A weekend in Windsor

A royal castle town beside the Thames, 40 minutes from London

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Windsor is a historic riverside town dominated by Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and a royal residence for nearly a thousand years. Across the Thames, Eton is home to the famous school, and Windsor Great Park stretches south from the town.

It is easy to reach from London, and combines royal history with riverside walks, boat trips and Legoland nearby.

Best forHistory lovers, Families, Culture fans, Food lovers

Best time to goSpring to autumn. The Great Park and Thames are lovely in summer, and the castle works in any weather.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereLondon: About 40 minutes by train from Paddington (with a change at Slough) or Waterloo.

Check prices for a weekend in Windsor

Plan your weekend in Windsor

Top attractions in Windsor

Windsor Castle

The Queen's weekend home, with grand State Apartments, St George's Chapel and the changing of the guard.

The Long Walk

A three-mile avenue of trees from the castle gates to a statue on Snow Hill.

Windsor Great Park

A huge royal park with deer, lakes, gardens and Savill Garden.

The Thames and Eton

Riverside walks and boat trips, and a historic school across the bridge.

Legoland Windsor

A family theme park a short drive from town.

Best things to do in Windsor

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Windsor Castle visit

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and has been a royal home for nearly a thousand years. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Stonehenge visit

Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Afternoon tea in Bath

Afternoon tea is a Bath tradition, and you can enjoy it in grand Georgian settings, boutique hotels or the Pump Room beside the Roman Baths. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Windsor

The town centre

Close to the castle and shops.

By the river

Scenic, with views of the castle.

Eton or Datchet

Quiet places nearby.

Best hotels in Windsor

Prices for a double room in Windsor typically fall around £130–£220 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Windsor

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Windsor

Spring to autumn. The Great Park and Thames are lovely in summer, and the castle works in any weather.

Seasons that suit Windsor well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Windsor

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Windsor

From London: About 40 minutes by train from Paddington (with a change at Slough) or Waterloo.
From Oxford: About 1 hour by car.
From Reading: About 30 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Windsor

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The town centre.
Saturday: Start with Windsor Castle, then The Long Walk. In the afternoon, head to Windsor Great Park.
Sunday: Visit The Thames and Eton or Legoland Windsor, then head home.

Packing list for Windsor

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

The castle can be closed to visitors for royal events, so check before you go.
Parking in the centre is limited, so the train is easier.
Summer weekends are very busy.

Windsor weekend FAQs

Is Windsor worth a weekend?

Yes, especially for royal history, river walks and the Great Park.

Can I visit Windsor from London in a day?

Yes. It is only about 40 minutes by train, so it works well as a day trip or an overnight stay.

More weekend ideas

OxfordOxfordshire

The city of dreaming spires, ancient colleges and libraries

Henley-on-ThamesOxfordshire

A riverside town famous for its regatta and rowing

WoodstockOxfordshire

A pretty stone town at the gates of Blenheim Palace

WinchesterHampshire

An ancient capital with a cathedral, water meadows and a medieval Round Table

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.