It’s been a long time since I took a day trip to Windsor Castle. A decade, in fact. But given there have been multiple royal weddings at St George’s Chapel in recent years, I figured it was time to go back again.
Day Trip to Windsor Castle
With Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie both saying their marriage vows at Windsor Castle, I wanted to go and explore the royal residence and surrounding area.
Now that I’m here, I’m rediscovering why I fell in love with this place last time I visited.
Windsor Castle
After a quick train ride from London, I start my day trip at the castle itself. It’s right in the middle of town and dominates the landscape. Guards in bearskin hats and purple coats patrol the area, lending an official feel from the moment I walk in.
The audio tour guides me through the entrance and grounds, then into the castle itself.
The State Apartments are as grand as I would expect from such a place, and their 17th-century furnishings and layers of more recent history tell the story of the monarchs that have called this loveliest of castles in England home.
Outside, I walk over to St George’s Chapel. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the beauty of its Gothic architecture endures.
Indoors, the stunning fan vaulted ceiling, chapels, and tombs of monarchs keep me busy exploring and admiring for longer than I anticipate.
Windsor
But there’s more to this place than just the royal residence, even if I have spent hours within its walls. My day trip to Windsor Castle ends up being just as much about the rest of the area as it is about the fortress itself.
And I’m thankful for it. Windsor is a market town with beautiful streets and heritage architecture. From cobbled lanes to the famous Crooked House of Windsor, there’s a lot to discover.
The Windsor Royal Shopping with Queen Victoria’s Royal Waiting Room and Jubilee Arch are some of the first things I see when I arrive. Situated in the historic Victorian Railway Station, it’s full of shops, restaurants, and vintage details.
Along the High Street are pubs like the Duchess of Cambridge, which was named for Kate Middleton.
Down a little set of steps nearby I find myself in a green space called The Goswells with the Royal Windsor Maze and Diamond Jubilee Fountain.
Next to it is the peaceful Alexandra Park, alongside of which runs the River Thames.
Eton
I cross the river into Eton, Windsor’s neighbor and home to the famous college of the same name. The streets are charming and the college full of architectural gems.
I can’t get enough of the High Street, the college chapel, or the fact that there are students in black gowns running around everywhere I look. I feel like I’m in some kind of Harry Potter world.
But I’m still in the real world, and that means I have to make my way back home soon. I retrace my steps to catch my train to London, soaking up all the details as I go.
And as my train pulls away and my day trip to Windsor Castle ends, I catch one last glimpse of the monarch’s residence dominating the skyline.
The next time I see it, it will probably be on TV for a royal wedding, and it will be all the more enjoyable for having been here in person recently.
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14 Comments on Lady’s Guide to a Beautiful Day Trip to Windsor Castle
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Windsor Castle is amazing and definitely worth a visit. When I went, I didn’t get tickets in advance (rookie mistake) and we had to wait over an hour to go in. We didn’t have much time to explore the rest of the town. I would love to go back. Debating about going around the time of the wedding because I would love to see some of the festivities but then I think about how crowded and crazy it will be….
That’s too bad about the long wait. I booked my ticket in advance but there was no line since it was a weekday in winter. I think it would be fun to go back around the time of the wedding, but agree that it might be crowded!
I’d really like to visit Windsor
I hope you can someday soon!
Windsor is one of my favorite locations when visiting England. I was fortunate to be there during one of the Queen’s birthday walkabouts and again during the Jubilee week festivities. Windsor castle is so very special. Also attending evensong in the chapel ( where both upcoming Royal weddings will be held) if you have the opportunity, is memory making. Your photos are lovely. Thank you.
That’s great! Sounds like you’ve had some special visits there.
Beautiful photos! I can’t believe I’ve never been to Windsor, the town looks delightful! I must try and make it there this year.
Thanks! I hope you are able to get there this year. It’s such a lovely place.
I spent a flying visit at Windsor once and I fell in love with the town itself, I am desperate to go back, its on the hitlist for this year! xx
Lynsey
I hope you can!
Have you gone to eat at any of the places in town? We’re going this fall and I was eyeing the Duchess of Cambridge pub for my love of Kate Middleton!
I haven’t, but that sounds like a good reason to visit the Duchess of Cambridge pub.
Is it easy to get to castle from train station? Is everything within walking distance? Going at Christmas and appreciate the insights!
Yep!