If you’re above a certain age Windsor probably means the famous figure-of-8 racecourse, the archetypal Eton College, and the Queen’s weekend home, Windsor Castle. But if you’re under a certain age you’re probably thinking happy Legoland thoughts already. Whichever floats your boat – and there’s plenty of those too, as the town straddles the beautiful River Thames – Windsor makes for a great awayday for visitors of all ages. This charming, historic market town in the east of Berkshire has delights to offer families, couples and solo visitors alike.
Windsor Travel links
Windsor is well-connected by train to other major cities and towns in the UK. If you're coming from London, it's relatively easy to reach Windsor by train. There are direct train services from London Waterloo, and the journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Your South Western Railway train will arrive at Windsor and Eton Riverside station. There's also a second station in Windsor, Windsor and Eton Central, and there’s only a few hundred metres between them. Both have nearby bus links – buy a cheap PlusBus ticket along with your train ticket – and you can book local taxis from Windsor Taxis. In addition you can catch regular shuttle buses out to Legoland from the stop by the Theatre Royal on Thames Street, and if you’re heading for Windsor Racecourse you can hop on a riverboat shuttle from Windsor Promenade on race days. Visitors for the other nearby racecourse should buy rail tickets for Ascot train station, via Staines, from the Riverside station.
Windsor Castle is the obvious visit here, and won’t disappoint fans of massive stately homes stuffed with gorgeous art. You can tour the precincts and visit the staterooms, where priceless objects from the Royal Collection are on display, from Holbein paintings to Queen Mary’s dolls’ house.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort offers art too, as long as you like it constructed from plastic bricks. With nearly 40 fantastic rides and activities on offer, you’ll need to spend several hours here to make the most of your ticket. Take advantage of the fantastic 2-for-1 offer when you buy your train ticket.
The River Thames loops and curls its way through Windsor, and offers many pleasingly low-key pastimes, like boating or simply lazing by the river. More adventurous types could try the Duck tour where you ride an amphibious vehicle into the waters and out again.
Those in search of more leafiness should seek out The Long Walk, a 3 mile long tree-lined avenue that takes you from the heart of the town to Windsor Great Park, which describes itself as “sweeping historic parkland, ancient woodland and forest trails”, a description that can’t be improved on.
If you are looking for more ideas about what to in Windsor, read our blog “48 hours in Windsor”.
Legoland, Windsor
Shopping in Windsor
Like most modern towns, Windsor has a custom-built shopping centre, Windsor Royal Shopping, with over 40 upmarket high street brand stores under its roof. Antiques shops abound in Windsor, and just across the river the Eton Antique Bookshop on the High Street is a marvellous gem of a shop, crammed with amazing old books and far too cool to have a website.
Eating out in Windsor
Windsor offers lots of places to eat – if you’re looking for a reasonably-priced quick bite The Cinnamon Cafe is located centrally and offers tasty café faves including sandwiches and cakes. Just 15 minutes away by cab is Heston Blumenthal’s globally famous Fat Duck restaurant in nearby Bray. Booking here will take time and money but the reviews, as we’re sure you’re aware, place this as one of the best restaurants in the country, if not the world. Those with slightly less adventurous palates could try the highly-praised gastro pub The Oxford Blue in neighbouring Old Windsor for some fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
There's also The Royal Windsor, thought to be the oldest licenced venue in the historic town. They boast unrivalled views of the famous castle from its spectacular dining room and large garden. Serving traditional British food all day, seven days a week, as well as an array of house-infused spirits, incredible cocktails, and craft beers, it's the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s sightseeing or shopping.
Hotels in Windsor
If you fancy living like royalty as well as visiting them, Coworth Park, just the other side of Windsor Great Park, offers a faultless stately home hotel (and spa) experience at a price to match. Marginally less luxurious, and slap bang in the heart of Windsor, is the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, still at the very high end of hotel accommodation and famous for its delicious complimentary cupcakes. If you’re looking for something a little more like a home-from-home at a reasonable rate you could try the well-regarded the well-regarded B&B Park Farm.
Travelling by train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside cost as little as £8.10 if you travel Off Peak. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
How much is a train ticket from Windsor to Reading?
Travelling by train from Windsor & Eton Riverside to Reading can cost as little as £11.50 if you get evening out ticket. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
What time does the first direct train from London to Windsor depart?
You can save money by buying off-peak tickets. Search our ticket types to find cheap train tickets, and see if you can save even more with a Railcard . If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hubfor exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
How long does it take to travel from London to Windsor?
The average travel-time is an hour. However, keep in mind that travel times on weekends and holidays may be longer. To find out the exact travel time for a specific date, please visit our Train Times page.
What time does the last direct train from London to Windsor depart?
