Windsor in November: What's On and What to See

A practical guide to Windsor's seasonal events, quieter attractions and easy connections from Reading, with honest advice on where to base yourself.

What's Actually On in Windsor This November

Windsor's event calendar thins after October half-term, which is precisely why November appeals. The Windsor Castle State Apartments and St George's Chapel remain open, though the Round Tower and some precinct areas occasionally close for maintenance; check the official Royal Collection Trust page a week before travelling rather than relying on third-party listings. The annual Christmas lights switch-on in Windsor town centre usually falls in mid-to-late November, drawing local families to Peascod Street and the Guildhall area for an evening of entertainment. Dates vary each year, so confirm with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's official channels before booking travel.

For something quieter, the Windsor and Eton Riverside walk takes roughly 45 minutes and passes the Brocas meadows, where November often brings grazing cattle and low-angled light across the river. Eton College's High Street and the chapel are worth a look when open to the public, and the Eton College Natural History Museum opens on Sunday afternoons. Farther out, Legoland Windsor closes for the season in early November, so families should not build a trip around it. The Long Walk remains free and open daily, though the gates close at dusk, which in November is around 4:20pm.

Getting Between Reading and Windsor

The fastest rail option from Reading is the Elizabeth line to Slough, then a change onto the Windsor and Eton Central branch — roughly 35 to 45 minutes in total, depending on the connection. An alternative is the South Western Railway service from Reading to Windsor and Eton Riverside via Staines, which takes around 50 minutes and avoids the Slough change. Both routes run frequently, including on Sundays. Driving is straightforward via the M4 westbound to Junction 6, then the A332; expect 35 to 50 minutes outside peak hours, longer on weekday mornings when the M4 into Reading is congested.

Parking in central Windsor is the main constraint. The Alexandra Gardens and River Street car parks fill by mid-morning on weekends, and rates sit in the mid-range for a town-centre facility — expect to pay by the hour with a daily cap. Windsor and Eton Central car park at the station is convenient but small. If you are staying in Reading and visiting for the day, the train is the better call: no parking stress, and the walk from both Windsor stations to the Castle is under ten minutes.

Where to Stay: Reading or Windsor?

Windsor hotels in November are priced for a shoulder season, but availability near the Castle and along Datchet Road shrinks on switch-on weekend and during any royal events. Expect to pay a noticeable premium for the postcode. Reading, by contrast, offers a much wider spread of hotel types — from budget chains around Reading West and Oxford Road to mid-range and full-service properties near the station and The Oracle shopping centre. For a couple or solo traveller, staying in Reading and day-tripping to Windsor usually represents better value, especially midweek.

If your trip centres on the Castle, Eton or a specific evening event, paying for a Windsor room removes the last-train anxiety and lets you enjoy the town after dark. Families with young children should weigh the train change at Slough against a straightforward drive. My recommendation: book Reading for a two- or three-night base, then move to Windsor only if you have a fixed event that runs late. That combination gives you Reading's restaurant and transport options plus a relaxed Windsor day.

November Weather and What to Skip

November in the Thames Valley is mild but grey, with average highs around 10 to 11 degrees Celsius and lows near 4 to 5 degrees. Rain is frequent and often light, so a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes matter more than thermals. Daylight is the real constraint: sunset falls between roughly 4:20pm and 4:40pm across the month, and outdoor attractions such as the Long Walk and the Brocas lose their appeal by mid-afternoon. Plan indoor visits — the Castle, St George's Chapel, the Windsor Guildhall — for the later part of the day and outdoor walking for the morning.

Skip the boat hire operators along the Thames, which largely stop running for the season, and do not expect the Changing the Guard ceremony on a reliable schedule; it operates on selected days and is subject to cancellation. Legoland is closed. If you want festive atmosphere, wait for the lights switch-on rather than visiting in the first week of November, when the town is at its quietest. For a calmer visit with lower hotel demand, the first half of the month is the better window; the last ten days bring Christmas shoppers and higher weekend rates.

Questions, answered

Is Windsor Castle open in November?

Yes, the State Apartments and St George's Chapel are generally open Tuesday to Sunday, but some areas close for maintenance. Check the Royal Collection Trust website before travelling, as opening days vary.

How long does it take to get from Reading to Windsor by train?

Allow 35 to 45 minutes via the Elizabeth line to Slough and the branch line to Windsor and Eton Central. The South Western Railway route via Staines takes around 50 minutes.

What is the best time to see the Windsor Christmas lights?

The town-centre switch-on typically happens in mid-to-late November. Dates change annually, so confirm with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead before booking, and expect larger weekend crowds.

← Reading's page