Hi I'm planning a trip out to Windsor Castle in early June on a Monday - I intend to catch the train and make my own way there independently (not on an organised tour).
I've allowed 2-3 hours to explore the castle - is the township of Windsor easy to get to from the castle and are there any recommendations of what to do whilst there (probably have another 1-2 hours to spend - otherwise I'll return back to London earlier)
Appreciate the feedback :)
The town (not sure what you mean by township) is right outside the castle gates. It's a standard English town with the usual shops (although more touristy shops than in other towns) and cafes. Of more interest might be Windsor Great Park.
The other thing to do in Windsor is to take a boat trip on the River Thames- 40 minutes or 2 hours. On the 2 hour trip you can also pre-order an afternoon tea hamper- https://www.frenchbrothers.co.uk/public-trips/
There isn't a lot to see and do in Windsor apart from the castle and park. The Church of St John the Baptist despite its rather boring exterior is quite interesting inside. It dates from 1822 so isn't that old. It has sone interesting memorials to the great and good on the walls. There are some nice carved angels playing instruments on the chancel ceiling. a lovely mosaic reredos behind the high altar and the Royal pew with the two thrones which were given by Princes Augusta (daughter of George III) who regularly worshipped here.
You could walk across the river into Eton.
You are in the adorable town while at the entrance to the castle. Windsor Great Park is also worth strolling through if you have time. It’s huge but just walk into it to get the flavor. It’s adjacent to the castle.
As stated, the town is outside the castle gate. It is nice to walk around, but there isn’t a whole lot to it. After visiting the castle complex go into town and find a shop to get a pasty, pastry, or something else for lunch before heading back to the train station.
You may find you want more than 2-3 hours for the castle plus St. George's Chapel, a very historic and beautiful place. As others have reported, the town is right outside, attractive and pleasant but nothing special (except maybe for that church, I hadn't heard of it before).
After we toured the Castle last June as part of the Best of London in 7 Days tour, we decided to see what was on offer across the river in Eton. We discovered a wonderful place for lunch, The Crown and Cushion. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming (it was obvious we were tourists) and the food was excellent. It was the perfect way to end our visit before we took the train back to London.
Thank you all for your responses - they're much appreciated as I finish planning our trip.
Very easy to get to by yourself via train. There are two stations and it doesn't matter much which you arrive at, as they are about 5 minutes apart. You'll actually see Windsor castle from the train as you're pulling up (first "wow" moment).
The town of Windsor is cute and fun to stroll around in. Lots of places for lunch after the castle. 2-3 hours is a good estimate for the castle, and there's also a cafe inside the castle complex. St. George's Chapel is included in your ticket and it's a real highlight. You can also walk across the river and explore Eton, too. And don't forget to go on "The Long Walk" to get a good scenic view of the castle.
Here's a good narrated video of Windsor: https://youtu.be/Ecq2ah4T3FE?feature=shared
You can walk from the train station to Windsor Castle - only about five minutes. If you stroll you can stretch it out to 10 minutes. When I arrived by train several years ago I approached a taxi to take me to my hotel which was across the street from the castle. He was kind enough to point me in the direction to walk while stating that it would be a waste of money to hire him. I was greatly appreciative.
In the castle, remember to visit the doll house. Due to the long queue we skipped that last year and I have regretted it since.
I am also planning to visit Windsor, and taking the train from London on our own (4 of us). I've looked at Get Your Guide tickets but it doesn't say whether those are skip-the-line tickets. Does that matter if we have those or not at this particular site? I've seen a couple of private tours but can't afford that. Is the audio tour good, and what am i missing out on by not doing a private tour?
https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Bobbi--I was just at Windsor 2 weeks ago, and purchased our tickets a week prior through the official website, where I also added a tour of The Great Kitchens. I found their audio guide to be good, and for our entry time of 11:30 we arrived by train at around 10:30 (I started our journey at 9 am from South Kensington via Tube to Paddington to get on the Elizabeth line to Slough where you have to transfer to a GWR train for the final 6 minutes of the journey to Windsor) to allow time for a restroom stop and a snack and a bit of exploring before going to the entry queue around 11:20--there was really no line, but you do go through a security check. Once inside the grounds you can explore at your own pace. The town of Windsor itself is right there and merits some time if you have it.
Thank you so much Christa! This really helps!
Hi! Just want to amplify the suggestion of walking into Eton. The walk is charming and takes you across the Thames - there are so many swans!
Eton is quaint and small, and what you can see of Eton College without taking a tour is definitely worth a squint. There are some nice places to eat and a couple of adorable pubs, plus plenty of interesting window shopping for school uniforms and antiques and the like.
I think Eton is definitely more “picturesque” than the part of Windsor around the castle, but that’s just me. :-)
Volva--I just said to a friend yesterday that I really wished we had visited Eton...unfortunately my traveling companion for this trip wasn't up to more that day.
christa - I hope Rick’s “assume you will return” applies to you and Eton. :-)
OP: I forgot my Windsor pub recommendations!
The Two Brewers, 34 Park Street, at the end of the Long Walk. Super freaking quaint. Lovely staff. We have not eaten here, but it is lovely for a pint. Plenty of tourists, but the atmosphere makes up for that.
The Dutchess of Cambridge, 3-4 Thames Street. This is basically across the street from the castle and is a very nice place for a pint or some lunch. The decor is very sweet. (The next pub along the road is a Wetherspoons, and while it is very affordable, it is always rammed with families and rowdy kids.)
The Corner Ale and Cider House at 22 Sheet Street is an actual local pub. Tourists do visit, but a lot of folks who live and work around there come for lunch and a drink after work. It’s friendly (I think it is family run) and the food, while a tad pricey, is good.
All 3 are within very easy walking distance from the castle and would make a nice pit stop before heading back to The Big Smoke.
There’s also a Windsor Ivy, and in Eton (just as you cross the bridge) a Côte, for reliably quality French bistro fare, with some lovely outdoor seating overlooking the river.
Interesting to see Côte described as "French bistro;" it seemed more "Frenchified steakhouse" to me, though your description also is valid. Either way, very good food.
