A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Glencoe for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Glencoe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Windsor or Glencoe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a beautiful, picturesque, and natural village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Windsor and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Windsor or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Windsor. Although Windsor and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Windsor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Windsor is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and small town charm, while Glencoe is known for its hiking. Windsor is more touristy than Glencoe and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. It is also home to The Windsor Castle. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Windsor different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glencoe and Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Glencoe?

Windsor
Glencoe

Windsor is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Windsor or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Glencoe

Foodies will find both Windsor and Glencoe both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Glencoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Windsor or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Glencoe

Windsor is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Windsor or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Glencoe

Windsor is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Windsor offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.


Is Windsor or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Windsor
Glencoe

Glencoe is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Glencoe. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is Windsor or Glencoe Better for Families?

Windsor
Glencoe

Glencoe is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Glencoe is a very kid-friendly village. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Windsor
Glencoe

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Glencoe make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Glencoe is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.


Is Windsor or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Windsor
Glencoe

Windsor is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Windsor or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Windsor
Glencoe

Windsor is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Windsor and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Glencoe than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

Families should spend more time in Glencoe than Windsor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Glencoe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Windsor than Glencoe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Windsor that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Windsor or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Windsor or Glencoe?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Glencoe, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Windsor or Glencoe?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer.

In Glencoe, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Glencoe has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Glencoe?

Windsor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glencoe. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Glencoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Windsor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is £117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Windsor and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Glencoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Windsor


Hotels in Glencoe


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Windsor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Glencoe £37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Windsor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Windsor £39
    Glencoe £33
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Glencoe £29

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46
  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Glencoe £6.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Glencoe, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Glencoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glencoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glencoe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor than you might in Glencoe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Windsor Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.