We have a full day planned on our way to London (wake up in Bath, tour Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, drive to Stonehenge, tour Stonehenge, then head towards London). We don't have time to tour Windsor Castle on this trip, and by the time we arrive, it would be closed anyway. I'd like to at least see it in real life. Is this doable, or is it set way back behind gates? Is it worth the stop and diversion on our way from Stonehenge to Heathrow (dropping the rental car off and proceeding to our London hotel)? Are there other things near there that we should see? And how much time should we plan for?
Thanks!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15709 posts
Can you get a window seat on your flight over if you are going in to Heathrow? Often the flight path is right over Windsor Castle.
I'm not sure you can see much other than a big wall although I've not gone across the river to Eton to see if the view is better. I'd do a google street view and see if that is going to give you what you want.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7569 posts
In my opinion, no. You'll only be able to see the outer walls and not much more. But it's your trip so your opinion is what matters. And if seeing it is important to you, then it's certainly possible. It's not far from Heathrow so not a big detour.
Posted by
Central Coast CA, USA
284 posts
I was in Windsor in 2022, just after the queen had passed away, so the castle was closed to the public. I walked around in the town but could not see much of the castle. However, I did not approach it from the long walk direction. I did get a better view from the water (Runnymede to Windsor, French Brothers) but I don't know if you have time for that.
Would you be interested in visiting Runnymede, where King John placed his seal upon the Magna Carta? I think it should be more or less on your way, but I hope someone who knows the roads will come on here and correct me if I am wrong.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
64 posts
We are flying into Bristol and out of Heathrow, so won't get to see it. Sounds like there isn't much to see when driving by, so we will skip it. Thanks, everyone!