Are my tickets only valid for the booked time slot?

Yes! Your entry tickets are valid only for the specific time slot you choose when booking, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Are audio guides included with Windsor Castle tickets?

Yes, multimedia guides are available in multiple languages. Paid audio guides are also available if you prefer.

Is Windsor Castle open year-round?

The castle is open most of the year, but it closes on certain days for events or when the Royal Family is in residence.<link linkType="internal" newTab="false" url="" id="83RWciGG" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6834799a186204bd31a71976" text=" Plan your visit " uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk.windsor-castle-tickets.plan-your-visit" lang="en" />to avoid visiting on days when the castle is closed.

How long is a Windsor Castle guided tour?

Guided tours typically last around 2 hours. If you include transfers from London, expect your total trip to be around 5–6 hours.

How long does it take to explore Windsor Castle?

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.

Is Windsor Castle accessible for disabled visitors?

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.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available at the Undercroft Café?

Yes. The café caters to all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options, such as salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

How long can I stay in the gardens?

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.

Can I re-enter Windsor Castle with the same ticket?

No. Tickets are valid for a single entry only.

Is Windsor Castle suitable for children?

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.

Windsor Castle Tickets | With London to Windsor Day Tours

From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Shu-chen L

Australia

Family

2 weeks ago

Visiting Windsor Castle was a truly majestic experience that brought British history to life. Walking through the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel felt like stepping back in time, with breathtaking architecture and royal treasures at every turn. It’s an unforgettable glimpse into the world's oldest and largest occupied castle.

Sany C

Family

Jan 2026

+1 more

My husband's birthday couldn't go unnoticed, and the best gift was the invitation to Windsor Castle. It was wonderful; we saw the chapel where Queen Elizabeth is buried, and I was very moved. We took many photos in the garden. It was a worthwhile experience.

Brigita K

United Kingdom

Group

2 weeks ago

I really liked everything. But everywhere you have to wait a very long time, we didn't have time to visit everything. One day wasn't enough.

Sathiyaseelan T

United Kingdom

Group

3 weeks ago

We had a great outing and especially kids they absolutely loved every moment. The fast track option was really useful and helped to skip the long queues, making the experience much smoother. There are so many rides and attractions that a single day trip doesn’t feel like enough to cover everything. Overall, it was an amazing experience and definitely a must-visit destination for a fun family outing.

Segundo A

Argentina

Solo

3 weeks ago

Our guide Saul and our driver Barrigón did an excellent job. Both went above and beyond in fulfilling their duties. I was very satisfied with the tour.

Jeanine K

Chile

Family

Feb 2026

+1 more

It's an ambitious tour because you visit three places in one day. That gives you the opportunity to see a lot in a short time, but the visits are very short and you're left wanting more. We also spend quite a bit of time on the bus, so you have to be mentally prepared for that. The destinations are wonderful, it's worth it!

Jana F

Netherlands

Family

Jan 2026

+1 more

really productively spent day, everything was great we were informed correctly at every point of trip our guide was so nice

Angelatos J

Australia

Group

Jan 2026

+1 more

The Garden were beautiful, even in winter. To be able to be indoors surrounded by majestic jungles of plants & varieties were impressive. I hope to be back from Australia this year 2026 in spring to return & see it all in bloom. My favourite glass house content was the Australian one, the smell when you first enter was beautiful & calming. The original glass houses are beautiful structures & shapes.

‌

‌
‌
‌
‌

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

We partner with the best

Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

Book with complete peace of mind

Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

1/4

Slide 1 of 4

What to expect on a visit to Windsor Castle

1/7

Entry to the oldest castle in the world

Windsor Castle stands as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, housing royal state apartments, chapels, and buildings that are truly worth visiting. Step through its gates and immerse yourself in the life of the monarchy, experiencing British royal traditions and grandeur firsthand.

Comfortable transfers

Begin your visit with transfers from Central London to the heart of Windsor and its castle. Avoid the hassle of traffic and enjoy an air-conditioned journey while passing some of the most beautiful sights of London and Windsor.

Day trip options

Choose from a range of ticket options, including half-day tours to Windsor, full-day trips to Windsor, along with visits to Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour offering 24-hour unlimited access to Windsor’s most popular landmarks.

Beyond Windsor

Full-day tours combine Windsor Castle with visits to Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath, giving you a comprehensive journey through England’s history and landmarks. Explore the culture, history, and heritage of these cities for an entire day, making the most of a trip that covers three cities in one outing.

Royalty at Windsor

It is no secret that Windsor Castle is filled with treasures. Enjoy entry to the heart of the castle and explore the State Apartments used for official functions. Admire interiors adorned with masterpieces by artists such as Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens. Step inside St George’s Chapel, which houses the tombs of 11 monarchs, and discover Queen Mary’s Dolls' House, a miniature masterpiece created with contributions from over 1,500 craftspeople.

Windsor’s century-old tradition

Outside on the castle grounds is where one of Windsor’s oldest traditions takes place. Symbolizing the discipline of the British monarchy, the ‘Changing the Guard’ involves the handover of duties from the "Old Guard" to the "New Guard." Time your visit to witness this ceremony, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11am, to experience British royal tradition up close.

Tailor your visit

Enjoy the convenience of tailoring your visit to Windsor Castle based on your preferences. A typical visit lasts 2 to 3 hours, giving ample time to explore the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the Changing the Guard. If you have other plans for the day in Windsor, prioritize visiting the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel to get the best of what the castle has to offer.

Your Windsor Castle tickets explained

Standard entry tickets

Duration: Flexible

Explore Windsor Castle at your own pace on this self-guided tour.
This tour comes with a multilingual audio guide, providing insights into the castle’s most notable highlights.

Recommended ticket: Windsor castle entry tickets

Combo tickets with transfers

Duration: 5.5–11 hours

Enjoy comfortable round-trip coach transfers from Central London to Windsor Castle.
Combine your Windsor Castle visit with entry to Stonehenge and guided tours of Bath and Oxford, experiencing England’s history and culture in a single day.

Recommended tickets:

From London: Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath Day Trip
From London: Stonehenge, Windsor and Oxford Day Trip

Half-day tours with transfers

Duration: 6 hours

Explore Windsor Castle with entry included, giving you enough time to visit the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and other highlights.
These tours include transfers from London, making your visit seamless and stress-free.

Recommended ticket: From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

Windsor Castle highlights

State Apartments

The State Apartments are the crown jewel of Windsor Castle. Primarily used for official ceremonies, these rooms are adorned with gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers and masterpieces by Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens.

St. George’s Chapel

Nestled in the Lower Ward, St George’s Chapel is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. The chapel has hosted royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and is also the final resting place of 11 monarchs.

Round Tower

Perched at the heart of the castle, the Round Tower offers views of Windsor and its grounds. Inside, the Royal Archives safeguard centuries of royal secrets and treasures, making the tower a living symbol of Windsor’s enduring history.

Changing the Guard

The Changing the Guard is one of Windsor’s most vibrant traditions. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the Old Guard hands over duties to the New Guard in a precise, colourful ceremony, continuing the royal household’s protection.

Semi-State Rooms

The Semi-State Rooms, King George IV’s decorative masterpiece, are a feast for the eyes. Lavishly decorated in Classic, Gothic, and Rococo styles, they feature gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House

The most famous dollhouse in the world, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a fully functioning palace in miniature. Every detail, from the Royal Chambers to the working lifts to the library, was created by over 1,500 artists!

Waterloo Chamber

Commissioned to celebrate Britain’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo, the Waterloo Chamber is a gallery of triumph and pride. Its walls are lined with more than 50 portraits of royalty and military leaders, each capturing stories of leadership and national achievement.

China Museum

The China Museum showcases Windsor’s exquisite treasures, featuring porcelain and ceramics from China, Japan, and Europe. Curated by Queen Mary in the 1920s, it offers a refined contrast to the castle’s grand ceremonial spaces.

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

Windsor Castle timings

Windsor Castle stone facade with lush greenery, England tourist attraction.

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.

Plan your visit

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.

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

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, 2025.
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.