Windsor Castle

Even if I could, I'm not sure that dragging my sorry (possibly jet lagged) backside around a stately old castle would be my ideal start to enjoying a 2 week vacation. Whilst good on paper, if you end up in a post flight zombie state (as I do), then you may regret.

I can't answer your question about a storage location near or in Windsor. We did visit Windsor Castle in May 2013. We had a rental car and fortunately, arrived fairly early, before the huge crowds.

I seriously doubt if there is a luggage storage available at Windsor. Not sure where the bus would drop you, but there was an bit of an uphill walk to the castle that would not be good dragging luggage.

I would try and spend the day in Windsor when you aren't jet lagged. It's such a beautiful area with quaint shops and some wonderful restaurants. It was one of my favorite days in England.

If you want to go into Windsor why you you spend your first night there, that way you could drop off luggage then go to the castle. There are seven nice hotels and B&Bs there, Ye Hart & Garter is right across the street from the castle, and around the corner from the train station. There are some lovely pubs in Windsor that you could a great meal.

See this link for info about luggage at Windsor Castle. It says "On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. Please try to bring as little as possible with you as it will help you to get through security screening more quickly. Some items, such as large items of baggage, backpacks, pushchairs, pen-knives and scissors will have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of the visit."

To me, that means they have a checked-bag facility you can use -- in fact, you have to use it. It doesn't mention a fee but it would be reasonable to charge one. I also like Robin's suggestion to spend your first night in Windsor. That way you could drop the bags first and see the castle, or take that fatal afternoon nap if necessary and see the castle the next morning before heading into London.

Getting to Windsor by taxi wouldn't be too extravagant, and would be more convenient with luggage.

We ate at Windsor Grill and it was delicious. It's walking distance from the castle. They had the best squash. My husband even complimented the chef and then asked the chef how it was made. We still make it to this day - we call it Windsor Squash. :)

Another highlight of the day was attending a church service at St. George's Cathedral (it's right on the property). It's such a quaint church - and to think about all the historical events that took place in that church; and to think about who may have sat in the seat where I was sitting. Amazing!

We weren't planning on attending a service, so we weren't dressed appropriately for church, but we were still welcomed. My husband was wearing shorts (in October - ugh!) and a Patriot's t-shirt (smh) while others were wearing their "Sunday Best." Although wearing the t-shirt started a conversation after church with another New England fan who recommended Windsor Grill to us. So it was a win first us. :D

i cant top windsor squash, but in a quaint tea shop there is where i discovered scones w clotted cream & jam, good ness gracious! i like the idea of spending the 1st night in windsor

" They had the best squash." Sorry you've lost me on that one.
This sort of squash?
https://www.robinsonssquash.co.uk/

I think we are talking marrows, not fruit drinks.

Summer squash - the vegetable. I probably should have stated they "prepared" the best squash dish.

Doric8, where is this tea shop in Windsor? I'm spending my first 2 nights of my trip there and I am so looking forward to scones with clotted cream. It's been 3 years since my last trip and my taste buds are so excited!

sorry Claudette...... my visit was in 1987...... but I'm sure someone with more recent exposure could help you find one!!

Thanks for the reply, Doric8. It looks like you're due for another trip!

We were here in 2008. They did not have a way to store our bags. We trained from York and planned to spend the day before heading out late to Bath to maximize our train pass. They were very kind and were able to store our bags in an office while we explored the castle and grounds all day, which we loved. We spent all day there until we had to leave to get our train around 4pm. Still a great memory being there. Reading these ideas here, I liked the idea of spending the night in Windsor then going to London to begin your vacation the next morning. We get a lot done each day we travel and are the type to get busy seeing things right away, but taking a train to London after you explored the castle and just arrived that day sounds tiring with jet-lag.