Windsor Castle sits about 22 miles west of Buckingham Palace by car. While the train route is a bit longer at 26 miles, it only takes around an hour and nine minutes compared to the potential traffic delays on the roads.

I. Introduction

London is a metropolis with a rich heritage and profound cultural significance. No visit to the capital is complete without experiencing the grandeur of its royal landmarks. Two of the most iconic residences in London are Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, both home to the British royal family. Many tourists visit London yearly to glimpse these magnificent buildings and soak up the British monarchy’s rich history and traditions.

One of the visitors’ most common questions is, “How far is Windsor Castle from Buckingham Palace?” The Royal Mile, which passes through some of the most picturesque parts of London, connects the two buildings.

The following article will take a closer look at the Royal Mile. Additionally, we will provide all the information you need to plan a visit to Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. We’ve covered you, from transportation options to insider tips on the best times to visit.

II. The Royal Mile: A Journey Through History

The Royal Mile is a 25-mile stretch of road connecting Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace. The route passes through some of London’s most beautiful and historical parts, including charming villages, lush green parks, and iconic landmarks.

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Here are a few noteworthy features of the Royal Mile:

  • Windsor Castle: The Royal Mile begins at Windsor Castle, a magnificent fortress that has been the home of the British monarchy for over 900 years. Windsor Castle sits in Windsor, just a short train ride from central London.
  • Eton College: Just across the River Thames from Windsor is Eton College, one of the most prestigious private schools in the world. The college has educated many famous figures, including Prince William and Prince Harry.
  • Runnymede: As you travel along the Royal Mile, you’ll pass through the historic village of Runnymede, where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. This document established that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law.
  • Richmond Park: One of the largest and most beautiful parks in London, Richmond Park is home to various wildlife, including deer, foxes, and rabbits. The park is also home to Pembroke Lodge, a Georgian mansion with stunning city views.
  • Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace, the official home of the British monarch, marks the endpoint of the Royal Mile. The palace is in the heart of London, surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the London Eye and Big Ben.

III. How Far is Windsor Castle from Buckingham Palace?

Now that you have learned about the Royal Mile let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind – how far is Windsor Castle from Buckingham Palace?

The distance separating Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace is 20 miles or 32 kilometres. The fastest mode of transportation to travel between these two renowned landmarks is by car or taxi, with an estimated travel time of around 45 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.

If you prefer public transportation, you can board a train at London Waterloo Station to take you to Windsor & Eton Riverside. A brief stroll will take you to Windsor Castle. Trains run regularly throughout the day, typically lasting about 45 minutes.

You can take a taxi or bus from Windsor to Richmond Park, approximately halfway along the Royal Mile. Alternatively, you can walk or cycle through the park, enjoying the beautiful scenery and stroll through this peaceful oasis.

Once you reach the other end of the Royal Mile, you’ll find yourself at Buckingham Palace. One option is to participate in a tour led by a palace guide and explore the State Rooms open to the public during summer. You’ll have the chance to witness the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. This ceremony takes place outside the palace every day.

If you’re short on time or prefer not to walk, you can also take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which will take you from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace and back again, with stops at all the significant landmarks along the way.

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IV. FAQs

1. What is the Royal Mile?

The Royal Mile is a scenic route connecting Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace, covering approximately 25 miles.

2. How can I travel from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace?

You can travel from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace by car, taxi, train, or bus.

3. How far is Windsor Castle from Buckingham Palace?

The approximate distance between Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace is around 20 miles or 32 kilometres.

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4. What landmarks will I see along the Royal Mile?

The Royal Mile passes through many historic and beautiful landmarks, including Windsor Castle, Eton College, Runnymede, Richmond Park, and Buckingham Palace.

5. Can I take a guided tour of Buckingham Palace?

Yes, you can take a guided tour of Buckingham Palace during the summer when the State Rooms are open to the public.

6. How long does travelling from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace take?

The duration of the journey may differ based on the transportation mode used and prevailing traffic conditions. By car or taxi, it can take around 30-40 minutes. By train, it can take approximately 45-60 minutes, including transfers.

7. Can I walk from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace?

You can walk from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace along the Royal Mile. It’s a scenic and enjoyable walk, but it can take several hours, depending on your pace.

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8. Can you visit both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in one day?

It’s possible to visit both attractions in one day, but it can be pretty busy and tiring. Planning your visit and allocating enough time to explore each attraction thoroughly is recommended.

9. What other attractions are there to see along the Royal Mile?

In addition to Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, there are many other attractions along the Royal Mile, such as the Royal Parks, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens, and the Tower of London.

10. What is the best time of year to visit Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace?

The summer months, from June to September, are the best time of year to visit both attractions. This is the period when the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are accessible to the general public and when the gardens of Windsor Castle are in full bloom. However, these are also the busiest months, so booking your tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long queues.

11. Which is bigger, Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle?

Buckingham Palace is more significant than Windsor Castle. Buckingham Palace has a floor area of about 77,000 square meters, while Windsor Castle has around 13,000 square meters. Additionally, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, while Windsor Castle has around 1,000 rooms, but most are not open to the public. However, Buckingham Palace’s state rooms are more spacious and splendid than Windsor Castle’s.

V. Conclusion

London is a city full of history, culture, and royal tradition, and there’s no better way to experience it than by exploring the Royal Mile. Whether you are exploring a destination for the first time or have experienced travelling there, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and charm of this scenic route, which connects two of the most famous landmarks in London.

So, if you’re wondering how far Windsor Castle is from Buckingham Palace, the answer is just a short journey along the Royal Mile. Whether you travel by car, train, bus, or on foot, you’ll experience stunning views, fascinating history, and memories that will last a lifetime.

J. Shaw

Joseph Shaw is a renowned expert with two decades of experience in historic travel, and tourism in the United Kingdom. His multifaceted expertise and commitment to excellence have made him a highly respected professional in U.K. tourism.

J. Shaw has 90 posts and counting. See all posts by J. Shaw

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