We have a long layover at Heathrow and we were thinking about going to Windsor. How far is it and is a taxi the best (or only?) way to get there? We were thinking of just walkng around Windsor and Eton for a while. Any suggestions for a place for a good pub-type lunch? Or are there any other closer to Heathrow small towns that are recommended for a 'get out of the airport for a few hours' break?

The most efficient way to get to Windsor is to grab a taxi from Terminal 2. It's 10 or 12 miles to Windsor. I think we paid 20 odd pounds 3 years ago. There are buses and perhaps someone else knows the schedule. I'd take the taxi.

There's a thread called "Lunch place near Windsor Castle" that has numerous lunch suggestions.

I think Windsor and Eton offer the most in quintessential Englishness for a brief visit. The castle, charming streets, shops and the like.

Windsor is a popular destination for Heathrow layovers. There is in fact a bus service for about 3.50gbp/person.

http://www.firstgroup.com/firstbeeli...r/windsor1.htm

A taxi costs about 20gbp each way.

Depending upon how long the layover is, if you're just looking for a pub lunch, the town of Slough is closer to Heathrow but NOT very picturesque. I had a surprisingly good pub lunch there on my way to Heathrow. I think the name of the pub was the Wheatsheaf.

The town of Marlow is also close to Heathrow, is on the Thames with a weir & has some pubs & restaurants. Marlow has a train station but don't know if it's connected to Heathrow. I'd guess a cab is better.

For that matter, Richmond would be a fine place to while away a few hours. It's a very upscale community. Richmond Park is beautiful. Kew Gardens is one tube stop before Richmond and is a beautiful place. Both Richmond and Kew have many nice places to eat.

Richmond is 10 or 12 miles from Heathrow and, again, I'd take a cab. You can take the tube (Heathrow to Hammersmith on the Picadilly Line, switch to the District Line to Richmond).

Whatever you choose really depends on how long your layover is. If you've got 4 hours, you'll have to plan your time exceeding carefully. I'd be tempted just to shop the duty free zone. If you have six, eight or more hours then the possibilities really expand.

Thanks for all the information. We have a long layover, so we have plenty of time to get out. We'll be at terminal four. Does anyone know where you catch the bus to Windsor?

My husband & I have an overnite layover at Heathrow (we already have a room for the nite - Novotel hotel). Would it be best to go to our room and then try to find a way to Windsor for the evening :-\- (We will have already done 7 days at the beging of our 4 week trip to GB & Ireland) We will be arriving @ Heathrow around 2:00 pm from Edinburgh and do not depart for our flight back to San Francisco till about 2:00 pm the next day. Since we will be on an international flight out, I do realize that we have to be back at Heathrow no later than 12:00 noon. Any help will be appreciated - we leave for our trip in 3 weeks! >-

The bus to Windsor departs from Central Bus Station,there are free shuttle from terminal 4 to the station, or you could check with the information desk at the arrival area whether the bus stops at Terminal 4,some do.

According to the timetable the bus just leaves the central bus statin from stand X at 03 and 33 minutes past the hour, taking 29 minutes. It returns from Windsor High Strret opposite the parish church at 02 and 32 minutes past the hour.