A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Howth for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Howth?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Howth? 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. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Windsor and Howth: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Windsor or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Howth than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Howth is better known for its beaches and hiking, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Also, Howth is famous for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Windsor different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Howth 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 Howth?

Windsor
Howth

Windsor is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


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

Windsor
Howth

Foodies will find both Windsor and Howth both to be notable 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Windsor or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Howth

Windsor is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Windsor or Howth Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Howth

Howth is well known for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Howth

Windsor is a popular place for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Howth Better for Hiking?

Windsor
Howth

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is Windsor or Howth Better for Families?

Windsor
Howth

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Howth.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.


Is Windsor or Howth Better for Couples?

Windsor
Howth

Windsor is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

Windsor
Howth

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Howth.

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.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Windsor or Howth a more walkable city?

Windsor
Howth

Windsor and Howth both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.


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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Windsor or Howth to fill your time. In our opinion, Windsor has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Windsor than Howth. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Windsor than Howth. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Howth than Windsor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Howth.


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

One day in Windsor or Howth?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing 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 Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Howth, you'll find museums and 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 Howth has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Howth?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Howth?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth 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 Howth is £115. 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 Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Howth £55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Howth £110
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Howth? 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 Howth


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
    Howth £35

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 Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth 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
    Howth £38
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

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


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Howth £21

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 Howth

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

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Howth £18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Howth, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Howth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Howth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Howth 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 Howth.

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



When is the best time to visit Windsor or Howth?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Windsor is a little warmer than Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Howth. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Windsor is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Howth. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Howth. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally cooler than Howth. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Howth. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Howth. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Howth. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Windsor

Windsor Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)