Windsor in Autumn: What to See and Where to Stay

Windsor delivers its best walking weather and quietest streets between late September and early November, and it pairs naturally with a Reading base.

Why autumn works in Windsor

Windsor sits about 30 miles west of central London and roughly 20 minutes from Reading by train, with two changes-free options: Great Western Railway services from Reading to Windsor & Eton Central via Slough, or the slower run into Windsor & Eton Riverside via Staines. Autumn is the sensible season. The Long Walk, the 2.6-mile tree-lined avenue running south from the George IV Gateway towards the Copper Horse statue, looks its best from mid-October, and daytime temperatures in the 12-16C range make the walk genuinely pleasant rather than a slog.

Rainfall climbs in October and November, so plan indoor anchors into the same day. Windsor Castle opens at 10am on most days and closes earlier in the afternoon from November, and the State Apartments plus St George's Chapel comfortably fill three hours. Check the castle's own calendar before booking, since the court's movements occasionally close sections at short notice. Weekdays from late September onwards are noticeably calmer than summer weekends, which matters most inside the castle and along the High Street.

What to actually see

Start at the castle, then drop down to the Thames via the 1820s Windsor Bridge and walk the short Eton High Street for coffee and bookshops; the riverside path towards Eton College's playing fields floods occasionally after heavy rain, so watch the forecast. For something quieter, the Savill Garden inside Windsor Great Park charges a modest entry fee for adults and is at its most colourful in October, while the free Virginia Water lake circuit next door takes around 90 minutes on foot and is the better choice with children or a dog.

Skip the tourist-oriented Windsor Duck Tours if you are short on time, and skip Legoland Windsor entirely in favour of a Great Park walk unless you have younger children along; the park is a full-day commitment and its autumn opening calendar narrows from early November. If you want one splurge, book a guided tour of Eton College rather than an unaccompanied walk through the town, but confirm availability in advance because tours run on restricted days in autumn.

Where to stay, and the Reading option

Inside Windsor itself, expect the strongest rates in the midweek slots between half-term and the run-up to Christmas. Two reliable areas: the streets around Windsor & Eton Central station, which put you five minutes from the castle gates, and the riverside stretch near Windsor & Eton Riverside station in the Eton direction, quieter at night and better for couples. Central Windsor properties sit in the higher band of what the town offers; the further you walk from the castle towards Dedworth or out along St Leonards Road, the more the rates ease.

Reading is the practical alternative and often the better value. A hotel near Reading station gives you the Elizabeth Line for direct London access, fast trains west to Oxford and the Cotswolds, and a 20-30 minute train hop into Windsor. Factor in the return ticket and the day is still cheaper than a peak Saturday night by the castle. My recommendation: book Reading for a three-night trip combining Windsor, Henley and the Chilterns, and book Windsor itself only if the castle is your single priority.

Getting there and timing your trip

By car from Reading, take the M4 west to junction 6 and follow the A332 into Windsor, which is around 25-35 minutes outside rush hour; parking in the central multi-storeys fills early on Saturdays, so use the park-and-ride from Legoland or arrive before 10am. Trains from Reading run roughly every 20-30 minutes and take 25-40 minutes depending on the route, so a car is only worth it if you are combining Windsor with the Great Park.

The sweet spot is the last week of September through the third week of October: leaves are turning, accomodation is calmer than in August, and daylight still runs past 6pm. Avoid the October half-term week if you want the castle without queues, and avoid the weekend of Remembrance Sunday for anything near the castle, when central roads close. November afternoons darken by 4.30pm, so front-load outdoor plans and save the State Apartments for after lunch.

Questions, answered

Can I visit Windsor as a day trip from Reading?

Yes. Trains from Reading take 25-40 minutes with a change at Slough or Staines, and run every 20-30 minutes through the day. Allow six to seven hours to cover the castle, the Long Walk and Eton without rushing, and book castle tickets online in advance.

When are the autumn colours best in Windsor Great Park?

Mid to late October is usually the peak for the chestnuts along the Long Walk and the maples around Virginia Water. Early November still holds colour but loses daylight by 4.30pm, so plan outdoor walking for the morning and keep indoor options for the afternoon.

Is it cheaper to stay in Reading and travel to Windsor?

Usually yes, once you weigh the train fare against central Windsor rates, especially at weekends. Booking a Reading hotel near the station also gives you the Elizabeth Line into London. Choose Windsor itself only if the castle or a riverside evening is your main reason for the trip.

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