I have a little less than 24 hour layover in LHR, wife and 2 kids, and we have checked most of the boxes inside of London itself. This trip I was wondering if there was somewhere near"ish" to LHR that would give us a few cool new things to see. I was considering Windsor just based off of proximity, but I know nothing about it other than the castle. Any insights on Windor, or some other nearby city that would be conducive for a short layover with an early morning departure from LHR. Thanks!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6746 posts
I haven't done this, but Rome2rio indicates that a taxi to Windsor should take about 15 minutes and cost $40-55 each way. With a whole day that might be a worthwhile choice, especially if you're not jet-lagged. Certainly Windsor Castle is worth seeing, and I believe they have a checked-bag facility where you can drop your luggage. That might also be possible at the airport.
While Windsor is a nice city with good accommodations, I'd recommend returning to the airport that afternoon or evening to spend the night at a nearby hotel with good shuttle service or right on the grounds. You want to be as close as possible before an early morning flight.
Posted by
Minneapolis
604 posts
Just a note that Windsor Castle is closed fairly often, every Tuesday/Wednesday plus other days. So check out if it’s even open first.
Posted by
Central Coast CA, USA
408 posts
Also consider Runnymede. There is a French Brothers cruise from Runnymede to Windsor. Also a lovely river path to walk along the Thames.
Posted by
London
1317 posts
Windsor is a very good option, and if you have time you can walk thru Windsor Great Park, or along the Thames, or over to Eton. You could also go east rather than west and spend some time in Richmond (nice neighbourhood, has a huge deer park, more Thames walking, and several historic homes in or nearby- Ham House, Marble Hill House, Strawberry Hill House, Turner's House). Syon House and Kew Gardens are also close by. And of course you are also close to Hampton Court Palace, if you haven't been there before.
Posted by
OP
NC, USA
17 posts
We ended up staying in small hotel for the day right near the castle. We were awoken from our jetlag with the changing of the guard band which we got a front row seat. Really liked the area for a quick stay!
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36676 posts
check with real sources before believing anything from Rome2Rio. I enjoy seeing the ludicrous things it come up with but that is less help for the traveller