Visiting Windsor Castle from London in one day is a real treat. The small town of Windsor is only about 40 minutes from London. This magnificent castle is one of the current residences of British royalty, and visiting this castle and the small town of Windsor where it is located is highly recommended.
I do recommend taking into account the opening hours of the castle, as there are certain dates when they close access to certain areas, such as the state apartments, which is the part of the castle that I really liked the most.
The visit to the castle lasts 2 or 3 hours, so you can combine it with a walk through the town of Windsor or even go to Eton College, or visit Stonehenge or Bath on the same day with an organised tour.
Visiting Windsor Castle from London with an organised tour
The best thing about visiting Windsor Castle from London with an organised tour is that they include transport from central London, so you don't have to worry about train schedules, and it's also the best way to make the most of the day as they usually combine the visit to Windsor Castle with other destinations.
Tour to visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath
If you want to spend the day out Bath is definitely one of the cities I would recommend as number 1 on my list, as it is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited in England. On the way you will pass Stonehenge, a perfect excuse to see this famous monument as well.
Visiting Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford with an organised tour
If you feel like visiting the famous city of Oxford, then you can combine a visit to Windsor with a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford and also take the opportunity to see Stonehenge. This tour is also available with an English guide.
Visit Windsor Castle on your own
Windsor is outside London's transport zones, so it is necessary to buy a train ticket and it is not possible to use London's oyster card or travelcard. There are two railway stations in Windsor, Windsor and Eton Riverside and Windsor and Eton Central. The "Windsor and Eton Central" train station is the most centrally located, and therefore the closest to Windsor Castle and the centre of Windsor, but from the other station it is also possible to walk to the centre without any problems.
To get there on your own you will need to buy train tickets and I recommend buying tickets to Windsor Castle in advance, as there can be up to an hour's wait in high season for tickets, but with tickets already bought you will get in much quicker.
Buy tickets for Windsor Castle
When buying a castle entrance in advance online, you can skip the queues (by entering through the 'pre'paid tickets' area) and get your tickets cheaper than buying them at the ticket office.
Buying tickets at the Windsor Castle ticket office in high season is something I definitely don't recommend, as there can be more than an hour's wait.
Visiting Windsor Castle with the London Pass
The London Pass London Pass includes entry to Windsor Castle plus train travel from central London to Windsor. With the London Pass you can also skip the queues when you arrive at Windsor Castle.
How to get to Windsor Castle from London
Getting to Windsor by train
From Waterloo Station South West Trains operate a direct train to Windsor and Eton Riverside. This journey takes 1 hour. From Windsor and Eton riverside railway station it is possible to travel by bus to Legolandone of the best places to visit in London with children. London with children.
From Paddington station First Great Western trains run to Windsor and Eton Central station, but you will need to change trains at Slough station. This journey takes about 35 minutes, 20 minutes from Paddington to Slough and then another 15 minutes from Slough to Windsor.
Train tickets are much cheaper if you buy them online in advance on the website: The Train Line. Here's how to buy train tickets online in advance, step by step: Buy train tickets.
Getting to Windsor by bus
Getting to the town of Windsor from central London by bus is quite complicated, as you usually have to combine several buses to get there and in my opinion it is preferable to go by train. The bus company Fisrt Line Direct runs a route called Greenlines from Hammersmith to Windsor and Legoland.
What to see in Windsor
Windsor Castle
Obviously, Windsor Castle is surely the biggest attraction of Windsor in England, and no wonder, as it is one of the most famous castles in the world, and one of the most beautiful castles we have ever been lucky enough to visit (in my opinion!).
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle is usually held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11am, although sometimes there may be exceptions. To see the Changing of the Guard properly it is advisable to see it from the inside, so a ticket is required, unlike the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace..
Admission to Windsor Castle includes access to a number of sites, including:
State Apartments: The StateApartments at Windsor Castle are the rooms used by the Royal Family for official events. This area is not open to the public all year round.
Semi-State Rooms: Private flats that were created for King George IV. This area is not open to the public all year round.
Queen Mary's Doll House: The largest and most famous doll house in the world. It is a replica of an aristocratic house that was created in 1920 for Queen Mary by Edwin Lutyens.
St George's Chapel: Within the grounds of Windsor Castle is St George's Chapel, considered to be one of the most beautiful church buildings in the UK. Ten kings are buried here, including Charles I and Henry VIII, and it is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding took place in May 2018.
Free Tour: As you enter the grounds of Windsor Castle you will see that the Castle Precincts Tour, a free 30-minute tour, departs every few minutes.
Windsor Castle Opening Hours 2022
The opening hours of Windsor Castle are as follows:
1 January - 28 February: 10.00 am - 4.15 pm
1 March to 31 October: 10.00 am - 5.15 pm.
1 November - 31 December: 10.00 am - 4.15 pm.
The semi-state rooms are only open to the public during the winter months. In 2022, they will open to the public until 29 March and will reopen to the public in the autumn.
Exceptions:
5 May 2022 - The Castle will close at 3:45 pm.
4 June 2022 - The Castle will close at 4:15 pm.
12 and 13 June 2022 - Windsor Castle will be closed to the public.
30 June 2022 - The Castle will close at 3:45 pm.
25 and 26 December - Windsor Castle will be closed to the public.
* Please note that the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms may be closed to the public with only a few days notice.
Windsor
The small town of Windsor is charming, and a stroll through its streets is a must if you are visiting Windsor Castle. You can take a Windsor sightseeing bus tour. which makes a circular route around Windsor, with stops at Windsor train stations and Eton College, also passing through "The Long Walk", one of the key points of Windsor, a long avenue from which you get a breathtaking view of Windsor Castle (See photo).
In the town of Windsor there are a few points of interest to mention, in addition to the town's shopping centre:
Alexandra Park
Queen Victoria Statue
The Long Walk
Theatre Royal Windsor
Windsor Castle - The Long Walk
Visiting Eton and the famous Eton College
From Windsor you can walk to the small town of Eton, crossing the River Thames at Eton Bridge. The town of Eton is quite small, but is much quieter than Windsor as there are fewer tourists. The main street is lined with shops and boutiques, as well as typical British restaurants and pubs.
One of the biggest attractions in Eton village is undoubtedly the prestigious Eton College, the prestigious boys' school attended by 18 British Prime Ministers as well as Princes William and Harry.
From May to September you can visit Eton College every Friday, joining a 1.5 hour tour of the highlights of Eton College, including College Hall, College Chapel and the Eton Life Museum.
Times to visit Eton College: As it is a college the dates to visit are very limited. Every Friday from 4 May to 7 September, at 2 pm and 4 pm. It is necessary to online bookingYou must book online, although if you arrive at least 15 minutes early you will be able to join the tour if you have not booked a place as long as there is space. The tour costs £10 per person.
Legoland
Windsor is also home to Legoland, one of England's most famous theme parks and a great place to visit with the kids. Legoland is located less than 15 minutes drive from Windsor town centre, and the 600 bus runs between Windsor town centre and Legoland.
Hotels in Windsor
Legoland has two themed hotels that are worth considering if you are going with children, you can see more information here: Legoland Windsor.
And in addition to the Legoland hotels, some hotels and bed and breakfasts that are well located and with good reviews are:
Park Farm Bed and BreakfastLocated between Legoland and the town of Windsor, for an authentic British bed and breakfast experience.
The Rutlands Beds and Breakfast This cozy establishment is just a short drive from Legoland, offering a comfortable stay with a homely touch.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel Spa Spa Hotel located near Eton Riverside Railway Station overlooking the Thames, providing a luxurious escape after a day of adventure.
For those who are considering extending their visit and exploring more of the beautiful surroundings, you might find the fox and anchor hotel london to be an appealing option. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal base from which to discover the city's attractions.