Windsor at a glance:
Travel time: Around 35–55 minutes by direct train from London (depending on your departure station), or around 1 hour by car.
Vibe: Historic, regal, picturesque.
Top must-see: Windsor Castle.
Best for: History lovers, royal enthusiasts, London day-trippers.
A day in Windsor is absolutely a day well-spent. It’s an easy day trip from London and there’s so much to see – from the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, to the charming riverside, and the snippets of British history that lie all around the town. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip and make the most of your day in Windsor.
How to get to Windsor from London
Getting to Windsor is simple, and you’ve got a few solid options depending on your starting point and travel style.
Getting to Windsor by train
There are two train stations in Windsor, and which one you arrive at depends on where you’re starting from in London:
- Windsor & Eton Central – running from London Paddington, with a change at Slough. Journey time is around 30-40 mins.
- Windsor & Eton Riverside – running direct from London Waterloo with no changes required. Journey time is around 55-65 mins.
Both stations are just a short walk from Windsor Castle, so if you’d rather not change trains, Waterloo to Riverside is the more relaxed option but if speed matters more, Paddington via Slough tends to be quicker.
Getting to Windsor by car
Driving takes under an hour from London in normal traffic. I parked in Victoria Street Car Park (SL4 1EG) and had no issues finding a space, although I did visit on a weekday rather than a weekend. The prices are pretty high, for a full day (over 5 hours) you’re looking at £22, and the prices are the same 7 days a week. There are several other car parks around the town, some a bit cheaper (Alma Road) and some more expensive (River Street) so worth checking online first.
A day in Windsor – everything you need to see
Windsor Castle
For many visitors, Windsor Castle is the main reason for their trip. It’s the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, with over 1,000 years of history behind it.
My trips have always been unplanned and I hate queuing, so I’ve never actually been inside! But if you’re planning a trip to Windsor in advance, you’re best to book your tickets online as they are typically cheaper than buying on the day, and you can skip the queue entirely.
Inside the castle you’ll find grand, opulent rooms that are still used by the Royal Family today. As it’s a working royal residence this does mean it can close unexpectedly for state occasions, so always check before you travel!
Top tip: The Changing of the Guard usually takes place in the castle grounds (ticket needed) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am, but the schedule can vary. If you don’t plan to buy castle tickets, you can still watch for free from 10.45am, with the New Guard stepping off from Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street.
The Crooked House of Windsor
At 51 High Street sits the Crooked House of Windsor, a wonky building dating back to 1687 that makes for a great photo stop. It has had a varied past as a teahouse, butcher’s shop, antique shop, jewellers, and it’s currently a wine bar. Local legend claims there’s a hidden underground passage connecting it to the castle.
Windsor Guildhall
Next to the Crooked House is the historic Guildhall. In the past it originally had three purposes: a council chamber upstairs where the mayor and councillors met to govern the town; a courthouse where magistrates heard cases; and a covered cornmarket, where farmers and merchants could trade grain.
Today, it still functions as a civic building for the Royal Borough, while also serving as a museum and wedding venue. It was the venue where King Charles and Camilla were married in 2005, and also hosted one of England’s first same-sex civil partnership ceremonies between Elton John and David Furnish.
Postboxes of Windsor
One of the quirks of Windsor is that you can spot postboxes from almost every monarch since Queen Victoria within a relatively small area. They offer a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s postal and royal heritage.
The blue airmail postbox
One of Windsor’s rarest sights is the blue airmail postbox outside Windsor Castle. Unlike the traditional red boxes, this pillar box was painted Air Force blue in the 1930s to mark mail intended specifically for transport by air. It is one of only a handful of original blue airmail boxes to survive in the UK, and the only one still standing in its original location. Today it serves as a historic monument, with the red one next to it being an active postbox.
The green Victorian postbox
Next to the Guildhall you’ll find a rare green Victorian postbox. Most British postboxes have been painted red since the 1870s, but this has retained its distinctive green colour and it’s hexagonal in shape. It’s especially significant because it was used as the template for replica Penfold postboxes installed around the UK in the late 1980s.
Duchess of Cambridge Pub
Situated on Thames Street, the Duchess of Cambridge is one of Windsor’s most recognisable pubs. The pub was named in honour of Catherine, Princess of Wales (then the Duchess of Cambridge), following her marriage to Prince William, Prince of Wales in 2011.
It’s notable for being one of the few pubs in Britain to take inspiration from a contemporary member of the Royal Family, fitting with Windsor’s long association with royal names, traditions and celebrations.
Windsor Royal
Windsor Royal brings together the former Windsor Royal train station and the shopping centre, Windsor Yards, into one shopping and dining destination. Lots of hints of its old life as a Victorian railway station have been preserved, including the former royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria.
Market Street and Church Street
These two streets opposite the castle date back to medieval times. Market Street was originally called Butchers Row and Church Street was originally Fish Street, named after what you could buy on each road. Nowadays they are better known for cafes and pubs, but remain one of the best places in Windsor to get a sense of the town’s cobbled streets and old architecture.
The River Thames
Even if you’ve travelled an hour from London, you’ll still find yourself by the River Thames which runs through Windsor. The riverside paths make for a beautiful, relaxing walk. If you’d rather sit back, several operators run short boat trips (typically 40 minutes to two hours) offering lovely views of the castle and surrounding countryside from the water.
Windsor Bridge
A wooden bridge existed on this site for centuries, and tolls were charged both to cross the bridge and for boats passing beneath it. The current bridge opened in 1824, which still makes it one of the oldest surviving bridges over the Thames. It links Windsor with the town of Eton – famously known for its school that many royals and prime ministers have attended.
1 Queen Anne’s Court
This beautiful 16th-century timber framed building may only house a charity shop now, but back in the day it was quite the place of scandal. It’s named after Anne Boleyn, who allegedly stayed there when she was the secret lover of King Henry VIII.
Alexandra Gardens and Hawker Hurricane
Located beside the River Thames, these gardens were officially opened in 1902 in honour of Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII. Keep an eye out for the full-size Hawker Hurricane replica. The aircraft is a memorial to Windsor-born designer Sir Sydney Camm, whose iconic fighter jet played a vital role in the Battle of Britain.
Suggested day in Windsor itinerary
Morning
- Arrive in Windsor early and head straight to Windsor Castle. It’s best to get there early to avoid crowds.
- Allow around two to three hours to explore inside.
- If it’s a day when the Changing of the Guards takes place, look out for this at 11am within the castle grounds.
Midday
- Explore the cobbled Church Street and Market Street that are opposite the castle.
- Grab some lunch at one of the places on the nearby High Street such as the Duchess of Cambridge pub, or in Windsor Royal.
Early afternoon
- After lunch, head past Windsor Royal (the High Street entrance) and the road turns into Thames Street. Walk along here and turn off left at River Street, carrying straight on until you get to the River Thames.
- Once you’re at the river, if you want a shorter walk, head to your left where you can walk along the riverbank and explore Alexandra Gardens.
- For a longer walk, head to your right and walk across Windsor Bridge. At this point you are in Eton, take a left down Brocas St and make your way into Brocas Park. Heading through the park, you can then follow the lovely path along the Thames, until you get to the stairs that take you up onto Queen Elizabeth Bridge.
- Cross over the bridge and back down the stairs, heading back towards the river along Stovell Road (down the side of the Leisure Centre). Here you can follow along the riverbank again, where you’ll go past Baths Island and eventually reach the Hurricane Hawker replica, and Alexandra Gardens.
Late afternoon
- After walking through Alexandra Gardens, turn right so you’re walking away from the river up Goswell Road. Turn onto Goswell Hill and continue along this road (it is a quirky road that changes in width and atmosphere but keep with it) until you get to Peascod Street.
- Looking up to your left you’ll see the castle. Head down to the right, and if you have time and the shops are still open, have a wander round and potentially grab something for dinner. Further down this street is also where you’ll find Queen Anne’s Court.
- Time to head home – feet tired but camera roll full of photos!
Windsor FAQs (2026)
Absolutely! Few destinations let you combine an active royal residence, riverside walks, and a genuinely charming English town, all within about an hour of central London.
The castle is usually open most days, but it closes on certain dates for royal events, ceremonies, or maintenance. It’s worth checking opening times before you travel.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel, but you can take photos in the castle grounds and outside the buildings.
Very much so. The town centre is compact, and most attractions are within easy walking distance, as well as the two train stations. It is worth wearing comfortable shoes though as there are plenty of cobbled streets.
Yes, you can fit all the main sights into one day. If you’d particularly like to visit the castle in depth, explore Eton, or enjoy a river cruise, then staying overnight may be worthwhile.
Spring and Autumn tend to be less busy, and are still beautiful, although the weather can be uncertain. Summer offers the liveliest atmosphere and warmer weather, but is also the busiest. Winter brings festive decorations and Christmas events, especially around the castle.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
