Based on suggestions from an ealier post, Mom and I have booked our stay at my aunt's B & B in N. Yorkshire for May 22 and 23. We depart from Heathrow on May 29, and are considering overnighting in Windsor for 2-3 nights before leaving for ease of access to both the airport and London (in other words, using Windsor as a base for London, probably taxi to Heathrow on 29th.) Any suggestions on the best way to get to Windsor? I'm thinking train from York to Oxford, possibly Oxford two nights (and a visit to Blenheim), then on to Windsor. Point is, we'd like to avoid staying in London if possible and like the smaller city sound of Windsor.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
From Windsor, to get to anywhere by train you need to change at Slough. Not convenient for sightseeing and not that much to see after the first day. I strongly suggest spend the first two nights at least in London- so much more to see and you can train to Windsor for a half day or day (go in the morning and spend as much time as you like, then get back to London). Third night you can spend in London, or if you prefer, spend the night at a hotel at Heathrow
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
From Oxford take a train to Slough. Connect there to a train to Windsor. The entire trip will take a little over one hour.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
Tim gave you good advice, I just thought I would tell you that the ride from Slough to Windsor is like 5 minutes.
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
I used to live out in Reading, west of London, and often took the train into the city for a long day, coming back late that evening. So, a bit of commuting tourism is certainly possible, if you are prepared to pay for it and keep an eye on the schedule. In no way am I suggesting Reading as a base for you. Just the opposite, in fact. Henley-on-Thames, where the regatta is held, is near Reading and is a nice little town. Nothing of much tourist significance. A walkable center and some decent pubs and places to eat. However, like Slough, you can't get into London without making a connection.
Posted by
OP
Frisco, CO, US
112 posts
Thanks for all the helpful replies. I agree that London would be the most convenient base for our last 3 or so nights. I neglected to mention that part of our motivation for looking to Windsor for accommodation is that we'll be leaving from Heathrow on May 29, and the Chelsea Flower Show ends on May 28, so we were leary of the crowds/booked up rooms in London during that time. Does anyone have experience with this? Will we likely be affected by the CFS if we are keeping mostly to the main touristy attractions in London?
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
I have been in London during Flower Show week. Didnt affect hotels that I noticed. Most people seem to come into town (from Windsor and Reading ??) just for the day.