Get to Windsor Castle From Stoke-on-Trent

Key Points

• Windsor Castle is approximately 154 miles from Stoke-on-Trent via the M40, 162 miles via the M1, and 162 miles via the M6 and M1.
• The best way to get to Windsor Castle from Stoke-on-Trent depends on your priorities, whether it’s speed, cost, or convenience.
• By car, the fastest and most direct route is via the M40, taking around 2 hours and 33 minutes, though it includes tolls on the M6 Toll. Alternatively, you can take the M1, which avoids tolls but takes slightly longer, at 2 hours and 52 minutes.
• If travelling by train, the quickest route is via London Euston, the Elizabeth Line, and Great Western Railway (GWR), taking approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes, though most train journeys require at least two changes.
• For those who prefer cycling, the journey is approximately 156–159 miles and takes around 13 hours, with routes passing through Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon.
• The best overall option is by train via Euston and the Elizabeth Line, as it avoids traffic congestion and offers a relatively fast and comfortable journey. However, driving via the M40 remains a strong alternative if flexibility is a priority.

Routes Comparison Table

Travel Method	Route	Distance	Estimated Time	Tolls	Key Stops	Notable Considerations
By Car	Via M40	154 miles	2 hr 33 min	Yes	Stoke-on-Trent → M6 → M6 Toll → M42 → M40 → A404 → M4 → Windsor	Fastest car route; toll fees apply; potential congestion on M6, M40, and M4
	Via M1	162 miles	2 hr 52 min	No	Stoke-on-Trent → A50 → M1 → M25 → M4 → Windsor	No tolls; can be slower due to congestion on M1 and M25
	Via M6 & M1	162 miles	2 hr 51 min	Yes	Stoke-on-Trent → M6 → M6 Toll → M1 → M25 → M4 → Windsor	Similar to M1 route but includes M6 Toll for reduced congestion
By Train	Fastest Route (Morning, via Elizabeth Line & GWR)	N/A	2 hr 33 min	N/A	Stoke-on-Trent → London Euston → Tottenham Court Road → Paddington → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central	Fewer changes, shorter wait times, fastest train option
	Standard Route (Evening, via Euston & Paddington)	N/A	3 hr 5 min	N/A	Stoke-on-Trent → London Euston → Paddington → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central	More stops; longer transfer at Euston
	Longest Route (Late Night, via Staines & Bus)	N/A	3 hr 28 min	N/A	Stoke-on-Trent → London Euston → Vauxhall → Staines → Windsor & Eton Riverside	Includes a bus transfer; longer waiting times
By Cycle	Via National Cycle Route 5	159 miles	13 hr 47 min	N/A	Stoke-on-Trent → Stratford-upon-Avon → Oxford → Reading → Windsor	Longer and more challenging terrain with significant elevation changes
	Via National Cycle Routes 5 & 57	156 miles	13 hr 22 min	N/A	Stoke-on-Trent → Oxford → Reading → Windsor	Slightly shorter with lower elevation gain; includes some restricted roads

Key Insights:

• Fastest Overall Route: By car via M40 (2 hr 33 min) or by train via Elizabeth Line & GWR (2 hr 33 min).
• Cheapest Option: M1 car route (no tolls) or standard train route.
• Most Scenic Route: Cycling via National Cycle Route 5, passing through Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford.
• Most Reliable Train Route: Morning train via Elizabeth Line & GWR with fewer changes.
• Most Economical Train Route: Standard evening train with more stops but lower costs.
• Most Challenging Route: Cycling, due to the long duration and elevation changes.

Travellers should consider their priorities (speed, cost, scenery, or physical challenge) when selecting their preferred route.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Stoke-on-Trent By Car

Route 1: Via M40

If you’re driving from Stoke-on-Trent to Windsor Castle, the quickest and most direct route is via the M40. Under ideal conditions, this journey takes approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes, covering a distance of 154 miles. However, please note that the route includes toll roads, so be prepared for additional charges along the way. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate this route:

1. Starting from Stoke-on-Trent

• Begin by getting on the M6 in Tittensor from Queensway/A500. This will take about 6 minutes (approximately 3.4 miles).
• Head southeast on Glebe St/A52 towards Church St for about 36 feet.
• The road turns left and becomes Church St after 0.1 miles.
• Continue for another 190 feet and take a slight right at the junction with City Rd.
• Keep to the right for 0.2 miles, then merge onto Queensway/A500, driving for 2.5 miles.

2. Join the M6 Northbound

• At the Hanchurch Interchange, take the 2nd exit onto the M6 N ramp heading towards Birmingham.
• After 482 feet, make a slight left to merge onto the M6 towards Birmingham.
• Continue on the M6 for 22.7 miles.

3. Transition to the M6 Toll and M42

• Follow the road signs and take the M6 Toll to the M42 and M40. Continue for 23.2 miles on the toll road.
• Keep to the left to stay on the M42, following signs for The S W/M5/London (S&W)/M40/Coventry (S&W)/Birmingham (S)/N.E.C/Airport. This section will take you for about 12.1 miles.

4. Merge onto the M40

• At junction 3A, use the left two lanes to merge onto the M40 towards London/Warwick/Stratford. Continue on the M40 for 74.2 miles.
• At junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead.

5. Navigating the A404 and M4

• After taking the A404 exit, use the right two lanes to take the ramp onto the A404.
• At the Handy Cross Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A404. Continue for 4.4 miles.
• At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit, staying on the A404 for 3.0 miles.
• Keep to the right to continue on the A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4.
• Use the middle lane to turn left onto Holyport Interchange slightly and take the M4 exit towards London. Follow the M4 for 4.4 miles.

6. Exit onto A355 and Continue Towards Windsor

• Take the exit towards A355 and continue on this road for approximately 0.3 miles.
• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A355.
• Continue along the Royal Windsor Way/A332 for 1.2 miles.
• Take a slight left onto Clarence Rd and continue for 0.5 miles, passing through one roundabout.
• Continue straight onto Victoria St for 0.3 miles.
• Take the 1st exit onto Sheet St/B3022 at the next roundabout. Follow B3022 for 0.2 miles (note that parts of this road may be closed at certain times).

7. Arriving at Windsor Castle

• Finally, turn right onto Castle Hill for 266 feet, and you will arrive at Windsor Castle.

Important Considerations

• Traffic: The M6, M40, and M4 can be busy, particularly during peak hours. Consider checking live traffic updates before you travel.
• Tolls: The M6 Toll is a paid road but can save time compared to the standard M6 route.
• Road Closures: Certain roads in Windsor, particularly near Windsor Castle, may have restrictions on certain days.

By following these directions, you’ll easily reach Windsor Castle, ready to explore one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.

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Route 2: via M1

Another viable option for travellers heading to Windsor Castle from Stoke-on-Trent is the M1 route. This journey covers approximately 162 miles and takes around 2 hours and 52 minutes under ideal traffic conditions.

Route Overview: Via M1

• Distance: 162 miles
• Estimated Time: 2 hours 52 minutes
• Tolls: No

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Leaving Stoke-on-Trent
   • Start on Glebe Street/A52, heading southeast towards Church Street.
   • Glebe Street/A52 turns left and becomes Church Street.
   • Take a slight right, then another slight right at City Road Junction.
   • Keep right and merge onto Queensway/A500.
   • Continue for 0.4 miles, then use the left two lanes to turn slightly left onto the A50 ramp towards Uttoxeter/Derby.
2. Travelling on A50
   • At Sideway, take the 1st exit onto A50.
   • Stay on A50 for 6 miles.
   • At Tean Roundabout, take the 2nd exit, continuing on A50.
   • At McDonald’s Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Uttoxeter Bypass/A50.
   • Continue straight through the Derby Road Roundabout onto Doveridge Bypass/A50.
   • At Sudbury Roundabout, take the 2nd exit, continuing on A50.
   • Follow A50 for 19.6 miles, then use the right lane to take the M1 South/A50 ramp towards Leicester/Nottingham (S)/East Midlands Airport.
   • Use the right lane to take the M1(S) ramp towards London/Leicester/Loughborough.
3. Main Motorway Journey
   • Merge onto M1 and stay on it for 18.8 miles.
   • Keep right to remain on M1, continuing for 75.9 miles.
   • At Junction 6A, use the third lane from the left to take the M25 exit towards M40/M4/Heathrow Airport.
   • Use the right lane to take the ramp onto M25.
   • Continue on M25 for 18.8 miles.
   • At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto M4 towards Slough.
   • Stay on M4 for 2.2 miles, then take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley.
4. Final Approach to Windsor
   • At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road/B470.
   • Continue for 1.7 miles, then at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road/B376/B470.
   • Take the 1st exit onto High Street/B470 at the next roundabout.
   • 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).
   • Turn left onto Castle Hill, and you will arrive at Windsor Castle.

Important Considerations

• Traffic: The M1, M25, and M4 can experience congestion, particularly near London. It’s advisable to check for traffic updates before departure.
• Alternative Routes: If delays occur on M1, consider diverting via M6 and M40 as an alternative.
• Road Closures: Certain roads in Windsor, particularly Thames Street/B3022, may have periodic restrictions.

By following this route, you’ll reach Windsor Castle comfortably, ready to explore this historic royal residence.

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Route 3: via M6 and M1

Another option for reaching Windsor Castle from Stoke-on-Trent is via the M6 and M1 motorways. This route spans 162 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes under optimal conditions. It includes toll roads, notably the M6 Toll.

Route Overview: Via M6 and M1

• Distance: 162 miles
• Estimated Time: 2 hours 51 minutes
• Tolls: Yes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Leaving Stoke-on-Trent
   • Start on Glebe Street/A52, heading southeast towards Church Street.
   • Glebe Street/A52 turns left and becomes Church Street.
   • Take a slight right, then another slight right at City Road Junction.
   • Keep right and merge onto Queensway/A500.
   • Continue for 2.5 miles, then at Hanchurch Interchange, take the 2nd exit onto the M6 North ramp towards Birmingham.
   • Merge onto M6.
2. Travelling on M6 and M6 Toll
   • Continue on M6 for 22.7 miles.
   • Keep right to enter the M6 Toll road (toll applies) and follow for 23.2 miles.
   • Use the right two lanes to take the M6 (South) exit towards London (North & East)/M1/Coventry (North & East).
   • Use the right two lanes to take the ramp to M6, following it for 3.1 miles.
   • Merge onto M6 again for 21.3 miles.
   • Take the exit towards M1 South.
3. Main Motorway Journey
   • Merge onto M1 and continue for 61.2 miles.
   • At Junction 6A, use the third lane from the left to take the M25 exit towards M40/M4/Heathrow Airport.
   • Use the right lane to take the ramp onto M25.
   • Continue on M25 for 18.8 miles.
   • At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto M4 towards Slough.
   • Stay on M4 for 2.2 miles, then take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley.
4. Final Approach to Windsor
   • At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road/B470.
   • Continue for 1.7 miles, then at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road/B376/B470.
   • Take the 1st exit onto High Street/B470 at the next roundabout.
   • 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).
   • Turn left onto Castle Hill, arriving at Windsor Castle.

Important Considerations

• Traffic: The M6, M1, and M25 can be busy, particularly during peak hours. Checking traffic updates before departure is advised.
• Tolls: This route involves toll charges on the M6 Toll, which may reduce congestion but comes at an additional cost.
• Road Closures: Certain roads in Windsor, such as Thames Street/B3022, may have occasional restrictions.

By following this route, you will reach Windsor Castle, ready to explore its stunning architecture and rich history.

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Getting to Windsor Castle from Stoke-on-Trent by Train

Travelling from Stoke-on-Trent to Windsor Castle by train can take between 2 hours 33 minutes and 3 hours 28 minutes, depending on the route, waiting times, and mode of transfers. Most journeys require at least two or three changes, typically at London Euston, Paddington, or Staines, before reaching Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside stations.

Why Travel Times Vary

The variation in travel time depends on multiple factors, including:

• Number of Stops: Some trains have fewer stops, reducing travel duration.
• Waiting Time Between Connections: The time spent waiting for the next train significantly affects the overall journey length.
• Alternative Routes: Some routes include multiple types of transport, such as the Underground, Elizabeth Line, or bus replacements, which may slow down travel.
• Time of Travel: Late-night routes may take longer due to reduced service frequency and additional waiting times.

Route Comparisons

Fastest Route: 2 hr 33 min (Morning Route via Elizabeth Line & GWR)

• Total time: Approximately 2 hours 33 minutes
• Key stops: London Euston → Tottenham Court Road → Paddington → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central
• Why is it faster?
  • Fewer changes and shorter waiting times between connections.
  • The Elizabeth Line from Tottenham Court Road to Paddington reduces the need for longer walks or subway transfers.
  • The direct GWR train from Paddington to Slough is non-stop, saving time.

Standard Route: 3 hr 5 min (Evening Route via Euston & Paddington)

• Total time: Approximately 3 hours 5 minutes
• Key stops: London Euston → Paddington → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central
• Why does it take longer?
  • This route includes more stops on the initial train to London.
  • Longer Underground transfer time between Euston and Paddington compared to the Elizabeth Line route.

Longest Route: 3 hr 28 min (Late-Night Route via Staines & Bus)

• Total time: Approximately 3 hours 28 minutes
• Key stops: London Euston → Vauxhall → Staines → Windsor & Eton Riverside
• Why is it the slowest?
  • Includes a replacement bus service from Staines to Windsor, which adds waiting time.
  • The South Western Railway train from Vauxhall to Staines makes eight stops, slowing progress.
  • Longer waiting times between train and bus connections.

Travellers looking for the fastest option should consider morning journeys via the Elizabeth Line and GWR. Late-night travel takes longer due to reduced service frequency and alternative transport options like buses. Regardless of the chosen route, planning connections carefully and checking real-time schedules can help reduce delays and make the journey more efficient.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Stoke-on-Trent By Cycle

​Embarking on a cycling journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Windsor Castle offers an adventurous experience through diverse landscapes and historic towns. Two primary routes incorporating sections of the National Cycle Network are available for this trip.

Route Options:

1. Via National Cycle Route 5:
   • Distance: Approximately 159 miles​
   • Estimated Duration: 13 hours 47 minutes​
   • Elevation Gain: 3,087 feet​
   • Elevation Loss: 3,343 feet
   • Maximum Elevation: 745 feet​
   • Minimum Elevation: 23 feet
   • Notable Considerations: This route includes sections with restricted usage or private roads. It’s advisable to verify access permissions and seek alternative paths where necessary.​
2. Via National Cycle Routes 5 and 57:
   • Distance: Approximately 156 miles​
   • Estimated Duration: 13 hours 22 minutes​
   • Elevation Gain: 2,264 feet
   • Elevation Loss: 2,520 feet​
   • Maximum Elevation: 515 feet
   • Minimum Elevation: 23 feet​

Key Locations and Highlights:

• Stoke-on-Trent: Known for its rich pottery heritage, Stoke-on-Trent serves as the starting point of your journey. The city offers various museums and factories dedicated to ceramics, providing a cultural backdrop before you commence your ride.​
• Oxford: Both routes pass through Oxford, renowned as the “City of Dreaming Spires” due to its prestigious university and historic architecture. Exploring Oxford’s colleges and the Bodleian Library can add a scholarly charm to your trip.
• Stratford-upon-Avon: If you opt for the route solely via National Cycle Route 5, you’ll encounter Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This market town offers a glimpse into Elizabethan England and the life of the famed playwright.​
• Reading: As you approach Windsor, passing through Reading provides an opportunity to explore this historic town situated along the Thames Valley. Reading offers a mix of modern amenities and historical sites, making it a worthwhile stop.​

Route Considerations:

• Elevation Changes: Both routes feature notable elevation gains and losses, with the Route 5 option presenting a slightly more challenging terrain. Cyclists should prepare for these variations to ensure a comfortable journey.​
• Path Conditions: Certain segments, particularly on National Cycle Route 5, may include restricted or private roads. It’s essential to plan ahead, consult detailed maps, and possibly contact local authorities or cycling groups to confirm accessibility.​
• Construction and Closures: Be aware of potential construction works or path closures along the routes. For instance, construction on the Pelsall to Brownhills Greenway (McClean Way), part of National Cycle Route 5, was scheduled from November 2024 to April 2025. While efforts were made to keep the path open, access may have been limited during that period.

Preparation Tips:

• Route Planning: Utilise resources like Sustrans’ National Cycle Network map to chart your course. These tools provide valuable information on route conditions, points of interest, and alternative paths.
• Accommodation and Rest Stops: Plan for overnight stays or rest breaks in towns along the way. Cities like Oxford and Reading offer various lodging options to suit different budgets.​
• Safety Measures: Equip your bicycle with necessary safety gear, carry repair kits, and ensure you have adequate provisions, especially when traversing rural or less populated areas.​

Embarking on this cycling journey requires thorough preparation but promises a rewarding experience filled with cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and personal achievement.

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Conclusion

No matter which mode of transport you choose, travelling from Stoke-on-Trent to Windsor Castle offers a range of options to suit different preferences and schedules. Driving provides flexibility and speed, with multiple routes available depending on toll preferences and traffic conditions. Train travel, while requiring connections, offers a convenient and comfortable alternative, particularly for those preferring to avoid motorways. For the more adventurous, cycling allows exploring historic towns and scenic landscapes along the way.

Planning your journey carefully and considering factors such as traffic, route restrictions, and travel times can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.

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