West of London, in the county of Berkshire, lies the twin town of Windsor and Eton. A day trip to Windsor and Eton is a good idea during a visit to London.
Actually, they are two places separated only by the Thames.
On the north side of the river is Eton, a university town. It is home to the world-famous Eton College, an exclusive and not exactly inexpensive boarding school. This is where the the rich and noble learn for life. In 2012, the rowing and canoeing competitions of the Olympic Summer Games took place on Dorney Lake, which belongs to the college.
Windsor is located on the south side of the river Thames. Windsor Castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen of England. The castle is said to be the largest permanently inhabited castle in the world. It is possible to explore the castle grounds with restrictions. If the Queen is present, the restrictions may be somewhat greater.
Windsor is also the ancestral seat of the Order of the Garter, the oldest still-active knightly order in the world.
Day trip tips for Windsor and Eton
Windsor Castle is in Windsor, around 25 km from London. The river Thames flows towards London beneath the castle.
About 25 km lie between London and Eton, which is located directly opposite of Windsor. The towns are separated by the river Thames but there is a bridge to cross over from one to the other.
Windsor and Eton travel information
Arrival
By plane
The nearest airport is London Heathrow.
By train
The twin city has two railroad stations. From London Waterloo station trains go to Windsor and Eton Riverside, from Paddington station you can reach Windsor and Eton Central with a single change. There are other connections from Maidenhead and Bristol. From both stations you can easily reach Windsor Castle on foot.
By car
The M3, M4, M25 and M40 freeways run right near the city.
Parking
There are several paid parking garages and parking lots in downtown Windsor.
Some long-term parking lots offer more favorable rates, for example Romney Lock and King Edward VII parking garages on Datchet Road and Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens parking lots, next to Coach Park.