Windsor - London Heathrow Airport Layover

London Heathrow is the UK's biggest airport, located 14 miles west of Central London and serving hundreds of destinations around the world. As a result of it being a major hub between North America, Africa and Asia, there is the possibility of layovers.

Rather than stay at the airport all day, why not use the time to take a trip to beautiful Windsor? Take a bus, train or taxi to Windsor and you could visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the Royal Family; enjoy an open-top bus tour; take a boat trip along the River Thames; or dine at one of the many restaurants, cafés or hotels in the heart of Windsor. Just make sure you allow time for border control at the airport!

Things to do in Windsor during a long layover

With a long layover, you can turn a wasted day’s worth of travel into an extra day’s break.

Windsor is most famous for Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of His Majesty The King. Tours are conducted by audio guides, included in the admission price, and so you can tailor their length to your requirements (average 2 hours).

On the day of your visit you might be lucky enough to experience Changing the Guard at 11am, up close and personal.

Then why not stop for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea at one of the many restaurants or hotels within a few minutes walk of the Castle?

Depending on time, you could enjoy a 40-minute boat trip from Windsor Promenade, hop on an open-top sightseeing bus (full loop takes 75-90 minutes) or explore the historic town centre of Windsor, the Long Walk, or across the river to Eton, home of the world-famous Eton College, just a 20-minute walk from the Castle.

Enjoy the shopping in Windsor and Eton where high street retailers, designer labels, antique shops and department stores sit alongside quaint souvenir shops.

Things to do in Windsor during a short layover

With a short layover, why not escape the humdrum of the airport for a few hours to stretch your legs, and enjoy a quality bite to eat?

For a small slice of pomp and circumstance, watch Changing the Guard, and wander around the ancient streets set in the shadow of the imposing walls of the Castle.

Stop for lunch in a lovely restaurant, or indulge in a quintessentially British afternoon tea.

Walk down by the river and feed the King’s swans, see the sights, before heading back to the airport.

Left luggage facilities

Please note there are no left-luggage facilities in Windsor town centre; please use the left-luggage facilities at Heathrow.

How to get to Windsor

Windsor is just 12 miles from London Heathrow Airport and is exceedingly well connected via public transport.

Travel to Windsor by bus

Take Reading Buses' Flightline 703 from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Windsor. Also First Bus number 8 operates between Terminal 5 and Slough stopping at Windsor town centre.

Travel to Windsor by train

Take the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow Airport Terminals 2, 3, 4 or 5. Change at Hayes and Harlington for the Elizabeth Line to Slough. Change at Slough for the branchline to Windsor & Eton Central. Visit www.thetrainline.com for train times.