Windsor is one of the quickest day trips from London. Visit Windsor puts the journey at around 35 minutes from London Paddington with one change, or about 55 minutes direct from London Waterloo. The castle, the river and the Long Walk are all within easy reach, so you can see a lot without much planning.
The thing to plan around is the castle itself. It is closed on some days, and it is the main reason most people come. This guide covers the days, the trains and a simple order for the day. It is one of the eight easy day trips from London by train we recommend.
Windsor day trip at a glance
| Best for | Windsor Castle, a riverside walk and crossing the bridge to Eton |
| Journey time | Around 35 minutes from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, changing at Slough; about 55 minutes direct from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (Visit Windsor) |
| Train operators | Great Western Railway (Paddington, via Slough) and South Western Railway (Waterloo). The Elizabeth line also serves Windsor via Slough |
| Station to castle | Both stations are within walking distance of the castle |
| Castle days | Visit Windsor lists Thursday to Monday, and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. It may close on other days as a working royal residence |
| Book ahead | The castle; advance booking is strongly recommended |
| Allow | A full day. The Royal Collection Trust says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the castle |
Check the castle is open before you book a train
Windsor Castle is a working royal residence. Visit Windsor lists it as open Thursday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and says it may close on other days too. Opening hours it lists are 10am to 5:15pm from March to October and 10am to 4:15pm from November to February, with last admission 75 minutes before closing. Check the Royal Collection Trust’s own visiting pages for your date before you buy train tickets, because the castle can close at short notice.
Visit Windsor says advance booking is strongly recommended. The Changing of the Guard ceremony typically starts at 11am and lasts about 30 minutes, weather permitting, but dates are set by the British Army, so check the schedule before you plan around it.
How to get to Windsor from London
Windsor has two stations, and you can arrive at one and leave from the other.
- Windsor & Eton Central. Great Western Railway runs trains from London Paddington to Slough, which Visit Windsor says takes about 13 minutes, then a 6-minute branch-line train to Windsor & Eton Central. Visit Windsor puts the whole journey at about 35 minutes with the connection. The Elizabeth line also runs to Windsor & Eton Central via Slough.
- Windsor & Eton Riverside. South Western Railway runs direct trains from London Waterloo, which Visit Windsor says take approximately 55 minutes. Visit Windsor notes that Oyster cards cannot be used beyond Feltham on this route.
Check the National Rail journey planner for the exact trains and connections on your date, because times vary by service.
Tickets and saving money
- Book Advance tickets for a fixed train, and check the off-peak conditions if you are travelling later in the day.
- A Railcard can take about a third off many fares if you hold one and it covers your route.
- South Western Railway offers Groupsave for groups of 3 to 9, which Visit Windsor says saves 34%.
- Book your castle ticket in advance. Check the Royal Collection Trust for current prices and any concessions.
Fares and ticket prices change, so we do not quote them here. Check the operators, the Royal Collection Trust and National Rail for current prices.
A simple plan for one day in Windsor
1. Windsor Castle
Start here, because it is the fixed-time item. The Royal Collection Trust lists the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, St George’s Chapel and the castle precincts with the Round Tower among the main sights. The Royal Collection Trust says to allow 1.5 to 2 hours, that the castle is at the top of a steep hill and that the visitor route covers long distances, so wear comfortable shoes. St George’s Chapel closes at 4pm and is closed to visitors on Sundays. Expect airport-style security, and note that photography is not allowed inside the State Apartments or the chapel. The Undercroft Cafe is on site for refreshments. Registered assistance dogs are welcome, and the multimedia guide is available in British Sign Language and with subtitles.
2. A walk by the Thames
Visit Windsor lists the River Thames for boat trips and scenic walks. A riverside stroll is an easy way to take a break after the castle, and the town’s independent shops, cafes and pubs are close by for lunch.
3. Across the bridge to Eton
Eton is just across the river from Windsor. Eton College says it is not running its Heritage Tours programme in 2026 because of building works, so you cannot count on a guided tour. Its museums and special exhibitions are open to the public on Sunday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4pm, according to the college, so check its site if you want to go inside. Otherwise, Eton is still worth a short wander.
4. Windsor Great Park and the Long Walk
Windsor Great Park is free to enter and open all year, with charges for parking, The Savill Garden and some attractions. The park lists the Long Walk and its deer park, with Windsor Castle in view, among its highlights. Opening times vary through the year, so check the park’s site before you go. If you are short on daylight, this is the part to trim.
What to do if it rains
- Windsor Castle. The State Apartments and St George’s Chapel are indoors, so a wet day works well for the castle.
- Cafes and shops in the town. Visit Windsor describes independent shops, restaurants and pubs.
- Skip the river and the park. They are best in dry weather.
Practical tips
- Check the castle is open on your date before you book anything else. The Royal Collection Trust also says there is no visitor car parking at the castle.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Everything in this plan is on foot, and the Long Walk and park are longer walks.
- If you want to leave from a different station to the one you arrived at, check the journey home from both before you decide.
- Windsor also has LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, according to Visit Windsor, if you are travelling with children. We have not covered it here.
- Check access needs with individual venues. The castle offers concessionary rates for disabled visitors and free tickets for access companions.
Windsor day trip FAQ
How long does it take to get to Windsor from London?
Around 35 minutes from London Paddington with a change at Slough, or about 55 minutes direct from London Waterloo, according to Visit Windsor.
Which day is Windsor Castle closed?
Visit Windsor lists it as closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and says it may close on other days as a working royal residence. Check the Royal Collection Trust before you travel.
Do I need a car for a day trip to Windsor?
No. Both stations are within walking distance of the castle and the town centre.
Can I visit Eton College?
Not on a Heritage Tour in 2026, because the college says the programme is not running while building works take place. Its museums and special exhibitions are open on Sunday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4pm, according to the college.
More day trips from London
Windsor is one of eight easy escapes in our guide to day trips from London by train. If you want to compare it with other options, see our guides to Oxford, Cambridge and Brighton.
