The Tour Guy

Windsor Castle, England: A Thousand Years of Majesty

Your Complete Guide to Windsor Castle

Welcome to your insider’s guide to Windsor Castle! We’re here to save you time and hassle, and ensure you see the absolute best of the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. From deciding if it’s worth the trip to finding the best pub lunch afterward, this is the only Windsor Castle guide you need. Written by people who want you to experience royal history like a true insider.

Discover WINDSOR CASTLE Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the best Windsor Castle tours to take and why.

Planning Your Visit to Windsor Castle

Check out the articles below for in-depth information on Windsor Castle that’ll help you plan the perfect trip.

Round Tower Windsor Castle

How to Visit Windsor Castle:

Whether you’re looking to go guided or tackle the planning yourself, this article has everything you need to know.

Interior of St Georges Hall Windsor Castle

Best Tours of Windsor Castle:

Find the tour that suits you best, whether that’s a private experience or a combo tour with Stonehenge and Bath.

Long road leading to Windsor Castle

Is a Tour of Windsor Castle Worth It?

Learn if a Windsor Castle tour is worth your time and money, and what you get out of an expert-led experience.

Windsor Castle Changing of the Guards

Top Things to See at Windsor Castle:

From St George’s Chapel to the Waterloo Chamber, these are the spots you can’t miss at Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle

Best Restaurants Near Windsor Castle:

Hand-picked spots by our guides, guaranteed to keep you fed and fueled for the royal experience.

Top Windsor Castle Tours

You might confuse Windsor Castle as being located near Buckingham Palace, but in fact, it’s about an hour’s drive west of the palace. Perhaps that’s part of why the late Queen loved it so much since it was away from the bustle of the city and had 13,000 acres to enjoy. While you could try navigating the left-sided roads on your own, you’d also miss out on learning about this incredible fortress with a 1,000-year-old history.

Let a local guide help you get the most out of your Windsor Castle tour by getting you there and back safely, while also sharing fascinating stories about the history of Britain’s oldest royal castle. Best of all, you can combine this visit with other incredible sites outside of London from Stonehenge to Bath.

Book YOUR WINDSOR CASTLE Tour

👉 Not ready to decide? Read our article, The Best Tours of Windsor Castle in 2025 and Why.

Windsor Castle Tickets & Hours (2025)

  • Mar 1 – Oct 31: 10 AM –5:15 PM (last entry 4 PM)
  • Nov 1 – Feb 28: 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM (last entry 3 PM)
  • Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays + short-notice state events.
  • Prices (advance online): Adults £31; Youth (18–24) £20; Child (5–17) £15.50; Under-5s free.

👉 For the most up-to-date hours and prices, head to the Windsor Castle official website.

Windsor Castle Attractions You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Windsor Castle has been the epicenter of British power for nearly 1,000 years, and it is still the King’s official residence. These are the three essential sights you can’t return to London without seeing:

1. St George’s Chapel

St. George's Chapel

This is the spiritual heart of the castle and arguably its most important structure. St George’s Chapel is a towering example of the Gothic Perpendicular style and is the headquarters of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain’s highest order of chivalry. It has hosted countless royal weddings, and beneath its incredible vaulted ceiling lie some of England’s most famous—and infamous—monarchs, including Henry VIII and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

2. Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

Watching the Changing of the Guard at Windsor is a quintessential British experience. Though less crowded than the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the pageantry and precision are just as spectacular. The ceremony takes place in the Lower Ward courtyard, adding a magical backdrop to the royal ritual.

Pro Tip: The ceremony generally happens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 am. Arrive early, and remember you need a castle ticket to view the ceremony from inside the grounds.

3. The Waterloo Chamber

The Waterloo Chamber is one of the Top Things to See at Windsor Castle

The Waterloo Chamber is a monumental tribute to the British and Allied victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Commissioned by George IV, the vast room houses a stunning collection of over 30 full-length portraits by Sir Thomas Lawrence, depicting the monarchs, military commanders (like the Duke of Wellington), and statesmen who defeated the French Emperor.

👉 Discover more in our guide: Top Things to See at Windsor Castle

Planning Your Trip to Windsor Castle: Logistics & Recommendations

Is It Worth the Trip?

Absolutely! Windsor Castle is far more than just a fortress; it’s a living piece of history that has been continuously used by the British monarchy for a millennium. You are walking through the actual home of the King. The scale, the history, and the sheer volume of priceless art make the trip completely worthwhile.

👉 For a full breakdown, read our guide: Is It Worth Going to Windsor Castle?

How to Get to Windsor Castle from London

Windsor is about 25 miles west of central London. Plan for 4.5 to 5 hours total, including round-trip travel and time inside the castle.

  1. Guided Tour: This is your best option for a stress-free day. We’ll handle all transportation, tickets, and timing. You can also combine Windsor with Stonehenge and Bath for an epic day out from London.

  2. Train: Take the train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, which requires one change at Slough. The journey takes about 50 minutes, plus the walk to the castle.

  3. Driving: Not recommended, but possible. Expect the drive to take around one hour, and keep in mind that parking is limited and traffic can be heavy.

👉 For a full breakdown, read our guide: How to Visit Windsor Castle

How Much Time Do You Need at Windsor Castle

While the Royal Collection Trust suggests allocating 1.5 to 2 hours for the essential visitor route, we think this is an under-estimate. To truly absorb the history and scale of the site, we recommend:

  • Minimum Time (Fast-Paced): 2 hours—This covers the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and a quick walk through the grounds.

  • Ideal Time (Leisurely): 3 hours—This allows for the above, plus time to explore St. George’s Chapel properly, take the complimentary multimedia guide tour, and enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony if your visit aligns with it.

  • Day Trip Total: Allow at least half a day (4 to 5 hours total from London) to account for round-trip travel, security checks, and time to grab lunch or explore the charming town of Windsor itself.

Best Time to Visit Windsor Castle

The best time to visit Windsor Castle depends on your priority: avoiding crowds, enjoying the weather, or seeing specific rooms. Here’s a quick breakdown by season:

Winter (November to March)

  • Crowds: Lowest. This is the quietest time of year.
  • Benefit: You gain access to the opulent Semi-State Rooms, the King’s private apartments, which are only included in the visitor route during the low season (autumn to spring).
  • Day/Time: Visit on a Thursday or Friday afternoon for the fewest people.

Spring & Autumn (March to May; September to October)

  • Crowds: Moderate (Shoulder Season). Crowds are significantly smaller than summer but larger than winter.
  • Benefit: Enjoy pleasant weather for walking the extensive castle grounds and seeing the gardens either beginning to bloom (Spring) or with beautiful autumn foliage (Autumn).
  • Day/Time: Visit in the late afternoon (after 1:00 PM). Most large coach tours arrive in the morning and leave after the 11:00 AM Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Summer (June to August)

  • Crowds: Highest (Peak Season). Expect long lines and very crowded State Apartments.
  • Benefit: The longest opening hours of the year and the best chance to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check the official schedule for exact days).
  • Day/Time: Book tickets online well in advance. For a slight break from the crowds, aim for the last two hours before closing on a weekday.

YouTube & Podcast Resources

Best Royal Palace in LONDON to Visit
The Best Things to See in London in 2025 (Travel Guide)
The BEST way to plan a Trip to London 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide

You can also find all our YouTube videos here and our Podcast Episodes here.

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