Plan Your Visit to Windsor Castle

What's The Best Time to Visit Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is on most UK tourists’ itineraries. And for good reason. The Castle is historically and culturally significant and serves as a reminder of the British Monarch’s heritage. Over 900 years old, it is the oldest and largest inhabited Castle in the United Kingdom and globally.

You can visit it throughout the year to admire ancient buildings and learn about the UK’s history. However, if you’re used to tropical and temperate temperatures, visit Windsor Castle in the summer or spring. It is less chilly, so you can explore the Castle conveniently.

But on the flip side, you’ll miss King George IV’s Semi-State Rooms. They’re open only between November to March. As a result, it is best to visit in winter if you want to explore areas of the Castle. But remember that the temperature in England is challenging in winter.

After figuring out the month you’re visiting, choose the day. Weekends are expectedly more crowded than weekdays.

Visitor Rules & Tips

• Time: Don’t rush your Windsor Castle visit. You need two hours to explore the castle grounds.
• Arrive on time: Avoid reaching Windsor Castle more than 15 minutes before your allotted time slot. Follow the instructions of the Visitor Services team to get a quick entrance to the Castle.
• Book tickets in advance: The Admission Centre is crowded. Avoid standing in long queues by booking your tickets in advance online. Online tickets also offer discounts and deals.
• Comfortable shoes: Windsor Castle is at the top of a steep hill. You’ll need to walk considerable distances. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and avoid slippers.
• Dogs access: Unfortunately, dogs, except assistance dogs, are not allowed within the Castle grounds.
• Baggage check: Cooperate with the security staff when your belongings are subjected to airport-style security checks. Avoid carrying too many things to quickly pass through the security screening.
• Avoid suitcases: Avoid carrying large suitcases and heavy luggage, as they may be prohibited from entering the castle grounds. You can store big bags in the secure Cloakroom in the China Museum at the entrance to the State Apartments.
• Smoking: Smoking or vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes) is prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
• Prohibited items: Pen knives and knives with blades under 7.7cm (3”), scissors, Kirpans (the Sikh article of faith) where the blade exceeds 7.7cm (3”), alcoholic drinks in sealed containers, and paints/aerosols are prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
• Photography: Photography and filming, including wearable devices, are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. The use of drones is also prohibited in Windsor Castle.