A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Windsor for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Windsor?

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

Should I visit York or Windsor? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

York and Windsor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Windsor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Windsor are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is York different from Windsor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Windsor have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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.

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

York is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Windsor Better for Nightlife?

York is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Windsor Better for its Old Town?

York is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Windsor?

York is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

York offers some nice shopping areas. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Windsor Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Windsor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Windsor make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Windsor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is York or Windsor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Both York and Windsor offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Windsor has some public transit options. There is a bus system around town.

Is York or Windsor a more walkable city?

Windsor is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Windsor or York?

How long in York or Windsor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Windsor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Windsor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Windsor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York 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 York.

One day in York or Windsor?

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Windsor?

In York, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Windsor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Windsor?

York is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Windsor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Windsor?

York has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of York and Windsor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit York or Windsor?

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 York or Windsor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Windsor. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Windsor. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Windsor averages at about 18°C (64°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Windsor during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Windsor. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Windsor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Windsor. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Windsor. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Windsor. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Windsor. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Windsor in the Winter?

Both Windsor and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is cooler than Windsor in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Windsor. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Windsor in the Spring?

Both Windsor and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, York is cooler than Windsor. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Windsor averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Windsor. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Windsor. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Windsor and York