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.


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

Plan your visit to Windsor 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.