Plan Your London to Windsor Castle Day Trip

Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world with a rich history and the weekend residence of the Queen. The town of Windsor is just an hour from London, making it perfect for a London to Windsor Castle day trip to discover this stunning monument to British history. It is also one of the most visited castles in England, meaning that you need to ensure you plan well, keeping in mind the best time to visit Windsor Castle.

Read on to learn more about Windsor Castle's location and how to get there.

Windsor Castle visitor tips

• The Changing of the Guard usually happens at 11am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. If you are keen to avoid large crowds but still want to watch the Changing of the Guards, you can do so from the Guildhall. Although the actual ceremony is not visible, you can see the guards walk to and from the monument.
• If you would like to, you can attend services at St. George's Chapel. You can find the timings of the services on the chapel's official website.
• All areas are accessible to disabled visitors. Guide dogs are permitted, and water is available for them on request. There is ramp/level access wherever needed, and toilets for disabled visitors are available. There is also an accessible lift to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
• Some rooms, where maintaining social distancing is difficult, will be closed, such as Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
• The castle is atop a steep hill, so ensure you wear comfortable shoes to walk around in.
• Visitors cannot take photographs within the castle or St. George's Chapel but only outside the castle buildings.
• Driving to Windsor and finding parking can be quite a hassle, so taking the train is the best option to get to the castle for most visitors. There are two stops within walking distance of Windsor Castle, and the journey takes 30-60 minutes from London.
• Visiting the castle 90 minutes before closing time can ensure you miss most tourists and families, allowing for peaceful exploration without the hustle and bustle of a crowd.
• Several areas of Windsor Castle don’t allow visitors to eat and drink, so fill up before your visit. You can do so at many of the restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Windsor town.
• Windsor Castle is still used by the royal family to host guests and events. On such days, the castle is likely to remain closed to visitors or offer limited access.