London Tickets































































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.


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

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.