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Do it your way!

Explore Windsor Castle on a half-day tour with convenient transfers from London. Make it your day by seeing more in 6 hours than most do in a full day.

Windsor Castle courtyard with historic stone buildings and manicured lawn.
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Why go on a half-day Windsor Castle tour from London?

  • Exclusivity: Enjoy around 6 hours of sightseeing at Windsor Castle without feeling rushed, giving you plenty of time to explore the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
  • Convenient transfers: Choose between round-trip AC coach transfers from Central London or train transfers from London Paddington Station for a smooth, stress-free journey.
  • Multimedia guide: Discover the castle’s history and highlights with an audio guide available in multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.
  • Flexible exploration: Move at your own pace without feeling rushed for time. Want to spend extra time in the State Apartments? Go ahead. Not interested in the Dolls’ House? Skip it. The tour adapts to you!
Hand arranging miniature books in Windsor Castle library model.

What to expect on a half-day Windsor Castle tour

Traveler enjoying music on a coach transfer during a day trip.
Visitors with guide and audio devices inside Windsor Castle.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling, chandelier, and paintings on red walls.
Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats in formation at Windsor Castle.
Tourists boarding air-conditioned coach bus for transfer to Montserrat Monastery.
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Departure from London

Start your half-day tour with comfortable round-trip AC coach transfers from Central London or a train from London Paddington Station. Enjoy a relaxed ride as you head toward Windsor, staring out at the passing country-side. Chat with your fellow travellers, relax, and get ready for a royal experience.

Windsor Castle entry

Arrive at Windsor Castle and pick up your multimedia guide in your preferred language. This guide allows you to explore at your own pace while learning fascinating stories about the castle’s history, architecture, and the royal family.

Walk through the interiors

Explore the opulent heart of Windsor Castle, from the glittering State Apartments with grand staircases, chandeliers, and royal masterpieces to the magnificent St. George’s Chapel, a Gothic gem housing the tombs of Henry VIII and Charles I.

Experience royal traditions

Step outside to explore Windsor Castle’s landscaped grounds, where royal heritage meets scenic charm. Time your visit to witness the Changing the Guard ceremony at 11am, an iconic display of precision and pageantry. Then wander through the gardens and courtyards, taking in views of the Round Tower and the Long Walk, perfect for photos and a peaceful royal stroll.

Return to London

After a memorable half-day, board your coach or train for a smooth return. Relax and reflect on your royal adventure, arriving back in the city refreshed and inspired.

Things to know before booking your Windsor Castle half-day tour

  • Tour duration and timing: This half-day tour lasts around 5 to 6 hours, including round-trip transfers from London. Departure times vary, but most tours leave London in the morning and return by mid-afternoon.
  • Transfers and entry: You can choose either round-trip AC coach transfers from Central London or round-trip train transfers from London Paddington Station.
  • Multimedia guide: A multimedia guide is provided in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, allowing you to explore the castle at your own pace.
  • Windsor Castle opening days: Windsor Castle is open from Thursday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check for special closures due to state events when planning your visit.
  • State Apartments: Take your time exploring the State Apartments, featuring grand rooms, exquisite artwork, and historic furniture. This is the highlight of Windsor and can take quite some time.
  • St. George’s Chapel: The chapel is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Keep these timings in mind if you wish to visit, as some areas may close earlier or during services.
  • Changing the Guard: The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place at 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, weather permitting. This is a highlight for those interested in royal traditions.
  • Castle grounds and re-entry: Stroll the castle grounds, including the Long Walk, and enjoy scenic views. Once you leave the castle grounds, re-entry is not allowed, so make sure you have seen everything inside before stepping out.

Half-day vs Full-day tour

FeatureHalf-day tourFull-day tours

Duration

6 hours

12 hours

Itinerary

Focused on Windsor Castle

Covers Windsor Castle plus Stonehenge and Oxford or Bath

Transfers

Round-trip AC coach or train from Central London (as per option selected).

Round-trip transfers from Central London included

Best for

People wanting an in-depth exploration of one place

People wanting to explore multiple highlights in one day

Privacy

Personal to your group, no shared guests

Shared with a group of other travellers

Atmosphere

Relaxed, intimate

Busy, energetic

Pace

Easy, adaptable

Rushed, focused on highlights

Highlights of your Windsor Castle half-day tour

Windsor Castle interior with ornate chandeliers, gilded walls, and red carpet.

State Apartments

Step inside the State Apartments in the Upper Ward and prepare to be amazed. Each room is uniquely designed, with the Rococo style being the most famous. Wander through grand staircases, sparkling chandeliers, historic furniture, and priceless artworks.

Exterior view of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, showcasing Gothic architecture.
Round Tower at Windsor Castle surrounded by gardens, Windsor, England.
Guards in red uniforms marching with instruments in front of Windsor Castle.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House interior at Windsor Castle, showcasing detailed miniature rooms.

Plan your visit to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle stone exterior with lush greenery and blue sky.
  • November 1 to February 29: 10am to 4:15pm (Thursday to Monday)
  • March 1 to October 31: 10am to 5:15pm (Thursday to Monday)
  • St George’s Chapel is open on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is open only for worship on Sunday and is not part of the visit.

Last entry: 1 hour 15 mins before closing time.

Note: Entry to the State Apartments closes 30 minutes after the last admission time.

Timings
  • Seasonal tips: Windsor is enjoyable to visit year-round, but spring is the most pleasant time to explore the castle and grounds. To avoid the busiest crowds, consider visiting between November and March.
  • Best time of day: The castle is generally quieter on Mondays and Thursdays, while weekends tend to be busier. For a calmer experience, plan your visit after 1pm when crowds are smaller.
  • Changing the Guard: This ceremony is a must-see. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and plan your visit around the 11am schedule on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays. Expect larger crowds during weekends and holidays, and avoid the peak coach arrival time of 10am to enjoy the event with less congestion.
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
Directions
Museum cloakroom with numbered lockers and staircase.
  • Audio tours: The Castle’s Admission Centre offers audio descriptive tours in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, designed for blind or partially sighted visitors.
  • Restrooms: Toilets are conveniently located on the North Terrace, just before the entrance to the State Apartments, and near the Undercroft Café.
  • Baby changing facilities: Baby changing and care facilities are available in the same locations on the North Terrace and by the Undercroft Café, making visits easier for families with young children.
  • Cloakroom: A secure cloakroom is available in the China Museum at the entrance to the State Apartments for your convenience.
Men's and women's restroom signs on a brick wall.
  • Tickets: Visitors with disabilities can enjoy discounted rates, and a carer may accompany them with a free ticket.
  • Lift: Step-free access to the State Apartments is available via a lift in the Inner Hall.
  • Wheelchairs on loan: Manual wheelchairs and rollators are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for the duration of your visit.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets can be found on the North Terrace and off the Inner Hall.
  • Guide dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the castle.
  • Multimedia guide: A multimedia guide with subtitles is available in British Sign Language.
  • Induction loops: Induction loops are provided at ticket sales desks, shop till counters, and the audio tour collection point.
  • Parking: Disabled parking bays are located on the High Street outside the Harte & Garter Hotel and Nando’s, with an additional space available on Park Street.
No smoking sign on a pole in an outdoor setting.
  • Photography: Photography and filming are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel.
  • Food and drinks: Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and eating or drinking is prohibited inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
  • Baggage policy: Large suitcases and heavy luggage cannot be brought inside the castle.
  • Animals: Only guide, hearing, or assistance animals are allowed on the premises.
  • Smoking: Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are strictly prohibited throughout the castle.
  • Prohibited items: Pen knives, knives, scissors, Kirpans, alcoholic drinks, paints or aerosols, bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates or skateboards, and drones are not allowed inside the castle.

Visitor tips

  • Catch the Changing the Guard ceremony at 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s a colourful and precise display that is a highlight of any visit.
  • Allow at least 2 hours to explore the castle, though 3 hours is ideal to fully appreciate everything. Security checks are required, so plan extra time and avoid large bags or prohibited items.
  • The castle sits atop a steep hill and involves a fair amount of walking. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
  • St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, so plan your trip on another day if you want to see this key highlight.
  • Admire statues such as Queen Victoria and the Equestrian Statue of Charles II, and art treasures including frescoes by Verrio, portraits of Charles I by Van Dyck, Elizabeth I by William Scrots, and Henry VIII by Holbein.
  • After visiting the castle, plan some time to explore Windsor town. Stroll along the High Street, enjoy local cafés, shops, and the charming streets around the castle for a full day experience.

Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle half day tours

Yes, entry tickets are valid only for the date and time slot you select when booking.