Major city · United Kingdom
Slough
Skip Slough as a sightseeing base: use it for one night only if you need a cheap bed near Heathrow, Legoland or Windsor.
Slough is a large working town west of London and just outside the M25, about 15 minutes from Heathrow by bus and 15–20 minutes from London Paddington by fast train. It has few sights of its own: a small town museum, a listed park and an ice rink. Its value is practical — cheaper rooms than Windsor or central London, a fast rail link, and easy access to Windsor Castle, Legoland and the Thames Valley. Treat it as a bed, not a destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, wet, dark by 16:00)avoid Dec–Feb (cold, wet, dark by 4:00 PM)
- Airports
- LHR · LTN · LGW · STN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Slough999 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Slough, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA normal commuter town and generally safe by day; the centre is quiet late at night…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 112 police, fire, ambulance (eu number) · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLHR Heathrow (Bus 60/61/71/75/76/77/78 or National Express coach; about 20–30 min.
- Getting aroundThe town centre is compact and walkable — station, bus station and High Street are within a few minutes of each other…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Metro or bus rideBus ride in town£2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–20 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per room£95 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £90 (≈ US$120) · High £160 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LHR Heathrow (Bus 60/61/71/75/76/77/78 or National Express coach; about 20–30 min. No direct Elizabeth line from Slough to Heathrow: change at Hayes & Harlington or London (check).) · LTN Luton (Train via London, or National Express coach; route check before you book.) · LGW Gatwick (Train, changing in London or Reading.) · STN Stansted (Train via London, or National Express coach; route check before you book.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jun (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Slough: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is compact and walkable — station, bus station and High Street are within a few minutes of each other — but the wider town spreads out, so use buses or taxis for Chalvey, the ice arena and the trading estates. Local buses leave from Slough Bus Station, a 2-minute walk from the railway station. Uber and local taxis operate; there is a public cycle-hire scheme. For Windsor, Legoland and Heathrow, train or bus beats driving.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20–30 min
Train to Windsor & Eton Central (change at Slough), or bus 8/702
Castle, Long Walk and Eton; go at opening to beat the queues.
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Bus 702 or taxi from Slough; about 15 min by road
Dated tickets only; book ahead and arrive at opening.
Door to door: About 30 min
Great Western or Elizabeth line from Slough, about 20 min
Shopping, the abbey ruins and the Kennet and Avon canal.
Maidenhead
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Train from Slough, about 8 min
Riverside walks and a base for Cliveden; little else for a full day.
Ascot
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Slough, changing at Windsor or Reading; about 40–50 min
Race days only; check the calendar before you go.
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Great Western Railway from Slough, about 15 min; Elizabeth line is slower, about 25–30 min
Cheaper rooms than central London with a fast link in.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (High Street and Windsor Road)
Walk to the station and buses; Premier Inn and chain hotels; best for a car-free night.
Chalvey
West of the centre, walkable to the station; Holiday Inn Slough Windsor is here, handy for Legoland and Windsor.
Near the station
Shortest walk with bags to the Elizabeth line and Great Western services.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–75 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- £75–130 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × £95 | £95 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £90 | £180 |
| Slough → London Paddington, both ways2 × £20 | £40 |
| Slough → Windsor & Eton Central return2 × £6 | £12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £35 |
| Trip total≈ £191 per person per day, bed included | £382≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Hotel rates and fares are indicative — check live prices before you book. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Curry house main with rice | £10–16 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Bus ride in town | £2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Train Slough → London Paddington | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) off-peak |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–20 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Slough station is not step-free to every platform: check before you travel with heavy bags.
- Legoland and Windsor are busiest at weekends and school holidays: book dated tickets ahead.
- Some High Street bars and takeaways are cash-only or card-minimum: ask first.
- The M4 and A4 run through the area: traffic into Windsor and Heathrow is heavy at peak times.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)
- 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SloughSlough
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Slough; they are in London. US citizens: the US Embassy is in Nine Elms, London (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Slough → London Paddington, Great Western: about £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) off-peak, about 15 min
- Slough → London Paddington, Elizabeth line: about £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) off-peak, about 25–30 min
- Slough → Windsor & Eton Central: about £3 (≈ US$4) single, about 6 min
- Taxi Slough station → Chalvey: £6–10 (≈ US$8–14)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
English is the only language you need here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Slough. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, wet, dark by 16:00) · month by month →
- 4 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LHR: last bus and rail times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and High Street, Chalvey, Herschel Park, the ice arena.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (The Curve museum, Herschel Park, Slough Ice Arena) and eat pages with last orders.
- Windsor and Legoland day-trip fixtures with dated-ticket rules so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Berkshire
- officialNational Rail — Slough station
- officialThe Curve — Slough Museum
- officialSlough Borough Council — Herschel Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Slough, revision 5238486 (CC BY-SA 4.0)