London to Windsor and Bath

The train station at Windsor is practically at the front door of the castle. It's so easy to take the very short distance from London on the train to Windsor. I personally wouldn't squeeze Bath and Windsor in on the same day. It's 1-3/4 hour drive or 2 hour train ride from Windsor to Bath with the sun setting at 5pm

I also would not squeeze Windsor and Bath into the same day. There is plenty to do in Windsor for an entire day. Tour the castle in the morning, then walk into Eton to explore. The walk is easy and pretty, featuring a river and swans. Have lunch on the way: there are nice options in Eton. I would think Eton College might be of interest to kids of your kids’ ages. :-)

Yes, the train station is right across the street from the castle, so no need for a car.
(The station has been developed into what is basically a big shopping mall - might be fun to explore.)

There are large parking lots adjacent to the train station. I am not certain of what they cost, but if you do choose to drive (I wouldn’t) there is parking.

An incredibly cheap option to Windsor is the £2 bus - check out the LondonLine 701 and 702 bus online for more info. https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/services/RBUS/701

Given the size of your party, this would make the excursion more affordable. The bus takes about an hour each way if there’s no traffic.

For Bath, I’d suggest at least an overnight jaunt. There is a lot to see! I haven’t been in a few years, though, so will defer to others for more current and specific travel info.

Go by train from London Paddington to Bath and do not combine that trip with Windsor. All you need to know - and watch the video:>https://www.seat61.com/london-to-bath-by-train.htm

The kids will love travelling on the trains - show them how to live without cars!

I agree that Windsor is a good half day (at least). I love Bath and would give at least overnight, or two nights if you can. And yes, train to both - don't waste your precious holiday time and money messing with traffic and parking for no reason.

Bath is well known as a city that is a nightmare with a car and I doubt that Windsor is any better. You are also going to need quite a big car to fit yourselves and three kids in comfortably for a longish journey.

The train will honestly be so much easier and quicker too.

You can park in Bath quite reliably at Charlotte Street long stay car park. Minimum charge is about £7 for 4 hours.

Don't do Windsor and Bath on same day.
Parking is terrible at both places, we did Windsor Castle taking the train from London. We did Bath by staying there at the Brooks Guesthouse, which provides parking near the B&B.

Bath is a lovely full day trip by train from London--I arrived by 10 to hit the Roman Baths, then spent the day walking all over the lovely old town, had lunch at the Coeur de Lion pub, walked to the Royal Crescent, and then spent time in Persephone Books, which was the true reason I chose Bath in the first place. I headed back to London around 5:30 pm and it was a perfect day.

I did Windsor in August, taking the Elizabeth line to Slough and then changing to the GWR railway line for the final 6 minute journey to Windsor--super easy, but don't forget to tap out! Arrived at 11 with time to get a snack before timed entry to the Castle, spent about 3 hours there and then explored the town of Windsor before heading back to London around 5 (I got caught up in a store full of clothes that really suited me, otherwise we'd have gone back around 4.)

I am pretty good at parking almost anything (not over 40 feet) anywhere (learned how to drive big things on Brooklyn's dockside), including Chinatowns in both Toronto and San Francisco, and in Paris, and far too often to enjoy it in London.

I tried to show my brother and his wife a bit of Windsor a few years back but after circling for over half an hour and finding nothing we just drove off. I have been successful at other times but it is never easy and usually not close. Careful of the one-way roads.

Bath takes all that and adds in steep hills and narrow lanes. Not as bad as Bristol though.

Both Windsor and Bath are lovely this time of year, especially given that the Christmas season is kicking off at the end of November. Like the other posters, I would recommend that you choose either Windsor or Bath as it will be too challenging to do both in one day.

Both Windsor and Bath are accessible by train from London. A few things to help you in your decision.

Windsor: check out the Royal Collection Trust Website for all the activities at the Castle. Here is the specific url for Christmas: https://www.rct.uk/event/christmas-at-windsor-castle-11-2024. Windsor is a lovely town to explore.

Bath: the Bath Christmas market opens the 28th November. I went last year and I am going back this year as I loved Bath during the holidays and the Christmas market has so many local crafts people and stunning lights. If you don't mind traveling back to London in the evening, Bath is magical when the sun sets. I would recommend that you explore the town, have high tea at the Pump Room, making sure the kids try the "Bath Spa Water", explore the Roman Baths, and visit the Bath Cathedral.