How much time do I need to visit Windsor Castle?

Most visitors spend between 2.5 and 3 hours exploring Windsor Castle. This allows enough time to pass through security, tour the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="tJpLHFN0" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="683479bf464fee99b53326a9" text="State Apartments" uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk.windsor-castle-tickets.state-apartments" lang="en" />, view <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="fr9t1FcR" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="683479aa0b02dbde13bf42c1" text="Queen Mary's Dolls' House" uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk.windsor-castle-tickets.queen-marys-dolls-house" lang="en" />, and visit <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="zybd65lL" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="683479b3c37ea939305c99ba" text="St. George's Chapel" uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk.windsor-castle-tickets.st-georges-chapel" lang="en" />.

Can I visit Windsor Castle and Eton College on the same day?

Yes, Eton College is located directly across the River Thames from Windsor, connected by a pedestrian bridge. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes to walk from the castle gates to Eton High Street.

Are there free things to do in Windsor?

Yes! Walking down the 2.5-mile <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="j743Q93X" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6a2f8b3ae23e242e4d591295" text="Long Walk" uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk.windsor-castle-tickets.long-walk" lang="en" /> in Windsor Great Park, exploring Alexandra Gardens along the River Thames, walking through historic Eton, and taking photographs of the Crooked House and Guildhall are all completely free.

How do I travel from London to Windsor?

You can take a direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (approx. 55 minutes) or a train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central with a quick change at Slough (approx. 35–45 minutes total).

Is Windsor suitable for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, Windsor Castle and major town areas provide accessible step-free routes, accessible restrooms, and paved paths. However, be aware that Windsor High Street and Castle Hill feature steep inclines and historic cobblestones.

Top things to do in Windsor

From walking through 1,000 years of royal history at Windsor Castle to strolling down the tree-lined Long Walk, Windsor offers a quintessential British escape along the River Thames.

Must-dos: Tour the State Apartments at Windsor Castle, stroll the 2.5-mile Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, and walk across the river to Eton College.
Who it’s for: First-time UK visitors, history enthusiasts, and families looking for a charming day trip from London.
Pro tip: Book castle admission in advance; timed entry slots sell out fast on weekends. Book your Windsor Castle experience →

Royal landmarks

Step into centuries of British monarchy with world-renowned historic sites.

Windsor Castle

Photo-ops · Luxury

What it is: The world's oldest and largest inhabited castle, serving as an official residence of the British Monarch.
Why it’s great: Step inside magnificent State Apartments filled with Royal Collection treasures and centuries of royal heritage.
Pro tip: Arrive early for security checks and catch the Changing the Guard ceremony on scheduled morning dates.
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Location: Castle Hill, Windsor town centre
Accessibility: ♿ Stroller-friendly and step-free access paths available across main courtyards.
Photography tip: 📷 Capture the finest exterior shots from the Lower Ward courtyard looking toward the Round Tower.

St. George’s Chapel

Photo-ops · Solo

What it is: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture located within the walls of Windsor Castle.
Why it’s great: It serves as the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and the royal venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.
Pro tip: St. George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays for religious services, so plan your castle visit Monday through Saturday.
Duration: 45 minutes
Location: Lower Ward inside Windsor Castle

Explore St. George's Chapel

Eton College

Photo-ops · History

What it is: A famous historic public boarding school founded in 1440 by King Henry VI.
Why it’s great: Walk across the Windsor Bridge to admire historic Gothic architecture where Princes William and Harry studied.
Pro tip: Public tours of the heritage buildings and museums run on select seasonal weekend afternoons.
Location: High Street, Eton (10-minute walk across Windsor Bridge)

Free & scenic outdoors

Discover tranquil green spaces, grand avenues, and picturesque riverside walks without spending a penny.

The Long Walk & Windsor Great Park

Nature · Budget

What it is: An iconic 2.5-mile straight avenue lined with ancient oak trees connecting Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue.
Why it’s great: Delivers sweeping views of the castle, open countryside, and roaming red deer across thousands of parkland acres.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water; there are no refreshment stalls directly along the avenue.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours (round-trip walk)
Accessibility: ♿ Paved, wide flat path accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Photography tip: 📷 Stand near the Copper Horse statue at Snow Hill for the iconic framing of the castle down the avenue.

About the Long Walk

River Thames Promenade & Alexandra Gardens

Relaxation · Budget

What it is: A scenic riverside park along the Thames with manicured lawns, bandstands, and waterfowl feeding spots.
Why it’s great: Perfect for a relaxed afternoon picnic while watching swans and traditional riverboats glide past.
Pro tip: Grab takeout coffee near Windsor Bridge and sit near the swan liftoff area for the best river views.
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Barry Avenue, Windsor

The Queen’s Walkway

Solo · Budget

What it is: A self-guided 6.3-kilometre walking trail designed to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest-reigning monarch.
Why it’s great: Connects 63 key historical landmarks across Windsor and Eton, marked by bronze pavement plaques.
Pro tip: Download the walking route map online or pick up a guide at the Windsor Visitor Information Centre.
Duration: 2 hours

See all scenic walking guides in London →

Family & entertainment

Exciting attractions, theme parks, and river cruises for visitors of all ages.

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Families · Adventure

What it is: A world-famous theme park dedicated to LEGO® brick creations, interactive rides, and themed lands.
Why it’s great: Features over 55 rides, live stunt shows, and incredible scale models of international landmarks in Miniland.
Pro tip: Download the resort app to monitor live queue times and pre-book popular ride passes during peak summer days.
Duration: Full day (6–8 hours)
Location: Winkfield Road, Windsor (10-minute bus ride from town centre)
Accessibility: ♿ Fully accessible pathways with stroller rental service available near the main entrance.

River Thames boat cruise

Families · Couples

What it is: A relaxing passenger boat tour navigating the historic waterways of the Thames.
Why it’s great: Offers fresh perspective views of Windsor Castle, Eton College boathouses, and royal riverfront estates.
Pro tip: Choose a 40-minute round-trip cruise for a quick sightseeing break or a 2-hour lunch cruise for a relaxed experience.
Duration: 40 minutes to 2 hours
Location: Windsor Promenade boarding pier

Book Thames River cruise

Royal Windsor Racecourse

Groups · Luxury

What it is: A premier flat racing venue located on a 165-acre island along the River Thames.
Why it’s great: Host to thrilling Monday night summer horse racing fixtures with food pop-ups and live musical performances.
Pro tip: Arrive via the water taxi from Windsor town centre for a stylish and scenic arrival at the racecourse gates.
Duration: 4 hours (evening fixture)

Food, drinks & local charm

Experience traditional British pub culture, local craft brewing, and quirky town architecture.

The Crooked House of Windsor & Guildhall

Photo-ops · History

What it is: A distinctive 17th-century slanted building situated right beside Windsor’s historic Guildhall town hall.
Why it’s great: Perfect heritage photo stop showcasing quirky timber framing and centuries-old architectural history.
Pro tip: Look closely at the Guildhall pillars—Sir Christopher Wren added extra columns that don't quite touch the ceiling to prove a point to town officials!
Duration: 20 minutes
Location: High Street, Windsor

Windsor & Eton Brewery tour

Groups · Relaxation

What it is: An independent craft brewery dedicated to preserving traditional local brewing traditions in Windsor.
Why it’s great: Sample award-winning craft ales and learn how royal barley harvests inspire local brewing recipes.
Pro tip: Reserve a weekend taproom guided tour in advance to taste fresh pilot brews straight from the fermentation tanks.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Vansittart Estate, Windsor

Riverside dining at The Boatman

Couples · Relaxation

What it is: Windsor's only pub located directly on the banks of the River Thames with a covered glass terrace.
Why it’s great: Enjoy traditional British Sunday roasts or fresh seafood while watching swans swim right past your table.
Pro tip: Reserve terrace seating well in advance if visiting on summer weekends.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: 10 Thames Side, Windsor

Explore London food & pub tours →

Recommended itineraries

Stop 1: Tour Windsor Castle State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (2.5 hours).
Stop 2: Walk down High Street to take photos at the Crooked House and Guildhall (30 mins).
Stop 3: Take a quick 40-minute Thames River boat cruise from the promenade.

Morning: Explore Windsor Castle right at opening (2.5 hours). Book tickets here
Lunch: Enjoy riverside dining at The Boatman pub.
Afternoon: Stroll down the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park to Snow Hill (2 hours).
Late afternoon: Cross the footbridge into Eton for a walk along Eton High Street and college grounds (1.5 hours).

Day 1: Full immersion in Windsor town—Windsor Castle, Eton College walk, Thames cruise, and an evening pub tour at Windsor & Eton Brewery.
Day 2: Full family day trip to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort followed by dinner at Windsor Royal Station.

Seasonal & time-based experiences

Spring (Mar–May)

Highlights: Daffodils in bloom along the Long Walk; pleasant weather for walks.

Inside tip: Visit St. George's Chapel during Easter week for choral Evensong services.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Highlights: Open-air Thames cruises, evening horse racing at Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Insider tip: Book morning castle slots before 10am to avoid peak tourist crowds.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Highlights: Golden foliage across Windsor Great Park; crisp morning walks.

Insider tip: Great time for photography at Snow Hill without heavy summer foot traffic.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Highlights: Festive decorations inside Windsor Castle State Apartments; cosy pub fires.

Insider tip: Castle hours are slightly shorter; complete outdoor walks before sunset around 4pm.

Book your tickets & tours

#Windsor Castle Tickets with Optional Train/Coach Transfers from London

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers available

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LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Tickets

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

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National Express: One-Way Bus Transfers Between London Victoria Station & Windsor

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

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From London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Guided Tour with Access to Roman Bath

Flexible cancellation

11 hrs

Guided tour

Transfers available

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Compare your options

Ticket/Tour type	What’s included	Entry type	Duration	Best for
Windsor Castle admission	Access to State Apartments, St. George's Chapel & semi-state rooms	Timed entry ticket	2.5–3 hours	First-timers, history lovers
London to Windsor day trip	Round-trip train or coach transport from central London + castle tour	Tour voucher	5–6 hours	Day-trippers from London
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort tickets	Full-day admission to 55+ rides, live shows, and Miniland	E-ticket/Mobile pass	1 day	Families, kids & thrill-seekers
National Express Bus (London to Windsor)	Direct return coach transfer between London Victoria & Windsor	Express coach ticket	1.5 hours (each way)	Budget travellers, easy transport
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath tours	Entry to Windsor Castle, guided tour of Stonehenge & walking tour of Bath with coach transport	Day tour package	10–11 hours	Sightseers, full-day trip lovers
Thames River sightseeing cruise	Scenic river boat ride with live commentary	E-ticket	40 mins–1 hr	Couples, budget travellers

Practical guide

Entry & access: Always purchase castle tickets online in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot and bypass ticket office queues.
Best times: Weekdays outside of school holidays offer the quietest experience at major attractions.
Getting around: Windsor town centre is extremely walkable. Trains run directly from London Paddington (via Slough) to Windsor & Eton Central, or direct from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside.

Safety: Stay alert along the River Thames promenade, especially when walking with young children near unfenced bankings.
Etiquette: Drones are strictly prohibited across Windsor Castle grounds and the entirety of Windsor Great Park due to royal security rules.

Weather: Rain showers can occur unexpectedly year-round.
Packing: Bring an umbrella, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and gravel paths, and a refillable water bottle for park strolls.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Windsor

Most visitors spend between 2.5 and 3 hours exploring Windsor Castle. This allows enough time to pass through security, tour the State Apartments, view Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and visit St. George's Chapel.

Top things to do in Windsor