Plan your visit to Windsor Castle | Opening hours, directions, tips, and more

Windsor Castle, a stunning royal residence perched atop a hill for over 900 years, glimpses into the royal heritage of the British monarchy. The whole place just oozes class and nobility, and it's no wonder people travel from all over to see it. But with so much to see and do, planning is key. This guide is your one-stop shop for planning your visit to Windsor Castle, with information on opening times, ticket prices, how to get there, and insider knowledge to make the most of your visit.

Windsor Castle | Visitor information at a glance

What are the Windsor Castle opening hours?
Windsor Castle's opening hours differ based on the season.

November 1 to February 29: 10am to 4:15pm
March 1 to October 31: 10am to 5:15pm

Where is Windsor Castle located?
Windsor Castle is located at Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom.

How many entrances does Windsor Castle have?
Windsor Castle has one entrance.

How many visitors does Windsor Castle see per year?
Windsor Castle sees over 1.5 million visitors yearly.

About Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers included

from

£31

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From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

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Flexible duration

Transfers included

from

£57

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip

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11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

from

£110

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

11 hr. - 12 hr.

Audio guide

Guided tour

from

£110

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What are the Windsor Castle opening hours?

Windsor Castle's opening hours vary from one season to another. It is open from 10am to 4:15pm from November 1 to February 29 and from 10am to 5:15pm from March 1 to October 31.

Last entry - 1 hour 15 minutes before closing.
Closed - Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays every week. It also remains closed from Jan 9 to Jan 13 and June 16.
State Apartments: Last entry to the State Apartments is 30 minutes after the last admission time.
Semi-State Rooms: The Semi-State Rooms usually open from autumn-spring each year. They are currently open until spring 2025.
St George’s Chapel: St George’s Chapel is open on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday but is not part of the visit on Sunday when it is only open for worship. The Chapel will be closed to paying visitors but will remain open for services on April 18.

Windsor Castle timings

What's the best time to visit Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is a must-see for any tourist visiting the UK. And for good reason! This historic castle is steeped in British royal heritage. It's been around for over 900 years, making it the oldest and largest inhabited castle, not just in the UK, but the world!

Peak season vs low season: If you’re used to tropical and temperate temperatures, then spring or summer is a great time to visit. The weather is mild and you can explore the castle grounds comfortably. However, note that this is also peak season, so expect larger crowds. If you don't mind the chilly weather, winter visits offer a perk: King George IV's Semi-State Rooms are only open during this time.
Weekend vs weekdays: After finalizing the month you plan to visit, choose the day. Weekends are generally more crowded, so if you prefer a quieter experience, try to visit during the week. However, if you don't mind the crowds, opt to go there on a weekend.

Where is Windsor Castle located?

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom

Find On Map

Windsor Castle is located in Berkshire country, along the south bank of the River Thames.

Closest landmark: The Winchester Tower (0.3 miles)

Windsor Castle location

Getting to Windsor Castle

Closest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (0.3 miles)

Getting to Windsor Castle by train is a breeze! It's close to several train stations such as Windsor & Eton, Maidenhead, and Ascot. The closest one is Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which is actually the last stop on the Windsor Line operated by South Western Railway.

Closest station: Theatre Royal (Stop G) (0.2 miles)

Buses are another easy way to get to Windsor Castle from London. They're a good option if you're on a budget or want to ride on a double-decker. The Green Line 703 bus is your best bet — it links Bracknell, Windsor, and even Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 all the way to the Theatre Royal Station, right near the castle.

How to get to Windsor Castle by car

Driving to Windsor Castle is an option, but be warned — traffic can be a beast! If you're set on four wheels, there are a few different routes you can take: the M4 (Exit Junction 6 for Windsor, junction 8/9 for Maidenhead), the M3 (Exit Junction 3 for Bagshot), the M25 (Exit Junction 13 for Egham), and the M40 (Exit Junction 4 for Marlow or junction 2 for Beaconsfield). Just be sure to factor in extra time for potential traffic jams, especially if you're visiting during peak season.

Nearest parking:

Romney Lock car park
King Edward VII car park
Alma Road car park
Alexandra Gardens car park

Know before you go to Windsor Castle

All tourists to England and London want to visit Windsor Castle, making it somewhat crowded. However, you can avoid the rush in a few creative ways:

Choose weekdays: Aim for a weekday visit. Weekends are a magnet for tourists and locals alike. With fewer people around on weekdays, you'll breeze through the entrance and have more space to explore each building.
Get a guided tour: Level up your experience with a guided tour! Not only will you learn mind-blowing facts about the castle's history and heritage, but you'll often get to skip the line!
Book tickets online: Be smart and book your tickets online beforehand. This saves you time at the ticket booth and often gives you skip-the-line access. Pick your preferred experience — on weekdays for fewer crowds, weekends for a livelier vibe, guided or non-guided tours to suit your tastes, and always choose skip-the-line tickets to get in quicker!

Windsor Castle has only one entrance located towards the right at the top of Castle Hill.

Admission Centre: Windsor Castle has an Admission Centre to address your ticket queries or buy offline tickets.
Cafe: The Undercroft Café, located within the castle grounds, serves fresh foods and treats, like croquettes, burrata, and gnocchi.
Pushchairs: Guests can collect pushchairs before entering the indoor areas. Baby carriers and hip seats can be borrowed as well, free of charge.
Toilets: Toilets and baby-care facilities are available in multiple areas of Windsor Castle. Accessible toilets are also present.
Free companion: Visitors with disabilities can get a companion to Windsor Castle free of charge.
Multimedia guides: Free multimedia guides are available in multiple languages at Windsor Castle gates.

Audio guides provide fascinating information on the history and heritage of Windsor Castle. They’re available for free and cleaned regularly for safe use. You can pick up a guide in the following languages:

English
Brazilian Portuguese
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Mandarin Chinese
Russian
Spanish
British Sign Language (BSL) with subtitles

Windsor Castle Shop: Open from 9:45am to 5:15pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

After you explore the State Apartments, visit the castle shop with plenty of luxury gifts available for purchase. You can also buy china ranges inspired by those found in the collection in the China Museum, made in potteries in England, using traditional methods.

Windsor Castle Shops are only accessible to visitors who have been through the castle.

Sebastian's - Sebastian's is an amazing Italian place to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and regional Italian cuisine.
Long Walk Grill - A highly-rated restaurant, Long Walk Grill is known for its great service and fantastic food.
Zizzi - Windsor - This Italian chain restaurant is known for its delicious Italian cuisine and gluten-free menu.
Nando's Windsor - The Afro-Portuguese chain restaurant serves lip-smacking grilled chicken with red-hot sauce.

Herschel Park: Need a breather from the city buzz? Head to Herschel Park! It's a tranquil escape with gorgeous gardens, blooming flowerbeds, and scenic walking paths — perfect for recharging those batteries.
Writ in Water: Feeling contemplative? Writ in Water might be your spot. This secluded green haven is open every day and has free entry.
Thorpe Park Resort: Calling all thrill-seekers! Thorpe Park Resort is an amusement park that promises a day of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, splashy water rides, and immersive experiences — you won't be disappointed!
Bachelor's Acre: This public park is a green oasis in Windsor. With its picturesque flower beds, shady trees, and manicured lawns, it's the perfect place to find peace and unwind amidst natural beauty.

Budget stays: Travelodge Slough (from £33 | 2.8 km), Baylis House Hotel (from £39 | 3.8 km), Clarion Collection Harte and Garter Hotel and Spa (from £43 | 280 m)
Mid-range stays: Holiday Inn Slough - Windsor (from £60 | 2.7 km), Goswell House Hotel (from £77 | 340 m), Macdonald Windsor Hotel (from £88 | 290 m)
Luxury stays: The Castle Hotel Windsor (from £119 | 290 m), Royal Adelaide Hotel (from £119 | 840 m), Sir Christopher Wren Hotel (from £128 | 290 m)

Wheelchair accessibility: If you have your own motorized wheelchair or scooter, you can bring it into the castle grounds and access most areas inside, as long as it fits in the lifts.
Lifts: Windsor Castle sits on a hill, so there's some uphill walking from the entrance to the main castle door. There's a platform lift on the North Terrace operated by a staff member who can give you a lift. Inside the castle, there's another platform lift to get you to the State Entrance. For the State Apartments, there's a lift right next to the cloakroom in the Inner Hall. And if you want to see St George's Chapel, there's a bell at the main entrance you can ring to get assistance for step-free access.
Wheelchairs on loan: The castle also has manual wheelchairs and rollators you can borrow free of charge, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Timed entry: Avoid reaching Windsor Castle more than 15 minutes after your allotted time slot.
Animals: Only assistance dogs are allowed within the Castle grounds.
Security checks: Cooperate with the staff as your belongings are subjected to airport-style security checks. Avoid carrying too many things to speed up the security screening.
Bag policy: Avoid carrying large suitcases and heavy luggage, as they may be prohibited from entering the castle grounds.
Smoking: Smoking or vaping (using electronic cigarettes) is prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
Photography: Photography and filming, including wearable devices and the use of drones, are prohibited inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel.
Prohibited items: Pen knives, knives, scissors, Kirpans (the Sikh article of faith), alcoholic drinks, and paints/aerosols are prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Windsor Castle

Can I visit Windsor Castle for free?

No, you cannot enter Windsor Castle for free. Windsor Castle tickets start at €35.15. You can also book guided tours, day trips from London, or combo tickets. These are more expensive than the standard entry ticket but have more to offer. With these tickets, you can get an in-depth understanding of the castle and enjoy nearby attractions at a discounted rate.

Can I enter Windsor Castle anytime during the operating hours?

No. You must enter Windsor Castle at the designated time slot. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your timeslot and allow yourself 2-3 hours to explore the castle grounds and premises.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Windsor Castle?

No, there is no dress code to follow at Windsor Castle. However, given the importance of the attraction to the UK’s heritage, wear respectable and modest clothes. Avoid shorts and flip-flops.

Is photography permitted inside Windsor Castle?

Photography is not permitted inside Windsor Castle State Apartments. However, you can take pictures for private use on the castle grounds.

Is Windsor Castle wheelchair-friendly?

Yes, all areas of Windsor Castle are wheelchair accessible, provided they are compatible with elevators. However, be advised that Windsor Castle is on top of a steep hill, and climbing up to the entrance can be a little tricky. Don’t hesitate to ask the Windsor Castle staff for any assistance you may require.

Can I buy food and drinks at Windsor Castle?

Yes, you can buy food and drinks at the Undercroft Cafe. However, note that the cafe is located at the end of your tour, near the exit. Eating and drinking in any other part of the castle is strictly prohibited.