Get to Windsor Castle From Derby

Key Points

• Windsor Castle is approximately 132 to 144 miles from Derby, depending on the route taken.
• To travel from Derby to Windsor Castle, the best option is by car via the M1 motorway, taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes under ideal conditions. This route covers 132 miles and involves taking the M1 south, merging onto the M25, and then the M4 before reaching Windsor via local roads (B470 and B3022).
• An alternative is via the M40, which is slightly longer (144 miles) but offers a smoother drive with fewer congested sections.
• By train, the fastest journey takes 2 hours 54 minutes, involving travel from Derby to St Pancras International, a Thameslink train to Farringdon, the Elizabeth Line to Slough, and a GWR train to Windsor & Eton Central.
• Cycling is also an option, with the shortest route being 139 miles via Charley Road, taking over 12 hours. The best travel method depends on preference, but driving via the M1 is the most efficient and direct route.

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Getting to Windsor Castle from Derby by Car

Routes Comparison

Criteria	Route 1: Via M1 (Best Route)	Route 2: Via M40	Route 3: Via A38 & M40
Total Distance	~132 miles	~144 miles	~142 miles
Estimated Time	~2 hours 40 minutes	~2 hours 40 minutes	~2 hours 45 minutes
Main Motorways Used	M1, M25, M4	M1, M69, M40, M4	A38, M6 Toll, M40, M4
Best For	Direct and fast journey	Alternative to M1	Scenic route with toll roads
Traffic Considerations	Potential congestion on M1 and M25	M40 can be busy near London	M6 Toll reduces congestion
Toll Roads	No	No	Yes (M6 Toll)
Fuel & Rest Stops	Multiple service stations along M1 and M25	Service stations on M40	Service stations along M6 Toll and M40
Potential Road Closures	Corporation Street (Derby, 7 AM – 7 PM), parts of Sheet Street (Windsor)	Corporation Street (Derby, 7 AM – 7 PM), parts of Sheet Street (Windsor)	Corporation Street (Derby, 7 AM – 7 PM), parts of Sheet Street (Windsor)
Weather Impact	Can affect M1 and M25	M40 may be affected by fog and rain	Weather may affect A38 and M40
Overall Recommendation	Best route for a direct journey	Good alternative with motorway travel	Balanced option with toll for less congestion

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Route 1: Via M1 (Best Route)

Travelling to Windsor Castle from Derby by car is a straightforward journey, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes under ideal conditions. The total distance is around 132 miles, and the recommended route follows the M1 motorway. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to reaching your destination.

Step 1: Departing from Derby

1. Begin your journey by heading northwest towards Albert Street.
2. Exit the roundabout onto Corporation Street (Note: This road is closed from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
3. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Derwent Street.
4. Continue onto Nottingham Road, then turn right to merge onto The Upas.
5. Follow Eastgate, keeping right to stay on the road.
6. Merge onto Brian Clough Way/A52 and take the exit towards Ring Road/A5111/Loughborough/A6.
7. Continue onto Raynesway, which leads to Alvaston Bypass/A6.
8. Follow Derby Spur/A6 and use the left lanes to merge onto Derby Southern Bypass/A50.
9. Use the right lane to take the M1 South/A50 ramp towards Leicester and Nottingham (South).
10. Take the right lane to merge onto M1(S) towards London/Leicester/Loughborough.

Step 2: Travelling on the M1 and M25

11. Drive along the M1 motorway for approximately 75.9 miles, staying in the correct lanes.
12. At Junction 6A, take the M25 exit, following signs for M40/M4/Heathrow Airport.
13. Use the right lane to merge onto the M25.
14. Continue for 18.8 miles, then at Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto the M4 towards Slough.
15. Take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley.

Step 3: Final Leg to Windsor Castle

16. At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road/B470.
17. Follow the B470, passing through several roundabouts and junctions.
18. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High Street/B470.
19. Turn right onto Windsor Road/B470 and continue straight.
20. Turn left onto Thames Street/B3022 (Note: Some parts of this road may be closed at certain times).
21. Finally, turn left onto Castle Hill to arrive at Windsor Castle.

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Route 2: Via M40

For those driving from Derby to Windsor Castle, taking the M40 route is an efficient option, covering a distance of approximately 144 miles and taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes under ideal conditions. Below is a step-by-step guide to navigating this route, including essential tools, precautions, and things to be aware of during your journey.

1. Departing from Derby

Begin your journey by getting on the M1 in Leicestershire. Follow these steps:

• Head northwest toward Albert St.
• Exit the roundabout onto Corporation St (note that this road is closed between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM).
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Derwent St, continuing onto Nottingham Rd.
• Merge onto The Upas, then Eastgate, and keep right to stay on Eastgate.
• Follow the A52 (Brian Clough Way) before taking the exit toward Ring Rd/A5111/Loughborough/A6.
• Merge onto Raynesway and continue on the A6, eventually merging onto the Derby Southern Bypass (A50) via the ramp to M1/Nott’m/Loughborough/A6.
• Take the right lane to join M1 South toward London/Leicester/Loughborough.

2. Following M1 and M69 to Coventry Eastern Bypass

• Drive for approximately 35.4 miles, continuing on the M1 before taking the exit toward M69.
• Take the 3rd exit onto M69 at the roundabout, heading towards Birmingham/M6/Coventry.

3. Getting on M40

• Merge onto Coventry Eastern Bypass/A46 and continue for 1.4 miles.
• Keep right to continue on Stonebridge Highway/A45 and take the ramp to A4114/City Centre.
• At Stivichall Interchange, take the 1st exit onto the A46 ramp to M40/Banbury/Warwick/Leamington.
• Follow the A46, continuing on Warwick Bypass before taking the M40 ramp to London/Banbury/Leamington.

4. Following M40 to High Wycombe

• Continue on M40 for about 63.2 miles.
• At junction 4, use the left 2 lanes to take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead.

5. Entering Berkshire

• Take the A404, staying on it for about 7.3 miles.
• Follow A404(M) and merge onto the M4 via the Holyport Interchange.
• Take the exit toward A355.

6. Final Approach to Windsor Castle

• Continue on A355, then take Royal Windsor Way/A332 and Clarence Rd.
• Go through one roundabout and continue on Victoria St.
• Take the 1st exit at the next roundabout onto Sheet St/B3022 (note: some parts of this road may be closed at certain times).
• Turn right onto Castle Hill to arrive at Windsor Castle.

Tools and Precautions

• Navigation: Ensure you have a reliable GPS system, such as Google Maps or Waze, to provide real-time traffic updates.
• Fuel Stops: There are several service stations along the M1, M40, and A404 where you can refuel.
• Road Closures & Delays: Be mindful of potential closures, particularly Corporation St in Derby (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) and parts of Sheet St near Windsor.
• Weather Conditions: Check weather forecasts before departure, as adverse conditions may affect driving times.
• Breaks: If necessary, take rest stops at service stations along the M40 or High Wycombe to ensure a comfortable journey.

By following this route and considering these precautions, you should have a smooth and efficient drive to Windsor Castle from Derby.

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Route 3: Via A38 and M40

For travellers driving from Derby to Windsor Castle, the route via A38 and M40 provides a balance of speed and ease, covering a total distance of 142 miles with an estimated journey time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes under ideal conditions. Below is a detailed guide for navigating this route, along with essential tools and cautions to ensure a smooth journey.

Step 1: Departing from Derby

• Begin your journey by heading northwest toward Albert Street.
• Exit the roundabout onto Corporation Street (note: closed from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
• At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Derwent Street.
• Merge onto St Alkmund’s Way/A601 and continue following A601.
• Use the right lanes to turn right onto Friar Gate/A52.
• Take the first exit at the roundabout onto Kingsway/A38.
• Continue on A38 for approximately 22 miles.
• Use the left lane to take the A38 ramp towards M6 (S)/M42/Birmingham/Coventry/A446.
• Follow A38 and take the first exit at Swinfen Interchange onto London Rd/A38.
• Use the left lane to take the ramp toward the M6/M42/M6 Toll.
• At Weeford Interchange, take the fourth exit onto the M6 Toll ramp (toll road).
• Merge onto the M6 Toll and take the southbound exit.

Step 2: M40 and High Wycombe

• Continue on M6 Toll for 10.5 miles before merging onto M42.
• At junction 3A, use the left two lanes to merge onto M40 towards London.
• Drive approximately 74.2 miles on M40.
• At junction 4, use the left two lanes to take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead.
• Follow signs for A404 and continue for 7.3 miles.

Step 3: Entering Berkshire

• At Handy Cross Roundabout, take the second exit onto A404.
• Continue on A404 for 7.3 miles before merging onto A404(M) towards Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4.
• Take the exit toward M4 and merge onto the motorway.

Step 4: Approaching Windsor

• Exit M4 toward A355 and follow signs for Slough/Windsor.
• Take the third exit onto A355 at the roundabout and continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332.
• Slight left onto Clarence Road and proceed through one roundabout.
• Continue onto Victoria Street and take the first exit at the roundabout onto Sheet Street/B3022 (some road closures may apply at certain times).
• Turn right onto Castle Hill, where Windsor Castle will be located.

Cautions:

• Traffic Delays: The M6 Toll and M40 can experience congestion during peak hours.
• Road Closures: Corporation Street in Derby is closed between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Parts of B3022 near Windsor may also have restrictions.
• Weather Conditions: Check forecasts for potential hazards such as heavy rain or fog, which may affect visibility and road grip.
• Speed Limits: Stay within legal speed limits, especially when transitioning between motorways and city roads.

By following this guide, you should reach Windsor Castle efficiently and with minimal disruption. Safe travels!

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Derby by Train

Travelling from Derby to Windsor Castle by train can take between approximately 2 hours, 54 minutes and 3 hours 33 minutes, depending on the route taken, the number of changes, and the waiting times between connections.

Travel Times and Variations

The shortest journey takes around 2 hours 54 minutes and involves multiple changes, including a walk between stations. This route generally includes a train from Derby to St Pancras International, followed by a short walk to another platform for a Thameslink train to Farringdon. From there, passengers transfer to the Elizabeth Line to Slough before taking a GWR service to Windsor & Eton Central. The total travel time is influenced by the efficiency of transfers and the frequency of services, with minimal waiting times at each interchange.

Another route takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. This follows a similar path, but instead of taking the GWR train from Slough, passengers switch to a bus service that takes them to a stop closer to Windsor Castle. The longer travel time is due to the additional wait for the bus and slightly slower overall transit time compared to the direct train.

A third option, lasting around 3 hours 28 minutes, involves using the London Underground. Passengers travel from Derby to St Pancras International, then walk to King’s Cross St. Pancras to take the Victoria Line to Vauxhall. A South Western Railway train travels directly from Vauxhall to Windsor & Eton Riverside. This route includes a longer underground journey and an increased number of stops, adding to the total travel time.

The longest journey, at approximately 3 hours 33 minutes, follows an alternative rail route via Birmingham New Street. Travellers take a CrossCountry service from Derby to Birmingham, then another CrossCountry train to Reading. They take the Elizabeth Line to Slough from Reading and then the GWR train to Windsor & Eton Central. The extended duration of this trip is due to the additional change at Birmingham and the waiting time between trains.

Factors Affecting Journey Duration

1. Number of Transfers: Routes with fewer changes tend to be quicker, as each transfer adds waiting time.
2. Walking Times: Some routes require walking between stations, particularly in London, which can slightly increase travel time.
3. Train Frequencies: Services such as the Elizabeth Line and Thameslink operate frequently, reducing waiting times, whereas routes requiring bus transfers or multiple train operators may involve longer waits.
4. Alternative Transport Modes: Journeys incorporating the London Underground or a bus leg tend to take longer than those using only direct rail connections.

Overall, the fastest and most convenient route depends on personal preference, with the quickest involving efficient train connections and the longest adding complexity through extra stops and waiting times.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Derby By Cycle

Cycling from Derby to Windsor Castle is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey. Whether you choose a 146-mile route via National Cycle Route 6, a slightly longer 149-mile alternative that incorporates National Route 52, or an even shorter 139-mile option via Charley Road, each itinerary promises a unique blend of rural charm, urban intricacy, and historic landmarks.

A Route of 146 Miles via National Cycle Route 6

One recommended option takes about 12 hours and 36 minutes. Your adventure begins in Derby by heading north-west towards Albert Street, where you quickly exit a roundabout and set off along National Cycle Route 6. Early on, expect several gentle adjustments—slight rights and lefts—to keep you aligned with the cycle route. As you progress, the road leads you onto Bracken’s Lane and Pingle Lane before merging with larger roads such as Melbourne Road and Whatton Road.

This route is not without its challenges. Parts of the journey involve restricted or private roads, demanding extra vigilance, while several sections require you to negotiate roundabouts, pedestrian tunnels, and even stairs. The ascent is significant, too, with the route climbing to over 2,116 feet at its highest points. Therefore, riders should ensure that their bicycles are in top condition and prepared for steep gradients and frequent turns.

The 149-mile Option via National Cycle Route 6 and National Route 52

Another variation extends to roughly 13 hours and 3 minutes over 149 miles. Like the previous option, this journey starts in Derby and heads north-west along National Cycle Route 6. However, after a series of early directional cues similar to those on the shorter route, you diverge by following National Route 52.

This alternative takes you through additional scenic byways and urban junctions. You’ll find yourself navigating familiar lanes, such as Bracken’s and Pingle Lanes, before encountering stretches on Doctor’s Lane, Ashby Road, and Charley Road. Though this option covers a slightly greater distance, it offers a different perspective of the region’s landscape and urban fabric. As with the other routes, be prepared for restricted sections and the need to negotiate pedestrian overpasses, tunnels, and multiple roundabouts.

The 139-Mile Journey via Charley Road

For those seeking a shorter yet equally engaging adventure, a 12-hour 21-minute journey over 139 miles is available. This variant also departs from Derby, following National Cycle Route 6 before incorporating parts of Charley Road. The route is punctuated by a series of careful turns and intersections, guiding you through a mix of steep ascents, narrow lanes, and expansive country roads.

Cyclists should note that all these directions are subject to real-world conditions that may differ from the mapped route. It is always advisable to check the latest local information, as certain roads or cycle paths may be temporarily closed or subject to restricted access.

Analysis

Each cycling route from Derby to Windsor Castle involves a myriad of directional cues—from turning at roundabouts to negotiating pedestrian tunnels and stairs. Although the journeys vary slightly in distance and duration, they all demand careful navigation and readiness for unpredictable conditions. With a blend of scenic rural roads, urban complexities, and historic checkpoints along the way, the ride culminates in the magnificent sight of Windsor Castle—a fitting reward for the determined cyclist. Always exercise caution and plan your journey thoroughly to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

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Conclusion

Travelling from Derby to Windsor Castle offers multiple options, with driving via the M1 being the most direct and efficient route, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Alternative driving routes, such as the M40 or A38, provide smoother journeys with potentially less congestion. Train travel, while requiring multiple transfers, takes around 2 hours and 54 minutes at best, making it a viable option for those without access to a car. Cycling presents a physically demanding yet rewarding journey for the most adventurous, covering at least 139 miles.

Ultimately, the best travel method depends on individual preferences, with factors such as convenience, time, and effort playing key roles in the decision.

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