsor Map: Castle Hotel Windsor
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel
Best for riverside atmosphere. Website: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel Map: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel
📅 One-Day Itinerary
09:30 Arrive in Windsor 10:00 Windsor Castle 13:00 Lunch near the river 14:30 The Long Walk 15:30 Eton 16:30 Coffee or riverside drink 17:30 Train back to London
How to Get There
Take the train from London Paddington via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central, or from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. Check National Rail.
FAQ
Is Windsor worth it? Yes, especially for first-time visitors. Is one day enough? Yes. Windsor or Hampton Court? Windsor for royal grandeur; Hampton Court for Tudor history and gardens.
