Windsor Castle is often high on the bucket lists of friends and family coming to visit me in the UK. I prefer castles that are a bit more off the beaten path, but I can’t deny Windsor has good reason to be so popular. Windsor Castle is an icon of British royal history and remains a primary home to the British monarchy today.
With many tour guides providing door to door service, and quick train travel under an hour from central London, Windsor Castle is also one of the easiest castle day trips for your UK trip.
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Know Before You Go: Windsor Castle
🏰 Best guided tour from London: See two British bucket list venues in one day with an expert guide – Windsor Castle + Stonehenge Tour
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What to See at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a perfect day trip from London for fans of royal history. This castle has deep roots in the monarchy. It was originally founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and is well known today as the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. The castle property also remains an active home for members of the royal family.
Keep an eye out for the Royal Standard flying. It is flown only when the sovereign is in residence.
I wouldn’t expect to join the royal family for tea on your visit, but there is still a lot to see here.
State Apartments
A major attraction on the castle tour are the opulent State Apartments, which are still used to host visiting heads of state. Within this area you can also find the extraordinary Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Far from a child’s toy, the dolls’ house is a masterpiece of miniature craftsmanship, complete with electricity, running water, and even functioning elevators.
St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel was a highlight of my visit to Windsor Castle. Built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, it is one of the most beautiful pieces of Gothic architecture in England.
Construction began under King Edward IV in 1475 and was largely completed by 1528, during the reign of Henry VIII, who added the chapel’s stunning fan-vaulted ceiling.
The chapel has long been a site of royal significance. You can spot the coat of arms of Henry VIII over the central crossing. Along the quire are the banners and crests of the Knights of the Garter, Britain’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348.
Within St. George’s Chapel lie the tombs of 11 British kings and queens. Queen Elizabeth II’s grave is found within King George VI Memorial Chapel, a smaller chapel inside the church.
Exploring Windsor Beyond the Castle
Windsor Castle might be the main draw, but there is more to see beyond the castle gates. Here are a few ideas worth exploring.
Eton College
Just a short walk across the pedestrian bridge from Windsor, this world-famous boys’ school is steeped in history. Princes William and Harry both attended here, and there are rumors that Prince George may be the next royal to enrol.
Bonus: Eton High Street is charming and filled with lovely shops and cafés.
The Long Walk
You can’t miss the Long Walk as it stretches directly from the gates of Windsor Castle. The straight path travels through Windsor Park for nearly 3 miles to the Copper Horse statue atop Snow Hill.
The walk provides beautiful views toward the castle and you may even be lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife that calls Windsor Park home.
Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
Located in the 17th-century Windsor Guildhall (next to the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist), this small but fascinating museum covers the local history of Windsor. Its royal connections are strong even today: the Guildhall is where King Charles and Queen Camilla got married.
The museum is only open on limited days, so check ahead for opening hours.
How To Get to Windsor Castle
Since Windsor is such a popular day trip from London, you have several options for transportation. I recommend either booking on to a guided tour that includes transportation to Windsor from London (easiest option!) or taking a day trip by train.
Guided Tours to Windsor Castle From London
Visiting Windsor Castle on a guided tour comes with two main benefits and one drawback. On the plus side, you have a knowledgeable guide making sure you get there as planned and you have the option to see more sights on the same day. The main negative to a guided tour is that it costs more than booking train travel and castle tickets yourself.
My top recommended guided tours to Windsor Castle are:
Best Combined Full Day Tour Including Windsor Castle
I recommend making a day of it and seeing two British icons for the cost of one guided tour. Stonehenge is fantastic to see in person, but there is no good way to reach it without driving. Booking a full-day tour to both Stonehenge and Windsor Castle means you can leave the driving on the left to an expert and still see both on the same day.
Best Tour to Windsor Castle Only
A half-day trip to Windsor Castle from London includes transportation on an air-conditioned coach (bus) and entrance tickets to the castle. Keep in mind that your tour guide will share entertaining stories on the way to and from Windsor, but your castle visit is self-directed using the included audio guide.
Train Travel to Windsor Castle From London
To avoid train transfers, catch the direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside station. This route takes approximately 55 minutes. You will have an uphill walk from the station to the castle from here.
If you’re comfortable changing trains, instead buy a train ticket from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central. You will need to make a train change for this route at Slough. The walk from Windsor & Eton Central is a bit shorter and less of a climb. Despite changing trains, you can make this trip in only 25-35 minutes.
More Day Trips From London + Planning Resources
Windsor Castle may be one of the most popular day trips from London, but there are more options to tempt you. Brainstorm your bucket list and get more London travel tips with these posts.
- Oxford. See the famous Oxford University spires and Harry Potter film locations.
- Bath. Ancient Roman baths are a big draw to this fascinating city that was once also home to Jane Austen and has been a popular film site for Bridgerton.
- Brighton. Don’t miss this quirky British beach town to experience artsy shops and the whimsical Royal Pavilion.
- 7 Day London itinerary. Make your planning easy with this ready to book perfect week in London.
- Where to Stay in London. Guide to London neighborhoods and where to find the best places to stay.
- 7 Day London and Edinburgh itinerary. See the best of England and Scotland in one week.
