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Plan Your Visit to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, a stunning royal residence perched atop a hill for over 900 years, glimpses into the royal heritage of the British monarchy. The whole place just oozes class and nobility, and it's no wonder people travel from all over to see it. But with so much to see and do, planning is key. This guide is your one-stop shop for planning your visit to Windsor Castle, with information on opening times, ticket prices, how to get there, and insider knowledge to make the most of your visit.

Windsor Castle | Visitor information at a glance




Book Windsor Castle tickets and tours

Windsor Castle Entry Tickets
Free cancellation
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
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From London: Half-Day Tour to Windsor Castle
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5 hr. 30 min.
Transfers included
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From London: Stonehenge and Windsor Day Trip
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Mobile ticket
9 hr.
Audio guide
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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath & Roman Baths Day Trip
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11 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers included
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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 November 1 to February 29 and from 10am to 5:15pm from March 1 to October 31.

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

What's the best time to visit Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is a must-see for any tourist visiting the UK. And for good reason! This historic castle is steeped in British royal heritage. It's been around for over 900 years, making it the oldest and largest inhabited castle, not just in the UK, but the world!

  • Peak season vs low season: If you’re used to tropical and temperate temperatures, then spring or summer is a great time to visit. The weather is mild and you can explore the castle grounds comfortably. However, note that this is also peak season, so expect larger crowds. If you don't mind the chilly weather, winter visits offer a perk: King George IV's Semi-State Rooms are only open during this time.  
  • Weekend vs weekdays: After finalizing the month you plan to visit, choose the day. Weekends are generally more crowded, so if you prefer a quieter experience, try to visit during the week. However, if you don't mind the crowds, opt to go there on a weekend.

Where is Windsor Castle located?

Getting to Windsor Castle

By train
By bus

Closest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (0.3 miles)

Getting to Windsor Castle by train is a breeze! It's close to several train stations such as Windsor & Eton, Maidenhead, and Ascot. The closest one is Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which is actually the last stop on the Windsor Line operated by South Western Railway.

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

Buses are another easy way to get to Windsor Castle from London. They're a good option if you're on a budget or want to ride on a double-decker. The Green Line 703 bus is your best bet — it links Bracknell, Windsor, and even Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 all the way to the Theatre Royal Station, right near the castle.

How to get to Windsor Castle by car

Driving to Windsor Castle is an option, but be warned — traffic can be a beast! If you're set on four wheels, there are a few different routes you can take: 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). Just be sure to factor in extra time for potential traffic jams, especially if you're visiting during peak season.

Nearest parking:

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. However, you can avoid the rush in a few creative ways:

  • Choose weekdays: Aim for a weekday visit. Weekends are a magnet for tourists and locals alike. With fewer people around on weekdays, you'll breeze through the entrance and have more space to explore each building.
  • Get a guided tour: Level up your experience with a guided tour! Not only will you learn mind-blowing facts about the castle's history and heritage, but you'll often get to skip the line!
  • Book tickets online: Be smart and book your tickets online beforehand. This saves you time at the ticket booth and often gives you skip-the-line access. Pick your preferred experience — on weekdays for fewer crowds, weekends for a livelier vibe, guided or non-guided tours to suit your tastes, and always choose skip-the-line tickets to get in quicker!
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, like croquettes, burrata, and gnocchi.
  • 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 Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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: Need a breather from the city buzz? Head to Herschel Park! It's a tranquil escape with gorgeous gardens, blooming flowerbeds, and scenic walking paths — perfect for recharging those batteries.
  • Writ in Water: Feeling contemplative? Writ in Water might be your spot. This secluded green haven is open every day and has free entry. 
  • Thorpe Park Resort: Calling all thrill-seekers! Thorpe Park Resort is an amusement park that promises a day of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, splashy water rides, and immersive experiences — you won't be disappointed!
  • Bachelor's Acre: This public park is a green oasis in Windsor. With its picturesque flower beds, shady trees, and manicured lawns, it's the perfect place to find peace and unwind amidst natural beauty.
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 sits on a hill, so there's some uphill walking from the entrance to the main castle door. Don't worry if stairs aren't your thing. There's a platform lift on the North Terrace operated by a staff member who can give you a lift. Inside the castle, there's another platform lift to get you to the State Entrance, also step-free.

For the State Apartments, there's a lift right next to the cloakroom in the Inner Hall. And if you want to see St George's Chapel, there's a bell at the main entrance you can ring to get assistance for step-free access.

The castle also has manual wheelchairs and rollators you can borrow free of charge, on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have your own motorized wheelchair or scooter, you can bring it into the castle grounds and access most areas inside, as long as it fits in the lifts.

windsor castle
  • Avoid reaching Windsor Castle more than 15 minutes after your allotted time slot.
  • Only assistance dogs are allowed within the Castle grounds.
  • Cooperate with the staff as 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 and the use of drones, are prohibited inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. 
  • 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 and 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.

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 climbing up to the entrance can be a little tricky. Don’t hesitate to 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, 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.