Get to Windsor Castle From Manchester

Key Points

• Windsor Castle is approximately 196 to 221 miles from Manchester, depending on the chosen route. The best way to travel from Manchester to Windsor Castle depends on convenience, budget, and preference.
• By car, the fastest route is via the M6, M6 Toll, and M40, covering 204 miles in approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes, though it includes tolls. Alternatively, the M6 and M40 route (196 miles, 3 hours 33 minutes) avoids some toll roads.
• The train offers a reliable alternative, with the fastest journey taking about 3 hours 23 minutes via London Euston, using the Underground or Elizabeth Line to reach Paddington, then transferring via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central.
• For cyclists, the journey covers over 213 miles, taking at least 18 hours and 52 minutes via routes such as National Cycle Route 55.
• The train is generally the best option due to its balance of speed, comfort, and reliability.

Routes Comparison Table

Mode of Transport	Distance	Estimated Time	Key Considerations
Car (M6 & M40 Route – Recommended)	196 miles (315 km)	~3 hr 33 min	Best balance of speed & cost; possible delays near Birmingham & M25.
Car (M6 Route – No Toll)	221 miles (356 km)	~4 hr 4 min	Avoids tolls but longer; traffic congestion near Stoke, Birmingham & Coventry.
Car (M6, M6 Toll & M40 – Smoothest Route)	204 miles (328 km)	~3 hr 32 min	Uses M6 Toll; fewer delays but extra cost.
Train (Via London – Fastest Route)	~180 miles (290 km)	~3 hr 23 min	Manchester → London Euston → Underground → London Paddington → Slough → Windsor.
Train (Via Reading – Fewer Transfers)	~180 miles (290 km)	~4 hr 28 min	Manchester → Reading → Slough → Windsor; longer journey but easier transfers.
Cycle (Route 68 – Scenic, Hilly)	213 miles (343 km)	~18 hr 53 min	Challenging terrain; Peak District & restricted/private roads.
Cycle (Route 55 – Easier Ride)	214 miles (344 km)	~18 hr 52 min	Lower elevation gain, but still physically demanding.
Cycle (Route 5 – Cultural Route)	218 miles (351 km)	~19 hr 20 min	Passes through Birmingham, Stratford, Oxford; some restricted roads.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Manchester By Car

Route 1: Via M6 and M40

Travelling from Manchester to Windsor Castle by car is a journey of approximately 196 miles and takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes under ideal conditions. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to follow the best route via the M6 and M40, which avoids road closures but includes toll roads.

Step 1: Leaving Manchester

1. Begin in Manchester, UK.
2. Take Fountain St, Dale St and A6 to A57(M) (Approx. 11 min, 1.5 mi):
   • Head south on Brown St towards Chancery Ln (295 ft)
   • Turn left onto Booth St (197 ft)
   • Turn left onto Fountain St (0.2 mi)
   • Continue onto High St (427 ft)
   • Turn right onto Church St (0.2 mi)
   • Continue onto Dale St (0.2 mi)
   • Turn right onto Paton St (312 ft)
   • Merge onto Piccadilly/A6 and continue (0.4 mi)
   • Slight right (0.3 mi)

Step 2: Motorway Journey

3. Take M6, M6 Toll, M42 and M40 to A355 in Slough, exiting from M4 (Approx. 3 hr 17 min, 192 mi):
   • Use the left lane to merge onto A57(M) (0.2 mi)
   • Take the A5103 exit toward Petersfield (0.1 mi)
   • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A5103 (0.2 mi)
   • Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Princess Rd/A5103 (3.8 mi)
   • Keep right to continue on A5103 (1.2 mi)
   • Keep right to continue on M56 following signs for Chester/Warrington/M’cr Arpt/Wythenshawe/Birmingham/M6 (6.2 mi)
   • Take the exit (0.5 mi)
   • Use any lane to turn slightly right (0.9 mi)
   • Continue onto A556 (3.8 mi)
   • Slight left (0.4 mi)
   • Merge onto M6 (50.0 mi)
   • Keep right to continue on M6 Toll (Toll road, 23.2 mi)
   • Keep left to continue on M42, following signs for The S W/M5/London (S&W)/M40/Coventry (S&W)/Birmingham (S)/N.E.C/Airport (12.1 mi)
   • At junction 3A, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M40 toward London/Warwick/Stratford (74.2 mi)
   • At junction 4, take the A404 exit to H. Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead (0.3 mi)
   • Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp to A404 (230 ft)
   • At Handy Cross Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A404 (4.4 mi)
   • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A404 (3.0 mi)
   • Keep right to continue on A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 (2.5 mi)
   • Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Holyport Interchange (322 ft)
   • Use the middle lane to take the M4 exit toward London (0.2 mi)
   • Slight right to merge onto M4 (4.4 mi)
   • Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 mi)

Step 3: Final Stretch to Windsor Castle

4. Continue on A355 and take Royal Windsor Way/A332 and Clarence Rd to Castle Hill in Windsor (Approx. 8 min, 2.8 mi):
   • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 mi)
   • Continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332 (1.2 mi)
   • Slight left onto Clarence Rd (0.5 mi, passing through one roundabout)
   • Continue onto Victoria St (0.3 mi)
   • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet St/B3022 (0.2 mi; note that parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days)
   • Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft)

Arrival at Windsor Castle

You have now arrived at Windsor Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK. Be sure to check parking options nearby, as the area around the castle can be busy, particularly on weekends and holidays.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient drive from Manchester to Windsor Castle, making the most of the best available route while considering tolls and potential road closures.

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Route 2: Via M6

If you’re travelling from Manchester to Windsor Castle by car, one of the most efficient routes is via the M6. Under ideal conditions, this journey takes approximately 4 hours and 4 minutes and covers a distance of 221 miles. Below is a step-by-step guide to follow this route effectively.

Departure from Manchester

1. Begin your journey in Manchester, UK.
2. Take Fountain Street, Dale Street, and A6 to join A57(M).
   • Head south on Brown Street towards Chancery Lane (295 ft).
   • Turn left onto Booth Street (197 ft).
   • Turn left again onto Fountain Street (0.2 mi).
   • Continue onto High Street (427 ft).
   • Turn right onto Church Street (0.2 mi).
   • Continue onto Dale Street (0.2 mi).
   • Turn right onto Paton Street (312 ft).
   • Merge onto Piccadilly/A6, then continue on A6 (0.4 mi).
   • Take a slight right (0.3 mi) to continue your route.

Joining the M6 and M5

3. Take the M6 and M5 to A417 in Gloucestershire, exiting at Junction 11A from the M5. (131 miles, approx. 2 hr 20 min)
   • Merge onto A57(M) (0.2 mi).
   • Take the A5103 exit towards Petersfield (0.1 mi).
   • Take the 2nd exit onto A5103 (0.2 mi) at the roundabout.
   • Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Princess Road/A5103 (3.8 mi).
   • Keep right to continue on A5103 (1.2 mi).
   • Keep right to continue on M56, following signs for Chester/Warrington/Manchester Airport/Birmingham/M6 (6.2 mi).
   • Take the exit (0.5 mi) and use any lane to turn slightly right (0.9 mi).
   • Continue onto A556 (3.8 mi), then take a slight left (0.4 mi).
   • Merge onto M6 (50.0 mi).
   • At Junction 11A, use the left 2 lanes to take the M6 exit towards Birmingham/M5 (0.8 mi).
   • Continue onto M6 (5.9 mi).
   • Keep right to stay on M6 (3.1 mi).
   • At Junction 8, take the M5 exit towards Birmingham (West), Birmingham (South), and West Bromwich (1.5 mi).
   • Continue onto M5 (52.1 mi).
   • At Junction 11A, exit onto A417 towards London/Cirencester (0.8 mi).

Transition to the M4

4. Follow A417 and A419 to join the M4 in Swindon. (32.4 miles, approx. 34 min)
   • Merge onto A417 (3.0 mi).
   • At The Air Balloon Roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A417 (14.4 mi).
   • Continue onto A419 (14.5 mi).
   • At Badbury Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the M4 ramp to London (0.4 mi).

Final Leg via the M4 and A355

5. Take M4 to A355 in Slough, then exit. (53.2 miles, approx. 53 min)
   • Merge onto M4 (52.9 mi).
   • Take the exit towards A355 (0.3 mi).
6. Continue on A355, then follow Royal Windsor Way/A332 and Clarence Road to reach Castle Hill in Windsor. (2.8 miles, approx. 8 min)
   • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 mi).
   • Continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332 (1.2 mi).
   • Slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout (0.5 mi).
   • Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 mi).
   • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street/B3022 (0.2 mi).
   • Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Arrival at Windsor Castle

After following these directions, you will arrive at Windsor Castle, one of the UK’s most famous landmarks and a historic royal residence. Ensure you check for any road closures or travel updates before setting off to have a smooth journey.

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Route 3: Via M6, M6 Toll, and M40

For travellers opting to drive from Manchester to Windsor Castle, this route via the M6, M6 Toll, and M40 provides a journey of approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes under ideal conditions, covering a distance of 204 miles. Please note that this route includes toll roads.

Step 1: Leaving Manchester

Begin your journey in Manchester, UK, and follow these directions to reach the M602 in Salford:

• Head south on Brown Street towards Chancery Lane (295 ft).
• Turn left onto Booth Street (197 ft).
• Turn left onto Fountain Street and continue (0.2 mi).
• Continue onto High Street (0.1 mi).
• Continue onto Nicholas Croft (308 ft).
• Turn right onto Shudehill (0.2 mi).
• Turn left onto Miller Street/Ring Road/A665 and continue (0.3 mi).
• Turn left onto New Bridge Street/Ring Road/A6042 and follow it (0.8 mi).
• Turn right onto Chapel Street/A6 and continue (0.8 mi).
• Turn left onto Albion Way/A5063 (0.5 mi).
• Use the right lane to continue onto Regent Road Roundabout (233 ft).
• Turn right onto Regent Road/A57 (479 ft).

Step 2: Motorway Travel to Slough

Next, you will take the motorway route towards Slough:

• Continue onto M602 (4.2 mi).
• Merge onto M62 (8.0 mi).
• Take the M6 South/M6 North exit towards Birmingham/Chester/M56/Preston (0.3 mi).
• Slight left onto the M6(S) South ramp to Birmingham (0.9 mi).
• Use the right lane to merge onto the M6 (60.1 mi).
• Keep right to continue on the M6 Toll (Toll road – 23.2 mi).
• Keep left to continue on M42, following signs for The South West/M5/London (S&W)/M40/Coventry (S&W)/Birmingham (S)/N.E.C/Airport (12.1 mi).
• At junction 3A, use the left two lanes to merge onto M40 towards London/Warwick/Stratford (74.2 mi).
• At junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead (0.3 mi).
• Use the middle lane to take the ramp to A404 (230 ft).
• At Handy Cross Roundabout, take the 5th exit onto A404 (4.5 mi).
• Take the 3rd exit at the roundabout and stay on A404 (3.0 mi).
• Keep right to continue on A404(M) towards Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 (2.5 mi).
• Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Holyport Interchange (322 ft).
• Use the middle lane to take the M4 exit towards London (0.2 mi).
• Slight right to merge onto M4 (4.4 mi).
• Take the exit towards A355 (0.3 mi).

Step 3: Final Approach to Windsor Castle

From the M4 exit, follow these steps to reach Windsor Castle:

• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 mi).
• Continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332 (1.2 mi).
• Slight left onto Clarence Road and go through one roundabout (0.5 mi).
• Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 mi).
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street/B3022.
  • Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days (0.2 mi).
• Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Arriving at Windsor Castle, you can explore this historic royal residence and its magnificent surroundings.

By following this route, you can enjoy a smooth and efficient journey from Manchester to Windsor Castle, ensuring a pleasant drive through some of England’s major motorways.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Manchester by Train

Travelling from Manchester to Windsor Castle by train can take different amounts of time depending on the route taken, the number of changes, and waiting times at stations. On average, the journey takes between 3 hours 23 minutes and 4 hours 28 minutes.

Factors Affecting Travel Time:

1. Route and Transfers
   • The quickest journeys (around 3 hours 23–26 minutes) involve travelling via London Euston, followed by a transfer to the London Underground before continuing to Windsor via Paddington and Slough.
   • Some routes take a longer approach, such as those travelling via Reading, which may take over 4 hours due to additional stops and longer transfer times.
2. Number of Stops
   • The fastest trains from Manchester to London make fewer stops (typically 2–4), cutting down overall travel time.
   • Some services, especially those via Reading, make up to 10 stops, significantly increasing journey duration.
3. Transfer and Waiting Times
   • Journeys requiring multiple changes, especially those involving the Underground or buses, have varying waiting times.
   • Walking between stations (such as Euston to Euston Square or Paddington to bus stops) adds extra time.
   • Some routes include bus transfers in Windsor, which may result in waiting times and increased journey duration.
4. Variability of Train Services
   • Some direct trains between Manchester and London are faster, while others operate at slightly reduced speeds, affecting overall journey length.
   • The choice between different underground and overground connections (such as the Elizabeth Line vs. Hammersmith & City Line) can also impact travel time.

Overall, the most efficient route typically involves taking a fast train to London Euston, using the Underground or Elizabeth Line to reach Paddington, and then transferring via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central. Alternative routes via Reading may take longer but offer different travel experiences and schedules.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Manchester By Cycle

Cycling from Manchester to Windsor Castle is a substantial journey, covering approximately 213 to 218 miles (343 to 351 kilometres), depending on the chosen route. The estimated cycling time ranges from 18 hours 52 minutes to 19 hours 20 minutes, excluding rest breaks or overnight stops. Below are three potential routes, highlighting key locations and considerations:

1. Via Route 68

• Distance: 213 miles (343 km)
• Estimated Time: 18 hours 53 minutes
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 5,190 ft ascent / 5,230 ft descent
• Elevation Range: 46 ft to 1,437 ft
• Key Locations:
  • Peak District National Park: Experience scenic landscapes and challenging terrains.
  • Derby: A historic city offering cultural landmarks and rest opportunities.
  • Leicester: Known for its rich history and diverse culinary scene.
  • Northampton: A town with historical sites and parks.
• Considerations: This route includes sections with restricted usage or private roads.

2. Via National Route 55

• Distance: 214 miles (344 km)
• Estimated Time: 18 hours 52 minutes
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,779 ft ascent / 2,818 ft descent
• Elevation Range: 46 ft to 636 ft
• Key Locations:
  • Stoke-on-Trent: Known for its pottery industry and museums.
  • Lichfield: Home to the medieval Lichfield Cathedral.
  • Coventry: A city rich in medieval history and modern attractions.
  • Milton Keynes: Famous for its grid road system and green spaces.

3. Via National Cycle Route 5

• Distance: 218 miles (351 km)
• Estimated Time: 19 hours 20 minutes
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,879 ft ascent / 4,918 ft descent
• Elevation Range: 23 ft to 636 ft
• Key Locations:
  • Birmingham: England’s second-largest city with diverse cultural offerings.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of William Shakespeare.
  • Oxford: Renowned for its prestigious university and historic architecture.
• Considerations: This route also includes sections with restricted usage or private roads.

Approaching Windsor:

As you near Windsor, consider incorporating scenic routes such as National Route 4, also known as the Thames Valley Cycle Route, which passes through Windsor Great Park. Windsor Great Park welcomes cyclists on designated paths, offering picturesque views and a serene environment.

Final Tips:

• Preparation: Undertake thorough route planning, considering potential road closures or restricted areas.
• Physical Readiness: Ensure you are physically prepared for a long-distance ride by engaging in appropriate training and conditioning.
• Emergency Planning: Carry a basic repair kit and first aid supplies, and have a plan for emergencies or unexpected situations.

Embarking on this cycling journey from Manchester to Windsor Castle offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse landscapes and historical sites. With careful planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding adventure.

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Conclusion

Travelling from Manchester to Windsor Castle offers several options, each catering to different speed, cost, and convenience preferences. Driving provides flexibility, with routes via the M6, M6 Toll, or M40 taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. The train is often the most efficient choice, balancing speed and comfort, with journeys averaging around 3 hours 23 minutes via London. Cycling is a long but scenic option for those seeking a challenge, covering over 213 miles. Ultimately, the best mode of transport depends on individual priorities, whether cost, convenience, or experience.

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