A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Orkney Islands for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Orkney Islands?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Orkney Islands? 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 touristy, beautiful, and royal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Windsor and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Orkney Islands?

Both Orkney Islands and Windsor have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Windsor is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Windsor is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Windsor different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Windsor is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for Nightlife?

Windsor is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

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

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Orkney Islands.

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.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Orkney Islands make for a great 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.

Orkney Islands is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

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 Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Windsor or Orkney Islands a more walkable city?

Windsor is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Orkney Islands?

Both Windsor and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 3-7 days is enough time in Orkney Islands.

Families should spend more time in Windsor than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Windsor or Orkney Islands?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Orkney Islands?

Windsor is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Windsor or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Orkney Islands?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Windsor or Orkney Islands?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Orkney Islands in the Summer?

Both Orkney Islands and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the summer, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 129 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Orkney Islands. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Orkney Islands. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 73 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Orkney Islands. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. Windsor is a little warmer than Orkney Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 29 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Orkney Islands. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

Both Orkney Islands and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Windsor is much warmer than Orkney Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 135 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and Windsor