Day trip from London
Windsor
Royal history on London's doorstep
Approximately 30–60 minutes by train
Why visit
Windsor is the easiest royal escape from London — a compact, handsome town wrapped around the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. In a single day you can walk through 1,000 years of royal history, watch the Changing of the Guard, stroll the Long Walk through Windsor Great Park and browse the cobbled streets and independent shops of the town centre.
Top things to see
- Windsor Castle — the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the castle precincts
- St George's Chapel — the Gothic masterpiece where royal weddings and burials take place
- The Long Walk — the iconic tree-lined avenue through Windsor Great Park
- Windsor & Eton riverside — boat trips, pubs and views across to Eton College
- Changing of the Guard — a full royal ceremony inside the castle on selected days
Suggested one-day plan
Take an early train from London and head straight to Windsor Castle for opening time — the State Apartments and St George's Chapel take around 2–3 hours.
Lunch in the town centre or down by the river, then browse the shops and cafés around Peascod Street and the Windsor Royal Station arcade.
Walk the Long Walk into Windsor Great Park for the classic castle view, or cross the bridge to Eton to see the famous college and its historic High Street.
Return to London by early evening — or stay for a riverside drink while the day crowds fade.
Direct trains run from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (changing at Slough, around 30–55 minutes) and from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (around 55 minutes). Both stations are a short walk from the castle.
A full day (6–8 hours) is ideal — the castle alone deserves a morning, with the afternoon for the Great Park and Eton.
- Book Windsor Castle tickets online in advance — timed entry sells out at weekends and in summer.
- The castle is a working royal residence and can close at short notice for state occasions — check before you travel.
- Changing of the Guard usually takes place on selected mornings (often Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) — confirm the schedule ahead of your visit.
- St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, when services are held.