When it comes to day trips from London, Windsor is one of our favorites. Windsor is just 25 minutes outside of London and offers plenty to do. If you are wondering what you can experience on a day trip to Windsor, we’ve got great ideas.
What to do on a Day Trip to Windsor
On a day trip to Windsor, visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as Windsor Castle, stroll the gardens, and indulge in the rich history and charm of this historic town.
Visit Windsor Castle
One of the most popular things to do in Windsor is to tour Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the official residence of his Majesty, King Charles.
You can book a private tour of Windsor Castle or you can tour it on your own.
The tour gives you the chance to see the State Apartments containing the Queen’s Gallery and dining hall, which feature the works of Rubens, Holbein, & other prominent artists.
St. George’s Chapel is stunning and you may remember it from the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan.
Within the Chapel are the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I.
Note: You can take photographs outside the Castle, but not inside the Castle or within St. George’s Chapel.
Take a Bus Tour of Windsor
A great way to see many sites when you are short of time in Windsor, by taking a Windsor bus tour.
During the tour, you will be able to see many different sites in Windsor without having to walk or drive.
Along the way, you can listen to a guide explain different landmarks.
Visit the Museum inside of Windsor Guildhall
This is the town hall of the town of Windsor and also contains the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum which was officially opened in 2011 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Through an audio guide, you can experience stories told by local residents. You’ll also find artifacts from excavations such as a 100,000-year-old Mammoth tusk.
Explore Savill Garden
Established in 1930, this expansive parcel of land houses plants from around the globe.
One unique feature of the garden complex is the Dry Garden which features plants that do not require a lot of water to survive.
It is open to the public daily and doesn’t close until dusk, so there is plenty of time for visitors to explore the tailored gardens and estates that have been in existence for centuries.
6. Eton College
Eton College was founded in 1440 by Henry VI as “Kynge’s College,” where young men could go and gain knowledge.
Today, it is a boarding school for boys 13-18.
There are many notable individuals that attended Eton, including both Prince William and Prince Harry.
Depending on the time of year, you can take tours or just enjoy seeing it from the outside.
7. Royal Windsor Racecourse
You might not have time to see a horse race while in Windsor, but if you do, this is the place to go.
With a history that spans 700 years, this racecourse was once where Kings would have jousting competitions.
8. Visit the Royal Dairy Farm & Shop
The shop opened in 2001 as a place to sell locally sourced goods and produce from the Royal Estates.
You will want to stop here and grab lunch, tea, or a special royal treat!
Check out the menu for the Royal Dairy Coffee Shop.
Souvenir Shopping in Windsor
If you are looking to do a little shopping in Windsor, you will find a ton of souvenirs to take home with you!
Nearby the castle, you will find all sorts of different shops selling everything from cashmere to plush corgies.
Visiting Windsor on the London Pass
The London Pass is great for many reasons, but one of the most valuable is that it gets you free entry to many of London’s most popular attractions.
If you have the London Pass, you will not only get free entry to Windsor Castle, but also a self-guided audio tour (which lasts approx. 2 hours).
Those on a day trip from London to Windsor can also get free transportation from London to Windsor via train at Paddington Station if they have the London Pass.
Board a train for Slough and change at Slough for a train to Windsor & Eton Central.
All you will need to do is show your London Pass to the ticket controller at the ticket barrier at London Paddington and they will let you through.
A trip to Windsor Castle should take you around 2-3 hours. That leaves you plenty of time for other things in the city.
How to Get from London to Windsor
The town of Windsor is about 22 miles outside of London which makes it an easy day trip. You can get to Windsor from London two different ways, by train or by car.
London to Windsor Train
If you wish to take the train, you can expect the ride to be less than one hour.
Getting from London to Windsor by train is easy. These run regularly from Paddington Station & Waterloo.
The walk from the train station to the castle is only about 10 minutes.
Driving to Windsor from London
While the easiest way to get from London to Windsor is by train, you can also take a private car from London or drive if you have rented a car.
If you do drive in with your own vehicle, just be sure to use a car park. You will save a ton of money!
If you are driving to Windsor from London, take the M4, Exit Junction 6 for Windsor, then Junction 8/9 for Maidenhead.
Follow signs to the Long Term parking.
The walk to the castle from there will be about 15-20 minutes.
Overall, spending a day in Windsor England is a great treat. With so many things to do in Windsor, it’s a great idea for a day trip from London.
Have you been to Windsor? What did you think?
Betsy
Wednesday 18th of April 2018
Windsor is one of my favorite places. I've only ever been able to see the castle and a little bit of the town. I'd love to see more of the town when we visit again.
Anisa
Saturday 30th of September 2017
I loved Windsor too. We spent most of our time there at the castle so would love to go back and explore more. A tour of Eton sounds really interesting!
Kelly / Tiny Trips and Tips
Saturday 30th of September 2017
Lived in London 1,5 year yet never went to Windsor! It’ll just have to be next time I go visit my old hometown :)
Maura
Saturday 30th of September 2017
I would definitely go here when I go to visit London! Great to know it's included on the London Pass as well!