Windsor Castle isn't just an old building — it's a whopping 1,000 years old! In fact, it is the largest and oldest-occupied palace. That means it's seen a whole lot of history, from William the Conqueror who built it way back in the 11th century, right up to the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. It's still an important royal residence where official events are held.

If you're exploring the UK, this is a must-see! So, step back in time and wander the halls of this historic castle. There are tons of collections to see inside, and you can even choose from different guided tours.

Book Windsor Castle tours

‌
‌
‌

All your Windsor Castle guided tour options

Full-Day Tour of Royal London & Windsor

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

5 hr. - 9 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Guided tour

More details

from

£109

From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath & Roman Baths Day Trip

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

11 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

Transfers included

More details

from

£155

From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Oxford Day Trip

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

11 hr.

Guided tour

More details

from

£125

From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle Access & Windsor Day Trip

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

11 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

More details

from

£159

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Guided Tour with Access to Roman Bath

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

11 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

More details

from

£155

Why take a Windsor Castle guided tour?

Experienced tour guide: All the tours come with expert guides who tell you everything about the castle's history. You’ll learn about the different areas, from the fancy State Apartments to Queen Mary’s Doll’s House.
Accessibility: One ticket gets you into everything! No need to waste time buying separate tickets for different parts of the castle.
Fast-track access: Windsor Castle is a popular day trip destination from London, so it can get busy, especially with those long lines. But with a guided tour, you can zip right past the queue. No more waiting around!
Gain insights: This castle is ancient — over 1000 years old! There's a ton of history hiding within its walls. Your guide will be your history BFF, sharing all the secrets and hidden gems you wouldn't find on your own.
Time utility: Windsor Castle is massive! A guided tour has a pre-planned route that ensures you see everything important. No wandering around lost, just castle exploring.

Windsor Castle facts

Windsor Castle guided tours vs non-guided tours

Guided tours

Forget waiting in those long queues for Windsor Castle. Guided tours get you right past the queues and straight to the castle.
Your expert guide will tell you all things Windsor Castle. From royal secrets to mind-blowing historical facts, they'll turn you into a walking encyclopedia by the end of the tour.
Windsor Castle is huge! A guided tour has a pre-planned route that ensures you see everything awesome, from the State Apartments to hidden nooks and crannies.
Guided tour groups are kept nice and small, so you can hear the guide clearly and have a chance to ask questions.

Non-guided tours

With a non-guided tour, you have the freedom to explore the castle at your own pace. Linger in the areas that blow your mind or move on from places that don't captivate you.
Non-guided tours let you focus on what interests you, whether it's the royal history, the mind-blowing architecture, or the stunning artwork.
Non-guided tours are easier on the wallet compared to guided ones. Skip the guide fees and explore at your own pace without breaking the bank. More money for souvenirs!
No need to worry about slowing down the group for that perfect photo op. With a non-guided tour, you can unleash your inner photographer and capture all the castle's glory without feeling rushed.

What to expect on a Windsor Castle guided tour?

First up on the tour is the State Apartments. This is where the royal family throws events for visiting Heads of State from around the world. Think plush décor, grand staircases, and enough paintings to make your head spin.

Next stop, St George's Chapel. This historic beauty has seen its fair share of royal weddings (think Prince Harry and Meghan!) and burials of kings and queens. Keep an eye out for Queen Elizabeth II's tomb, which was recently added.

Get ready to be green with envy in the Semi-State Rooms. The Green Drawing Room, commissioned by King George IV, is a real showstopper. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the 220 steps to the top of the Round Tower. The panoramic views of the castle and surrounding area are worth the sweat. No Windsor Castle tour is complete without checking out Queen Mary's Dolls' House, a mind-blowing miniature mansion where everything works, including electricity! Then head to the Waterloo Chamber, a grand hall celebrating the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Finally, the China Museum awaits, showcasing a collection of royal china fit for an emperor.

What's inside Windsor Castle?

Highlights covered on your Windsor Castle guided tour

State Apartments

The State Apartments where the royal family hosts visiting heads of state and other leaders. They also use it to honor Brits for their outstanding achievements. The State Apartments is known for their stunning décor on the walls, ceilings, and grand entrances. While it was significantly destroyed in the fire of 1992, renovations have restored the State Apartments' former glory.

See all photos

Visitor tips

Windsor Castle is massive, spread over 10.5 acres! There's so much to see, so plan on spending a whole day there.
Windsor Castle is a popular spot, so tickets can sell out fast. Book your tickets online and well in advance.
Consider getting skip-the-line guided tours. These tours are a great way to learn all about the castle's history and juicy royal secrets.
Fuel up at the Undercroft Café. This spot is perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or a refreshing drink during your exploring adventures.
Double-check the opening schedule. Windsor Castle isn't open to the public year-round, so check their website before you go.
Take the bus or train. This is the most convenient and affordable way to get to the castle. You can take a train to Windsor Central Station or a bus to the Barclays Bank in Windsor Town Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle guided tours

What are the different types of Windsor Castle tours?

The different types of Windsor Castle tours are Entrance Tickets with Multimedia Guides, Half Day Tour, Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge Tour, and guided tours to various attractions around the castle.

How much does a Windsor Castle tour cost?

There are many Windsor Castle tours available that you can choose from. A standard entry ticket with an audio guide is €35.08 but tours with professional guides cost more. However, opting for a guided tour will help you understand the 1000-year history of the castle and explore the most notable attractions. It also gives you skip-the-line entry and access to restricted rooms.

What is included in a Windsor Castle tour?

Windsor Castle tours include entry to State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, Semi-State Rooms, China Museum, a multilingual multimedia guide, an experienced tour guide, and access to other attractions, depending on the tour you choose.

In what languages are the Windsor Castle tours?

The Windsor Castle tours are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.

How many people can go on a Windsor Castle tour?

There is no limit as such. However, most Windsor Castle tours include about 25 people per group.

Can I cancel a booked Windsor Castle tour?

You can cancel a booked Windsor Castle Tour and get a full refund only up to 48 hours before the date of your visit.

How long is the Windsor Castle tour?

There are different durations for different Windsor Castle Tours. It can be half-day or last for 5 hours. You should spend at least 2 hours at Windsor Castle to explore it.

Are there any discounted tickets for Windsor Castle tours?

Special discounts are available for families, senior citizens, students, and children from 3 to 16 years old. Entry is free for children below the age of three.