Why Visit Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the most important royal buildings in the world and one of the best day trips from London. It has been home to British kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years, making it the oldest occupied castle on Earth. Unlike many historic castles that are now museums, Windsor Castle is still an official royal residence, which makes visiting feel very different from other historic attractions.
The castle is famous for its State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the Changing of the Guard, but the entire complex is much larger than most visitors expect. The castle sits high above the town of Windsor and the River Thames, and from the outside it looks like a classic medieval fortress, while inside it feels more like a royal palace filled with artwork, armour, historic rooms and ceremonial halls.
Many visitors combine Windsor Castle with other nearby attractions such as Eton College or a walk along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, making this a very easy and rewarding day trip. Because the castle is located just outside London and is easy to reach by train, coach or car, it is one of the most popular royal attractions in England.
If you are interested in British history, the royal family, historic architecture or famous landmarks, visiting Windsor Castle is one of the most memorable places you can see in the UK.
Where Windsor Castle Is Located
Windsor Castle is located in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, about 35 km west of central London and very close to London Heathrow Airport, which makes it a popular stop either on arrival or before leaving the UK.
The castle sits on a hill in the centre of Windsor town, overlooking the River Thames and the surrounding countryside. The location was originally chosen by William the Conqueror in the 11th century because it allowed the castle to guard the western approach to London and control river traffic along the Thames.
Today, Windsor is a busy tourist town filled with shops, restaurants, hotels and historic streets, and the castle dominates the skyline from almost everywhere in town. When you arrive by train, the castle is only a 5 to 10 minute walk from Windsor & Eton Central station or Windsor & Eton Riverside station, so it is extremely easy to reach on foot.
Because everything in Windsor is close together, most visitors spend time walking around the town after visiting the castle. The riverside area, the old streets around the castle walls, and the route towards Eton Bridge are all very pleasant areas to explore.
How to Get to Windsor Castle from London
Getting to Windsor Castle from London is very easy, which is why it is one of the most popular day trips from London. There are two main train routes and both are simple to use.
The most common route is from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, which involves taking a train to Slough and then changing onto a short shuttle train that takes around 5 minutes to reach Windsor. The total journey time is usually around 30 to 40 minutes.
The second route is from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, which is a direct train with no changes. This journey usually takes around 50 to 60 minutes, but many travellers prefer it because it is simpler and you do not need to change trains.
You can check train times and ticket prices on the official National Rail website.
Coaches and organised tours also run from London, and many tour companies offer Windsor Castle day tours combined with Stonehenge or Bath, which can be a good option if you want to see multiple places in one day without organising transport yourself.
If you are driving, Windsor is close to the M4 motorway, but parking in Windsor town centre can be expensive and busy, so the train is usually the easiest option.
Opening times for Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle opening times change depending on the season, and the castle is sometimes closed when the royal family are using it for official events, so it is always important to check before travelling.
In general, Windsor Castle is open most days of the year except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it is also closed on certain official royal event days.
Typical opening hours are:
– March to October: around 10:00 to 17:15
– November to February: around 10:00 to 16:15
Last entry is usually 1 hour before closing, but you should allow at least 2 to 3 hours to properly visit the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and the castle grounds.
One important thing to remember is that St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays because services take place throughout the day. You can still enter the castle grounds on Sundays, but you will not be able to visit the chapel as a tourist.
Because opening days and times can change, always check the official website before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Tickets & Prices – Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle tickets are not cheap, but the visit includes access to the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the castle grounds, so most visitors consider it good value, especially if you are interested in royal history and historic buildings.
Ticket prices usually vary slightly each year, but adult tickets are typically around £30, with reduced prices for children, students and seniors. Family tickets are also available and can offer good value if you are visiting with children.
One important thing many visitors don’t realise is that your ticket can be converted into a free annual pass. Before leaving the castle, you can ask staff to stamp your ticket, and this allows you to visit again within a year for free. This is particularly useful if you live in London or plan to return to the area.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day at the ticket office, but during busy periods such as summer, weekends and school holidays, the queues for tickets can be quite long. Booking in advance is usually the safest option if you want to avoid waiting.
Visitors should also remember that security checks are similar to airport security, so bags are scanned before entry and this can also create queues during busy times.
Windsor Castle Tours & Skip-the-Line Tickets
Many visitors choose to book Windsor Castle tours or skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season when the castle is extremely busy.
Skip-the-line tickets usually allow you to enter through a faster queue, which can save a lot of time during summer and weekends. However, even with skip-the-line entry, everyone still has to go through the security screening area, so you cannot completely avoid queues.
There are also many guided tours from London to Windsor Castle, and these are very popular with visitors who do not want to organise trains and tickets themselves. Many of these tours combine Windsor with Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford, which can be a good way to see multiple famous places in one day.
Inside the castle, visitors receive an audio guide included in the ticket price, and this is highly recommended. The audio guide explains the history of the rooms, paintings, royal ceremonies and major events that took place in the castle, and it makes the visit much more interesting than simply walking through the rooms without context.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the audio guide is usually the best option rather than joining a large guided group.
Layout of the Castle
Windsor Castle is much larger than most people expect, and it is divided into three main areas known as wards: the Lower Ward, Middle Ward, and Upper Ward. Visitors normally enter through the main visitor entrance and then follow a set route through the castle complex.
The Lower Ward is where you will find St George’s Chapel, one of the most important royal churches in the UK and the burial place of many monarchs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. This area also includes buildings used by the Knights of the Order of the Garter.
The Middle Ward is dominated by the Round Tower, one of the most recognisable parts of Windsor Castle. The tower sits on a large artificial mound and can be seen from miles away. This area separates the Lower Ward from the Upper Ward.
The Upper Ward is where the State Apartments are located, along with the main royal residence areas and ceremonial rooms. Most of your visit will be spent in this part of the castle because this is where the grand rooms, artwork and royal collections are located.
The visitor route is well organised and clearly marked, and most people simply follow the signs through the castle in order, moving from the State Apartments down towards St George’s Chapel and the castle grounds.
State Apartments
The State Apartments are the main highlight of Windsor Castle and are often considered some of the most impressive royal rooms in Europe. These rooms are still used today for official ceremonies, state visits and royal events, which makes them different from many palace rooms that are purely museum spaces.
The apartments were originally designed to impress visitors and foreign ambassadors, and they are filled with paintings, armour, tapestries, chandeliers and ornate furniture collected by monarchs over several centuries. Many of the paintings are by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck, and the walls are covered with huge portraits of kings, queens and military leaders.
One of the most impressive rooms is St George’s Hall, a long ceremonial hall used for banquets and official events. The ceiling displays the coats of arms of the Knights of the Order of the Garter, and this room was heavily damaged by the Windsor Castle fire in 1992 before being restored.
As you walk through the State Apartments, you move through a series of increasingly grand rooms, each designed to demonstrate royal wealth, power and prestige. Many visitors say this is the part of the visit that surprises them the most because the rooms are far larger and more elaborate than they expected.
St George’s Chapel
St George’s Chapel is one of the most important religious buildings in England and is often just as memorable as the State Apartments for many visitors. The chapel is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with huge stone arches, stained glass windows and an incredibly detailed stone ceiling.
The chapel is famous as the burial place of many British monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, George VI, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. Seeing the tombs of so many monarchs in one place makes this one of the most historically significant royal sites in the country.
St George’s Chapel is also closely connected with the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in Britain. The banners of the Knights of the Garter hang from the ceiling above the choir stalls, and each knight has their own carved wooden seat with a brass plate beneath it.
The chapel has also hosted several royal weddings, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, which brought worldwide attention to Windsor Castle again.
Visitors should remember that the chapel is closed to tourists on Sundays, because services take place throughout the day. If visiting on a Sunday, you can still enter the castle but you will not be able to walk around inside the chapel as a tourist.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
One of the most unusual and popular attractions inside Windsor Castle is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, which is located near the entrance to the State Apartments. This is not a normal dolls’ house, but an incredibly detailed miniature royal house built in the 1920s for Queen Mary.
The dolls’ house is built on a scale of 1:12, and everything inside it works just like a real house. The miniature house has electric lights, running water, flushing toilets, elevators and even tiny books written by famous authors of the time.
The rooms are furnished with tiny versions of real furniture, carpets, paintings and decorations, and even the wine cellar is stocked with miniature bottles. The level of detail is extraordinary, and many visitors spend longer here than they expect because there is so much to look at.
Photography is not allowed in this area, and visitors move past the dolls’ house on a moving walkway so that everyone gets a chance to see inside. Even though it may sound like something designed for children, many adults find this one of the most fascinating parts of Windsor Castle because of the craftsmanship and detail.
Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle is similar to the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but it is often less crowded and easier to watch, which makes Windsor a good place to see the ceremony.
The ceremony usually takes place on certain mornings, and soldiers march through Windsor town towards the castle before the guard change takes place inside the castle grounds. Watching the soldiers march through the streets of Windsor can actually be one of the best parts of the experience.
The ceremony involves the New Guard replacing the Old Guard, accompanied by a military band when available. The guards wear the famous red tunics and bearskin hats, and the ceremony is very popular with visitors.
However, the Changing of the Guard does not take place every day, especially in winter or bad weather, so you should always check the schedule before planning your visit around it.
If you want a good viewing position, it is best to arrive early and wait near the castle entrance or along the route where the guards march through the town.
How Long You Need to Visit Windsor Castle
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours visiting Windsor Castle, but if you are interested in history and want to take your time, you could easily spend half a day here.
The visit usually includes:
– Walking through the State Apartments
– Visiting St George’s Chapel
– Seeing Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
– Walking around the castle grounds and walls
– Visiting the gift shop and café
Because there is a set visitor route through the State Apartments, you cannot rush too quickly through parts of the castle, and queues inside the apartments can slow things down slightly during busy periods.
Many people visit Windsor Castle in the morning and then spend the afternoon walking around Windsor town, the River Thames, Eton, or Windsor Great Park, which makes for a very good day trip from London.
If you are visiting as part of a tour that also includes Stonehenge or Bath, you will probably spend around 2 hours inside Windsor Castle, which is enough to see the main highlights but not everything in detail.
Best Time to Visit Windsor Castle
The best time to visit Windsor Castle depends on whether you want good weather, smaller crowds, or the Changing of the Guard. The castle is open most of the year, but visitor numbers vary a lot depending on the season and day of the week.
The busiest time to visit is usually summer (June to August), when London is full of tourists and Windsor becomes very crowded, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. If you visit in summer, it is best to arrive as soon as the castle opens to avoid long queues for security and entry.
Spring and early autumn are often the best times to visit because the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer tourists than in peak summer. Windsor town and the Long Walk are also very nice in spring when everything is green and in autumn when the leaves change colour.
Winter visits can also be very enjoyable because the castle is usually much quieter, although the weather can be cold and the Changing of the Guard takes place less often.
In terms of time of day, the best options are:
Early morning – shortest queues and quieter State Apartments
Late afternoon – fewer crowds but less time before closing
Midday – busiest time with the largest crowds
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, you should plan your visit around the ceremony schedule and arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
Windsor Town & Things to See Nearby
Most visitors do not realise that Windsor town itself is worth exploring, and it is a good idea to leave time after visiting the castle to walk around the area.
One of the nicest places to walk is along the River Thames, where you will find riverside paths, cafés, boat trips and views back towards Windsor Castle. You can walk across Windsor Bridge to the town of Eton, which is home to the famous Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
Another popular place to visit is the Long Walk, a straight tree-lined avenue that runs from Windsor Castle for several kilometres into Windsor Great Park. This is one of the best places to get photos of the castle from a distance.
There are also several shops, restaurants and pubs around Windsor town centre, and many visitors spend time here after visiting the castle before heading back to London.
Because Windsor is quite small and easy to walk around, it is very easy to combine the castle with a riverside walk, a visit to Eton, and lunch in Windsor town, making this a very good full-day trip.
Windsor Castle Tips for Visiting
There are several important tips for visiting Windsor Castle that can make your visit much easier and more enjoyable.
The most important tip is to arrive early, especially in summer and on weekends. Security queues can be long, and arriving early means you will enter the State Apartments before the largest crowds arrive.
Another important tip is to wear comfortable shoes, because you will be walking on stone paths, slopes and cobbled areas throughout the castle grounds.
You should also remember that photography is not allowed inside the State Apartments or Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, although you can take photos outside in the castle grounds.
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, check the schedule in advance and arrive early for a good viewing position.
Finally, remember to convert your ticket into a free annual pass before leaving, which many visitors forget to do.
Windsor Castle with Kids
Visiting Windsor Castle with children can be a very enjoyable experience, especially because the castle feels like a real medieval fortress from the outside and a royal palace inside.
Children often enjoy Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the castle walls, the large open spaces, and watching the Changing of the Guard if it is taking place during your visit.
The audio guide also includes family-friendly versions that explain the castle in a simpler way for younger visitors, which can make the visit more interesting for children.
Windsor town is also very family-friendly, with riverside walks, boat trips and ice cream shops, so many families combine the castle with time walking along the river or visiting Windsor Great Park afterwards.
Because the visit involves a lot of walking and some queues, it is a good idea to bring snacks, water and plan breaks, especially if visiting with younger children.
Accessibility at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is partially accessible, but because it is a historic building built on a hill with cobbled paths and uneven surfaces, visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead before visiting.
The castle provides step-free access to many areas, including the State Apartments, and there are lifts in certain parts of the visitor route. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come basis, and staff are generally very helpful in assisting visitors who need accessible routes through the castle.
However, some areas of the castle are difficult to access because of steep slopes, historic staircases and uneven ground, particularly around the castle courtyards and some outdoor areas. St George’s Chapel is accessible, but access routes may be slightly different from the standard visitor route.
Visitors with mobility requirements are advised to check the official accessibility information before visiting and allow extra time to move around the site comfortably. Because Windsor Castle is very large and involves a lot of walking, accessibility planning can make a big difference to the overall experience.
Windsor Castle Facilities (Toilets, Café, Shop)
There are several visitor facilities inside Windsor Castle, including toilets, cafés and gift shops, but it is useful to know where these are located before you start your visit.
The main toilets and café are located inside the castle complex after you enter through the visitor entrance. The café serves hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and light meals, and many visitors stop here either before or after visiting the State Apartments.
There is also a large gift shop selling souvenirs, books, royal-themed gifts, postcards and official Royal Collection items. Prices are generally higher than in Windsor town, but the shop has a large range of items that you will not find elsewhere.
Outside the castle, Windsor town has many restaurants, cafés and pubs, so some visitors prefer to eat lunch in town either before or after visiting the castle.
It is worth remembering that there are no toilets inside the State Apartments themselves, so it is a good idea to use the facilities before starting the main visitor route.
Where to Stay Near Windsor Castle
If you want to stay near Windsor Castle, there are several hotels in Windsor town and the surrounding area, and staying overnight can be a good idea if you want to visit the castle early in the morning before day trip crowds arrive.
Hotels in Windsor town tend to be small hotels, guesthouses and boutique hotels, many located in historic buildings near the castle and river. Staying in Windsor allows you to explore the town in the evening after most day visitors have left, which can be a very nice experience.
Some visitors also stay near Heathrow Airport, which is only a short distance from Windsor, and then visit the castle either before or after a flight.
Staying overnight can also allow you to explore Windsor Great Park, Eton and the River Thames at a slower pace rather than trying to fit everything into a single day trip.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Heading to Windsor Castle? Here are a few useful tips to make your visit smoother:
- Arrive early: Security queues can get long, especially in summer and on weekends. Early morning visits are much quieter.
- Don’t miss St George’s Chapel: Many visitors focus on the State Apartments, but the chapel is one of the most historic parts of the castle.
- Convert your ticket to an annual pass: Before leaving, ask staff to stamp your ticket so you can return within a year for free.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The castle is large with slopes, cobbles and lots of walking.
- Combine with Windsor town: Leave time to walk along the river, visit Eton, or walk part of the Long Walk after your visit.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to visit Windsor Castle?
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours visiting Windsor Castle, including the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and the castle grounds. If you also explore Windsor town, you can easily spend a full day in the area.
Is Windsor Castle worth visiting from London?
Yes, Windsor Castle is one of the best day trips from London. It is easy to reach by train in under an hour and is one of the most important royal and historic sites in the UK.
Can you visit Windsor Castle for free?
Windsor Castle is not free to enter, but you can convert your ticket into a free annual pass, which allows you to return within a year at no extra cost.
What is the best way to get to Windsor Castle from London?
The easiest way is by train from London Paddington (via Slough) or London Waterloo (direct to Windsor & Eton Riverside). Both options are simple and take under an hour.
Can you see the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle?
Yes, the Changing of the Guard takes place at Windsor Castle, but not every day. You should check the schedule before visiting and arrive early for a good viewing position.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning a trip to Windsor Castle, it is worth reading some of our other London and day trip guides so you can plan your itinerary properly and combine nearby attractions efficiently.
Many visitors combine Windsor Castle with time in London, so our London Attractions Guide will help you decide which landmarks to visit and how to plan your time in the city. If you are visiting multiple attractions, our London Itinerary Guide can help you organise your days and avoid travelling back and forth across the city unnecessarily.
If you are planning to use public transport during your trip, make sure to read our Getting Around London and Oyster vs Contactless guides, which explain the easiest way to travel on trains, the Underground and buses.
You may also want to read our guides to other major attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, as these are some of the most popular historic sites to visit alongside Windsor Castle.
Reading these guides together will help you plan your London and Windsor itinerary more efficiently, group nearby attractions together and make the most of your trip.
Last Updated
This guide to Windsor Castle was last updated in April 2026. Opening times, ticket prices and travel information can change, so always check official websites before travelling.
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