The only day we are able to book a day trip to tour Windsor and the Castle is the Friday of Ascot - is this a bad idea? Massive crowds? Any difficulties getting the train back to Paddington Station from Windsor & Eaton Central at the end of the day, after the races are over? I'm hearing of packed trains and long wait times. I'm traveling with young children. Thank you!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8134 posts
I would have thought that people would be using Ascot station, rather than Windsor station.
If worried I would use Windsor and Eton Riverside station. They are direct trains to London Waterloo- much longer trains than the Shuttle from Windsor Central to Slough, and avoids the change at Slough.
Also Riverside as a station is more able to handle crowds.
Yes I know it is a longer route and gets derided every time it is mentioned on this forum.
But sometimes speed is not everything. If there is a belief that crowds will use Windsor then it simply is the more sensible alternative.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
Ascot station is only 7 minutes walk from the racecourse so that is the way racegoers will go as the services are strengthened.
Windsor & Eton Riverside is useful in general if staying around the Waterloo area but anywhere else I personally would take the the route via Slough. Do note that the routes are not interchangeable for return tickets.