Valley Gardens
Explore centuries of royal history at Windsor Castle and immerse yourself in botanical wonders at Kew Gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Valley Gardens
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of royal history at Windsor Castle and immerse yourself in botanical wonders at Kew Gardens.
"A packed day trip, but seeing Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens is an unforgettable experience."
🎟️ Book Windsor Castle Tickets
Secure your Windsor Castle entry tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid queues.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking within the castle grounds and gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Windsor Castle State Apartments
Windsor Castle
Explore opulent rooms, see royal artifacts, and marvel at the grandeur of the British monarchy.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House
Windsor Castle
A miniature masterpiece showcasing incredible detail and craftsmanship, a truly unique sight.
St. George's Chapel
Windsor Castle
A stunning example of Gothic architecture and the final resting place of many monarchs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Windsor Castle
Day Trip Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens in a day trip from Park Royal
🎟️ Book Windsor Castle Tickets
Secure your Windsor Castle entry tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid queues.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking within the castle grounds and gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
What parks/gardens to visit in late Jan-early Feb? And other recommendations please as I’ll be staying for 2 weeks!
📅 Check Opening Times
Always verify the opening and last entry times for Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens, especially during off-peak seasons.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Windsor Castle Tickets
Secure your Windsor Castle entry tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid queues.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking within the castle grounds and gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
📅 Check Opening Times
Always verify the opening and last entry times for Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens, especially during off-peak seasons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Windsor Castle for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and the impressive State Apartments. Kew Gardens is lauded for its diverse plant collections and beautiful conservatories. The main challenge for many is the ambitious nature of combining both in a single day trip, requiring careful planning and efficient travel.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Park Royal, you'll likely need to take the Underground to a station with direct or easy connections to Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside. This can involve multiple changes and take over an hour.
It's a very ambitious day trip. You'd need an early start and efficient travel between locations. Kew Gardens closes at 4 pm, so you'd have limited time there after Windsor.
The most efficient way is likely a combination of train and London Underground. From Windsor, take a train to London Paddington or Waterloo, then connect to the Underground to Kew Gardens station.
No, there are no direct trains from Park Royal to Windsor. You will need to use the London Underground to connect to a National Rail service heading towards Windsor.
The journey can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on connections and train schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Windsor Castle can be purchased directly from the official Royal Collection Trust website or at the ticket office on the day, though booking online in advance is recommended.
The last entry time for Kew Gardens is typically 3 pm, with the gardens closing at 4 pm. Always check their official website for the most current information.
While not always mandatory, booking Windsor Castle tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for specific time slots like the 9:45 am entry, to avoid disappointment.
There are no official combined tickets for Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens as they are separate attractions managed by different organizations. You will need to purchase tickets for each separately.
Windsor Castle typically opens around 9:30 am or 10 am and closes in the late afternoon, with variations depending on the season and day of the week. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for exact times.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Windsor Castle boasts the magnificent State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, St. George's Chapel, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony (on select days).
Kew Gardens in January offers a different charm, focusing on its indoor botanical collections like the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Hive. It's less about the outdoor blooms and more about the diverse plant life.
To fully experience Windsor Castle, including the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel, allocate at least 3-4 hours.
Highlights include the Palm House, Temperate House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, the Hive, and the Treetop Walkway (seasonal access).
Photography is generally not permitted inside the State Apartments or St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, but you can take photos in the grounds and courtyards.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kew Gardens offers more interactive potential for families, especially if the weather is cooperative. The Hive installation can spark curiosity, and there are often specific family trails or activities available. Consider focusing on the indoor conservatories if the weather is poor.
🚶 Day-Trippers
Be realistic about the time you'll have at Kew Gardens, as the 4 pm closing time is strict. You might only have an hour or two to explore. If time is a major constraint, you might consider focusing on just one of these incredible attractions to fully enjoy it without feeling rushed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Maximizing Your Windsor Castle Visit
Allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit to truly appreciate the scale and history. While photography is restricted inside the main interiors, the castle grounds offer plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. Be sure to check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which adds a ceremonial flair to your visit, though it doesn't happen daily.
Pro-tip from travelers: If you're interested in the historical context, consider an audio guide or a guided tour to get the most out of the experience. The sheer size and detail can be overwhelming without some guidance.
Experiencing Kew Gardens in Winter
While the outdoor gardens might be less colorful, the skeletal beauty of the trees and the crisp winter air can be quite serene. The Hive, an immersive art installation, offers a unique perspective on the world of bees and pollination, regardless of the season. It's a great way to connect with nature even on a cold day.
Traveler insight: If you're visiting in winter, dress warmly and be prepared for potentially wet conditions. The indoor spaces provide excellent refuge, but you'll still want to explore some of the outdoor pathways to appreciate the landscape.
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