The wife and I are thinking of a day trip to Windsor while we are in London next week. I heard somewhere that one can take the train from Paddington Station to Windsor, and return to London by boat. I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend a day.
Has anyone here heard of such a thing? Any info on who to contact to get reservations?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
It does not appear that there is through boat service. According to my River Thames map, you could take a Salter Bros. boat from Windsor to Staines, a French Brothers boat from Staines to Hampton Court Bridge, and a Thames Boat Co. Boat from there to Westminster Pier, probably with a boat change at Kew. Since these boats do not run every day,,you would have to check the schedules very carefully to make sure you can connect them. Maybe consider doing just one section by boat?
Posted by
OP
Loudoun County, Va., USA
220 posts
Thank you, Keith & Lola ! It looks as if there is boat service only from Hampton Court to Westminster Bridge at this time. The train service between Windsor and London is frequent and cheap, however. And I like riding the train anyway.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
Ah, I did not notice the "next week" part. Yes, most of the boat service on the Thames does not begin until later. But the part from Hampton Court to Westminster should be nice. Enjoy Windsor; we spent the night there before fling home on our last trip, and I'd love to back and explore, maybe walking the Thames Path upriver a ways. This is my favorite time of year to visit London. Lucky you!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33816 posts
If you will be on a boat on the Thames in the week or two bear in mind that the UK is in the midst of the new Ice Age and winter has well and truly hung on. You will be well advised to bring suitable clothing.
Posted by
Prague, Czech Republic
1 posts
Hello Morris, I cordially greet you from Prague. I read your mind. In 10 days I'm flying with my daughter in London and it's what I love to do. Early morning train to castle Winsdor and the return trip by boat to the center of London. How did you do it in March. Thank you for your response. Ivo.e
Posted by
OP
Loudoun County, Va., USA
220 posts
We were unable to do the boat thing, as most of the boat services were not in operation at the time of our trip. We took the train both ways, and had a very pleasant, if crowded, trip. I would suggest, however, that you don't go on a weekend, as it seemed that every family in the UK that had small children were on our trains.