Windsor is a historic market town in Berkshire, England, located 40 kilometres west of London on the south bank of the River Thames, and one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from the capital. Direct trains from London Waterloo reach Windsor and Eton Riverside station in approximately 35–40 minutes, placing visitors a five-minute walk from Windsor Castle. Trains from London Paddington connect via Slough to Windsor and Eton Central station, which is even closer to the castle entrance. Windsor Castle is the world's oldest and largest continuously occupied castle and the official weekend residence of the British royal family. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and expanded by successive monarchs, the castle's State Apartments — open when the royal family is not in residence — contain works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto drawn from the Royal Collection, alongside elaborately furnished state reception rooms. Adult entry costs approximately £28 and includes access to the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and the castle grounds. St. George's Chapel, built in the Perpendicular Gothic style between 1475 and 1528, is the burial place of ten British monarchs including Henry VIII and Charles I, and is considered one of the finest ecclesiastical interiors in England. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, one of England's most recognisable royal spectacles, takes place most mornings at 11:00 and lasts approximately 40 minutes; exact dates are published on the official Royal Household website and the ceremony is subject to cancellation for royal events. Beyond the castle walls, Windsor town centre has a compact High Street with cafés, restaurants, and gift shops. The Long Walk, a 4.8-kilometre tree-lined avenue stretching south from the castle gate through Windsor Great Park, is a grand designed landscape that is free to walk year-round; the Copper Horse statue of King George III at the southern end on Snow Hill provides a panoramic view back toward the castle. Eton, connected to Windsor by a footbridge across the Thames, warrants a brief detour for a walk along its High Street past the gatehouse of Eton College, founded in 1440. The riverside path between Windsor and Eton makes a pleasant late-afternoon stroll, with several riverside pubs offering a meal before the return train.
How to get there
- Train from London Waterloo (direct)
- Train from London Paddington (change at Slough)
Highlights
- Windsor Castle — the world's oldest and largest occupied castle
- St. George's Chapel
- Long Walk in Windsor Great Park
- Eton College and High Street
- Windsor town centre
Tips for visiting
- Check the official Royal Household website the day before visiting for the Changing of the Guard schedule — it is cancelled at short notice for royal events and wet weather.
- Arrive at the castle entrance by 10:30 to secure a good position near the Henry VIII Gate for the Changing of the Guard, which draws large crowds.
- Windsor Castle closes without notice during royal residences and state occasions — check the Royal Collection Trust website before travelling.
- Direct trains from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside are the most straightforward option; the Paddington route via Slough requires a change but can be cheaper with advance booking.
- The Long Walk is 4.8 kilometres each way — wear comfortable footwear if planning to reach the Copper Horse statue and return on foot rather than doubling back at the halfway point.
- Cross the Thames footbridge into Eton for a quieter riverside pub lunch; the area is noticeably calmer than Windsor High Street and has several well-regarded options.
When to visit
April to June and September offer pleasant weather for the castle grounds and the Long Walk with moderate crowd levels. Summer weekends from July to August are the busiest; arriving when the castle opens around 10:00 and visiting on a weekday significantly reduces queuing times at the State Apartments.
Accessibility
Windsor and Eton Riverside and Windsor and Eton Central stations are compact but have accessible facilities; assistance can be pre-arranged with South Western Railway or Great Western Railway. Windsor Castle has a dedicated accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible route covering the majority of the State Apartments. St. George's Chapel has step-free access via a side entrance. The Long Walk is a level gravel-surfaced avenue and is generally accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Windsor Castle tickets in advance?
Advance online booking is strongly recommended, particularly from April to September. Timed-entry slots can sell out on busy weekends, and walk-up queues can be lengthy. Adult tickets cost approximately £28 and include the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and castle grounds.
When does the Changing of the Guard take place at Windsor?
The ceremony typically takes place at 11:00 most mornings, but it does not occur every day and is subject to cancellation for royal events, state visits, or bad weather. The official Royal Household website publishes the schedule and should be checked the day before visiting.
How long does a full day trip to Windsor take?
A visit covering the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and a walk along part of the Long Walk typically takes 5–6 hours from London. Adding a crossing to Eton and a riverside walk fills a comfortable full day.
Is Windsor suitable for families with children?
Yes. The castle's interactive exhibitions, the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, Windsor Great Park's open space, and the flat riverside walk to Eton make it a well-rounded family day out. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free to the castle.