Day Trips

A Day Trip to Windsor from London

The royal castle, the Great Park and a riverside lunch: how to do Windsor as a day trip from London.

In short: our top picks are Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park and Eton College. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

Windsor is the most regal of easy day trips from London: a magnificent royal castle, a vast park made for walking and a pretty riverside town at its feet. Barely an hour from the city, it makes a grand and gentle day out. This is how to spend one in the shadow of the castle.

Place Area Price
Windsor Castle Windsor £££
Windsor Great Park Windsor ££
Eton College Eton
Legoland Windsor Windsor £££
Windsor Great Park Windsor ££
  1. Editor’s choice

    Windsor Castle

    • Windsor
    • £££

    Why we pick itThe oldest and largest occupied castle in the world; the State Apartments and St George's Chapel are the draws.

  2. Windsor Great Park

    • Windsor
    • ££

    Why we pick itThousands of acres of royal parkland; the Long Walk up to the castle is one of England's great views.

  3. Eton College

    • Eton

    Why we pick itCross the bridge to the famous old school and its pretty high street; a charming add-on to the castle.

  4. Legoland Windsor

    • Windsor
    • £££

    Why we pick itThe big family draw just outside town; a full day in itself for those travelling with children.

  5. Windsor Great Park

    • Windsor
    • ££

    Why we pick itThousands of acres of royal parkland, perfect for a long walk.

Before you book

Trains run from Paddington (changing at Slough) or Waterloo direct in under an hour. Pre-book the castle and check it is open, as state occasions can close it. And cross the bridge to Eton or walk into the Great Park; both are lovely ways to round off the day.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

Windsor Castle is our editor's choice: The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world; the State Apartments and St George's Chapel are the draws. Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park and Eton College lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.