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Windsor Castle Half-Day Tours

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Windsor Castle view with visitors walking along the Long Walk, England.
Windsor Castle exterior with lush green lawns and a pathway leading to the entrance.
Crimson Drawing Room with ornate gold decor and chandeliers, Windsor Castle.
St George’s Chapel exterior with blue sky and green lawn, Windsor Castle in background.
Interior of a tour bus for the Stonehenge and Bath day trip from London.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate chandeliers, blue damask walls, and classic paintings.
Visitors with guide and audio devices inside Windsor Castle.
Hand arranging miniature books in Windsor Castle library model.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate chandeliers, gilded walls, and red carpet.
Windsor Castle view from the Long Walk, included in The London Pass.
Day Trips
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From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

Perfect for those with limited time, explore Windsor Castle in under 6 hours, including convenient transfers from London.

  • Day out to: Windsor Castle on a half-day trip from Central London in an AC coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging onboard or a train.
  • You’ll get: Round-trip AC coach or train transfers to Windsor, entry to Windsor Castle, and a multimedia guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
  • Windsor Castle: Explore the largest inhabited castle and discover its stunning architecture and Royal Collection artworks in the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
  • Options: Choose between round-trip AC coach transfers from Central London or round-trip train transfers from London Paddington Station.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 14 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Flexible duration
Transfers included

Perfect for those with limited time, explore Windsor Castle in under 6 hours, including convenient transfers from London.

  • Day out to: Windsor Castle on a half-day trip from Central London in an AC coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging onboard or a train.
  • You’ll get: Round-trip AC coach or train transfers to Windsor, entry to Windsor Castle, and a multimedia guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
  • Windsor Castle: Explore the largest inhabited castle and discover its stunning architecture and Royal Collection artworks in the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
  • Options: Choose between round-trip AC coach transfers from Central London or round-trip train transfers from London Paddington Station.

Inclusions

  • Half-day tour to Windsor Castle

  • Entry tickets to Windsor Castle

  • Round-trip AC coach transfers from Central London (as per option selected)

  • Round-trip train transfers from London Paddington Station (as per option selected)

  • Multimedia guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • Lunch

What’s not allowed

  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
  • Large backpacks and pushchairs are not permitted inside the State Apartments.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility

  • ​​This experience is partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

  • Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor is closed to visitors on Sundays. On some days, the State Apartments may also be closed.
  • For this summer only, Windsor Castle will be open on the following Tuesdays in 2025: Sept 9, Sept 23, and Dec 23.
  • Windsor Castle will close early on Sept 6, 2025, at 4:45pm. Last entry is at 3-3:30pm.
  • Windsor Castle will be completely closed on Sept 16, 18, and 30, 2025.
  • If you choose train transfers, note that you must change trains at Slough. A full information pack containing your train and Windsor Castle ticket will be emailed to you 10 days before you travel.
  • The exact departure point for your AC coach tour will be shared with you after you book your tickets.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 14 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Crowd outside Windsor Castle entrance surrounded by trees.
St George’s Chapel exterior with blue sky and green lawn, Windsor Castle in background.
Visitor with audio guide exploring St. Mark's Basilica interior.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling, chandelier, and paintings on red walls.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate chandeliers, gilded walls, and red carpet.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate chandeliers, blue damask walls, and classic paintings.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate wood paneling and historical portraits.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate wooden columns and medieval armor display.
Round Tower at Windsor Castle surrounded by gardens, Windsor, England.
Windsor Castle exterior with lush green lawns and a pathway leading to the entrance.
Tickets
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Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

Step inside the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, home to 1,000 years of royal history.

  • Everything you get: Entry to Windsor Castle, including the State Apartments, historic rooms, Semi-State Rooms, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and castle precincts. Get access to multimedia guides, family trails, and exhibitions.
  • Why choose this: Walk in the footsteps of 40 monarchs, explore royal treasures, and spend as long as you like without being tied to a tour group’s schedule.
  • Upgrades: Opt for a Windsor Castle half-day tour with round-trip transfers from London in an AC coach or train for an enhanced experience.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 14 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Flexible duration
Audio guide
Transfers included

Step inside the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, home to 1,000 years of royal history.

  • Everything you get: Entry to Windsor Castle, including the State Apartments, historic rooms, Semi-State Rooms, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and castle precincts. Get access to multimedia guides, family trails, and exhibitions.
  • Why choose this: Walk in the footsteps of 40 monarchs, explore royal treasures, and spend as long as you like without being tied to a tour group’s schedule.
  • Upgrades: Opt for a Windsor Castle half-day tour with round-trip transfers from London in an AC coach or train for an enhanced experience.

Inclusions

  • Entry tickets to Windsor Castle

  • Multimedia guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

  • Half-day tour of Windsor & Windsor Castle (as per option selected)

  • Round-trip AC coach or train transfers from London (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Food and drink
  • Hotel transfers

  • Gratuities

What’s not allowed

  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
  • Large backpacks and pushchairs are not permitted inside the State Apartments.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility

  • ​​This experience is partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

  • The Semi-State Apartments opened in autumn 2025 and will remain open until spring 2026.
  • Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor is closed to visitors on Sundays. On some days, the State Apartments may also be closed.
  • For this summer only, Windsor Castle will be open on the following Tuesdays in 2025: Sept 9, Sept 23, and Dec 23.
  • Windsor Castle will close early on Sept 6, 2025, at 4:45pm. Last entry is at 3-3:30pm.
  • Windsor Castle will be completely closed on Sept 16, 18, and 30, 2025.
  • If you upgrade to include train transfers, note that you must change trains at Slough. A full information pack containing your train and Windsor Castle ticket will be emailed to you 10 days before you travel.
  • The exact departure point for your AC coach tour will be shared with you after you book your tickets.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 14 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
London skyline with Big Ben and Go City Explorer Pass logo.
Tower of London with tourists exploring the grounds, London.
Tower Bridge over River Thames in London with a person sitting on a wall, part of Go City tour.
Open-top bus tour in London with tourists, passing by the Houses of Parliament.
London Eye and County Hall viewed from a river cruise.
Tour guide speaking to tourists on an open-top bus near the National Gallery, London.
Westminster Abbey facade with intricate architecture, London.
Climbers celebrating atop the O2 Arena roof with London's skyline in view.
Children interacting with a lemur statue at a zoo.
Cutty Sark ship at National Maritime Museum, London, with visitors nearby.
City Cards
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London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

  • Unlock up to 50% savings on admission tickets with the London Explorer Pass which covers top attractions and hop-on hop-off passes with maximum savings.
  • With one ticket, save more to go on an amazing London adventure to landmarks such as The Tower of London, Up At The O2, and Tower Bridge.
  • Explore the best of London including Kew Gardens, Westminster Abbey, and other popular attractions.
  • Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of picking from different passes offering entry to attractions in London, based on your interests and our recommendations.
  • Choose from 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions, valid for 30 days from first use, and make the most of your trip to and around London, seeing its iconic landmarks.


Check availability
Free cancellation

Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Extended validity
Flexible duration
Guided tour
  • Unlock up to 50% savings on admission tickets with the London Explorer Pass which covers top attractions and hop-on hop-off passes with maximum savings.
  • With one ticket, save more to go on an amazing London adventure to landmarks such as The Tower of London, Up At The O2, and Tower Bridge.
  • Explore the best of London including Kew Gardens, Westminster Abbey, and other popular attractions.
  • Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of picking from different passes offering entry to attractions in London, based on your interests and our recommendations.
  • Choose from 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions, valid for 30 days from first use, and make the most of your trip to and around London, seeing its iconic landmarks.

Inclusions

  • Access to 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions

  • Valid for 30 days after visiting the first attraction

  • Museums: London Transport Museum, Charles Dickens Museum, The Guards Museum & more

  • Zoos: London Zoo

  • Landmarks: The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & more

  • Bus tours and cruises: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, Jason’s Canal Boat Trip, City Cruises Thames River Pass & more

  • Guided tours: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, London Stadium Tour, Royal Albert Hall Tour & more

  • Activities: London Bridge Experience, Ice-skating at QUEENS, Solve A Mystery: the Murder at Buckingham Palace & more

  • Digital guidebook, map, and attraction information via Go City app

  • Get complete details here

Exclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Public transport
  • Some attractions require bookings. Look out for the 'reservations required' stamp in the app when browsing attractions and click on the attraction to find all the info.
  • You can visit each attraction only once daily.
  • The app is available in English, French, German, and Spanish.
  • Children under 5 get the pass for free.
  • First, download the Go City App. Follow the instructions on your order confirmation to sync your pass with the Go City app.
  • Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated! Are you feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
  • The Go City app has many handy features to help you plan your itinerary, check attraction opening times, and reserve (where required).

Validity

  • Before activation: 1 year from the date of purchase
  • After activation: 30 days from first use
  • Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
  • These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

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.

Top things to do in London

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

Are my tickets only valid for the booked time slot?

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

Are audio guides included with Windsor Castle tickets?

Yes, you can pick up a multimedia guide for free upon entry, though tickets with an audioguide are also available for purchase.

Is Windsor Castle open all year?

The castle is open most of the year, but it closes on certain days for royal events or private functions.

What is the duration of a Windsor Castle guided tour?

Guided tours typically last about 2 hours. If you’re visiting from London, expect your full tour—including transfers—to take around 5 to 6 hours.

How long does it take to explore Windsor Castle?

Depending on your pace and interests, 1.5 to 3 hours is recommended to see the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and the Changing of the Guard. Special events or area closures may affect this.

Is Windsor Castle accessible for disabled visitors?

Yes. The castle is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts to the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms, and accessible toilets. Guide dogs are welcome, and facilities are available for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired visitors.

How long can I stay in the gardens?

You can enjoy the gardens for as long as you like during opening hours. The East Terrace Garden offers views toward London, and Windsor Great Park is open daily for free, though some areas like The Savill Garden may have entry charges or parking fees.