Yes, Windsor Castle has several car parks nearby, but there is no parking right at the castle itself. Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK, and finding convenient parking can be a challenge. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various car park options available to visitors of Windsor Castle.
Car Parks and Prices
There are several car parks located within a short walking distance of Windsor Castle. Here are the details:
| Car Park | Spaces | Price (2 hours) | Distance to Castle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor Yards Shopping Centre | 744 | £3.40 | 12 minutes |
| River Street | 145 | £10.50 | 6 minutes |
| Windsor & Eton Riverside Station – Queens Car Park | 22 | £4.90 | 6 minutes |
| Alma Road | 130 | £4.60 | 15 minutes |
| Victoria Street | 206 | £4.40 | 15 minutes |
As you can see, the prices and distances vary, so it’s important to plan ahead and choose the car park that best suits your needs.
Long-Stay Car Parks
For visitors planning to spend the day in Windsor, long-stay car parks are recommended. These car parks are less than 10 minutes’ walk to Windsor Castle and the town centre and are generally cheaper than short-stay car parks in the middle of town.
Park and Ride
Windsor also offers Park and Ride facilities at Legoland, Home Park, Romney Lock, and King Edward VII car parks. Visitors can park their cars and catch the bus into the town centre, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
Accessibility
- Blue Badge Holders: Can park free of charge in any council-run car park when displaying a valid Blue Badge. Please adhere to the maximum stated time for each car park.
- Electric Vehicle Charge Points: Available in the Windsor and Maidenhead area.
Tips and Precautions
- Book in Advance: It is recommended to book parking spaces in advance, especially during peak times.
- Be Aware of Traffic: Traffic can be heavy, especially during the Guard March, which takes place at specific times of the day.
- Secure Your Vehicle: Ensure all possessions are stowed away out of sight, and all windows are closed and doors locked to prevent theft.
Alternative Transportation
If driving and parking is not your preferred option, there are other ways to reach Windsor Castle:
- Train: Visitors can take the train from Paddington station to Windsor, with a change in Slough. The journey takes less than 40 minutes, and the walk to the castle from the station is about 7 minutes.
In conclusion, while Windsor Castle does not have its own car park, there are several convenient parking options available in the surrounding area. By planning ahead and considering alternative transportation, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free visit to this iconic royal residence.
References:
- Parkopedia. (n.d.). Windsor Castle Royal Palace parking. Retrieved from https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/attraction/windsor-castle-royal-palace/
- Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. (n.d.). Parking. Retrieved from https://www.windsor.gov.uk/visitor-information/parking
- Rick Steves Travel Forum. (2019). Parking for Windsor Castle? Retrieved from https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/parking-for-windsor-castle
- Q-Park. (n.d.). Windsor Castle Car Park. Retrieved from https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/windsor/poi/windsor-castle/
- Fodor’s Travel Talk Forums. (n.d.). Parking at Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/parking-at-windsor-castle-940336/.