Fast train, royal history, ridiculous dessert, and a glimpse into Britain’s most elite classroom

By Steve Sharpe

When people ask me about the best day trip from London, I don’t hesitate.

Windsor and Eton. Every time.

Not because it’s quaint… although it is. And not just because of the castle, the pub, or the absurdly charming high street, although they’re all part of it. It’s because Windsor and Eton, taken together, give you a perfect window into British identity. Power, tradition, monarchy, privilege, patriotism. It’s all there, dressed up in stone and pageantry and summer pudding.

And the best bit? It’s 35 minutes from Paddington on the Elizabeth Line, then one single change at Slough. You can get there before your morning coffee cools.

Two towns. One story.

Windsor and Eton sit on opposite sides of the River Thames, connected by a small pedestrian bridge that feels like a portal. On one side, you have Windsor Castle — official residence of the King, built by William the Conqueror, still actively guarded by soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats. On the other, you have Eton College — the most famously elite boys’ school in Britain. This is where David Cameron and Boris Johnson studied. So did Prince William and Prince Harry. So did George Orwell, Ian Fleming, Hugh Laurie, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and Dominic West. An big British cast right there!

You don’t need to go inside to feel it. Just walk up and down Eton High Street. You’ll see boys in black tailcoats and starched white collars walking between classes like something out of Brideshead Revisited. It’s hard to believe you’re not on a film set.

The Castle is the centrepiece

Even if you’ve seen a dozen stately homes, Windsor Castle still manages to surprise you. It’s enormous, lived-in, and laced with drama. You’re walking through 1,000 years of British monarchy — rooms where the Queen entertained world leaders, chapels where Harry and Meghan were married, corridors hung with armour, Van Dycks, and chandeliers the size of cars.

Don’t skip St George’s Chapel. The Gothic ceiling alone is worth the trip, and it’s the final resting place of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. Seeing her name etched in the stone floor hits harder than you expect.

Take to the river

After the castle, take a short walk to the waterfront and board a French Brothers boat tour along the Thames. It’s peaceful, scenic, and just the right pace after a few hours of history. You’ll drift past royal estates, swans, and some of the most picturesque riverside homes in the country. The commentary is charming and the whole experience feels like stepping into a slower, more elegant version of England.

Kids love it. So do grown-ups. And the views of Windsor from the water are worth it alone.

Lunch and the legendary Eton Mess

Cross the bridge into Eton and stop at The George Inn. It’s the kind of place where the food is excellent but nobody’s trying too hard. I’d recommend the steak and ale pie if you’re hungry. But really, you’re here for the Eton Mess. They invented it. And theirs is... outrageous. Strawberries, meringue, cream. Nothing fancy. Just absurdly good.

My wife and I shared an Eton Mess but we easily could have had one each.

What to see (and how to do it right)

If you’re heading there for the day, keep it simple:

1. Windsor Castle – Go early. Book ahead online to skip the queues. Get the audio guide — it’s genuinely good.

2. St George’s Chapel – Take your time. It’s quieter and more moving than you might expect.

3. The Long Walk – After the Castle, walk down the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park. It’s a 2.6-mile straight path that feels like something out of a fairytale. You’ll get the iconic shot of the Castle behind you.

4. French Brothers boat tour – A relaxed, scenic way to take in Windsor and the surrounding countryside. Departures are frequent and it’s easy to join from the riverside.

5. The George Inn – For lunch or early supper. Don’t leave without ordering the Eton Mess.

6. Eton High Street – Stroll. Observe. Let the details do the work — the uniforms, the architecture, the traditions still alive.

Optional: If you’re feeling curious, peek into Eton College Natural History Museum — it’s small, free, and oddly charming.

And for the price of a Zone 1–6 travelcard and a train fare, you can experience all of it in a day.

About the author
Steve Sharpe is a London-based senior client lead working in marketing and digital content. He has helped deliver campaigns and grow revenues for blue chip brands including Microsoft, Stellantis and the John Lewis Partnership, and has worked on marketing projects involving Ed Sheeran and online fitness creator Armz Korleone. Alongside his professional work, he is passionate about fitness, boxing, animal welfare and the everyday joy of becoming a father.