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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.

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Slide 1 of 4
We curate the best ways to experience
We partner with the best
All the best options, in one place
Book with complete peace of mind

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 typeEntrance usedSecurityIncludesGuideWhy pick thisCancellation policyPrice 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

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.

Your Windsor Castle guide

windsor route map 2

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

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

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

​Getting to 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.

​Plan 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.

​Plan your visit

  • 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.

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