Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace

Quick comparison – Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace

Feature	Windsor Castle	Buckingham Palace
Location	Windsor (~40 km from London)	Central London
Price	Entry from £31; Tours from £57	Royal Mews from £17; State Rooms from £32
What is it?	The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world	Administrative heart of the monarchy, site of ceremonies
Built	11th century (c.1070)	18th century (c.1705)
Size	484,000 sq ft, with over 1,000 rooms	828,821 sq ft, with around 775 rooms
Timings	Year-round (some closures for royal events)	Summer months (State Rooms are only open Jul–Sep)
Duration needed	Half-day to full-day visit	1–2 hours
Queues	Medium	High
Best time to visit	Spring & summer mornings; weekdays for fewer crowds	July–September (State Rooms open); early mornings for Changing of the Guard
Accessibility	Step-free routes, lifts, accessible toilets; service animals welcome. Some steep gradients in the grounds	Step-free State Room access, hearing loops, accessible toilets, service animals welcome
Kid-friendly	Family trails, open spaces, interactive exhibits	Formal tour, less interactive for children
Highlights	St George’s Chapel, State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, Changing of the Guard	State Rooms, Changing of the Guard, Royal Gardens
Dining	On-site Undercroft Café	No cafés or restaurants inside the palace
Nearby attractions	Windsor Great Park, Eton College, LEGOLAND Windsor	St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben
Photography	Photography allowed in certain areas (no flash inside)	Photography restricted inside, allowed in gardens

How will your experience vary?

Windsor Castle with visitors walking along the Long Walk in Windsor, England.

What to expect at Windsor Castle

A living fortress with 900 years of history, Windsor is immersive and family-friendly. You’ll explore sprawling grounds, Gothic chapels, and medieval towers. Expect a half-day trip with travel outside London, some uphill walking, and busier weekends, but also the richest dive into royal history.

Buckingham Palace with vibrant flower gardens and Victoria Memorial in London.

What to expect at Buckingham Palace

Right in the heart of London, Buckingham is iconic and ceremonial. You’ll catch the famous Changing of the Guard, elegant Neoclassical rooms (open in summer), and its vast garden. Visits are short and queues long, and younger kids may find it less engaging, but it’s the most symbolic “royal London” stop.

Verdict – Which should you visit?

Short on time in London? Go for Buckingham Palace – central, iconic, and quick to explore.

Ready for a full day out? Choose Windsor Castle – the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, packed with history and grandeur.

Want the full royal experience? If you’re in London for 3+ days, do both – one for London’s royal heart, the other for a journey into the past.

Why settle when you can see both?

A Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace combo tour is the most cost-effective way to experience royal London. With transfers included and pre-booked entry, you’ll save time, money, and the stress of managing two separate visits. Perfect for first-timers.

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Major differences between Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace

Windsor Castle exterior with round tower and lush gardens, England.

History & architecture

Windsor Castle: Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Windsor is the world’s oldest occupied castle. It’s a true fortress with towers, battlements, with 1,000+ rooms still in use.

Buckingham Palace: Built in the 1700s, Buckingham is the ceremonial headquarters of the monarchy. Its grand neoclassical façade fronts 775 rooms, but it was never designed for defense.

Buckingham Palace state room interior with chandeliers and ornate red decor.

Experience highlights

Windsor Castle: Explore State Apartments, St George’s Chapel (burial place of Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII), and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Watch the smaller Changing of the Guard and other royal ceremonies.

Buckingham Palace: Famous for its grand Changing of the Guard, it also opens its State Rooms in summer and includes the King’s Gallery exhibitions, and the Royal Mews with carriages and horses.

Windsor Castle entrance with lush green lawns and historic architecture.

Atmosphere & audience

Windsor Castle: Great for families and history lovers, with spacious outdoor areas and interactive trails for kids. Smaller crowds than Buckingham but busier on weekends.

Buckingham Palace: Formal, ceremonial, and better for adults or older children. The State Rooms can feel regal but less engaging for younger kids. Summer openings can feel crowded.

Thames River cruise boat passing by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London.

Location & surroundings

Windsor Castle: Located 40 km west of London, Windsor is best as a half-day or full-day trip. Nearby attractions include Windsor Great Park, Eton College, and LEGOLAND Windsor.

Buckingham Palace: Right in central London, near Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and St James’s Park. Easy to combine with a city sightseeing day.

Guards in red uniforms outside Buckingham Palace, London.

When to visit

Windsor Castle: Open year-round (with some royal closures). Allow 3–4 hours, plus 30–40 minutes travel each way from London. Expect moderate queues; weekdays and mornings are best.

Buckingham Palace: State Rooms are only open July to September, but the Royal Mews and Gallery are year-round. Tours take 1–2 hours, with long queues. Mornings are best for the Changing of the Guard.

Afternoon tea setup with pastries and tea set at Windsor Castle.

Other practicalities

Windsor Castle: Step-free access, lifts and accessible restrooms. No photography inside State Apartments and chapel. The on-site café serves snacks, drinks, and light meals.

Buckingham Palace: Accessibility is excellent, with step-free access, hearing loops, accessible restrooms. Strict no-photography policy indoors. There’s no café, just a gift shop.

What you’ll see at Windsor Castle

St George’s Chapel

Stunning Gothic chapel, final resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.

Windsor Castle interior with ornate paintings and antique furniture in a richly decorated room.

Guards in red uniforms marching at Windsor Castle courtyard, England.

Queen Mary's Dolls House library with miniature books and furniture.

Windsor Castle viewed from the Long Walk on a day tour.

What you’ll see at Buckingham Palace

White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with ornate gold decor and chandeliers.

State Rooms

Magnificent ceremonial rooms with gilded ceilings and priceless art, open to the public only in summer.

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats perform at Changing of the Guard, London.

Artworks and ornate furniture inside the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace with ornate carriage and horses, guide explaining to visitors.

Visiting Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace

Windsor Castle exterior with manicured gardens, part of Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle tour.

Windsor from London: Multiple coach tours depart daily from London, and take around 1.5 hours to reach Windsor. These often include entrance tickets, guides, and free time to explore.

Combined day tours: There are also full-day tours covering both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, ideal for first-time visitors. These tours make it easy to enjoy both royal landmarks in one trip without needing to plan separately.

DIY day tours: For independent travelers, you can opt for a morning at Windsor Castle (via train or coach from London) followed by an afternoon at Buckingham Palace, though this can feel rushed if you try to do it in just 1 day.

Morning – Windsor Castle (9 am – 1 pm)

Catch an early train from London Paddington or Waterloo to Windsor (30–40 minutes).
Explore the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Time your visit to see the Changing of the Guard (on set days, usually late morning).

Lunch (1 pm – 2 pm)

Grab a quick bite at Windsor Castle’s Undercroft Café or pick up something near Windsor station.
Return to London by train or coach.

Afternoon – Buckingham Palace (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm)

Arrive at Buckingham Palace in central London.
Tour the State Rooms (if visiting in summer) or visit the Royal Mews / Queen’s Gallery year-round.
End your visit by enjoying St James’s Park, right opposite the palace.

Evening (optional)

Stay in central London for dinner and explore nearby landmarks like Westminster Abbey or The London Eye.

You can also spend some time shopping or getting dinner at Regent Street and Oxford Street, followed by a play or musical at London's famous West End theatres.

Windsor Castle

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
By train: GWR, South Western Railway (Windsor & Eton Central station)
By bus: Green Line 702 or 703 from London Victoria Coach Station
By car: Via A4 and M4

Getting to Windsor Castle →

Buckingham Palace

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
By tube: Jubilee, District, or Circle line (Green Park or St. James’s Park station)
By bus: 11, 211, C1, and C10 (Victoria Coach Station)

Directions to Buckingham Palace →

Buckingham Palace exterior with Victoria Memorial and colorful flower garden in London.

Windsor Castle:

Open most of the year, from 10 am to 4:14 pm or till 5:15 pm depending on the season.
St George’s Chapel closes to tourists on Sundays for services, so plan accordingly.
Detailed Windsor Castle timings

Buckingham Palace:

The State Rooms are only open July–Sept, from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, or till 6:30 pm (Sept)
King’s Gallery open April–Nov 8, from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Royal Mews are open March–Nov from 10 am to 5 pm
Buckingham Palace timings →

Duration needed & best time to visit

Windsor Castle: Plan for 3–4 hours or half a day. Spring and summer mornings are ideal. For a quiet visit, avoid weekends when tour buses come in.
Buckingham Palace: 1–2 hours. Best visited during July–September when the State Rooms open. Visit in the mornings to secure a good spot for the Changing of the Guard.

Windsor Castle stone tower with lush garden and pathway in foreground.

Best photo spots: Photography buffs will get more out of Windsor (especially with the North Terrace’s views over the Thames Valley), since Buckingham restricts indoor photos. Though you can get iconic shots of Buckingham Palace from St James’s Park bridge or the Victoria Memorial steps.
Dress rules: St George’s Chapel at Windsor is an active place of worship, so modest dress and silence are expected.
Windsor at Christmas: Windsor often hosts special exhibitions and Easter services, and each December, Windsor Castle is beautifully decorated for Christmas, complete with a grand tree in St George’s Hall—a festive highlight not available at Buckingham Palace.
Visiting in the summer? Buckingham shines in summer with State Rooms open (July–October) and Trooping the Colour in June.
Ticketing tip: Ask to have your Windsor Castle ticket stamped for a free 1-year pass. For Buckingham Palace, book summer State Room tickets online well in advance as they sell out fast.
Short on time? Buckingham is mostly indoors and quicker to tour, while Windsor’s outdoor grounds need 2–3 hours.
Prepare for the weather: Windsor’s grounds are outdoors and exposed, so bring an umbrella or sun protection. Buckingham visits are mainly indoors, but ceremonies outside are weather-dependent.

Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace

Can you visit both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in one day?

It’s possible but not ideal. Windsor Castle is a 30–40 minute train ride from London and needs at least half a day. Buckingham Palace is central and quicker to visit. Doing both in one day is doable but rushed; better to dedicate separate days if you can.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace have similar base ticket prices, around £30 for adults. However, Windsor often provides better value as tickets can be upgraded to a free annual pass, while Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are only seasonally accessible.

Which is better for first-time visitors to the UK?

For first-time visitors, Buckingham Palace delivers the iconic royal experience: central, instantly recognizable, and tied to British pageantry. Windsor Castle is ideal for a deeper or second visit, offering history, grandeur, and a full-day escape beyond the capital.

Which is better for families with kids?

Windsor Castle is more child-friendly, with open grounds, family trails, and engaging exhibits. Buckingham Palace tours are more formal and usually limited to the State Rooms or galleries, making them less appealing to younger children.

Is Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace easier to reach from London?

Buckingham Palace is easier—it’s in central London, a short walk from major landmarks. Windsor Castle requires a train or coach ride from London (30–40 minutes), making it better suited for a half-day or full-day trip.

Which is better if I only have a couple of hours?

Buckingham Palace is more convenient for short visits. You can see the Changing of the Guard and tour the State Rooms in about 90 minutes. Windsor Castle requires at least half a day to fully appreciate its history and scale.

Which has the better Changing of the Guard?

Both feature the ceremony, but the scale and setting differ. Buckingham Palace offers the grander version. Windsor Castle’s Changing of the Guard is smaller but more atmospheric, especially against the backdrop of the historic castle walls.

What makes Windsor Castle unique compared to Buckingham Palace?

Windsor Castle is a living piece of history, continuously occupied for over 900 years. It combines fortress architecture, royal apartments, and a functioning chapel. Buckingham Palace, while iconic, is more about ceremonial grandeur and central London symbolism than sheer age and scale.

Is Windsor Castle included in the London Pass?

Windsor Castle is not typically included in the London Pass since it lies outside central London, but many organized day tours from London combine Windsor with Stonehenge or Bath. Buckingham Palace is, however, covered in some London city passes.

Which one did Queen Elizabeth II prefer?

Queen Elizabeth II preferred Windsor Castle in Berkshire and Balmoral Castle in Scotland over Buckingham Palace. Windsor Castle is where the Queen was based from 2011 until she died in 2022.

Which is bigger, Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace?

Windsor Castle is larger, it’s the world’s oldest and biggest inhabited castle, covering 13 acres. Buckingham Palace is smaller by comparison, though it has more rooms (over 770), mainly used for administrative and ceremonial purposes.