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Tour the Castle Where the Queen Is Self-quarantined From Your Couch (Video)

No crown required.

Are you going stir-crazy yet? Losing track of the days? Refreshing the news at a rapid-fire pace? Engaging in a daily self-debate about whether or not to get dressed?

There’s no doubt about it: These are unfamiliar, unprecedented times. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to take the edge off: finally visit that museum or national park that’s been sitting on your bucket list, tune in to an opera or Broadway musical , ooh and aww at adorable wildlife , walk over 825 miles of beach in Florida , or even vacation in Japan – all without leaving home.

Now, you can escape your cooped-up space once again — even if for a brief moment — with a virtual tour of Windsor Castle in England. You may recognize its stunning exterior if you stayed up all night to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding , but here’s your chance to get an inside peek behind the curtains.

This digital tour brings viewers inside the State Banquet in St. George’s Hall, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Crimson Drawing Room — each one more opulent than the next, with chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and rich tapestries and paintings. Zoom in and out of each space to make yourself at home, then click on information icons for even more details.

At more than 900 years old, the 11th-century fortress serves as the Queen’s private home (usually on weekends) as well as a royal residence where she performs many formal duties. It’s also the place where Her Majesty hosts visiting monarchs and presidents — and where she and Prince Philip are presently self-isolating amid the coronavirus outbreak.

And Windsor Castle isn’t the only place where you can walk in the footsteps of royalty without getting off your couch — a number of famous European castles , from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Versailles, are offering virtual tours fit for a king or queen, too.

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Visiting Windsor Castle

What to see at windsor castle, how long to stay, best time to visit, tickets and tours.

Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of the Crown and has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years.

The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines.

What strikes many people used to visiting historic ruins or attractions with a 'preservation' or museum like atmosphere is that Windsor Castle is in pristine condition and fully working.

There are around 150 people for whom Windsor Castle is their home. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was often in residence many weekends in her lifetime.

On this page we discuss your ticket options as well as how long you will need and details of what you will see at Windsor Castle including the Changing of the Guard. Please note St George's Chapel is shut to visitors on Sundays.

BOOK TICKETS   Ticket information   Opening times   Location   Visit length & queues   Entry, exits and security   Audio guides   Changing of the Guard   State Apartments   St George's Chapel   Windsor Castle with an attraction pass/promotion   Windsor Castle tours   FAQ   Other royal palaces in London  

In May 2018, Windsor Castle became the focus of the world, with the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel. With their subsequent horse drawn carriage tour around Windsor and through Windsor Great Park, this Windsor Royal wedding made Windsor Castle a must see destination for a whole new generation.

Windsor Castle tours remain ever-popular and good value if you want to combine into a top day out with somewhere like Stonehenge or Bath . There are loads of options to choose from.

Want even more Royal days out in London? See our page Royal Palaces and Castles in London for highlights of the best.

WINDSOR CASTLE TICKETS - FROM VISIT BRITAIN

Book with confidence through Visit Britain - The Official Shop of the British Tourist Board

• Luxurious State Apartments • St. George's Chapel, burial place of Henry VIII • Queen Mary's ornate Dolls' House • Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer

Windsor Castle - tickets 2024

Cheapest windsor castle tickets.

To get yourself the cheapest Windsor Castle tickets you need to book online in advance. You will save yourself £2 per person this way.

There is a young person rate for 18-24 year olds, as well as a child price type for 5-17 year olds inclusive. Under 5s remain free and un-ticketed.

Families qualify for a family discount to bookings of at least 1 adult and 2 children.

You can save substantially if you are a group of 15 or more.

Book in advance Windsor Castle to save money and queuing time

Whilst you can buy tickets on the day for ultimate flexibility, you will save money of you book in advance an ensure a smoother entry.

Windsor Castle gets very busy, particularly at peak times so it is strongly recommended to book in advance.

Tickets like the ones from the banner above (through Visit Britain) give you an instant confirmation so you can then download the eTicket on your mobile.

We are not aware of any discounted tickets available to visitors priced below that of the prices of the advance tickets . However some providers are selling the tickets for more than others - so do check first. Where we can, we always try to offer the lowest possible ticket provider.

Windsor Castle - opening times and when to visit 2024

1 march - 31 october.

Open Thursday - Monday. Timed admission slots - every 30 mins First entry 10.00, last entry 16.00, closes 17.15

1 November to 28 February

Open Thursday - Monday. Timed admission slots - every 30 mins First entry 10.00, last entry 15.00, closes 16.15

Changing of the Guard and closures

Changing of the Guard happens between 11am and 11.30am also adding to the morning rush. Many of the coach tours will commonly stay until around midday departing after the Changing of the Guard.

On Sundays St George's is closed for religious services. Access to the Chapel may be limited after 13.30, particularly on Saturdays. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid missing out.

Lastly, the castle may close for state visits and special occasions so do consult the Windsor Castle official website . This also states the days during the winter when Changing of the Guard takes place and seasonable closing times.

It follows that if you're an independent visitor during the summer months, a good strategy is to visit the other attractions of Windsor & Eton during the morning and visit the castle after lunch. Visitor numbers are also much higher at weekends than during the week (and as such tickets for these peak times are now a little more expensive).

Windsor Castle location

Windsor Castle is very easy to find. Coming out from Windsor and Eton Central Station, or Windsor and Eton Riverside Station, the castle walls can be seen in front of you. The main entrance to Windsor Castle is at the top of Castle Hill, on the right. The address of Windsor Castle is Castle Hill, Windsor, SL4 1PD. Check Windsor Castle map location .

How long your visit will take and queues

During the winter months when there are no queues, the average visitor will take 90 minutes to two hours in the Castle, although the official Windsor Castle website suggest three hours or more.

At peak times during the summer there are often long queues to the entrance of the State Apartments.

Entrance, exits and security at Windsor Castle

On paying your admission you pass through airline style security where bags are put through an x-ray machine and you empty your pockets and pass through a detector door. Once through the security you pick up your audio phone at the kiosk opposite.

There is an information desk, toilets and gift shop here too. By the audio kiosk is a sign that details the times of the guided tours that day. It is from here these tours start.

Please note, the exit is from the main Windsor Castle Henry VII Gate, not the entrance with the ticket desks.

Multimedia tours and photography at Windsor Castle

Multimedia guides.

A multimedia guide is part of the admission price, available in ten languages.

The tour is introduced by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and provides a lively commentary through the castle.

There is also a separate family multimedia guide for children aged 7-11, available in English.

You simply key in the number of the room or place you are in and a full commentary is given. There are many optional commentaries within some commentaries that go into great detail about individual items.

There are separate guides for those with hearing or sight loss.

In person guided tours

There are also classic guided tours that leave regularly from near the entrance on a schedule, and last around thirty minutes.

Photography

No photography or video recording is allowed within the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. Eating and drinking are not permitted in the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. You will be asked to place drinks and food in closed bags before being admitted to the castle. You can purchase bottled water at the Courtyard Shop at the beginning of your visit.

Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

Many visitors like to time their visit so they can view the Changing of the Guard. This is very similar to that practiced in central London at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards.

Changing of the Guard at Windsor usually takes place at 11am within the Castle grounds Mondays to Saturdays from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting.

If you're not visiting the Castle you can still see the band marching through the town around 11am. The barracks is about 500m from the castle, the band passes the Guildhall and Old Town before turning into the castle at Queen Victoria's statue.

If you're in the Castle, congregate in the parade ground by the main exit in front of St George's Chapel.

The whole thing takes around thirty minutes here.

State Apartments, Windsor Castle

Most people after getting their introductions and briefings about the castle on their tour will make their way past the moat of the Round Tower (not open to the public) up to the north terrace. It is here that the entrance to the State Apartments is situated.

From the north terrace you gaze down to Windsor town below and get far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Windsor town looks much smaller from up here.

2019 restoration and opening of the State Entrance Hall

In 2019 Windsor Castle went through an extended period of restoration of the inner Hall, formerly closed to the public. The Inner Hall (closed by Queen Victoria) leads visitors to the State Entrance Hall, where guests of the Crown are welcomed to Windsor, a magnificent welcoming area.

From the Inner Hall Visitors can visit the State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. The Dolls' House is precisely what you'd expect, a single miniature dolls' house suitable for royalty complete with miniature crown jewels.

Much of the southern part of the State Apartments was destroyed by fire in 1992 and has been restored. Arguably your experience is much the better for it; some of the rooms that were beginning to look faded and antique now really do bring alive what the original rooms would have looked like on completion.

Such are the treasures that you can perhaps look at an obscure painting only to realise that your are inches from an original Rubens when looking at the information on it.

St George's Chapel

St George's Chapel is a working church with services every day. St. George's Chapel is open daily but closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Worshipers are welcome to attend the services. The church also closes earlier than the rest of the castle to prepare for the evening service.

If you're entering the castle from early afternoon onwards it is worth making St George's your first port of call.

More recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding was held in St George's Chapel. Another Royal wedding at Windsor followed shortly afterwards when Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank tied the knot in St George's Chapel.

Also within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I. The Gothic architecture is particularly impressive, particularly the roof.

Perhaps most fascinating and differentiating the chapel from similar churches and abbeys is the Order of the Garter, the world's oldest national order of knighthood in continuous existence, with a history stretching back to King Edward III in medieval times.

Membership of the Order is extremely limited and includes the monarch of the United Kingdom, the Prince of Wales and not more than twenty-four companion members. St George's is home to the Order, as St. George is patron saint and also patron saint of soldiers and also of England. Members are each assigned a stall in the chapel choir above which his or her heraldic devices are displayed.

Windsor Castle & London's attraction passes and promotions

Included: The London Pass - Windsor Castle is supported by London's most popular attraction pass, (with over 80 top London attractions). Top attractions on the London Pass list include the London Zoo , Westminster Abbey , St, Paul's , View from the Shard and the Tower of London . The London Pass offers incredible savings over buying individual attraction tickets.

For full details follow the banner link below.

Not included: Railways 2 for 1 Promotion - The railways 2 for 1 entrance promotion is not valid at Windsor Castle.

LONDON PASS BY GO CITY

The more you visit, the more you save

• Access 80+ London attractions including the Tower of London, London Zoo, Thames River Cruise, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, The View from Shard, Windsor Castle, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, and many more... • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 day passes available.

Windsor Castle tours

There are many different tours visiting Windsor Castle , just a couple of them are half day tours only to the castle, not including another attraction.

However, because Windsor is relatively close to London many tours have Windsor Castle as part of a day long tour, including other attractions such as The London Eye , Hampton Court , Buckingham Palace or further afield, Stonehenge .

FAQs on Windsor Castle

Q. where is windsor castle.

A. Windsor Castle is situated in Berkshire in the South of England. It is in the town of Windsor which is twinned with Eton by the River Thames . The average journey times from London are around 60-90 minutes by coach and around an hour by train.

Q. How to get to Windsor Castle?

A. You can use one of the many tour operators from London and have all your travel needs taken care of for you. You can also travel independently from London by train using either Paddington or Waterloo main line stations to Windsor.

Q. How old is Windsor Castle?

A. Windsor Castle can be traced back to the 11th century with building work starting on the Castle around 1070.

Q. Who lives in Windsor Castle?

A. Windsor Castle has always been a working palace. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II used Windsor Castle as her private home where she would usually spend the weekend and as an official Royal residence. There are also the staff living at Windsor Castle which includes the titular head of the Castle community, the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle; the Dean of Windsor, Military Knights of Windsor, housekeepers and soldiers. There are roughly 150 people living at the Castle itself.

Q. Who owns Windsor Castle?

A. Windsor Castle is owned by the state/crown and belongs to the reigning monarch by virtue of their position.

Other royal palaces in and around London

Other royal palaces and castles in and around London include:

Tower of London: Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, today the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. In its time it has been a royal palace, a fortress, a prison, an armoury, a treasury and an astronomical observatory. The Tower of London now displays the Crown Jewels.

Buckingham Palace: has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Today it is the administrative headquarters of the Crown and is the main venue for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Kew Palace (with Kew Gardens) Open from March - September, Kew Palace, once the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, requires a valid ticket for Kew Gardens to enter. See the Great Pagoda (which can be climbed with a separate ticket), Queen Charlotte's Cottage and the Palace itself with Royal Kitchens.

Hampton Court Palace Henry VIII's place, and also a top day out for adults and kids alike. Don't forget the fabulous maze, as well as demonstrations, talks, etc. Proper 'Living History.'

Kensington Palace: A rich royal history. Kensington Palace can boast of being the birth place of Queen Victoria and the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, not to mention being the home of a host of Georgian monarchs and royalty including Princess Diana who have all left their mark on this impressive Palace. Explore the vast state apartments which contain an array of beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Royal palaces in London - more information

Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Windsor Castle - all included with London Pass

The London Pass can save you £££'s on walk-up entry prices for over 80 of London's top attractions.

Included in the pass are the Tower of London , Kensington Palace , Windsor Castle , Kew Palace & Gardens , The King's Gallery , and Hampton Court Palace . In addition other top attractions such as London Zoo , Westminster Abbey , St. Paul's and View from the Shard are included.

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

Guide To Windsor Castle, Day Trip From London

Windsor Castle is a striking 11th century castle that’s the official home of the royal family. The palace is the longest occupied royal residence in the world. It’s been the symbol of the monarchy for 1,000 years.

At the castle, you can see the sprawling grounds, take the “long walk,” admire lavish staterooms, and visit a magnificent Perpendicular Gothic chapel.

Not only is Windsor an authentic medieval castle, it’s home to some of the finest and most famous paintings in the Royal Collection.

You’ll find master works from English portraitists, the Northern Renaissance, the Italian Renaissance, and the Baroque eras.

In this guide, I tell you everything to see at Windsor Castle and give you tips for visiting. Among other things, you can expect to see:

• Queen Marys’ Dolls House
• St. George’s Hall
• State Room & Semi-State Rooms

Waterloo Chamber

Garter throne room, queen’s gallery.

• St. George’s Chapel
• The Long Walk

Windsor Castle & Its Royal Residents

900 years ago, England’s first king William the Conqueror began work on Windsor Castle. The layout of the castle was a central tower or keep with two flanking baileys (fortified enclosures).

Both Henry I and Henry II expanded the castle. In 1225, the wooden keep was replaced with the stone Round Tower.

In the 14th century, the castle made its transition to a royal palace thanks to the castle building king Edward III. He added the Gothic lower ward and a suite of royal apartments in the upper ward. Edward also instituted the chivalric Order of the Garter.

In 1475, Edward IV began building the beautiful St. George’s Chapel. The next major period of development came after the bitter mid 17th century English Civil War between the Crown and Parliament.

After the Crown prevailed, Charles II and his architect wanted to make a statement after the power and authority of the crown. They altered the exterior of the castle and added some opulent Baroque state rooms.

Charles also acquired some valuable Leonardo da Vinci drawings. Unfortunately, you can’t see them because they’re under tight security in the Royal Library .

When George III inherited the throne, Windsor became his favorite residence. During George’s reign there was a renewed interest in Gothic architecture.

George eliminated many of the castle’s 17th century Baroque features and began restoring the castle. He also added over 40 Canaletto paintings to the Royal Collection.

The next king, George IV, was a rakish lover of women and wine. But he also became the monarchy’s greatest art collector. George IV continued to transform Windsor in a Gothic revival style.

He chose not to use the traditional state apartments. Instead, he added a private suite of glittering rooms that are now called the “semi-state rooms.” Elizabeth II formerly used these rooms for formal entertaining.

Windsor was at is heyday during the reign of Queen Victoria. This is where she met her husband Albert. They chose to make Windsor their principal home.

Victoria invented the tradition of “dine and sleep.” She would invite prominent society figures to dine and spend the night at Windsor Castle. She held small dances and musical events in the Crimson Drawing Room.

Since the time of George IV, very few changes have been made to the castle.

When Edward VII succeeded to the throne, Windsor was looking a bit tired and dreary after Queen Victoria’s long widowhood. He did some redecorating, modernizing, and smartening up.

When Edward VII abdicated to marry American Wallis Simpson, George VI took over. His two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret grew up and were educated at the Windsor Castle.

Nowadays, Windsor is owned by King Charles III. He inherited it from his mother Elizabeth II.

Order of the Garter

The Order of the Garter is the most prestigious order of chivalry in Britain. It was founded in 1348 by Edward III.

The order’s patron saint is St. George. The order’s motto is “Shame of he who thinks evil of it.”

Originally, the order consisted of the king himself, the Prince of Wales, and 24 senior members of the royal family and aristocracy. Today, knights are also chosen from men and women making significant contributions to the nation.

The Garter Day Procession takes place at Windsor Castle in June. Accompanied by marching band, members proceed from the state apartments to St. George’s Chapel.

They wear the velvet robes of the order and ostrich plumed hats, echoing the medieval costumes that were once worn.

Tickets & Tours For Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a popular place and one of the best day trips from London.

So you need to plan in advance. Ticket lines can be very long in the summer months.

Click here to book a skip the line admission ticket. Windsor Castle is also included in the London Pass , if you have that card.

Click here to book a guided day tour to Windsor from London. You can also book a private guided tour from London .

You can also visit Windsor on a guided day tour with Oxford and Stonehenge . Another lengthy (but awesome) day tour combines Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath along with lunch in the Cotswold village of Lacock .

What To See At Windsor Castle, The Complete Guide

Here’s are the top things to see at Windsor Castle on a day trip from London.

1. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a 100 year old rendering of the royal household. It was designed by Britain’s leading architect of the time, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and presented to Mary in 1924.

It wasn’t intended to be played with. Rather, it was built to reflect the best in British craftsmanship. Everything in the house is designed perfectly to scale with an astonishing level of detail.

The dollhouse has electricity, running water, and working lifts.

2. St. George’s Hall

This is the grand room where state banquets and functions are held, though there hasn’t been one since 2014.

When they do happen, the queen sits in front of the bust of Queen Victoria. Microphones are hidden in the floral arrangements.

The vaulted ceilings are covered with emblems of the Knights of the Garter. Some of them are blank.

Those are the naughty knights, who were convicted of high crimes or treason. This mostly took place during the Tudor era when they also stripped off their heads.

Above the two doors are portraits of Queens Mary and Anne. At the end of the hall, you enter the Queen’s Guard Chamber. There, you’ll find weapons and busts of British war heroes from Nelson to Churchill.

3. State Rooms and Semi-State Rooms

You enter the state apartments from the North Terrace. You can’t take photos in here, so I only have a couple stock photos to show you.

As was traditional, the king and queen had a separate set of state apartments. Visitors would move through a succession of rooms. Each one was designed to limit access to the monarch, according to his or her rank.

The rooms are dripping with chandeliers, beautifully furnished, and strewn with art collected by a long line of kings and queens.

Major renovations to the state rooms were made in the 17th century by Charles II (trying to rival Versailles) and in the 19th century by George IV. 

In 1992, a fire devastated the castle. It destroyed much of the southern part of the State Apartments, which are now restored to their original splendor. 

There are so many rooms, one just can’t cover them all in a single blog post. So I’ll give you some of the must highlights.

The Waterloo Chamber is a magnificent wood-ceiling room. This is where some of the most famous paintings in the Royal Collection at Windsor are kept.

You’ll find a who’s who of popes, monarchs, statesmen, and commanders. The portraits celebrate the victory over Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo.

Many were painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence , who was the court painter of George IV.

This room is also where you’ll find Claude Whatham’s “Pantomime” pictures. They are murals he painted in the rooms of the young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret after their paintings were removed for safekeeping during the Blitz. 

The Garter Throne Room served as Queen Victoria’s principal Throne Room. It’s also the room where new Knights and Ladies of the Garter are invested by the Queen.

In this room, there’s a famous portrait of Elizabeth II in her coronation robes.

Crimson Drawing Room

One of the most eye catching rooms in the palace is the Crimson Drawing Room. It features beautiful red damask walls and gold-leafed furnishings.

This part of the castle was severely damaged in the fire of 1992. Luckily, the valuable art was salvaged. The rooms have been fully restored according to the original plans.

You’ll find a portrait of George VI and a portrait of the Queen Mother.

Green Drawing Room

Originally designed as a library, the Green Drawing Room follows George IV’s favorite plan — a long room with a bay window in the center. The room has a magnificent carpet, which survived the fire in 1992.

The room is filled with Morel and Sedon designed furniture. The display cabinets contain one of the finest Sevres porcelain dining service ever made. 

This was ordered by Louis XVI of France for his own use at Versailles and later bought by the king.

This is one of the castle’s most important rooms. Until the creation of the Grand Reception Room and Waterloo Chamber in the 1830s, this was the principal ballroom of Windsor.

The room was redecorated by Queen Victoria. She hung it exclusively with portraits by Anthony van Dyck . 

There are usually 11 paintings hung, including a famous one of Charles I on horseback. You may recognize this painting because a copy of it it overlooks the dining room in Downton Abbey .

Queen’s Drawing Room

This room is home to some of the finest Tudor and Stuart portraits in the Royal Collection. 

These include the famous  Charles I in Three Positions  by Van Dyck, a Holbein-esque portrait of Henry VIII, and William Scrots’ portrait of Elizabeth I as a princess.

The latter portrait is the finest painting of Elizabeth I before her succession. It was probably painted for her father Henry VIII.

King’s Closet

This room was Charles II’s dressing room. The ceilings were painted by Anthony Verrio, with mythological frescos glorifying the monarchy.

The room is also filled with paintings from the Netherlands, including works by Breugel and Cranach. You’ll find Cranach’s famous Apollo and Diana .

There’s also a rare and famous portrait of Richard III tugging at his ring. The painting was doctored to make him look like a hunchback and murderer of the Princes in the Tower. There’s also quite a few portraits of other monarchs.

King’s Bedchamber

The King’s bedchamber was a formal room where the king met with his advisers and discussed matters of state. Only the most powerful members of the court were allowed to enter the room.

The room features walls covered in red damask and a plaster ceiling decorated with the Stuart coat of arms.

The elaborate bed was part of the ritual of dressing and undressing the king in the presence of nobles. It was created by French woodworker Georges Jacob.

It’s draped with green and purple fabric similar to those used when French Emperor Napoleon III came for a State visit in 1855.

King’s Dressing Room

This room is where the king actually slept. It’s home to the important Northern Renaissance paintings in the Royal Collection. 

There are portraits by Hans Holbein the Younger, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Albrecht Durer. The most famous work in the room is Pieter Breughel the Elder’s  The Massacre of the Innocents .  

There are also famous Italian Renaissance paintings by Bellini, del Sarto, and more. I was riveted by Bronzino’s beautiful Portrait of a Lady in Green .

King’s Drawing Room

This room is also known as the “Rubens Room.” It’s full of paintings by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens. A painting of the Holy Family hangs above the fireplace.

Charles II used the room to receive guests and hold court assemblies.

4. Changing of the Guard

The changing of the guard usually takes place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The famously stoic guards are clothed in the same red tunics and bearskin that they sport at Buckingham Palace.

The new guards are led by a marching band. They march from their barracks on Sheet Street up High Street into the castle’s parade ground on the lower ward (by the main exit).

After a half hour of music and photos, the old guards march back the way the new ones came.

If you want a front row seat to watch the ceremony, you should plan to arrive around 10:30 am.

5. St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel is a stunning medieval chapel. It’s in the Perpendicular Gothic style of architecture, just like the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey.

It was begun by Edward IV in 1474. More recently, this is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in 2018.

The nave has classic fan vaulting. Banners of the Most Noble Order of the Garter line the nave.

The banners honor living knights. The 800 golden panels on the choir seats honor departed knights.

Under the upper stained glass windows is a frieze of 250 angels carved in great detail.

The chapel holds a number of famous royal tombs. Heading up the left side of the nave, you’ll find the chapel dedicated to George VI. He’s buried there with the Queen Mother.

Both Phillip and Elizabeth II will eventually be buried with them. Phillip rests in the Royal Vault right now. But when the queen dies, he will be transferred to the the chapel with the queen.

On the floor, you’ll find a plaque marking the burial spot of Mad King George III (of the American Revolutionary War era).

Henry VIII is buried with his third wife Jane Seymour in the chapel’s Royal Vault, which is behind the choir and underneath the Albert Memorial Chapel. This public cannot enter this area.

Henry VI, Edward IV, and Edward VII are also buried in the sacristy.

On your way out, stop to admire the Albert Memorial Chapel. It was dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, after his death in 1861. 

The interior is elaborately decorated with colored marble, mosaics, and sculptures. It contains the sarcophagus of the Duke of Clarence, the eldest and rather wayward son of Edward VII. 

Be sure to admire the decorative ironwork on the 13th century Gilbertus door in the east end of the chapel. It’s a stunning medieval work signed by the smith who created it.

6. The Long Walk

If you want to stretch your legs after ogling the elegant castle interiors, take a stroll down the Long Walk. You can see it from the state entrance of Windsor Castle.

It’s a 2.6 mile tree-lined street created during Charles II’s reign. It’s part of the Windsor Great Park. Views of the castle from the walk of some of the most iconic shots of Windsor.

The Long Walk is especially beautiful in autumn when the oak and chestnut trees break into autumnal colors.

You access the Long Walk from the George IV Gate close to the south front of the castle.

George III loved the park. He commissioned a famous equestrian statue of George II on horseback. It stand on one end of the Long Walk on Snow Hill.

7. Windsor Village

A small village is built up around the castle.

It’s full of lovely shops, restaurants, and pubs. Be sure to wander down High Street, Thames Street, and the pedestrianized Peascod Street.

The Windsor Royal Shopping Center is near the railway station. There are over 40 shops.

Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle

Here are some must know tips for visiting Windsor Castle. I also tell you other attractions you can visit in the area.

1. How To Get To Windsor Castle

Windsor is only 20 miles from London and takes about 45 minutes. The town is off the M-4 highway. It’s well signposted.

There are long stay car parks less than a 10 minute walk to the town center and castle. There are short stay car parks in the center of the town that cost a bit more.

London’s Paddington Station connects with the Windsor & Eton Central Station. It’s a high speed train that takes 30 minutes, but you have to change trains at Slough.

London’s Waterloo Station connects with Windsor’s other train station, Windsor & Eton Riverside. This train is slower and takes about 55 minutes.

From either train station, it’s a 5 minute walk to the castle.

You can also visit on a guided tour, which I explained above.

2. Where To Stay Near Windsor Castle

You might consider staying overnight in Windsor after the daytime crowds have gone. You can better enjoy the village’s charm and perhaps even attend evensong in St. George’s Chapel.

The Castle Hotel Windsor is a luxury boutique hotel just .2 miles from the castle itself. You should also check out the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and the Fairmont Windsor Park , where you can get the royal treatment.

Windsor is a good place to overnight if you’re flying out of London the next day. The town is only 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport. You can book a private transfer to get you there from Windsor.

3. Is Windsor Castle Worth Visiting?

Windsor Castle is 100% worth visiting.

It’s an authentic medieval castle with a wow factor that’s an official residence of the royal family. I found it much more fascinating than Buckinghman Palace or Kensington Palace.

In fact, the art collection alone merits a visit. And St. George’s Chapel is stunning.

The real question is whether to visit on a combination tour or allot more time to visit the castle. I think Windsor really warrants a half day visit, so you’re not rushed. Come in the afternoon as most of the guided tours seem to arrive in the morning when the castle opens.

Practical Guide & Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle

Address : Windsor SL4 1NJ

Hours : March to October 10:00 am to 5:15 pm, closing at 3:00 from November to February.

Ticket price : 28.00 pounds. The ticket comes with a complimentary audio guide, which is narrated by none other than King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales.

There is no photography permitted inside the castle or St. George’s Chapel, which is a tad disappointing. Photos of the interior above are stock photos.

The staff in the state rooms are incredibly knowledgeable. You can grill them for more information.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to visiting Windsor Castle. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the National Gallery of Art
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Guide to the Tate Britain
• Guide to Wesminster Abbey
• London Tourist Traps To Avoid
• Guide To Free Museums in London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

If you’d need a guide for Windsor Castle, pin it for later.

1 thought on “Guide To Windsor Castle, Day Trip From London”

Hey there! Just finished reading your article on visiting Windsor Castle, and I couldn’t wait to drop you a line. First of all, kudos on this comprehensive guide; it’s evident that you poured your heart into it. Your writing made me feel like I was right there exploring the castle, from the stunning architecture to the rich history. Windsor Castle has been on my bucket list for a while, and after reading your article, I’m more determined than ever to make that trip a reality.

Your tips and recommendations are incredibly helpful, especially the part about booking tickets in advance to avoid those long lines – a real lifesaver! And the mention of St. George’s Chapel and the State Apartments got me all excited; they sound like must-see attractions. Plus, your personal anecdotes and insights added such a lovely touch to the article. It’s like I had a friend guiding me through the entire experience. Thanks for sharing this valuable information, and I can’t wait to read more of your travel adventures in the future! Keep up the fantastic work.

I also loved your photos; they’re simply breathtaking! They complement your words so well and give readers a real sense of what to expect. The details about the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House were fascinating. All in all, this article has made me even more eager to explore Windsor Castle, and I’ll definitely be referring back to your guide when I plan my trip. Thanks again for the great read, and I look forward to more travel inspiration from you soon. Cheers!

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Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Tours at Windsor Castle

Visiting Windsor Castle doesn’t only mean witnessing the luxurious and beautiful royal rooms, It is much more than that.

Windsor Castle has been part of English history for more than 1000 years now and it holds many fascinating historical tales within its beautiful architecture. 

But even before you reach the Castle’s main entrance, you will be given a 30-minutes Precincts tour by the Wardens. 

They will give an engaging history of the Castle from its origins to its present-day role as the official residence. 

And from there, you can pick up the complimentary free audio tour of the castle introduced by King Charles III. 

The basic entry ticket to Windsor Castle will give you a free Audio tour available in 9 languages, including Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, French, and more. 

Ticket prices start from £27. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a ticket and explore this fascinating place full of history. 

For all the history buffs and people who want to get the most out of their visit to Windsor Castle, they grab a ticket to a private guided tour of Windsor Castle . 

An expert Guide will company your group and you will get many more in-depth stories and facts about the castle. 

Or, if you want a personalized tour of Windsor castle then buying the private tour with a friendly and expert guide will be ideal for you. 

You will have all the time in the world as your guide will engage you with all the lesser-known fascinating history related to the royal family and Windsor Castle. 

Featured Image: Windsor.gov.uk

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The 7 Best Windsor Castle Tours From London 🏰 [2024 Reviews]

Constructed around 1,000 years ago, Windsor Castle understandably has quite the history (to say the least!). The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it’s been home to 39 monarchs and currently the Queen spends many weekends there.

If you’re going to be in London, it’s a historic icon that you absolutely must see – even if you aren’t particularly interested in the royal family.

We have the top Windsor Castle tours available, making sure you make the most of your time and money!

Best Tours Of Windsor Castle

Quick answer: the 7 best rated windsor castle tours for 2024.

• Best Half-Day Tour: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets From London
• Best Private Tour: Private Half-Day Tour of Windsor Castle
• Best Budget Tour: Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London From London
• Best Luxury Tour: Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath from London
• Best Small Group Tour: Private Windsor Castle And Eton Tour
• Best Day Tour: Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch
• Best Guided Tour: Afternoon Trip London to Windsor Castle

Be sure to see our reviews of Buckingham Palace tours , Downton Abbey tours and Thames River cruises .

Windsor Castle Tour Reviews

1. best half-day tour: half-day trip to windsor with castle tickets from london.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure:  Earls Court Underground Station
• Departure Time: 9:50 AM
• Includes:  Entrance to Windsor Castle,  Windsor Castle multimedia guide, r ound-trip transportation from London by luxury bus

This is one of the most popular tours from London, and if you’re in the city looking for an educational, fun tour this one is hard to beat. The From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets packs a ton in while still making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

If you’re looking to explore Windsor Castle and get some fresh air walking around the grounds, take a good look here!

There are various central London meetup points, ensuring it’s as convenient as possible for you. Choose the one that works best for you and head out west on a bus tour in the morning. If you have London plans in the evening, this won’t conflict at all!

The bus is quite comfortable, with nice, big windows to see the beautiful city and landscape views as you head to the historic town of Windsor.

Once you and the rest of your group arrive, you’ll be taken through and told all about the Queen’s official residence. There’s no need to rush, either – they make sure you can take it at your own pace.

From the Norman Invasion and its origins to present-day relevance, you’ll practically be an expert on the castle! The history is obviously very interesting, but the castle and surrounding area itself is also quite beautiful!

We highly recommend heading to the left once exiting the castle to take the “long walk”. It’s a great way to also get away for a moment from the hustle-and-bustle of lively London.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other london experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: private half-day tour of windsor castle.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Departure: Pickup included
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, wi-fi on board, bottled water

While our other tours are certainly smaller ones for more personalized attention, this one is even more so. This 4-hour tour comes in the form of a private car service picking you up from your hotel and taking you to Windsor Castle in a comfortable Mercedes Benz.

If that sounds like a good time to you, check out the Windsor Castle Private Tour ! With a maximum group size of 4 people (plus the driver), you can be assured you’ll receive all the answers to your questions!

Considering the convenience and ability to learn so much with this model of tour, it’s surprising how affordable this one runs for. With such an accommodating, knowledgeable, attentive guide, it feels like a good friend is just taking you and showing you around Windsor!

As soon as you get in the vehicle, your guide will start telling you interesting facts and anecdotes about all the sites you see. You’ll even learn quite a bit about Windsor and Windsor Castle before you arrive!

This is the largest and oldest continuously-occupied castle in the world, and as one of the official royal residences of the Queen, it already draws a lot of interest.

Walk around and see St. George’s Chapel, which is over 500 years old and has been the place of many significant events throughout history.

Check out inside the castle, where the State Apartments sit and have been used to house important guests throughout these over 900 years. Not to mention, all of the beautiful furniture, tapestries, artwork, and more!

Search For Other London Experiences You May Enjoy

3. best budget tour: royal windsor afternoon tour from london.

• Duration: 7 hours
• Departure: Evan Evans Office 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road
• Departure Time:  1:00 PM
• Includes:   Entry to Windsor Castle,  English-speaking guide, a  personal audio headset, audio guide in various languages, w i-fi

Not everyone needs or wants a tour that will fit into busier schedules. Some want to pack in as much as possible, and don’t mind taking longer tours to do so. If that sounds like you, check out the London: Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London .

This 7-hour tour is led by a professional tour guide, who is undoubtedly knowledgeable and there to ensure you have a great time. The English-speaking guide will take you through the historic Windsor so you can explore the castle, see the famous St. George’s Chapel, and more.

Starting out as a Saxon village, it’s thought to have been inhabited from approximately 700 AD – as you can imagine there are quite a few stories to tell about the area.

Meet up at Evan Evans Office in London and head out to Windsor. We found the vehicles to be smooth, and the driver to be very safe and attentive.

Once you arrive to this beautiful countryside location, you’ll get to see the river, stroll about its cobbled streets, and explore its charming little tea rooms, shops, and more as your guide offers an intriguing commentary on its background.

After getting to know the town a bit, you’ll head over to the infamous Windsor Castle. It’s hard to miss, and you may have even caught a glimpse of it already as it rises high above the rest of the town.

Having been the ancestral home of the royal family for almost a thousand years, there are countless stories to learn about it.

The architecture alone is quite stunning, but the interior is really going to make your jaw drop. Take a tour through the state apartments, where all kinds of significant icons throughout history have laid their heads.

On the walls hang some of the most important pieces of art by legendary artists as well, and were luckily saved during a more recent fire.

You’ll then see St. George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed in 2018. However, it’s been around a lot longer than that: since 1528! It’s also the resting place of various monarchs.

4. Best Luxury Tour: Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath from London

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure: Various departure points (round-trip transportation offered)
• Departure Time: 8:30 AM
• Includes: Bottled water, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour, transport by private vehicle, fuel surcharge

Next up, we bring you our longest tour and one that will take you all over some of the most legendary places in the country. You’ll not only get to see Windsor Castle, but many other points of interest!

The Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath from London tour will check a lot of boxes on your bucket list, and do so in one of the most convenient ways possible!

Start off by being picked up in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle and head straight to Eton College, which is known as being the private school of choice for the royal family of the United Kingdom.

Commissioned over 500 years ago by King Henry VIII, it’s still one of the top choices for schools for some of the most powerful families on the planet.

Next, is Windsor Castle, where you’ll get to see the Royal Guards, inside the history of the castle, the courtyards, and even St. George’s Chapel. Your guide will take you through all the interesting nooks and crannies, and to the most iconic parts, as well.

Now, it’s over to both Woodhenge and Stonehenge. Woodhenge is an ancient Neolithic wooden monument built very close to Stonehenge in approximately 2500 BC. You’ll learn about why it’s so important, both throughout the years and present-day.

Hop on over to Stonehenge and your guide will also fill you in on the history behind this 5,000-year-old wonder, explore the visitor center, and take some photos!

After all this adventuring, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Sneak in a fantastic traditional pub lunch of fish and chips or sip on a traditional English tea.

Head on over to the beautiful, enthralling town of Bath which is filled with jaw-droppingly intricate architecture and a unique history. There’s some great shopping and dining here, and if you’d like you can also enter the infamous Roman Bath house!

5. Best Small Group Tour: Private Windsor Castle And Eton Tour

• Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Departure: Various pickup spots available
• Departure Time:  9:00 AM
• Includes:  Hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour, transport by private vehicle, driver/guide, professional guide

This tour is a crowd favorite, due to the time being easy to fit into the daytime while being able to tend to London plans in the evening. The Private Windsor Castle and Eton Tour lasts anywhere from 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and other factors.

Offered in 10 different languages, this is a comprehensive tour that will have you avoiding the large group tours that can be harder to learn or see the interesting points with.

You and the rest of your group will be picked up in central London, in a comfortable, spacious vehicle with air conditioning. The trip is quite scenic and your guide/driver will tell you interesting stories about the route as well as Windsor so you have a good background before arriving.

Starting out in the historic center of the town, you’ll check out hidden passages that connect the castle to certain pubs! You’ll see the famous “crooked house”, and even see the rear part of the castle that many visitors don’t get to see.

Next, you’ll see the more common, “touristy” parts of the castle though you’ll get to skip the long lines and just enter.

You’ll be able to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the amazing apartments inside where many important figures have stayed, artwork by some of the most famous artists throughout history, and much more.

You’ll also see St. George’s Chapel, which has been transformed into a royal wedding venue various times, and even holds the tombs of Henry VIII, Charles I, George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and many others. The architecture itself is beautiful, and an excellent example of late medieval Gothic architecture.

If you’d like, you can stroll across the River Thames into Eton – home of Eton College. We’ve already covered quite a bit about this college, but we do recommend checking it out.

6. Best Day Tour: Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch

• Duration: 6.5 hours
• Departure:  Victoria Coach Station, Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Includes: One-course pub lunch, professional guide, transport by air-conditioned coach

Exploring and learning can really take a lot out of you, and what better way to take a tour then have one with a delicious lunch included to break up the walking? The Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch is exactly that, and more.

You’ll be able to see Windsor Castle, St. George’s Chapel, and other points of interest in one of the most convenient ways possible.

You and the rest of your group will meet at Victoria Coach Station bright and early, at 7:30 am. The 6.5-hour tour is great, because you’ll be in London in time for dinner or any other plans you may have.

The air-conditioned coach is very easy to relax in, with nice, big windows that are great for checking out the countryside as you travel to the historic town of Windsor.

As you head over, your guide will tell your group all about the castle, as well as any other notable places you may encounter.

If you don’t already know about it, you’ll learn about how it plays a very important role in British history and was originally built by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago.

It is one of the Queen’s official residences, and she sometimes still stays here so there’s always the chance she’ll be “in residence” while you explore around. Make sure to check out St. George’s Chapel as well, which is an incredible piece of Gothic architecture and holds the tombs of various monarchs.

Take some time to walk around the town of Windsor at your own pace. Set right next to the Thames, it’s absolutely beautiful, with charming little shops, pubs, and delicious food. Speaking of which, you’ll have lunch here at a pub with some traditional fish and chips!

7. Best Guided Tour: Afternoon Trip London to Windsor Castle

• Departure: Various options available
• Departure Time: 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM,
• Includes:  Hotel Pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, audio guides, admission tickets, 2 hours of viewing time at Windsor

Are you on the search for a more compact tour? One that will pack as much in as possible but still allows you to fit it into a busy schedule? If so, the Afternoon Trip London to Windsor Castle should catch your eye!

With hotel pickup and drop-off offered, you don’t even have to spend time getting to a station or central pickup spot! However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a self-guided tour, with groups of up to 8 passengers.

Due to this design, it’s one of the best in terms of flexibility and is also a very comfortable way of getting out of the city and seeing this piece of history that’s still relevant today.

Do you ever feel rushed by tour guides? Now you won’t have to, as you can truly check out Windsor Castle at your own pace.

The audio guide is available in multiple languages and takes you through the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, Queen May’s Doll’s House, and much more!

Not only that, but this tour comes with tickets that allow you to bypass the lines which can save you around an hour!

We felt that this was a great experience for families, partners, and friends as you can talk amongst yourselves without interrupting a tour guide. Not to mention, with the smaller group sizes you’ll simply be able to move around easier and see more!

It also lets you choose how you want to spend your time, whether that’s in a certain wing of the castle or outdoors.

FAQs About Windsor Castle Tours

What are the hours of windsor castle.

Windsor Castle is open daily from 10:00am to 5:15pm, except on some public holidays and when the queen is residing there.

How much are tickets for Windsor Castle?

The tickets for Windsor Castle vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the visitor. For adults the prices are about . You can buy tickets in advance or at the ticket office We recommend a skip-the-line guided tour to save time as the lines can be quite long.

What can I see and do at Windsor Castle?

There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, so we would recommend allowing between 1½ and 2 hours to adequately see the castle. Some highlights are:

The State Apartments : These are the rooms where the Queen and her guests entertain. They are decorated with paintings, furniture and items from the Royal Collection.

St George’s Chapel : This is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world. There are 10 monarchs buried here, including Henry VIII and Charles I.

The Changing of the Guard : This is a traditional ceremony where the soldiers that are dressed in red tunics and bearskin hats march from Victoria Barracks to Windsor Castle accompanied by a band. Then they change places with another group of soldiers who guard the Castle. The ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:00 am.

The Semi-State Rooms : These are the most lavishly decorated rooms in the Castle. They are used by the Queen for official entertaining during the winter months. They include the Crimson Drawing Room, the White Drawing Room and the Green Drawing Room.

Why You Should Visit Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England and you should go for several reasons. Here are five reasons you should visit Windsor Castle:

• Royal Residence : Windsor Castle has been one the official residences of the British Royal Family for over 900 years. It is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the home of British kings and queens for centuries.
• History and Architecture : The castle is steeped in history and its architecture is a stunning blend of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, St. George’s Chapel and the impressive grounds of the castle.
• Changing of the Guard : The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place everyday at Windsor Castle, providing tourists with an opportunity to witness the pageantry of this historic event.
• Location : Windsor Castle is situated in the picturesque town of Windsor, which is a short train ride from London, making it an easy day trip from the city.
• Family-Friendly : The castle offers various family-friendly activities, such as the interactive family trail which takes visitors on a journey through the castle’s history and the Castle Quests, which are fun treasure hunts for kids.

Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle

• Plan your visit : Windsor Castle is popular so it’s a good idea to buy your tickets well in advance to avoid long lines. Tickets are available online or at the castle’s ticket office. We would recommend a “skip-the-line” tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes : The castle grounds are massive, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. The castle also has many staircases so keep this in mind when choosing your shoes.
• Check the schedule : The castle’s opening hours and tour schedules var, so be sure to check the website or call ahead to plan your visit. Also note that the castle is closed on certain days the year.
• Bring a camera : The castle and its grounds are incredibly beautiful so bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery.
• Respect the rules : Windsor Castle is a royal residence, so there are rules and regulations you must follow while on site. This includes: no photography inside certain areas, no eating or drinking inside the castle and no touching or leaning on any of the artifacts.
• Changing of the Guard : Try to time your visit at the same time as the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s a spectacular display of British pageantry that takes place at the castle’s entrance.
• Allow plenty of time : There’s a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle so allow yourself time for your visit so you don’t have to rush. It normally takes a few hours to see everything.

Tour Guides

The Half-Day Trip to Windsor Castle is our Editor's Choice for the best tour of Windsor Castle from London.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Visiting Windsor Castle – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 29, 2023

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to Windsor Castle

Visiting Windsor Castle – Tickets & Tours

Windsor castle facts and figures, getting to windsor castle, windsor castle opening times, when is the best time to visit windsor castle, what to see at windsor castle, what other uk attractions are located near windsor castle, tips for planning your visit to windsor castle, visit these other london attractions and landmarks – tickets, tours & faqs, our top 3 picks: best tours to windsor castle.

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WINDSOR IN A DAY TOUR WITH WALKS TOURS ✔️Transfer to and from Windsor on an air-conditioned bus ✔️ Small group of 20 guests maximum ✔️ Pre-reserved tickets to Windsor Castle

WINDSOR CASTLE & STONEHENGE PRIVATE DAY TOUR ✔️ Combined visit to two popular destinations ✔️ 10 hour private tour with top-rated guide ✔️ Panoramic tour of Windsor

HALF-DAY TRIP TO WINDSOR CASTLE ✔️ Includes transport to and from Windsor ✔️ Includes tickets to the castle ✔️ Includes some free time to enjoy the castle grounds

Nearest Tube station – Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside (from London Paddington or London Waterloo)

How long to set aside for your visit?

• It will take about two to three hours to tour the castle and its grounds and buildings – such as St George’s Chapel – properly.
• Many visitors also spend some time in the historic market town itself. You will also need to allow time to travel to and from Windsor. So a full day for a trip to Windsor is realistic, though some do it in less time. 

Tickets 

• Windsor Castle ticket

Good to know – Windsor Castle entry is included with The London Pass . Do note, though, that entry for pass holders is only available after 1 pm  

Guided tours from London

• Full-day Windsor Castle and town tour with Thames cruise from London
• 7 hour afternoon Windsor Castle and town tour from London
• 6.5 hour morning tour of Windsor Castle plus London pub lunch option
• Half day private Windsor Castle tour with London hotel transfers
• Half-day Windsor Castle tour with transport from London

Combi tours with London attractions

• Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace combi tour
• Windsor Castle plus guided Westminster walking tour

Combi tours with Stonehenge ++

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds tour
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath combi tour
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford combi tour
• Windsor Castle and Stonehenge combi tour

Windsor tours

• Hop on hop off open top bus tour of Windsor and Eton with 11 stops

Legoland Windsor

• Legoland Windsor resort entrance ticket

Visiting Windsor Castle

• The history of Windsor Castle dates back more than a thousand years. That’s over ten centuries! Its kitchen is also the oldest working kitchen in the UK. 
• Windsor Castle is big – in fact it’s the largest lived-in castle in the world. The castle is so large that it has 300 fireplaces and almost 400 clocks. 
• Beginning with William the Conqueror’s reign, Windsor Castle has housed 40 British monarchs. King Charles III is the latest resident, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. 
• The Queen was buried at Windsor. She was laid to rest in September 2022 in St George’s Chapel, the royal church found in the castle grounds. 
• The castle’s driveway is very long indeed. Known as the ‘Long Walk’, it’s a tree-lined, 2.64 mile (or 4.25 kilometre) avenue created by the first King Charles. 
• The Royal Family name of Windsor comes from the castle, rather than it being named after them. This was changed during World War I when George V was King. The reasoning behind it was the anti-German sentiment at the time. Before this, the family name had been Saxe-Coburg-Gotha since the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. 
• An impressive art collection is housed at Windsor Castle. This includes works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. These can be seen in the galleries, state rooms and halls of the castle.
• The Changing of the Guard also takes place at Windsor Castle at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Saturdays (but can vary depending on the time of year so check ahead!). 
• As a working royal castle, Windsor is sometimes closed to the public. This may be inconvenient to visitors but also shows what a key role the castle plays in the life of the British monarchy. 
• A fire in November 1992 caused more damage than any other during the castle’s history. Nine staterooms were destroyed, and around 100 others were damaged. About 200 firefighters tackled the blaze. If it wasn’t for renovation works taking place at the time which resulted in the temporary removal of various treasures, more damage would have been done. 

• Train: The closest train stations to Windsor Castle are Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside. Take a train from London Waterloo direct to Windsor and Eton Riverside (takes about 55 minutes) or from London Paddington station (one change at Slough) to Windsor and Eton Riverside with the journey time between 20 and 35 minutes. The castle is around a 5 minute uphill walk from Windsor and Eton Riverside station.  (Please note that Oyster cards are not accepted on this route – you will need to purchase a train ticket)
• Coach: Coaches operate between London Victoria Coach Station and Windsor. The trip takes around an hour and 35 to an hour and 50 minutes. This can be longer, depending on traffic. 
• Car: Driving from London to Windsor Castle takes about an hour. There is no parking at the castle itself, so visitors must leave their car at one of the Windsor town centre car parks instead. 
• Windsor Castle opens between Thursday and Monday.
• It is closed to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and public holidays.
• From 1st March to 31st October, the castle opens at 10 am and closes at 5.15 pm. The last entry is at 4 pm.
• Between 1st November and 28th February, the castle also opens at 10 am but closes an hour earlier at 4.15 pm. The last entry is at 3 pm in winter.
• Do note that the castle may close at any time, due to royal events.  

Semi-State Rooms

The Semi-State Rooms at Windsor Castle are only open during winter. Typically this is between late November and late March. 

St George’s Chapel 

St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle is open between 10 am and 4.15 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

From 2.30 pm, visitor access may be limited. 

• Windsor Castle is visited by more than a million people per year, so it’s always popular when it’s open!
• The summer season and weekends are when you can expect the longest queues and biggest crowds at Windsor Castle. 
• If you can, book your visit for a Thursday, Friday or Monday rather than on Saturday or Sunday. The castle isn’t open on Tuesday or Wednesday. 
• The Semi-State rooms are only open between November and March. St George’s Chapel isn’t open on Sundays. The Changing of the Guard takes place at around 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

There is a lot to see at Windsor Castle, plus you also have the grounds to explore. The State Apartments have both ceremonial and historic rooms, and you may also visit the Semi-State Rooms during the winter season. 

Other highlights include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House built during the 1920s by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the Moat Room, St George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were wed and Queen Elizabeth II is buried, the Changing of the Guard, and of course the large array of artworks found throughout the castle. 

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• Windsor Great Park
• The Crooked House of Windsor

• It’s best to buy your Windsor Castle tickets in advance. This means you can avoid waiting in line – or as the British call it, queueing. When it’s open, the castle is always busy!
• Don’t forget that the castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. St George’s Chapel is also closed on Sundays. The Semi State Rooms are also open only between November and March.
• Due to the fact that it’s a working Royal palace, Windsor may be closed at other times. You can check for any planned, upcoming closures here . 
• Take a day trip or the train. Windsor Castle has no visitor parking at all, so you’ll have to leave your car in town if you drive. There isn’t too much parking available and you’ll also need to pay for it. Traffic levels can also make the trip by car much longer when it’s busy in London, in Windsor or en route. 
• Consider visiting Windsor Castle after 1 pm. If you have a London Pass you’ll need to do that anyway for free entry, but this is because the castle is quieter during the afternoon. Do bear in mind, though, that the last entry for the day is around an hour and 15 minutes before closing time. 
• You can watch the Changing of the Guard from The Guildhall in Windsor. It’s where the locals go for the best view at 11 am on Tuesdays (note Windsor Castle is not open on Tuesdays) , Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle is on top of a hill. The grounds are also vast: the driveway alone is more than two-and-a-half miles long.
• Heed the rules of British royalty. As a working castle, visitors to Windsor must abide by some clear rules. You cannot film or take pictures in areas like St George’s Chapel or the State Apartments. Eating and drinking is also prohibited in these parts of the castle and its grounds. 
• Security checks also apply when entering the castle. So do bear this in mind when you pack for your day out in Windsor! This may take a little time when it’s busy. You can speed things up by making sure everything in your bag is clearly visible and accessible. 
• Look out for the flag. The Royal Standard will be flying if the King is currently in residence. Otherwise, the Union Flag will be flying, meaning he’s elsewhere at the time.
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No trip to Windsor could be complete without a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs and is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.

Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday. We recommend allowing 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything.

Tickets for Royal Borough Advantage Card holders are available on the day (subject to availability) or can be prebooked by telephone only (transaction fee payable). Visit Windsor Castle's Practical Information page to find out more.

What to see and do at Windsor Castle (all included in your ticket price)

Visit the magnificent State Apartments to see ceremonial rooms that are used today by the Royal Family for official visits by Heads of State from other countries, investitures, and awards ceremonies, where people from all walks of life are recognised for their achievements. Explore historic rooms, built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, and view some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Rubens, fine French furniture, delicate tapestries and impressive armours.

During the winter months, enter the Semi-State Rooms , the richly decorated private apartments. Severely damaged by the fire of 1992, they were completely restored to their 19th-century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV.  Blending classical, gothic and rococo styles, they also contain some of the best 18th-century English and French works of art.

Celebrate 100 years of Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world! Completed in 1924, it's a perfect replica of an Edwardian residence, complete with electricity, working lifts and running water. Its scaled-down rooms range from a fully stocked wine cellar and ‘below-stairs’ spaces to grand entertaining salons, and feature contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers of the day. The house went on display at Windsor Castle in 1925 and has been delighting visitors ever since.  Read our blog here .

Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle , the burial place of 11 monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and Charles I and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.

St George’s Chapel is included as part of a ticketed visit to Windsor Castle. Please note, the chapel is closed to general visitors on Sundays but worshippers are welcome to attend services.

Watch Changing the Guard!  Weather permitting, the ceremony begins at 11am and lasts approximately 30 minutes. Please check the Royal Collection Trust website for latest information. There is a link to the British Army website from here too with confirmation of the full schedule.

Have a break in the Undercroft Café. Located in one of the oldest surviving spaces of the Castle, Edward III’s medieval Undercroft, which for centuries served as the Castle’s main wine cellar, is now a café open to visitors. Visit the Royal Collection Trust website to see the menu.

Family activities at Windsor Castle

Collect your handset and follow Scorch the dragon on a special tour of Windsor Castle, full of amazing stories. Try spotting mystery objects and other games as you go round.

Discover the Castle and its 1,000-year history with one of the free trails for children aged 5-11. Look out for battlements, towers, arrow loops and murder holes!

During local school holidays, join free activities for children and families including crafts, storytelling and ‘make and takes’.

If you’re looking for a quieter space, toddlers can take time in the Chill Out Zone, with toys, books and lots of bean bags. The Learning Centre is breastfeeding friendly, and has a designated family bathroom with changing table and a handy ‘caught short’ box.

Top Tips for visiting Windsor Castle

• Book your tickets in advance, to avoid any disappointment.
• Get your ticket converted into a one-year pass so you can visit again within 12 months. Speak to a member of staff on the day. Please note that only tickets booked on the Royal Collection Trust website can be converted into a one-year pass.
• Check which flag is flying from Windsor Castle’s round tower – if it’s the Royal Standard then The King is in residence when you’re visiting.
• Make sure to collect a multimedia guide to get the most out of your visit to Windsor Castle – it's available in many different languages.
• Look out for special tours throughout the year including the Great Kitchen and Conquer the Tower tours (these must be booked in advance ).

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Guide prices.

Groups: Groups of 15 or more receive a 10% discount on ticket prices shown above.

Saturday, 30th March 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

Saturday, 20th April 2024 - Saturday, 20th April 2024

Wednesday, 24th April 2024 - Wednesday, 24th April 2024

Wednesday, 29th may 2024 - wednesday, 29th may 2024, wednesday, 26th june 2024 - wednesday, 26th june 2024, wednesday, 31st july 2024 - wednesday, 31st july 2024.

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Accessibility

• Accessible Lift - gives access to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
• All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
• Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
• Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
• Facility for service dogs - water available on request
• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Ramp/Level Access
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors
• Wheelchair user accessible
• Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
• French audio guide
• German audio guide
• Italian audio guide
• Japanese audio guide
• Mandarin audio guide
• Portuguese audio guide - Brazilian Portuguese
• Russian audio guide
• Spanish audio guide
• On-Site cafe/restaurant - Undercroft Café serving freshly prepared meals, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats and an exclusive selection of teas
• Refreshments Available
• Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

• Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

• Gift shop - Step into the Windsor Castle shops and experience a world of exclusive gifts and royal souvenirs, including commemorative chinaware, glittering jewellery, sumptuous homeware, delicious food and drink and charming gifts for children.

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

Parking & transport.

• Green Transport - Green Line from London. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell.
• Parking (charge) - No car parking on site but follow the signs for LONG STAY PARKING in Windsor town centre; these car parks are better value if you are visiting the castle.

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Approx length of visit - A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
• Blue Badge Guides admitted free
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted - Only Blue Bage Guides accredited to Windsor Castle are permitted to guide within the precincts of the Castle.
• Maestro Accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 9999
• Min group size - 15
• Special group rates - Reduced admission charges apply to groups of 15 or more visitors
• Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
• Visa accepted
• French printed material
• German printed material
• Italian printed material
• Japanese printed material
• Mandarin printed material
• Portuguese printed material - Brazilian Portuguese
• Russian printed material
• Spanish printed material

Provider Preferences

• In town/city centre
• No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

• Family Fun - In addition to trails and a children's audio guide we now offer an exciting family programme every Saturday throughout the year, linked to the amazing history of Windsor Castle, the magnificent art works on display and the royal residents past and present who have lived here.

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups
• Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

• Group discounts available

TripAdvisor

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• Very Good 3190
• Average 673
• Terrible 139

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Opening Times

* Last admission 75 minutes before closing. Please check the 'provisional closure' dates listed on the Royal Collection website: rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

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The Best Tours of Windsor Castle in 2024 and Why

Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez Last Updated: February 21, 2024

If you’re heading to London and love all things royal family, then a tour of Windsor Castle is a must. This ancient castle sits outside of London, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Find out what the best tours of Windsor Castle are and what other attractions you can see too!

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  Windsor Castle Guide  for more planning resources or decide if a Windsor Castle tour is worth it .

Should You Take a Tour of Windsor Castle?

Short answer: Definitely. Windsor Castle is one of the most iconic royal sites in the UK. The site boasts over 1,000 years of history connected to the British monarchy. It’s also world famous for being the largest and oldest occupied castle in history.

To visit Windsor castle and see all the main highlights, joining a tour is the best way to enjoy your time at this large site. Better yet, many tours to Windsor Castle are also combined with other attractions nearby such as Bath or Stonehenge. That’s the ideal way to visit so you cover different areas of interest and make the most of your vacation. Here’s what clients are saying about this tour!

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Windsor Castle tour is worth it .

The Best Tours of Windsor Castle (and Other Sites)

As we said, this magnificent castle is the oldest occupied castle in Europe! That means there is a ton of history to uncover here. While there are only certain areas open to the public, a tour of Windsor Castle makes sure you see places like the State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, St. George’s Chapel, and much more.

That chapel is where Queen Elizabeth II is now buried alongside 10 other royal graves. The gothic architecture here will amaze you, and if you’ve been to Westminster Abbey, you’ll find it equally amazing. There is even a Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle that you might be able to catch.

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath Day Trip from London

Windsor Castle

You’ll get skip-the-line entry at Windsor Castle right as the State Apartments open. That means you can enjoy a quieter time inside this amazing estate. You’ll have a chance to see areas like the armory and the throne room. And while the full set of crown jewels is located in the Tower of London, you’ll also see other collections of amazing jewelry. And if the Changing of the Guard is scheduled for the day, you’ll have time to see that too.

Next you’ll head out to the mysterious Stonehenge. This ancient circle of rocks seems benign, but as you listen to your guide discuss the many legends and facts behind them, they’ll seem to come to life when you stand before them. You’ll have free time to explore these massive stones that still can’t be explained.

A stop at the city of Bath is also included on this tour. Learn all about this city’s ancient roots from Druids to Romans to modern times. Then enjoy free time exploring Bath your way. Plan ahead and book a tour of the Jane Austen Museum or grab tickets to enter the actual Roman baths. Whatever you choose, this last stop on your tour is sure to round out your day trip tour to Windsor Castle and beyond!

• Round-trip transportation and driver-guide from London
• Skip-the-line entry to Windsor Castle
• Entry tickets to Stonehenge for free exploration
• Travel to Bath with free time to explore

Not ready to book a tour? Find out more about how to visit Windsor Castle .

Find the best places to stay

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Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

About Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez

Dr. Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez is a historian and published author. She specialises in medievalism, the Vikings, popular culture, and cultural identity. She is an educator and has worked at the University of Winchester teaching the Golden Age of Spain as well as working on different research projects.

Her academic work has also taken her to the world of publishing and editorial work. She used to be the director for Revista Medieval and the image editor at the Royal Studies Journal and has contributed to other publications as an ad hoc copyeditor.

She is also de CEO at Travelusion Tours, a tour guiding company that specialises in affordable and accessible guided tours in the UK and Europe. The tours are virtual or face to face.

She is also the host of several podcasts (Nu History, ManaBurnt & Tour Guide Central). Some examples of her published work are:

"Motherhood in Vikings", Vikings and The Vikings: essays on Television's History Channel Series, 2019

"Jessica Jones: Gender and the Marvel Phenomenon", Jessica Jones, Scarred Superhero: Essays on gender, Trauma and Addiction in the Netflix Series, 2018

"Some Reflections on Danes in Wessex Today, pp. 250-262", Danes in Wessex The Scandinavian Impact on Southern England, c.800–c.1100, 2016

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Watch live view of Windsor Castle as King Charles attends Easter Sunday service

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Watch a live view of Windsor Castle as King Charles III attends the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, in what will be his first public appearance at a traditional royal event since his cancer diagnosis was revealed in February.

Charles, 75, will join the Queen and other members of the royal family on Sunday 31 March.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will not attend the service.

Sunday’s Easter service comes just over a week after Kate released an emotional video message disclosing that she had started a course of preventative chemotherapy.

The family are spending the Easter holidays together as they adjust to her diagnosis, which was discovered in post-operative tests after major abdominal surgery.

The King’s attendance at church will be seen as a move to reassure the public after the shock news about his daughter-in-law.

But the service will be a smaller version of the annual gathering, with fewer members of the royal family.

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Pictures of the Day | April 1, 2024

Our top photos from the weekend.

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King charles iii attends easter service amid cancer battle, king charles iii grand entrance for easter sunday church services.

King Charles III may be ill, but he bounced back for a big public appearance Sunday ... attending Easter services at Windsor Castle.

KC and Camilla rolled up to St. George's Chapel and there was fanfare waiting for them. The clergy met them outside as Charles waved to onlookers.

There were differences this year because of Charles' medical treatment ... he's undergoing chemo for cancer , which compromises his immune system, so he and Camilla were seated apart from the rest of the royals. He also skipped the reception after the service.

There were other royals present, including Prince Andrew and his live-in ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson . Princess Anne was also there, along with Prince Edward .

Prince William and Kate Middleton , along with their kids, were absent. As you know, she's also battling cancer and is undergoing treatment.

Charles has been selective in the various public appearances he's making -- this is the most significant since he began treatment.

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