Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British monarch, is a must-visit destination for any castle enthusiast. However, contrary to popular belief, Windsor Castle does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to Windsor Castle is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is approximately 12 miles away.
Distance and Travel Time from Heathrow Airport
- Distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR): 12 miles (19.3 km)
- Travel Time from London Heathrow Airport (LHR): 20-minute drive by car, or 30 minutes by bus
Getting to Windsor Castle from Heathrow Airport
- By Car: A 20-minute drive from Heathrow Airport to Windsor Castle is the fastest option, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace.
- By Bus: Take the bus from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Windsor Castle, which takes around 30 minutes. This is a more budget-friendly choice, but may take longer than driving.
- By Taxi or Uber: The most expensive option, but convenient for those who prefer a direct door-to-door service.
Other Nearby Airports
While Heathrow Airport is the closest, there are several other airports within a reasonable distance from Windsor Castle:
| Airport | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick Airport (LGW) | 39 km | Around 59 minutes by car and public transport |
| London City Airport (LCY) | 17.2 km | Around 42 minutes by public transport |
| London Luton Airport (LTN) | 43.3 km | Around 1 hour by car and public transport |
| London Stansted Airport (STN) | 53.1 km | Around 1 hour 15 minutes by car and public transport |
Practical Information for Visiting Windsor Castle
- Security: Airport-style security checks are in place, so plan accordingly and avoid bringing large luggage.
- Luggage Storage: Use left luggage facilities at the airport or in central London if you have large bags.
- Parking: There is no visitor car parking at Windsor Castle; use public car parks in the town centre instead.
Tour Options and Pricing
- Guided Tours: Available from Heathrow Airport, with prices varying depending on the size of your party and the services required.
- Self-Guided Visit: Buy tickets online or at the information counter at Heathrow Airport to save time.
Accommodation
With over 16,749 hotels available in Windsor Castle, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, with prices starting from €83 per night.
Additional Tips
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes as the visitor route covers long distances and involves walking uphill.
- Food and Drink: There are many restaurants and pubs in the area where you can grab food and drinks before visiting the castle.
Windsor Castle is a magnificent royal residence that attracts visitors from around the world. While it may not have its own airport, the proximity of London Heathrow Airport and the various transportation options make it easily accessible for castle enthusiasts. By planning your visit and taking advantage of the available resources, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at this iconic landmark.
References:
– Homeroom Travel. (2018). A 9-hour Layover to Windsor Castle from London Heathrow. Retrieved from https://homeroomtravel.com/a-9-hour-layover-to-windsor-castle/
– London Toolkit. Windsor Castle from Heathrow Airport stopover/tour. Retrieved from https://www.londontoolkit.com/tours/heathrow_windsor_tour.htm
– Rome2Rio. How to get to Windsor Castle from 5 nearby airports. Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Nearby-Airports/Windsor-Castle-Greater-London-England
– Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Getting Here. Retrieved from https://www.windsor.gov.uk/visitor-information/travel-information/getting-here
– Royal Collection Trust. Practical Information for visiting Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/practical-information-for-visiting-windsor-castle