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Quick overview
- Ways to explore: Choose between standard self-guided tickets, half-day coach/train tours, or full-day multi-site regional trips.
- Unique experiences: Combine Windsor Castle with iconic English landmarks like Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath on curated full-day excursions.
- Queues & access: Expect a mandatory airport-style security check taking 10–30 minutes; standard entry queues cannot be bypassed.
- When to book: Book 1–2 weeks ahead for weekends, as the castle is strictly closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Good to know: Tickets are valid only for your timed slot, but offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
- Best upgrade: The Windsor Castle half-day tour provides the smartest balance of seamless round-trip transport and independent exploring.
Which Windsor Castle ticket is best for you?
| Ticket type | Entrance used | Security | Includes | Guide | Why pick this | Cancellation policy | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard entry | Main Gate | Mandatory (10–30 mins) | State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Dolls' House | Audio | • Cheapest entry • Fully self-paced | Free cancel 24h | £32 |
| Half-day tour | Main Gate | Mandatory (10–30 mins) | Entry ticket + round-trip London coach/train | Audio | • Transfers included • Saves travel planning | Free cancel 24h | £57 |
| Combo day trip | Main Gate | Mandatory (10–30 mins) | Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Oxford/Bath entries | Live guide | • Flexible transport • Covers 10 local sights | Free cancel 24h | £81.88 |
| Windsor Hop-on Hop-off bus | - | Mandatory (at Castle) | 24h unlimited Windsor bus tour | Audio | • Covers 3 icons • Maximizes a single day | Free cancel 24h | £20 |
What to expect at Windsor Castle
Enter through historic royal gates
Step onto the castle precinct where stone battlements rise against the Berkshire skyline. You immediately feel the scale of the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, a working palace that has housed 40 British monarchs over a millennium.
Walk through the grand State Apartments
Explore the palace interiors at a self-guided pace with your included multimedia guide. You wander through ceremonial rooms lined with intricate wood paneling, historic portraits, and masterpieces by Rubens and Van Dyck from the Royal Collection.
See a miniature masterpiece and seasonal rooms
Discover the highly detailed Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, featuring working lifts and running water. If visiting between September and March, standard entry also grants access to George IV's lavishly decorated, gilded Semi-State Rooms.
Visit the historic St. George’s Chapel
Step into the quiet, light-filled nave of this masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. Walk along the final resting place of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, and stand beneath the intricate stone vaulting that hosted recent royal weddings.
Witness the vibrant Changing the Guard
Time your visit for Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings to watch the colorful military ceremony. Watch the guards in traditional red tunics and bearskin caps march through the lower ward to the sound of a live regimental band.
Extend your journey across the English countryside
Upgrade to a full-day coach tour to pair your royal visit with other landmarks. You can smoothly combine Windsor Castle with the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge, the historic streets of Oxford, or the Roman baths in Bath.
Things to know before booking Windsor Castle tickets
- Booking window: While standard self-guided tickets can sometimes be bought on the day, weekends and summer slots sell out quickly. Book online at least 1–2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred timed entry, especially since the castle is strictly closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Entry queues: There is no option to bypass security. Every visitor must pass through a mandatory, airport-style security check at the main entrance, which typically takes 10–30 minutes. Booking online allows you to skip the ticket-purchase line and head directly to the security queue.
- What’s included: A standard ticket grants entry to the castle precincts, the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and St. George’s Chapel. Note that the lavish Semi-State Rooms are an added bonus, only open to winter visitors from September to March.
- Ways to explore: Standard entry includes a multimedia guide available in multiple languages, making it the most affordable choice for self-paced visitors. If you want expert historical context without navigating on your own, upgrade to a tour led by a certified Blue Badge guide.
- Transport upgrades: Driving to Windsor and finding parking can be stressful and expensive. If you are staying in London, booking a Windsor Castle half-day tour removes all transit logistics with seamless round-trip travel.
- Combo regional trips: If you want to maximise a single day outside London, standard tickets won't suffice. Instead, choose a full-day excursion that bundles your castle entry with regional highlights like the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge, the city of Bath, or the academic halls of Oxford.
- Closures & constraints: St. George’s Chapel is a working place of worship and is always closed to sightseers on Sundays. If walking through the chapel is a priority, ensure you book a Monday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday slot.
- Policies & accessibility: Windsor Castle sits atop a steep hill, and the historic brick pathways can be uneven. While the site is largely accessible and provides a limited number of wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, the steep incline requires a reasonable level of mobility.
Explore Windsor Castle
State Apartments
Location: Upper Ward
Gaze at gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and historic portraits. These grand ceremonial rooms showcase masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens, framing centuries of British royal history and lavish entertaining.
Access: Yes (Included with all standard entry tickets)
St. George’s Chapel
Location: Lower Ward
Step beneath the intricate stone vaulting of this English Gothic masterpiece. It serves as a royal wedding venue and the final resting place for 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Access: Yes (Included with all standard tickets; closed on Sundays)
Queen Mary's Dolls' House
Location: Inside the State Apartments
Marvel at the world’s most famous miniature palace, built precisely to a 1:12 scale. It features working lifts, running water, and tiny, real leather-bound books in the library.
Access: Yes (Included with all standard entry tickets)
Semi-State Rooms
Location: Upper Ward
Walk through George IV's private apartments, decorated in hyper-detailed Gothic and Rococo styles. These richly gilded spaces showcase the peak of 19th-century royal opulence and design.
Access: Yes (Seasonal access; open from September to March only)
Waterloo Chamber
Location: Upper Ward
Stand inside a vast gallery built to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon. The walls are completely lined with portraits of the allied monarchs and military commanders who shaped Europe's history.
Access: Yes (Included with all standard entry tickets)
Changing the Guard
Location: Castle Precincts/Lower Ward
Watch the traditional military ceremony unfold as guards march to live regimental music. The sharp choreography and iconic red tunics present a living snapshot of British pageantry.
Access: Yes (Included with all standard tickets; takes place on select mornings)
Round Tower
Location: Castle Center
Look up at the dominant, circular stone fortress perched at the heart of the estate. While it houses centuries of royal secrets within the Royal Archives, it serves as a historic architectural anchor.
Access: No (Exterior viewing only; archives are closed to the public)
China Museum
Location: Castle precincts
Browse an exquisite collection of rare porcelain and fine ceramics from China, Japan, and Europe. Curated by Queen Mary in the 1920s, these pieces offer an intimate, highly refined contrast to the grand halls.
Access: Yes (Included with all standard entry tickets)
Your Windsor Castle guide
Plan your visit to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle opening hours
- November 1 to February 28: Open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4:15pm. Last admission is at 3pm.
- March 1 to October 31: Open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5:15pm. Last admission is at 4pm.
St George's Chapel opening hours
- Open to visitors: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Note:
- The last entry to Windsor Castle is 1 hour 15 minutes before closing time.
- St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays due to services held throughout the day.
- Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Seasonal: Windsor is pleasant to visit throughout the year, but the best time is during spring (March to May) when the gardens and grounds are at their most vibrant.
Best time of day: Windsor Castle is generally quieter on Mondays and Thursdays. Weekends tend to be busier, so if possible, visit after 1pm.
Events: Weekends often feature History Weekends talks, while the Glorious Gardens event runs throughout the summer holidays and is worth planning around.
Changing the Guard: The Changing the Guard ceremony is a highlight and should not be missed. Check the schedule and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
- By bus: Green Line 702 or 703 from London Victoria Coach Station
Nearest stop: Parish Church (Stop J) - By train: South Western Railway from London Waterloo or Great Western Railway from London Paddington
Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (5-min walk) or Windsor & Eton Central (5-min walk) - By car: Via M4 motorway, Exit 6 for Windsor
Nearest parking: Windsor Yards Car Park or River Street Car Park - By guided tour: Evan Evans Tours
Nearest stop: Windsor Castle
- Audio tours: The Castle’s Admission Centre offers an audio descriptive tour in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, designed specifically for blind or partially sighted visitors.
- Restrooms: Toilets are available on the North Terrace, before the entrance to the State Apartments, and next to the Undercroft Café.
- Baby changing facilities: Baby changing areas and baby-care facilities are located on the North Terrace, before the entrance to the State Apartments, and next to the Undercroft Café.
- Cloakroom: A secure cloakroom is available in the China Museum, at the entrance to the State Apartments.
- Undercroft Cafe: The Undercroft Café at Windsor Castle offers a selection of food and drinks, including fresh salads, homemade soups, baguettes, open sandwiches, and wraps, providing a convenient spot to relax and refresh during your visit.
- Accessibility: Complimentary manual wheelchairs, step-free access, mobility scooters and rollators are available to guests with mobility difficulties.
- Tickets: Discounted rates are offered for guests with disabilities, and a free companion ticket is provided for a person accompanying them.
- Toilets: Accessible toilets are conveniently located on the North Terrace and off the Inner Hall.
- Guide dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the castle, including most public areas.
- 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.
- Photography: Photography and filming are not allowed inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel.
- Food and drinks: Outside food and drinks are prohibited inside Windsor Castle, and eating or drinking is not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel.
- Baggage policy: Large suitcases and heavy luggage are not allowed inside the castle.
- Animals: Only guide, hearing, or assistance animals are permitted inside the castle.
- Smoking: Smoking and vaping (including e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on the premises.
- Prohibited items: Pen knives, knives, scissors, Kirpans, alcoholic drinks, paints or aerosols, bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates, skateboards, or drones are not allowed inside the castle.
- Windsor Castle shop: Located inside Windsor Castle, the shops offer a range of luxury items and gifts, including commemorative chinaware, sparkling jewellery, elegant homeware, fine food and drink, and charming souvenirs for children.
- China Museum shop: The China Museum Shop features a selection of china inspired by the museum’s collection, crafted in traditional English potteries using time-honoured techniques.
Visitor tips
- Don’t miss the Changing the Guard tradition, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11am. Plan your visit so you can see this ceremony either before or after exploring the other attractions.
- Allow at least 2 hours to explore the castle, though 3 hours is ideal, as all visitors must pass through a mandatory airport-style security check. Avoid carrying prohibited items or large bags to make the process quicker and smoother.
- The castle sits atop a steep hill, so plan for some walking and take breaks where needed.
- Avoid visiting on Sundays, as St George’s Chapel remains closed. Plan for a weekday so you can cover all attractions within the castle at once.
- Some parts of the castle, like the State Apartments, are open seasonally, from March 1 to October 31, 2026.
- After your visit, take time to stroll through the historic town of Windsor and visit nearby Eton College across the Thames. They are worth every bit of your time.
- Pro tip: Check for the King’s presence by looking for the Royal Standard flag flying above the Round Tower. If it’s flying, the King is in residence.
Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle tickets
Yes! Your entry tickets are valid only for the specific time slot you choose when booking, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Yes, multimedia guides are available in multiple languages. Paid audio guides are also available if you prefer.
The castle is open most of the year, but it closes on certain days for events or when the Royal Family is in residence. Plan your visit to avoid visiting on days when the castle is closed.
Guided tours typically last around 2 hours. If you include transfers from London, expect your total trip to be around 5–6 hours.
A typical visit takes 1.5–3 hours, depending on how much time you spend in the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, or watching the Changing the Guard ceremony.
Yes! The castle is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts to the State Apartments, accessible toilets, and provisions for hearing- and visually-impaired visitors. Guide dogs are welcome, and water is provided upon request.
Yes. The café caters to all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options, such as salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
You can enjoy the gardens for as long as you like during opening hours. Windsor Great Park is free to enter daily, while The Savill Garden and certain terrace areas may have entry fees.
No. Tickets are valid for a single entry only.
Of course. Windsor Castle is perfect for children. They will love exploring the State Apartments, wandering through the gardens and castle grounds, and discovering the miniature wonders of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
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