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	18th century
Opening times	Year-round (some closures for royal events)	Jul–Sep only (State Rooms)
Duration needed	Half-day	1–2 hours
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
Nearby attractions	Windsor Great Park, Eton College, LEGOLAND Windsor	St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben
Queues	Medium	Long
Kid-friendly	Family trails, open spaces, interactive exhibits	No (formal tour, less interactive for young children)
Best time to visit	Spring & summer mornings; weekdays for fewer crowds	July–September (State Rooms open); early mornings for Changing of the Guard
Photography	Allowed in certain areas (no flash inside)	Restricted inside, allowed in gardens

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 choose when you can see both?

See both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace the easy way! A full-day Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace tour is perfect for first-time visitors. Save money, skip the booking hassle, and tick two royal must-sees off your bucket list.

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Major differences between Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace

Size

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is huge (we're talking 108 meters long by 24 meters wide), and covers a whopping 828,821 square feet

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle is a more modest 48 meters by 24 meters, which comes in at 484,000 square feet.

Age

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle is the older of the two – it's been around for over 900 years! William the Conqueror, who invaded England way back in 1066, built it in 1070.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace, on the other hand, is fairly new. Its history started in the early 1700s, with construction coming to an end in 1705.

Architecture

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle is fortified with walls and towers —the whole shebang.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is more like a luxurious apartment building for the royals. It's grand and impressive, but it wasn't built to withstand a battle!

Windsor Castle Garter Throne Room with ornate chandeliers and royal portraits.

Experiences

Windsor Castle: Explore State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and watch the Changing of the Guard in a more intimate setting. You can also explore vast grounds.

Buckingham Palace: You can see a much grander Changing of the Guard ceremony, and visit the Gallery and the Royal Mews. In the summer, the State Rooms open to visitors.

What’s inside?

Windsor Castle: Buckingham Palace might be the more enormous building, but Windsor Castle is bigger on the inside! Windsor Castle has over 1,000 rooms.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace, however, only has around 775 rooms, including everything from fancy royal apartments to bathrooms and offices.

Gardens

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace beats Windsor Castle when it comes to gardens. The palace boasts the biggest private garden in all of London, sprawling over a whopping 39 acres.

Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle has its own East Terrace Gardens, but it’s only 13 acres; impressive, but not quite as grand.

Open to the public

Windsor Castle: Although Buckingham Palace is bigger, Windsor Castle is the one that shares the spotlight year-round. You can visit it any time you like.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace only opens its doors to tourists between July and October. However, you can still peek at the Queen's Gallery or the Royal Mews all year round.

Windsor Castle's stone facade with visitors in lush green surroundings, England.

Queues

Windsor Castle: Expect medium wait times, especially at security. Pre-booking tickets online helps reduce delays, making entry smoother.

Buckingham Palace: Lines can get long—especially during summer State Room openings and the Changing of the Guard. Arriving early or booking in advance is the best way to avoid crowds.

Guards in red uniforms outside Buckingham Palace, London.

Best time to visit

Windsor Castle: Spring and summer mornings are ideal, with fewer crowds on weekdays. The castle is open most of the year, so you have plenty of flexibility.

Buckingham Palace: Best visited during July–September when the State Rooms open. For the iconic Changing of the Guard, mornings are the prime time year-round.

Windsor Castle entrance with visitors walking on the path, London.

Time needed

Windsor Castle: Allow 3–4 hours or half a day to explore the State Apartments, chapel, and grounds comfortably, especially to watch the Changing of the Guard.

Buckingham Palace: Around 1–2 hours is enough for the State Rooms tour, with extra time if you include the Royal Mews, King’s Gallery, or the Changing of the Guard.

People walking along the Windsor Long Walk, surrounded by lush green trees.

Accessibility

Windsor Castle: Step-free access and lifts available, but, some areas in the grounds can be uneven. Accessible restrooms, wheelchairs on request, and free admission for carers.

Buckingham Palace: Excellent accessibility with step-free State Rooms, hearing loops, accessible restrooms, and assistance dogs welcome. Carers enter free.

Afternoon tea set with floral china at Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

Dining options

Windsor Castle: There is the on-site Undercroft Café, serving light meals, sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks. A convenient spot for a quick break during their castle visit.

Buckingham Palace: No cafés or restaurants inside the palace itself. Visitors can choose from lots of dining options located outside the palace grounds.

Westminster Abbey exterior with Big Ben and Thames River in London.

Nearby attractions

Windsor Castle: There’s Windsor Great Park, Eton College, and boat rides along the Thames. Families can even head to LEGOLAND Windsor nearby for a fun day out.

Buckingham Palace: Located in Central London, it's surrounded by iconic sights like St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, or Trafalgar Square—all within walking distance.

St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle with ceremonial guards on steps.

Events

Windsor Castle: There are royal weddings, state visits, and special exhibitions throughout the year at the castle itself and at St George’s Chapel.

Buckingham Palace: National celebrations like Trooping the Colour, royal balcony appearances, and the King’s official birthday take place here. Seasonal exhibitions and garden tours also take place.

Tour guide with City Wonders flag in front of Buckingham Palace, London.

Photography rules

Windsor Castle: Photography is allowed in outdoor areas but prohibited inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. Respectful silence is requested during chapel visits.

Buckingham Palace: Strict no-photography policy inside the State Rooms. Pictures are only permitted in the palace gardens at the end of the tour.

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

Kid-friendly

Windsor Castle: A great choice for families—kids enjoy the open grounds, interactive trails, and dramatic towers. There’s space to explore and plenty to keep young visitors engaged.

Buckingham Palace: Less kid-focused, with formal State Room tours and limited interaction. While impressive for older children, younger ones may find it less engaging.

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.

Know before you go

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

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)

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 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 unless you plan and time your visits carefully.

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

Windsor Castle

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

Buckingham Palace

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

Visitor Tips

Best photo spots: Head to Windsor’s North Terrace for the best views over the Thames Valley, and at Buckingham, capture iconic shots from St James’s Park bridge or the Victoria Memorial steps.
Dress and rules: Dress modestly for St George’s Chapel at Windsor, and note that photography is not allowed inside the State Apartments at either site.
Look out for seasonal highlights: Windsor often hosts special exhibitions and Easter services, while 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.
Prepare for the weather: Windsor’s grounds are outdoors and exposed, so bring an umbrella or sun protection. Buckingham Palace visits are mainly indoors, but Changing of the Guard ceremonies take place outside.
Seasonal highlights: At Windsor Castle, don’t miss Easter services and the rotating exhibitions. While at Buckingham Palace, top events include the Summer State Rooms opening (July–October) and Trooping the Colour in June.

Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace

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.

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.

Can I see the Changing of Guard at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace?

Yes, 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.

The Changing of the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace Forecourt every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45am and lasts 45 minutes. The ceremony takes place at 11am at Windsor Castle grounds on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

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.

Who owns Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?

Contrary to popular belief, neither is owned by the monarch. Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are owned by the Crown, the executive arm of the State.

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.