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The charming English town of Windsor, UK, is most famous for being home to the Windsor Castle and the British royal family connections.
Just a short trip from London, or the counties of Surrey, and Berkshire, Windsor offers a relaxing day or weekend escape from the city.
You can learn about its history and enjoy the quaint town’s scenic beauty.
However, planning your day trip right is crucial for making the most of your time (and avoiding a few hiccups like the ones I’ve experienced myself!)
For context, I had been to Windsor a few times, but never with a proper plan or guide. I also worked there for five to six months.
Right before I left my job, I planned a solo day trip to explore the historic town at my own pace.
A little later in this post, I’ll share exactly what I did on my day trip to Windsor to help inspire your trip.
I’ll also explain to you how to get there from London and Heathrow Airport, what to do, and some general travel tips (so keep reading!)
Here’s a detailed guide to Windsor to help you plan a budget-friendly and memorable visit!
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How to get to Windsor, UK, from London
Windsor is easily accessible from London. When planning your day trip to Windsor, you have several options for transportation that suit different budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best one:
1. Getting to Windsor by Train:
Trains are by far the quickest way to reach Windsor from London, with a couple of different routes to choose from:
Quick Tip: There are only two main train stations in Windsor.
Windsor & Eton Central Station
This route takes about 30-45 minutes, approximately. Trains run from London Paddington, with a change at Slough.
Another option to get to Slough would be on the new Elizabeth line, which runs services between Canary Wharf and Slough.
From Slough to Windsor, it’s like a 5-minute train ride. The ticket price can vary, but booking in advance often offers significant savings.
Windsor & Eton Riverside Station
You can also catch a South Western Railway direct train to Windsor & Eton Riverside from London Waterloo.
While this route is slightly longer than the Paddington option, it’s convenient if you’re staying or starting near Waterloo.
Personal Tip: While train services are generally reliable, I’ve experienced delays that threw my schedule off. On this trip, my train from Waterloo was delayed, and that meant I was late for a walking tour, causing me to miss first key briefing parts of the experience.
Always give yourself extra time when booking trains to Windsor, especially if you have a scheduled activity like a tour. I would suggest checking live schedules via apps like Trainline, National Rail or CityMapper can help you avoid surprises.
2. Getting to Windsor By Bus
If you’re looking to save even more money, taking the bus can be a budget-friendly alternative, though it’s slower than the train.
You can catch the Green Line 702 or 703 from London Victoria. The cost is usually cheaper than the train, but be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours or weekends.
On my visit, I had to endure long waits in between return buses from Windsor, and it was a bit frustrating, so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.
If you’re not in a hurry and want to save money and see the English countryside, buses are a great choice.
3. Getting to Windsor by Car
Driving to Windsor is another option, particularly if you’re travelling with a group or prefer the flexibility. The journey could, however, take a lot of time depending on where you start and traffic.
The M4 motorway is the best route to drive to Windsor from central London. Google Maps normally will guide you just fine, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
While this can be a convenient and flexible option, bear in mind that parking in Windsor can be tricky.
The town is popular with tourists, and parking spots near Windsor Castle or in the town centre tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Car Parking Options in Windsor, UK
Windsor has several public car parks, but the two closest to the main attractions are the Windsor & Eton Riverside Station Car Park and River Street Car Park. Both offer hourly rates, which can be quite expensive in the UK overall.
Personal Tip: Driving gives you flexibility, but parking fees and traffic around Windsor can add up. So just keep that in mind when you plan your trip. I would personally not advise you to drive especially if you’re only going for a day trip if that makes sense.
Getting to Windsor from Heathrow Airport
If you are travelling from the airport, Windsor from Heathrow is just a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.
So getting to Windsor is a breeze, making it an ideal side trip for those landing in London and looking for a quick day out. Below are a few options to choose from:
By Bus
You can catch the Green Line 703 from Heathrow’s bus station, which will take you directly to Windsor.
Alternatively, the Heathrow Express or local buses like the 8 can get you part way there, connecting to Windsor via Slough.
Personal Tip: For a more budget-friendly option, I would recommend taking bus 8 from the bus stop outside Heathrow Terminal 5 which runs services between Heathrow and Slough.
The bus is operated by FirstBus private company that has a standard bus fare of £2 regardless of distance. So you should not be worried about being charged extra.
By the way, Windsor, Parish Church (Stop A) is where you should get off, otherwise, you may find yourself in Slough.
PRO TIP: If you go to Windsor on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, keep in mind that bus 8 from Heathrow might not go by the Windsor Parish Church (Stop A).
This is due to the fact that this bus stop is only a minute away from Windsor Castle, and these are the days when the changing of the guards takes place.
Asking the driver where you can get off will save you time and make the trip less stressful.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
If convenience is your priority, taking a taxi or booking a private airport transfer is the fastest and most direct option.
While more expensive than public transport, it’s ideal if you’re short on time or have a lot of luggage.
READ: Best Free Things to do in Bath, England
What to See on a Day Trip to Windsor, UK
There are a few things to do and see in Windsor other than just the Windsor castle, but if you only have a day in the lovely town, here are my top recommendations:
1. Take a tour of the Windsor Castle.
Of course, no trip to Windsor would be complete without a visit to Windsor Castle, one of the top places to visit in England.
It’s the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and steeped in royal history.
If you have a strong interest in the British royal family, visiting Windsor Castle will allow you to get a glimpse of the royal lifestyle.
I skipped the castle on my day trip because I had already visited and enjoyed it during my first visit to Windsor.
Unfortunately, taking pictures of some parts of the castle, such as the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, is not allowed, which is disappointing. But you can take as many photos around the grounds.
When you visit the castle, you will get to explore the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel (where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married), and the stunning castle grounds.
How to visit Windsor Castle for free
While entrance fees can seem steep (currently £30), when you buy tickets ahead of time, you can skip the line.
This is especially helpful during busy times, and you’ll still be able to get in even if all the tickets sell out on the day of the event.
If you’re on a tight budget, just strolling around the outer castle grounds gives you a feel of the royal magnificence, and it’s free! But it can be packed with tourists depending on the time of visit.
PRO TIP: There is a program called “The 1 year pass free re-admission” that lets you visit Windsor Castle for free.
You can do this if you buy your ticket through the official Windsor Castle website. The pass is valid for a year after your first visit.
To avoid future problems, you must make sure that your ticket is signed and validated by a staff member before you leave the castle grounds.
The staff I’m talking about are those that are usually where you get your multimedia guides at the beginning of your tour.
Learn more about Windsor Castle’s 1-year free entrance here.
2. Explore Windsor Town
I wouldn’t recommend filling your Windsor day trip with tours only. Even though Windsor Castle is the main attraction, the town has a lot more to offer.
So, after you’ve enjoyed the royal atmosphere at the castle, I really think you should spend at least an hour strolling around the charming town of Windsor.
There are some beautiful cobblestone streets, small shops, and cosy independent coffee shops and bars not too far from Windsor Castle that are great for a walk.
You can also find many hidden gems if you go on a walking tour of Windsor town like the one I did.
3. Stroll Through the River Thames
Another must-do is walking along the River Thames for amazing scenery and serenity.
While walking along the Thames is free, I recommend taking a boat ride, weather permitting!
A visit to Windsor, UK is incomplete without a Thames boat ride. You can relax and enjoy the river’s unique views.
Windsor, UK Boat Trip packages
Windsor has various boat trip operators with services and rates to suit different budgets and interests. A cheaper option is the French brothers’ Windsor 40-minute boat tour, which I took.
You are welcome to choose any boat tour you like; my suggestion is only based on my own experience, if that makes sense.
They offer two regular scheduled boat tours with short or long durations. On my trip, I took the 40-minute (short trip) journey.
This route is open all day and is great for people who are trying to get a lot done. This brief trip gives stunning views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse, and Brocas Meadows.
The discounted online price and flexibility made this tour my favourite. You can get 2% off the initial price of your tour if you book it online.
This may not seem like much, but when you add up all the money you’ll spend on your trip, this could save you some while making your trip more enjoyable.
Tip: French Brothers Windsor 40 Minutes Round Trip Annual Schedule
Jan 1st to Feb 9th: Weekends & Bank hoildays, Hourly 10am to 3pm
Feb 10th to Oct 27th: Daily, at least every 30 minutes 10 am to 5 pm
Oct 28th to Dec 22nd: Weekdays, hourly 10 am to 3pm
The tour runs depending on river conditions and daylight outside peak season. Find more details on other French brothers tours here.
4. Admire the Crooked House of Windsor, UK
Windsor is home to the unique and historic Crooked House of Windsor. It is England’s oldest treehouse and known for its irregular, asymmetrical shape.
The building is only 100 metres from the castle door and is quite fascinating. You can gaze at it for free.
You could also take a picture of it as an Instagram Windsor postcard. Alternatively, this is the spot to go if you want to have coffee or brunch in a quirky place.
Sadly, due to scheduling constraints, I was only able to admire it from the outside on my visit, but I would love to have coffee here when I return.
5. Take a short walk to Eton
If time allows on your Windsor day trip, take a short walk to Eton, home to the famed Eton College, where Princes William and Harry attended parts of their education.
It’s worth the walk to see the old college buildings and learn about the past of the British upper class. To get there, stroll across the Thames Windsor and Eton pedestrian bridge.
The area is free to explore. It is possible to visit Eton before or after your boat trip because it only takes three minutes to walk across the bridge to get to Eton from the Windsor Promenade, which is where the boat trips leave from.
Other Cheap/Free Things to Do in Windsor, UK
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on tours or entrance fees, here are some other free and family-friendly things to do in Windsor:
Windsor Great Park
This huge park is free to enter and great for a picnic or walk. The Long Walk, which leads up to Windsor Castle, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Luckily, the weather was nice during my visit, so this is where I ended my trip and did my travel journaling while I waited for rush hour to end.
You won’t feel like stepping on anyone’s toes because there is plenty of space to sit in this park, even when it’s busy in the summer.
Bring a picnic blanket or sit on the well-kept grass. It’s also a wonderful place to people-watch and rest.
Additionally, if you’re feeling active after a day of touring, walk the 4.2 km long walk to Windsor Castle. The road is lovely, and walking on it is very relaxing.
The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden, located within Windsor Great Park, is a beautifully designed and reasonably priced location.
There is a small fee to enter, but it’s much less than some other sites.
The only drawback to visiting this park is its distance from Windsor’s town centre and attractions. Consider this when planning your day trip.
Alexandra Gardens
Another beautiful free garden park near the River Thames is Alexandra Gardens. This park is easy to overlook, especially for first-timers (my husband and I strolled past it on several Windsor visits).
I found out how unique it was after going on this trip’s walking tour. Actually, because of where it is located, Alexandra Park also has some beautiful views of Windsor Castle.
If you go here at different times of the year, you can see that it’s always busy with activities and events. So this is where you’ll find fairs, concerts, and fun things to do with your family.
Free Walking Tours
Although my paid walking tour in Windsor wasn’t the best (I was late because my train was delayed, and missed out on some important historical facts), you can download cheap or free self-guided walking routes.
These let you explore Windsor’s highlights at your own pace without the pressure of keeping up with a group.
Also Read: The Perfect Day Trip to Cambridge, England from London
Top Restaurants and Cafes in Windsor
If you want to eat something cheaper, get a sandwich or pastry from a nearby restaurant and eat it by the river.
There are many scenic areas to relax and enjoy the view. From my trips here, I’ve learnt that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy places to enjoy Windsor’s charm!
There are several restaurants, and cafes in and around Windsor Royal Shopping Centre for different budgets. Please see my restaurant recommendations below.
You can pick from independent bakeries, pubs, and the normal chain restaurants in the UK.
- Bill’s Windsor (Restaurant)
- Heidi ( Windsor’s Independent bakery—offers Vegan and Gluten-free options)
- Foggs ( A hidden gem in Daniel Department Store for affordable breakfast )
- The King & Castle – JD Wetherspoon ( Pub with budget-friendly meal options)
- The Queen Charlotte (Pub)
- Côte Windsor (Restaurant with River Thames-view terrace)
- The Two Brewers (Pub )
- The Duchess of Cambridge Pub (A great place to try Fish & chips)
- Boleros Pizzeria Café
- Monty Cafe
Final Thoughts on exploring Windsor, UK
So there you have it! An ideal Windsor day trip from London packed with history, amazing walks, and budget-friendly activities. Windsor has something for everyone.
Remember that travel hiccups such as delayed trains or extended bus rides, are all part of the adventure—so enjoy them!
I hope this guide helps you plan a fun and easy trip. You can also subscribe to my blog newsletter for more travel tips and recommendations on budget-friendly trips across the UK and beyond, and let’s keep the adventures going!
Travel Booking Resources to help Plan your Windsor, Uk Trip
🏨 Find Hotels via Booking.com
🛌 Find Budget stays via Hostelworld
🥾 Book Tours & Attractions via Get Your Guide
🎟️ Book a bus/train via Omio
💳 Budget Tip: Avoid ATM fees and pay in local currency with a Wise card.
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Have you visited Windsor, England? Share some of your trip drawbacks and helpful tips in the comments section below.
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