Windsor Castle Visitor Guide | Plan Your Trip from London

Navigate your way through Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is divided into three main areas: the Upper Ward, Middle Ward, and Lower Ward. Each area offers something unique, so take your time to explore.

The Upper Ward

The Upper Ward is the main highlight for visitors. It includes the State Apartments, where you can see lavish rooms filled with art, tapestries, and period furniture, the Semi-State Rooms, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.

State Apartments

Round Tower at Windsor Castle surrounded by gardens, Windsor, England.

The Middle Ward

The Middle Ward centres around the Round Tower, the oldest part of the castle, which provides panoramic views of the grounds and houses the Royal Archives.

Exterior view of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, showcasing Gothic architecture.

The Lower Ward

The Lower Ward is home to St George’s Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece and the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter. This is also the resting place of several monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.

St. George's Chapel

Plan your day at Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle interior with ornate wood paneling and historical portraits.

Quick visit (2–3 hours)

State Apartments: Start your visit with the castle’s most important highlight. Spend 1–1.5 hours exploring the lavish rooms, filled with artwork, period furniture, and tapestries.
St George’s Chapel: If time allows, visit this Gothic masterpiece and final resting place of monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.
Photo stop at the gates: After exploring the interior, step outside for a photo opportunity with Windsor Castle in the background.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House interior at Windsor Castle, showcasing detailed miniature rooms.

Half-day visit (3–5 hours)

State Apartments: Dedicate 1–1.5 hours to exploring the opulent rooms and artwork.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House: Spend 20–30 minutes admiring this intricate miniature palace.
St George’s Chapel: Take 30–45 minutes to explore the chapel, its tombs, and the Order of the Garter.
The Moat Room: Stop by to learn about the castle’s 950-year history and see how it evolved over the centuries.

St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle with ceremonial guards on steps.

Full day (5+ hours)

State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms: Begin with a detailed exploration of the Upper Ward’s State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House: Allow 30 minutes to fully appreciate the craftsmanship.
St George’s Chapel: Allocate 45 minutes to an hour for this historic chapel.
Lunch at a local restaurant: Take a break at one of Windsor’s nearby restaurants or cafés.
The Long Walk: Walk along the 2.64-mile avenue for stunning views of the castle and surrounding grounds.
Windsor Great Park: If time permits, explore the park for scenic walks and a closer look at the estate.

Explore Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling, chandelier, and paintings on red walls.

State Apartments

Step into the State Apartments and pause to take in centuries of royal history. Admire gilded ceilings, grand chandeliers, and masterpieces by artists such as Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Rubens. These rooms have hosted royal ceremonies and official events, offering a rare glimpse into life behind the palace walls.

State Apartments

St George’s Chapel

For a taste of Gothic grandeur, visit St George’s Chapel. Look up at its ornate stained glass, carved wooden stalls, and detailed ceilings. The chapel is the resting place of monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II, and also serves as the home of the Order of the Garter.

St. George's Chapel

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Step into the miniature world of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Built in the 1920s, it features working electricity, running water, tiny furniture, and a miniature library. Every detail reflects the craftsmanship and opulence of royal life in miniature form.

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Round Tower

Climb the Round Tower, the oldest part of Windsor Castle. Originally a defensive fortification built by Henry II, it now offers panoramic views of Windsor and the surrounding countryside. Inside, the Royal Archives preserve centuries of historic documents.

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats in formation at Windsor Castle.

Changing the Guard

Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle. Guards in traditional uniforms march with precision, accompanied by music and pageantry. It’s a colourful display of royal tradition still alive today.

Changing the Guard

People walking along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle, surrounded by green trees.

Windsor Great Park

Step out into Windsor Great Park, a sprawling expanse of gardens, lakes, and woodlands. Part of the royal estate for centuries, it offers a peaceful escape and a chance to appreciate the castle from a distance.

Book your Windsor Castle tickets

Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers included

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From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

Free cancellation

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Flexible duration

Transfers included

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip

Free cancellation

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11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

11 hr. - 12 hr.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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Best time to visit Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle entrance with pathway and surrounding gardens.

During the day

Early morning: Arrive at opening (10am) to enjoy quieter conditions before peak crowds. This is the best time to explore the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel without interruptions.
Late afternoon: Many tours leave by mid-afternoon (around 3pm), making the castle less crowded. Use this time for the Round Tower, Windsor Great Park, or the Long Walk for a more relaxed experience.
Avoid peak lunch hours: If you plan to stop for food at nearby cafes or the castle café, try to eat slightly before or after the typical lunch period (12:30–1:30pm) to avoid lines.

Windsor Castle courtyard with historic stone buildings and manicured lawn.

Seasons

Peak vs low season: Spring and summer (April–September) are the busiest, with larger crowds and longer lines, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Winter months (November–February) are quieter, offering a more peaceful visit and better photo opportunities.
Weekday vs weekend: Weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) are generally less crowded than weekends, making it easier to explore popular areas like the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.

Getting to Windsor Castle

Closest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (0.3 miles)

Getting to Windsor Castle by train is a breeze! It's close to several train stations such as Windsor & Eton, Maidenhead, and Ascot. The closest one is Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which is actually the last stop on the Windsor Line operated by South Western Railway.

Closest station: Theatre Royal (Stop G) (0.2 miles)

Buses are another easy way to get to Windsor Castle from London. They're a good option if you're on a budget or want to ride on a double-decker. The Green Line 703 bus is your best bet — it links Bracknell, Windsor, and even Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 all the way to the Theatre Royal Station, right near the castle.

Driving to Windsor Castle is possible, but traffic can be heavy, especially during peak season (June to August). Main routes include the:

M4 (Exit Junction 6 for Windsor, Junctions 8/9 for Maidenhead)
M3 (Exit Junction 3 for Bagshot)
M25 (Exit Junction 13 for Egham)
M40 (Exit Junction 4 for Marlow or Junction 2 for Beaconsfield).

Nearest parking:

Romney Lock car park
King Edward VII car park
Alma Road car park
Alexandra Gardens car park

Getting to Windsor Castle from London

Travel time: Approximately 35–55 minutes
Closest stations: Windsor & Eton Riverside (direct trains from London Waterloo, served by South Western Railway) and Windsor & Eton Central (via Slough, served by Great Western Railway)

Details:

From London Waterloo: Direct trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside take about 53 minutes.
From London Paddington: Take a train to Slough (about 15 minutes), then transfer to a local train to Windsor & Eton Central. Total travel time is around 45 minutes.
Note: Both stations are within a 10–15 minute walk to the castle, with Riverside being closer.

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30–40 minutes (traffic dependent)
Closest stop: Theatre Royal, Windsor

Details:

Take the Green Line 702 service, operated by Reading Buses.
There is direct service from London Victoria Coach Station with stops in central London.
Note: The stop is a short walk to the castle entrance.

Travel time: Approximately 50–60 minutes (25 miles from central London; varies with traffic)
Closest parking: Public car parks in Windsor town centre, including Romney Lock, King Edward VII, Alma Road, and Alexandra Gardens

Details:

Take the M4 (Exit Junction 6 for Windsor), M3 (Exit Junction 3 for Bagshot), M25 (Exit Junction 13 for Egham), or M40 (Exit Junction 4 for Marlow or Junction 2 for Beaconsfield), depending on your starting point.

Facilities

The Castle’s Admission Centre provides audio descriptive tours in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, designed for blind or partially sighted visitors.
Toilets are located on the North Terrace, near the entrance to the State Apartments, and beside the Undercroft Café.
Baby-changing and care facilities are available on the North Terrace, at the entrance to the State Apartments, and near the Undercroft Café.
**** A secure cloakroom is provided in the China Museum at the entrance to the State Apartments.
The Undercroft Café offers a variety of fresh food and drinks, including salads, homemade soups, baguettes, open sandwiches, and wraps—a convenient spot to rest and refresh during your visit.

Accessibility

Visitors with guide and audio devices inside Windsor Castle.

General facilities

Discounted ticket rates are offered for guests with disabilities, and a free companion ticket is provided for an accompanying person.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

Physical disabilities

Accessibility: Complimentary manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters (where compatible with lifts), and rollators are available for guests with mobility difficulties.
Lift: Step-free access to the State Apartments is available via a lift in the Inner Hall, allowing easy movement between floors.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are conveniently located on the North Terrace and off the Inner Hall.
Parking: Disabled parking bays are available on the High Street outside the Harte & Garter Hotel and Nando’s, with an additional accessible parking space on Park Street.

Guide dog assisting person across street, relevant to Kennedy Space Center pet regulations.

Visual impairments

Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the castle, including most public areas.

Guest using audio guide in a park setting.

Hearing impairments

Multimedia guide: A multimedia guide with subtitles in British Sign Language is available to ensure a fully inclusive experience.
Induction loops: Induction loops are provided at ticket sales desks, shop till counters, and the audio tour collection point to assist visitors with hearing impairments.

Visiting with family

Baby changing facilities: Baby-changing areas are available at multiple locations across Windsor Castle, including near the North Terrace, State Apartments entrance, and by the Undercroft Café.
Strollers: Strollers are allowed throughout the castle grounds, though they must be folded for security checks and are not permitted inside some indoor exhibition areas.
Family rest areas: The castle grounds and courtyards provide open spaces where families can take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and let children stretch their legs.
Family-friendly cafés: The Undercroft Café offers quick bites suitable for children, including sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. High chairs are available on request.
Accessible paths: Paths around the castle grounds are stroller-friendly, and benches are placed along main routes for resting.

Rules and restrictions

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the castle. Eating or drinking is also prohibited within the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
Large suitcases and heavy luggage cannot be brought inside the castle.
Only registered guide, hearing, or assistance animals are permitted on the premises.
Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are strictly forbidden throughout the castle.
Pen knives, knives, scissors, Kirpans, alcoholic beverages, paints or aerosols, bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates, skateboards, and drones are not allowed inside the castle.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Windsor Castle

Can I enter Windsor Castle anytime during operating hours?

No. You can only enter at the time stated on your ticket. It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before your timeslot to ensure a smooth entry.

How much time does it take to visit Windsor Castle?

A typical visit takes 2–3 hours for a quick tour. If you want to explore everything, including the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the Round Tower, and Windsor Great Park, plan for 4–5 hours or more.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Windsor Castle?

No, there is no dress code to follow at Windsor Castle. However, given the importance of the attraction to the UK’s heritage, wear respectable and modest clothes. Avoid shorts and flip-flops.

Can I re-enter Windsor Castle once I exit?

No. Once you leave the castle, re-entry is not permitted.

What is the best way to get to Windsor Castle?

The fastest way to get to Windsor Castle by train from London Waterloo or Paddington. Buses and private transfers are also available. Driving is possible, but traffic can be heavy, and there is no on-site parking.

Will my luggage be allowed inside Windsor Castle?

Only small bags or handbags that can be carried by hand are allowed. Large luggage and backpacks must be left outside at the castle’s cloakroom.

When is the best time for photos of the castle?

Early morning (10am) or late afternoon (3pm) provides the best lighting and fewer crowds, allowing unobstructed views of the castle and surrounding grounds.

Are live guides available inside Windsor Castle?

The State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and other areas can be explored with a multimedia audio guide. Live guided tours are also offered at specific times and can be booked in advance.

Where is the best place to watch the Changing the Guard?

The best viewing points are near the Henry VIII Gate or the lower ward inside the castle grounds. Arrive early, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays when the ceremony takes place.

Is there wheelchair access at Windsor Castle?

Yes. Many areas of the castle are wheelchair accessible. Ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets are available, and manual wheelchairs can be borrowed at the entrance.

Can I take food or drinks inside the castle?

No. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. However, there are cafes and picnic areas nearby in Windsor Great Park.

Can I visit Windsor Great Park as part of my castle trip?

Yes. The park is open year-round and offers beautiful walks, gardens, lakes, and views of the castle. It can be explored independently or as part of a guided tour.