Get to Windsor Castle from Buxton, Derbyshire?

To get to Windsor Castle from Buxton, Derbyshire, you can travel by car or train. The fastest driving route is via the M40, covering 167 miles in about 3 hours and 23 minutes, with tolls. An alternative M1 route spans 172 miles and takes around 3 hours and 29 minutes. The quickest journey takes about 4 hours and 17 minutes by train, involving a Northern train to Stockport, an Avanti West Coast train to London Euston, a subway connection, and a South Western Railway service to Windsor. Another option, taking up to 5 hours 32 minutes, may include bus and additional train transfers. Driving via the M40 is the best option for speed and convenience, but train travel offers a scenic, stress-free alternative.

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Takeaways

Key Points
Driving from Buxton to Windsor Castle via the M40 is the fastest route at 167 miles, taking around 3 hours 23 minutes. Starting on the A515, join the A50, and then proceed via the M42 and M40. Merge onto the M4 and take the A355 and A332 towards Windsor. Toll roads apply.
Covering 172 miles in 3 hours 29 minutes, the M1 route starts similarly to Route 1, joining the A50 before merging onto the M1 southbound. Switch to the M25 and later the M4, exiting at the B470 for Windsor Castle. This route avoids the M40 but includes additional mileage.
At 175 miles and 3 hours 29 minutes, this scenic route mirrors Route 2 initially but incorporates more time on the A515. After joining the M1 and M25, switch to the A355 and A332 via the M4 for Windsor Castle. Slightly longer but ideal for those preferring countryside roads.
Train journeys range from 4 hours 17 minutes to 5 hours 32 minutes. Faster routes involve Northern and Elizabeth line trains with efficient transfers. Longer routes add buses or slower services. Minimise delays by choosing direct connections and real-time schedule checks.
Modes of transport, number of transfers, train speeds, and overall route efficiency affect travel time. Buses and indirect connections often lead to longer durations. To optimise the journey, select fewer transfers, faster trains, and check live schedules for updates.

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Getting to Windsor Castle from Buxton, Derbyshire by Car

Route 1 via M40

Driving from Buxton, Derbyshire, to Windsor Castle via M40 spans approximately 167 miles, taking around 3 hours and 23 minutes under ideal driving conditions. This is the fastest route but includes tolls.

Driving Directions:

1. Start in Buxton
   • Begin on The Crescent and head northeast for 348 feet.
   • Turn right onto Terrace Road (A515). Continue on A515 for 20.2 miles through scenic countryside.
2. Join B5034
   • Turn right onto North Avenue (B5034) and continue for 0.2 miles.
   • Make a slight left onto Dovehouse Green (B5034) for 325 feet, then turn right onto Belle Vue Road for 171 feet.
   • Follow Belle Vue Road straight for 0.3 miles, merging into Dark Lane for 0.1 miles.
   • Turn right onto Mayfield Road and drive for 0.3 miles.
3. Reach A52
   • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto A52 for 0.2 miles.
   • At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Clifton Road (A515) and continue for 8.5 miles.
4. Merge onto A50
   • Take the first exit onto the A50 ramp for 0.2 miles at Ashbourne Interchange.
   • Merge onto Doveridge Bypass (A50) for 0.9 miles.
5. Continue on A515
   • Take the third exit back onto A515 for 1.7 miles at Sudbury Roundabout.
   • Take the second exit onto Main Road (A515) at the next roundabout and continue for 1.4 miles.
6. Follow B5017 and Local Roads
   • Take a slight left onto B5017 for 2.7 miles.
   • Take the third exit at the roundabout and drive through Rangemore Hill and Forest Road for a combined 2.4 miles.
   • Turn left onto Barton Gate (B5016) and follow for 0.8 miles, then turn right onto Wales Lane for 0.3 miles.
7. Join A38 and the M6 Toll
   • Merge onto A38 for 6.8 miles.
   • Use the left lane to take the ramp toward the M6 Toll. Follow signs to M6 Toll South for 10.5 miles (toll road).
8. Drive on M42 and M40
   • Continue onto the M42 for 12.1 miles, then merge onto the M40 at Junction 3A, following signs to London.
   • Travel along the M40 for 74.2 miles, taking Exit 4 towards A404 at Handy Cross Roundabout.
9. Approach Windsor via M4
   • Follow A404 for 7.4 miles to reach the M4. Merge onto the M4, driving 4.4 miles before taking the A355 exit.
10. Arrive at Windsor Castle
    • Follow A355 for 0.5 miles to Royal Windsor Way (A332).
    • Drive along A332 for 1.2 miles before turning slightly left onto Clarence Road for 0.5 miles.
    • Continue on Victoria Street and take the first exit at the roundabout onto Sheet Street (B3022).
    • Turn right onto Castle Hill, leading to Windsor Castle.

Route 2 via M1

The journey spans approximately 172 miles, taking around 3 hours and 29 minutes under ideal driving conditions.

Driving Directions:

1. Start in Buxton
   • Begin on The Crescent and head northeast for 348 feet.
   • Turn right onto Terrace Road (A515). Continue along A515 for 20.2 miles through the rolling Derbyshire countryside.
2. Join B5034
   • Turn right onto North Avenue (B5034) and follow it for 0.2 miles.
   • Make a slight left onto Dovehouse Green (B5034) for 325 feet, then turn right onto Belle Vue Road for 171 feet.
   • Continue straight along Belle Vue Road for 0.3 miles, merging into Dark Lane for 0.1 miles.
   • Turn right onto Mayfield Road and drive for 0.3 miles.
3. Reach A52 and A515
   • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto A52 for 0.2 miles.
   • At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Clifton Road (A515) and continue for 8.5 miles.
4. Merge onto A50
   • Take the first exit onto the A50 ramp for 0.2 miles at Ashbourne Interchange.
   • Merge onto Doveridge Bypass (A50) for 0.9 miles.
   • At Sudbury Roundabout, take the second exit onto Foston-Hatton-Hilton Bypass (A50) and drive for 19.6 miles.
5. Join M1
   • Use the right lane to take the M1 South/A50 ramp for 0.6 miles.
   • Use the right lane again to merge onto the M1 South ramp towards London/Leicester/Loughborough for 0.4 miles.
6. Follow M1 and M25
   • Continue on the M1 for 57.2 miles, staying right to remain on the motorway for another 37.5 miles.
   • At Junction 6A, use the third-from-left lane to take the M25 exit towards M40/M4/Heathrow Airport for 0.8 miles.
   • Use the right lane to merge onto the M25 for 18.8 miles.
   • At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto the M4 towards Slough for 2.2 miles.
   • Take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley for 0.3 miles.
7. Approach Windsor Castle via B470
   • At Langley Roundabout, take the second exit onto Major’s Farm Road (B470) for 1.7 miles.
   • At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto London Road (B376/B470) for 210 feet.
   • Take the first exit onto High Street (B470) at another roundabout for 0.2 miles.
   • Turn right onto Windsor Road (B470) and continue for 1.4 miles.
   • Turn left onto Thames Street (B3022). Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times.
   • Finally, turn left onto Castle Hill for 266 feet, arriving at Windsor Castle.

Route 3 via A515 and M1

The journey spans approximately 175 miles, taking around 3 hours and 29 minutes under ideal driving conditions.

Driving Directions:

1. Start in Buxton
   • Begin on The Crescent and head northeast for 348 feet.
   • Turn right onto Terrace Road (A515) and follow the road for 20.2 miles, passing through beautiful countryside.
2. Join B5034
   • Turn right onto North Avenue (B5034) and continue for 0.2 miles.
   • Slightly veer left onto Dovehouse Green (B5034) for 325 feet, then turn right onto Belle Vue Road for 171 feet.
   • Continue straight along Belle Vue Road for 0.3 miles, merging into Dark Lane for 0.1 miles.
   • Turn right onto Mayfield Road and drive for 0.3 miles.
3. Reach A52 and A515
   • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto A52 for 0.2 miles.
   • At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Clifton Road (A515) and continue for 8.5 miles.
4. Merge onto A50
   • Take the first exit onto the A50 ramp for 0.2 miles at Ashbourne Interchange.
   • Merge onto Doveridge Bypass (A50) for 0.9 miles.
   • At Sudbury Roundabout, take the second exit onto Foston-Hatton-Hilton Bypass (A50) and drive for 19.6 miles.
5. Join M1
   • Use the right lane to take the M1 South/A50 ramp for 0.6 miles.
   • Use the right lane again to merge onto the M1 South ramp towards London/Leicester/Loughborough for 0.4 miles.
6. Follow M1 and M25
   • Continue on the M1 for 57.2 miles, staying right to remain on the motorway for another 37.5 miles.
   • At Junction 6A, use the third-from-left lane to take the M25 exit towards M40/M4/Heathrow Airport for 0.8 miles.
   • Use the right lane to merge onto the M25 for 18.8 miles.
   • At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto the M4 towards Slough for 6.0 miles.
   • Exit at Junction 6 towards A355 for 0.3 miles.
7. Approach Windsor Castle via A332
   • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto A355 for 0.4 miles.
   • Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) for 1.2 miles.
   • Slightly veer left onto Clarence Road for 0.5 miles, passing through one roundabout.
   • Continue onto Victoria Street for 0.3 miles.
   • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Sheet Street (B3022). Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times.
   • Turn right onto Castle Hill for 266 feet, arriving at Windsor Castle.

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Getting to Windsor Castle from Buxton, Derbyshire by Train

To travel from Ash Vale to Windsor Castle by train, the journey duration varies depending on the route and the efficiency of connections. The minimum travel time is 4 hours 17 minutes, while the maximum is 5 hours 32 minutes. This variation is influenced by factors such as the number and type of transfers, the modes of transport used, and the waiting times between connections.

Minimum Travel Time: 4 hours 17 minutes

• This route involves efficient connections between trains and a subway, with fewer waiting times and shorter walking distances. Trains on this route are faster and more direct.
• Train 1: Northern train to a connecting station.
• Train 2: Transfer to an Avanti West Coast train.
• Walk: Short walking transfer.
• Subway: Northern line to another station.
• Train 3: Elizabeth line train to a station.
• Train 4: Great Western Railway (GWR) train to Windsor & Eton Central.
• Walk: Finally, take a short walk to Windsor Castle.

Efficient connections and faster services result in a shorter travel time.

Maximum Travel Time: 5 hours 32 minutes

• The longer duration is due to a more complex sequence of transfers, including using a bus at the start and additional walking and subway connections. Bus waiting times and slower train services also contribute to the extended duration.
• Bus: Skyline 199 bus from Market Place to a train station.
• Walk: Short walking transfer to the platform.
• Train 1: Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast train.
• Train 2: Transfer to another Avanti West Coast train.
• Walk: Transfer on foot.
• Subway: Victoria line to a station.
• Train 3: South Western Railway train to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
• Walk: Finally, take a short walk to Windsor Castle.

The involvement of a bus and additional transfers increases the travel time.

Reasons for Time Differences

1. Mode of Transport: Routes involving buses tend to take longer due to road traffic and lower speeds than trains.
2. Number of Transfers: More transfers increase travel time due to the need to wait for connecting services.
3. Train Speed and Stops: Some routes use slower trains or services with more frequent stops, which increases the overall journey time.
4. Route Efficiency: Routes with direct connections and fewer walking or transfer requirements are quicker than those with multiple modes of transport.

Travellers can optimise their journey and minimise delays by choosing the shortest-duration route. It is advisable to check real-time schedules and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.

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Conclusion

There are several ways to travel from Buxton, Derbyshire, to Windsor Castle, whether by car or train. Driving via the M40 offers the fastest and most direct route, taking around 3 hours and 23 minutes. At the same time, train travel provides a scenic, albeit longer, journey ranging from 4 hours 17 minutes to 5 hours 32 minutes, depending on the number of transfers. Both options have benefits, with driving offering more control and speed, and train travel providing a more relaxed experience. Regardless of the chosen method, proper planning and checking schedules will help ensure a smooth trip to this historic destination.

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FAQ

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