We want to take a day trip from London to either Oxford or Windsor Castle. It would be in late November weather, like next week. It's a matter of preference, but which would you suggest? Take a tour? Sights to be sure to experience in a day or half day? Where to travel to/from in London?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
7978 posts
If it were longer than a day trip, I’d vote for Oxford. But that takes a bit of time and Oxford is worth more than one day. So I would go with Windsor. It’s easier to get to and you can easily see a lot in that one day’s time.
Posted by
Lake District, England
7837 posts
Windsor Castle is decorated for Christmas now so should be particularly nice.
The forecast is that next week should pivot right back to pretty mild again, after a storm clears through over the weekend. So back out of winter to early fall.
The castle is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, but apart from that I would favour Windsor. If you go at the weekend there are still short 40 minute boat trips running on the river as well.
There is also an open air ice rink open in town for the Christmas season.
Posted by
Singapore
554 posts
Definitely Windsor Castle for a day trip. No need for a tour - trains leave from Paddington (to Windsor & Eaton Central via Slough) or Waterloo (direct to Windsor and Eton Riverside).
Just note the castle is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and on Sundays St George's Chapel is open only for worship services, no tourist visits permitted. It does also close frequently for state occasions, and is closed next Thursday as well.
As noted above, there's a light show currently on the round tower - if you're there after dark it looks good.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14723 posts
I'll just add that if you do Windsor you can use your contactless CC to tap in and out on this line, so no need to book ahead. There are big signs to remind you to tap out at the Windsor and Eton Central station.
https://www.gwr.com/your-tickets/smart-tickets/contactless-payments
Posted by
Singapore
554 posts
Re contactless card payment for Windsor, this is true for the route from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (as noted). Worth mentioning you can't use contactless on the SWR route from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. It is due to be introduced but this has been delayed.
Posted by
Lake District, England
7837 posts
You don't have to book ahead anyway. You can also buy paper tickets on either route at the same price, on the day at Paddington or Waterloo respectively. But from the machines or the clerks.