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Windsor Castle
4.5(64.1K Ratings)

Explore the Waterloo Chamber

Included with Windsor Castle tickets

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

waterloo chamber

Explore Windsor Castle tickets & tours

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Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic site in Windsor, England.
Windsor Castle courtyard with St George’s Chapel in the background, England.
man listening to audio guide on the tour
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling and historical artifacts.
Windsor Castle interior showcasing ornate ceiling and historic furnishings.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling and historical artifacts.
Windsor Castle Interiors showcasing ornate ceiling and historic furnishings.
Windsor Castle interior showcasing ornate ceiling and historic furnishings.
Round Tower at Windsor Castle with tourists exploring the historic site in England.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic site in England.
Tickets
4.5(0)

Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Transfers included
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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, the seasonally open 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

  • The Semi-State Rooms at Windsor Castle are currently closed and are scheduled to reopen in autumn 2025.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • This experience is partially accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
  • For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
  • 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic site in England.
Crimson Drawing Room in Windsor Castle with ornate furnishings and historical decor.
Windsor Castle courtyard with St George’s Chapel in the background, England.
Stonehenge stone circle with tourists on a day trip from London.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling and historical artifacts.
Visitors exploring Windsor Castle with guide and audio guide in Windsor, England.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Windsor Castle interior showcasing ornate ceiling and historic furnishings.
View of Windsor Castle
Day Trips
4.5(0)

From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
Transfers included
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Perfect for those short on time, visit Windsor Castle in under 6 hours with 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: Visit the largest occupied castle and learn about the 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 of 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ​​This experience is partially accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
  • For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 14 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Stonehenge at sunrise with a clear sky in England, United Kingdom.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic site in England.
Oxford town street with historic architecture and tourists exploring the area.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling and historical artifacts.
Visitors exploring Stonehenge with ancient stone formations in the background, England.
Stonehenge builders' houses recreations for ancient celebrations and rituals, England.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic architecture in London, England.
Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library in Oxford, part of a day trip from London.
Windsor Castle courtyard with St George’s Chapel in the background, England.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists, part of London to Stonehenge and Oxford tour.
Day Trips
4.6(0)

From London: Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
11 hr. - 12 hr.
Audio guide
Guided tour
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See the royal, prehistoric, and academic side of England with this full-day trip from London.

  • Day out to Oxford, Windsor, and Stonehenge with round-trip transportation in an AC coach from central London.
  • You’ll get a guided tour of Oxford, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge, with insights into the history, architecture, and significance of each attraction.
  • Stonehenge & Windsor: Observe the Stone Circle as you hear theories about its construction and purpose, and stroll along the Thames Promenade at Windsor.
  • Oxford: Explore the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ and admire Oxford University, the oldest in the English-speaking world.
  • Upgrades: Choose to upgrade your tour to gain access to Windsor Castle and see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.

Inclusions

  • Full-day tour of Stonehenge, Windsor, and Oxford

  • Entry to Stonehenge

  • Round-trip AC coach transfers

  • Expert English, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, or French-speaking guide on the bus and at all three locations (as per option selected)

  • Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese at Stonehenge

Additional paid upgrades:

  • Entry to Windsor Castle

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • Lunch
  • You will not be allowed to enter the Stonehenge Circle itself. This is due to the restoration attempts and the relative instability of the structure. Your Stonehenge tickets allow you to access about 10 meters of the monument.
  • These tours run daily except from December 24 to 26.
  • Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tours with entry to Windsor Castle are unavailable on these days. Instead, you can go on a walking tour of Windsor.
  • St. George’s Chapel at Windsor is closed to visitors on Sundays. On some days, the State Apartments may also be closed.
  • English Heritage and National Trust England members can enjoy free admission to Stonehenge.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
  • Large backpacks and pushchairs are not permitted inside the Windsor Castle State Apartments.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
  • ​​This experience is partially accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
  • For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Stonehenge with audio guide, ancient stone circle in Wiltshire, England, tour from London.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic site in London.
Round Tower at Windsor Castle with tourists exploring the historic site in England.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling and historical artifacts.
St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, England, featuring Gothic architecture.
Group of tourists experiencing exclusive walk between the ancient stones at Stonehenge, with a scenic view of the countryside, on a guided tour from London
Eton College courtyard in Windsor on a Stonehenge and Windsor day trip from London.
Stonehenge at sunrise with a clear sky in England, United Kingdom.
Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling and historical artifacts.
Day Trips
4.3(0)

From London: Stonehenge and Windsor Day Trip

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
9 hr. - 10 hr. 30 min.
Audio guide
Guided tour
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Check availability

Perfect for budget travelers, see the best of Windsor and Stonehenge without breaking the bank.

  • Day out to the historic town of Windsor and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge on a guided day trip from London with round-trip transportation.
  • You’ll get round-trip transfers in an AC coach and a knowledgeable guide who will share historical and architectural insights and answer your questions.
  • Stonehenge: Learn about the history and the myths around Stonehenge, and see the reconstruction of a man’s face who lived on the site thousands of years ago.
  • Windsor: Explore the charming town of Windsor, stroll along the River Thames, and picnic at the Windsor Great Park, all with spectacular views of Windsor Castle.
  • Upgrades: Upgrade for Windsor Castle entry and walk through the State Apartments of the largest occupied castle, adorned with art by Rembrandt and Rubens.

Inclusions

  • Full-day tour of Stonehenge and Windsor

  • Entry to Stonehenge

  • Expert English or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)

  • Round-trip AC coach transfers

  • Boarding from central London

  • Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese at Stonehenge

Additional paid upgrades:

  • Entry to Windsor Castle

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • Lunch
  • You will not be allowed to enter the Stonehenge Circle itself. This is due to the restoration attempts and the relative instability of the structure. Your Stonehenge tickets allow you to access about 10 meters of the monument.
  • These tours run daily except from December 25.
  • Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tours with entry to Windsor Castle are unavailable on these days. Instead, you can go on a walking tour of Windsor.
  • St. George’s Chapel at Windsor is closed to visitors on Sundays. On some days, the State Apartments may also be closed.
  • English Heritage and National Trust England members can enjoy free admission to Stonehenge.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
  • Large backpacks and pushchairs are not permitted inside the Windsor Castle State Apartments.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
  • ​​This experience is partially accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
  • For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tourists walking around Stonehenge on a guided day trip from London.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic site in London.
Tourists at Stonehenge with Windsor Castle, Bath, and Roman Baths day trip from London.
Tourists at Stonehenge, ancient stone structures, green fields, clear sky, day trip from London.
Crimson Drawing Room in Windsor Castle with ornate furnishings and historical decor.
Windsor Castle courtyard with St George’s Chapel in the background, England.
Windsor Castle exterior with tourists exploring the historic architecture in London, England.
Tourists exploring Stonehenge on a day trip from London, including Windsor Castle and Bath.
Tourists at Stonehenge with ancient stone monument visible, day trip from London.
Day Trips
4.3(0)

From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.
Audio guide
Guided tour
Transfers included
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‌
Check availability

Visit three historic sites in the UK in just one day with round-trip coach transfers from London.

  • Day out to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath in a luxury AC coach from Central London, easily accessible by public transport.
  • You’ll get a guided tour of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and the beautiful town of Bath with historical context, interesting facts, and insights on a structured tour.
  • Stonehenge & Windsor Castle: Witness the arrangement of sarsen and bluestones in the Stone Circle and explore the castle grounds and its Gothic architecture.
  • Bath: Walk past the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, and the Bath Abbey on your visit to Bath and trace the city’s Roman roots and Georgian elegance.
  • Upgrades: Explore the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, and the preserved Roman Baths by upgrading your experience.

Inclusions

  • Full-day tour of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath

  • Entry to Stonehenge

  • Round-trip AC coach transfers

  • Boarding from central London

  • Expert English, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, French, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)

  • Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese at Stonehenge

Additional paid upgrades:

  • Entry to Windsor Castle

  • Entry to the Roman Baths

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • Lunch
  • You will not be allowed to enter the Stonehenge Circle itself. This is due to the restoration attempts and the relative instability of the structure. Your Stonehenge tickets allow you to access about 10 meters of the monument.
  • These tours run daily except from December 24 to 26.
  • 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.
  • English Heritage and National Trust England members can enjoy free admission to Stonehenge.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
  • Large backpacks and pushchairs are not permitted inside the Windsor Castle State Apartments.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
  • ​​This experience is partially accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
  • For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 38 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Waterloo Chamber | Celebrating the Battle of Waterloo

Dedicated to the Allied victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo, the Waterloo Chamber is a large room constructed in Windsor Castle from 1830 to 1831, honoring the British, Prussian, Russian, and Austrian forces led by the Duke of Wellington.

Where is it located?

The Waterloo Chamber is located within the State Apartments of Windsor Castle.

How to access the Chamber

Access to the Waterloo Chamber is part of the State Apartments' main route and is included in all ​Windsor Castle tickets.

Things to know before booking Waterloo Chamber tickets

  • Ticketed entry: When you book a ​ticket for Windsor Castle, access to the Waterloo Chamber is included in the price. You do not need to purchase a separate ticket to view the room.
  • Accessibility limitations: Step-free access to the Waterloo Chamber is available via a lift from the North Terrace. There is also ramped access from Engine Court to an alternative entrance of the State Apartments. The route involves some steps between different rooms in the State Apartments, but there are alternative step-free routes using lifts.
  • Timings: While the Waterloo Chamber generally follows the opening hours of Windsor Castle (10am to 5:15pm from Mar to Oct and 10am to 4:15pm from Nov to Feb), entry typically closes 30 mins after the last admission time for the castle itself. 
  • Closures: As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, the entire castle or parts of it, including the Waterloo Chamber, can be closed at short notice for official events or other reasons. Check the official Royal Collection Trust website for the most up-to-date closure information.

Waterloo Chamber in a nutshell

waterloo chamber
  • Year built: 1830-1831
  • Founder: George IV
  • Current use: Investitures, Garter Day Luncheon
  • Unique facts:
  • The carpet in Waterloo Chamber is the largest single-piece handmade carpet in the world and was presented to Queen Victoria. 
  • Originally built as a courtyard known as Horn Court, the Chamber has very thick walls that provided a natural firebreak during the disastrous 1992 fire.

What to do inside the Waterloo Chamber

waterloo chamber

View the portraits

The chamber celebrates the victory of the Allied forces at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Commissioned by George IV, Sir Thomas Lawrence painted 28 full and half-length portraits of allied monarchs, military commanders, and statesmen involved in the defeat of Napoleon. These include the Duke of Wellington and Emperor Francis I of Austria.

waterloo chamber

Observe the architecture

Built by Sir Jeffry Wyatville, the room has a more classical style in its proportions and detailing, unlike the Gothic Revival style in the rest of the castle. Key features include a pierced and fretted timber ceiling, panelled walls with Gibbons carvings, and five cut-glass chandeliers that were commissioned by Prince Albert and installed in 1862.

waterloo chamber

Visualise state occasions

From its inception, the Waterloo Chamber was intended for important state events, receptions for visiting dignitaries, and royal banquets. Remarkably, the Waterloo Chamber continues to be used by the current monarch for official entertaining, most notably for the annual lunch hosted for the Knights and Ladies of the Garter during the Garter Day ceremony.

Commissioned by King George IV, portraitist Sir Thomas Lawrence embarked on a project to capture the likenesses of key figures involved in Napoleon's defeat, as well as individuals from the restored French monarchy. These portraits, still displayed together in the Waterloo Chamber today, were created as Lawrence traveled across Europe and later in his London studio.

Lawrence's collection within the chamber includes depictions of:

Duke of Wellington
Tsar Alexander I of Russia
Emperor Francis I of Austria
King Frederick William III of Prussia
Field-Marshal Karl Philip Prince of Schwarzenberg

Historical and cultural significance of the Waterloo Chamber

  • 1940: During World War II, the Sir Thomas Lawrence portraits were taken off display to protect them from German air raids. Art student Claude Whatham was commissioned to create pantomimes on the wallpaper.
  • 1943: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret staged a performance of Aladdin in front of an audience that included the future Prince Philip, who was on leave from the Royal Navy.
  • 2004: The room was transformed into ‘The Music Room’ to host a state dinner and performance of the musical Les Misérables. This event commemorated the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, for which the Lawrence paintings were temporarily removed. 
  • 2020: Whatham's pantomime artwork was exhibited at Windsor Castle once more.
  • Present: Today, the Waterloo Chamber serves as the venue for the annual Garter Day luncheon in June, and Investitures.

Know before you go

waterloo chamber

The Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

  • Nov 1 to Feb 29: 10am to 4:15pm 
  • Mar 1 to Oct 31: 10am to 5:15pm 

Entry to the Waterloo Chamber closes 30 mins after the last admission time.

Windsor Castle timings

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1QF, United Kingdom | ​Find on Maps

  • By bus: 702, 703
    Nearest stop: Parish Church (Stop J)
  • By train: GWR, South Western Railway
    Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central
  • By car: Via A4 and M4
    Nearest parking: Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road
  • By guided tour: Evan Evans Tours
    Nearest stop: Windsor Castle
Directions to Windsor Castle
waterloo chamber
  • Strollers: Strollers and buggies are not permitted inside the Waterloo Chamber. You will need to leave them in a designated area. However, baby carriers are permitted.
  • Baggage policy: Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not permitted. Smaller bags like handbags and small shoulder bags are allowed, but they may be subject to security checks.
  • Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Waterloo Chamber.
  • Outside food and drinks: No food or drinks are allowed inside the chamber. But there are cafés on the castle grounds where you can refuel before or after your visit.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Visitor tips and guidelines

  • Time your visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony: Plan your Waterloo Chamber visit just before or after the Changing of the Guard at Windsor (around 11am). While the State Apartments (where the Chamber is located) get crowded after the guard change, if you head straight to the apartments at opening time, you'll get a quieter look.
  • Admire the ceiling: The ceiling is often overlooked because of the massive portraits, but it features rich, detailed plasterwork dating from George IV’s time. Step to the center of the room and tilt your head to see the raking clerestory roof, designed to resemble the hull of a Royal Navy ship.
  • Ask a warden about wartime repairs: During WWII, the Thomas Lawrence portraits were taken down, and pantomime paintings, made for Princess Elizabeth and Margaret, briefly replaced the bare walls. A few wardens know exactly where these paintings hide behind the massive portraits.
  • Visit later in the day for golden light: Because the Chamber has tall windows, late afternoon sunlight (on sunny days) pours in and lights the portraits beautifully. It’s much more atmospheric than the flat midday light.
  • Key figures to spot: Duke of Wellington, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, King Frederick William III of Prussia, Lord Castlereagh, and Emperor Francis I of Austria are portraits you should look out for.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Waterloo Chamber

Do I need a separate ticket to enter the Waterloo Chamber?

Nope, no extra ticket needed! Your ​Windsor Castle entry ticket includes access to the Waterloo Chamber.

Is the Waterloo Chamber wheelchair accessible?

Yes! While there are some steps, there’s a lift from the North Terrace and ramped access from Engine Court, making it friendly for those with mobility needs. Windsor Castle has alternative step-free routes to help everyone enjoy the experience.

How long should I plan to spend at the Waterloo Chamber?

Plan for at least 20–30 mins to fully soak in the art, architecture, and the incredible atmosphere. You might want even longer if you love history!

Can I visit just the Waterloo Chamber without touring Windsor Castle?

No, as the Waterloo Chamber is part of the Windsor Castle experience.

Can I visit the Waterloo Chamber during royal events?

During special occasions like Garter Day, the Chamber plays a key role. However, it might close temporarily for royal events — check Windsor Castle’s official schedule if you’re planning around such dates.

Is the Waterloo Chamber suitable for kids?

Definitely! The portraits and grand architecture can spark young imaginations — and if you share the story of the princesses staging pantomimes here during WWII, it becomes even more magical for little visitors.

Was the Waterloo Chamber affected by the Windsor Castle fire?

The Chamber’s thick old walls helped act as a natural firebreak during the devastating 1992 fire, sparing this historic space from major damage.

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