Day Trip from London-Windsor or Cambridge?

My perspective: I really liked Cambridge better than Oxford - might have been because our day in Oxford was very cold and rainy - the day in Cambridge was sunny and warm. But, if I were going to choose between Windsor and Cambridge that time of the year, I would choose Windsor. It's closer to London and probably much of your time would be spent inside visiting the castle. We were there on a very nice day and the castle tour was nice plus walking around the town. That would be my vote. (I will have to say, the art museum in Cambridge is quite nice if you are in to art.)

Not a problem if you actually mean "the week between Christmas and New year", don't plan to fly into London on Christmas day as there is no public transport and also limited transport on Boxing day.

This week will be much different to what you experienced in the Spring. Please understand public transport is virtually non existent Christmas day and sparse on the day after. You'll need to make reservations for Xmas dinner NOW or stay in a hotel that has a restaurant that will serve it or rent an apartment and buy your groceries to cook your own feast. You'll need to research what if any sites will be open. For instance Harrods will probably closed all that week but double check their website to be certain. Here's a link for whats on at Windsor Castle. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson/3 However, you'll need to check the train schedules to get there. Lord knows the wonderful London Walks will be in business so maybe you should book a trip to Windsor or Cambridge with them. www.walks.com. There will be after Christmas sales but on Christmas day you'll find a very subdued city. Christmas morning start the day watching the Peter Pan Cup race at the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Fun way to mingle with the locals. http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/special-events/christmas/christmas-in-london-essential-information Do your research so you aren't shocked that a major city basically shuts down on Christmas. I've been there for at least three Christmas days. Loved every moment but it does surprise many who didn't do their homework and expect public transport to be working, stores, shops, restaurants and sites open.

Hi All-
Thank you so much for your feedback. I should clarify that we'd done some research before booking our flights and read how much London shut down for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so we're actually scheduled to leave the States on December 26, arriving on the 27th, and staying for a week through the new year. We're very much looking forward to being in the city over that timespan. Thanks again for your help so far!

Given your historical interest and the fact that you've been to Oxford, I'd recommend Windsor. Nothing wrong with Cambridge, it has a different "feel" from Oxford but maybe not to its advantage in winter. Windsor is also closer, easier to get to and from.