Windsor Castle isn’t in London, and it’s not as simple to visit as many believe. Between train logistics, limited opening hours, and the royal calendar, it’s all too easy to mess up. Here’s the best way to visit Windsor Castle, brought to you by local experts.
Visiting Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has seen sieges, coronations, and royal funerals—and it’s still not done making history. Built in the 11th century and expanded by monarchs over the ages, it’s a rare place where past and present intertwine. From the soaring Round Tower to the somber tombs in St George’s Chapel, every corner tells a royal tale.
Let’s get into the must-know details for your visit to Windsor Castle.
Tickets & Hours for Windsor Castle
Book tickets and find up-to-date closures at the official Windsor Castle website.
Castle opening schedule (2025)
- 1 Mar – 31 Oct: 10 am – 5:15 pm (last entry 4 pm)
- 1 Nov – 28 Feb: 10 am – 4:15 pm (last entry 3 pm)
- Closed Wednesdays, closed Tuesdays (except in July, August and September), and closed for short-notice state events.
Admission prices
- Adults (25+): £35 gate / £31 online advance
- Youth (18–24): £23 gate / £20 online
- Child (5–17): £17.50 gate / £15.50 online
- Under 5: free
👉 Make the most of your day with a well-organized tour to Stonehenge’s Inner Circle and Windsor.
How to Get to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is located in the town of Windsor, about 25 miles west of central London.
- Train: Take the train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (with a change at Slough). The trip takes about 50 minutes total.
- By Car: Not ideal, unless you’re used to driving on the left and navigating roundabouts. Parking is limited and pricey.
- Guided Tour: The easiest option. Transportation from London and entry are included.
Pro Tip: Plan for 4.5 to 5 hours total from London, including round-trip travel and time at the castle.
Best Guided Tours of Windsor Castle
For your time, budget, and interests.
👉 Not ready to decide? Read our article, The Best Tours of Windsor Castle in 2025 and Why.
What to See When Visiting Windsor Castle
The site is enormous, and the exhibits rotate seasonally. Here’s what’s worth your time, and check out our article on the Top Things to See at Windsor Castle.
- St. George’s Chapel: Final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and 10 other monarchs. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Closed to visitors on Sundays.
- State Apartments: Formal rooms still used by the royal family for state functions. Filled with art, armor, and regal décor.
- Semi-State Rooms: Even more lavish private apartments opened only in the winter months.
- Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House: A perfectly-to-scale royal home complete with electricity, running water, and a stocked wine cellar.
- Castle Grounds: Beautifully maintained gardens and courtyards with great photo opportunities.
👉 Our Private Windsor Castle Tour covers the best exhibits, skips the logistical headaches, and gets you back in London with time for tea.
What to Skip & Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Don’t assume it’s in London. It takes planning and at least half a day round-trip.
- Don’t rush it. You’ll want at least 2 hours inside to explore properly.
- Wear proper shoes. Surfaces are uneven, with lots of walking.
- Watch your timing. Avoid arriving during midday peak hours.
- Book ahead. Same-day tickets tend to sell out by breakfast.
Secret Tip for Visiting Windsor Castle
Want the inside of Stonehenge plus Windsor in the same outing? Choose the VIP Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Castle Tour. It spares you the headache of juggling two separate timed tickets and three train changes.
Instead, you’ll enjoy a comfortable coach ride, walk among the megaliths during a private sunrise or sunset slot, and skip the line at Windsor Castle for an audio-guided palace visit.
Interessante Fact: Only 0.3 % of Stonehenge visitors ever set foot inside the stone circle.
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Where to Eat Near Windsor Castle
Here’s where our guides go:
The Undercroft Cafe | ££ | Inside the castle
Scones, tea, cakes, and sandwiches in a vaulted medieval space.
The Duchess of Cambridge Pub | ££ | 5 min walk
Classic British pub food with views of the castle.
Cinnamon Cafe | £ | 3 min walk
Cozy spot for coffee, cakes, and sandwiches in Windsor Royal Station.
Gilbey’s Bar & Restaurant | £££ | 10 min walk
Upscale modern British cuisine with good cocktails.
👉 For more, check out our article on the Best Restaurants Near Windsor Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Windsor Castle
Book a tour that leaves from Central London and includes an expert guide. You’ll experience the best parts of the Castle without having to worry about logistics.
No. The castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except in July, August, and September when it is open most Tuesdays. The castle is also closed for state events.
Yes, the Changing of the Guards takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 am. Arrive 20 minutes early for a good viewpoint on the High Street side.
Standard admission covers St George’s Chapel (except Sundays), the State Apartments, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Final Thoughts
Windsor Castle is so much more than a day trip box to tick. Slow down, do your research or join a guided tour, and let yourself by carried away by the intrigue of the British monarchy.
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