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Plan Your Visit to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, a historic fortress in Berkshire, England, glimpses into the royal heritage of the British monarchy. Elegance and nobility flow throughout the castle grounds, attracting visitors from all corners.

Windsor Castle | Visitor information at a glance

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 1 November to 29 February and from 10am to 5:15pm from 1 March to 31 October.

Last entry - 1 hour 15 minutes before closing.

Closed - Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays every week. It also remains closed on 29 March, 31 March (opens at 1pm), 21 April (closes at 1:15pm), 16 June (State Apartments closed), and 17 June.

What's the best time to visit Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is on most UK tourists’ itineraries and for good reason. The Castle is historically and culturally significant and serves as a reminder of the British Monarch’s heritage. Over 900 years old, it is the oldest and largest inhabited Castle in the United Kingdom and globally.

Peak season vs low season: You can visit Windsor Castle all year. However, if you’re used to tropical and temperate temperatures, visit Windsor Castle in the summer or spring as it is less chilly. But on the flip side, you’ll miss King George IV’s Semi-State Rooms which are open only between November and March. If you don't want to miss these rooms, visit in winter. But remember that the temperature can be challenging.

Weekend vs weekdays: After figuring out the month you’re visiting, choose the day. Weekends are more crowded than weekdays. However, if you don't mind the crowds, visit on a weekend.

Where is Windsor Castle located?

Getting to the Windsor Castle

By train
By bus

By train

Closest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (0.3 miles)

Windsor Castle is close to Windsor & Eton, Maidenhead, and Ascot train stations. The former is the closest and the terminus station for the Windsor Line, served by South Western Railway. You can take a train from anywhere in the city and take the Windsor Line to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station.

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

Buses and coaches offer convenient and fast access to Windsor Castle from various places in London. You can take the Green Line 703 that links Bracknell, Windsor, and Heathrow Terminal 5 with the Theatre Royal Station.

How to get to Windsor Castle by car

You can drive to Windsor Castle but prepare for traffic. There are four options to reach the Castle: 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).

Nearest parking:




Book Windsor Castle tickets and tours

Windsor Admission Tickets
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
More details
Half-Day Tour to Windsor Castle from London
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
5 hr. 30 min.
Audio Guide
Transfers Included
More details
From London: Windsor Castle, Bath & Stonehenge Guided Tour with Optional Entry
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
More details
Windsor Castle Guided Tour with Afternoon Tea from London
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
6 hr.
Audio Guide
More details

Know before you go to Windsor Castle

Skip the line
Entrances
Facilities
Audio guide
Shop
Eat
Nearby
Stay
Accessibility
Rules
london to windsor castle

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

  • Choose weekdays: Visit Windsor Castle on weekdays if you want to avoid the rush. More people visit the attraction on weekends, making it a crowded time. With fewer tourists and locals around on the weekdays, you can enter the attraction quickly and take time to explore each building.
  • Get a guided tour: Guided tours are an excellent choice when visiting Windsor Castle. You can learn fascinating details about the history and heritage of the Castle and get express entry into the attraction. Guided tours provide skip-the-line access to Windsor Castle.
  • Book tickets online: Online ticket booking saves time and provides express entry to Windsor Castle. You can book skip-the-line, guided tours, or non-guided tour tickets online and choose when you want to visit. Pick weekdays or weekends and skip-the-line tickets to enter the attraction quickly.
Windsor Castle Plan Your Visit

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

Windsor Castle Plan Your Visit
  • 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.
  • 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.
Windsor Castle Plan Your Visit

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 Plan Your Visit

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

Windsor Castle Plan Your Visit

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.

Windsor Castle Plan Your Visit

Herschel Park - Herschel Park is a calming place that offers an escape from the busy city environment. It has well-maintained gardens, vibrant flower beds, and scenic walking paths.

Writ in Water - Head to the Writ in Water to sit and ponder things. It is secluded and green, open seven days a week, and free to enter.

Thorpe Park Resort - Thorpe Park Resort is an exhilarating theme park that promises adrenaline-fueled adventures and unlimited fun. Dedicate a day to thrill as you enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and immersive experiences.

Bachelor's Acre - Bachelor's Acre is a public park in Windsor offering plenty of greenery. It has a picturesque charm: you’ll feel at peace with yourself and the world as you walk past the beautiful flower beds, shady trees, and well-manicured lawns.

Windsor Castle Plan Your Visit

Budget - Travelodge Windsor Central (0.5 miles), Premier Inn Slough Central South (Windsor Road) hotel (3.6 miles), Nights Inn B&B (4 miles)

Comfort stays - Goswell House Hotel (0.5 miles), Charles House (0.8 miles), Christopher Hotel Eton (4.1 miles)

Luxury stays - The Castle Hotel Windsor (0.1 miles), Macdonald Windsor Hotel (406.8 meters), Sir Christopher Wren Hotel (0.3 miles)

windsor castle

Windsor Castle is located at the top of a hill. You’ll need to walk a series of steps from the Castle's entrance to the main door. Visitors needing step-free access can use the platform lift operated by a warden at the North Terrace. Once inside, you can use the step-free access via a second platform lift to reach the State Entrance.

If you need step-free access to the State Apartments, use the lift next to the Cloakroom in the Inner Hall. Similarly, if you want to visit St George's Chapel and need step-free access, ring the bell at the main Chapel entrance.

You can borrow manual wheelchairs and rollators free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at Windsor Castle. Alternatively, you can bring motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters into the precinct areas and inside the Castle, provided they are compatible with the lifts.

windsor castle
  • Avoid reaching Windsor Castle more than 15 minutes after your allotted time slot.
  • Pets, except assistance dogs, are not allowed within the Castle grounds.
  • Cooperate with the security staff when your belongings are subjected to airport-style security checks.
  • Avoid carrying too many things to speed up the security screening.
  • Avoid carrying large suitcases and heavy luggage, as they may be prohibited from entering the castle grounds.
  • Smoking or vaping (using electronic cigarettes) is prohibited inside Windsor Castle.
  • Photography and filming, including wearable devices, are prohibited inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. The use of drones is also prohibited in Windsor Castle.
  • 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 as well as 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.

Can I enter Windsor Castle after I exit?

Check with Windsor Castle’s staff to know if you can enter the Castle after exiting.

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 the climb up to the entrance can be a little difficult. However, please 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, please 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.