Windsor Travel Guide: Windsor Castle, Eton and the Easiest Royal Day Trip from London
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
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| 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.