Windsor Castle

Parts of the castle, such as the State Apartments, Queen Mary's dolls' house, and George VI's private apartments, are open to the public. Don’t miss St. George's Chapel, the official host of royal weddings and funerals, and of Queen Mother’s and King Henry VII's tombs. Windsor Castle tours also take visitors to the Great Kitchen to witness the inner workings of the castle. You can also visit the castle on half-day tours from London or full-day tours that also stop at Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath.

• British history buffs and royal enthusiasts will want to prioritize a visit.

• Book Windsor Castle tickets ahead of time to save money.

• The London Pass includes admission to the castle.

Windsor is less than an hour from central London by road. You can get there by train via London Waterloo (direct) or Paddington Station (one change). From the station, the castle is an easy walk. Buses run to Windsor from Victoria.

The castle is open daily from 9:45am to 4:15pm from November to February. From March to October, it closes at 5:15pm. Keep in mind that parts of the castle sometimes close for royal events.

As an official residence, Windsor Castle often hosts King Charles III. It also plays host to state dinners for the king’s guests, often international dignitaries and new knights of the Order of the Garter. When the king is in residence, you can see the Changing of the Guard (as you do when he is at Buckingham Palace).

Yes, tours of Windsor Castle are worth it. They transport you back to an age of royal extravagance and help you avoid missing important sights. Additionally, many official state functions continue to take place in the castle—to witness the official events is special.

Tours of the majestic Windsor Castle, home to the British Royal Family for centuries, will take at least three hours of your time. That’s enough time to see many historical royal buildings, such as St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.

No. The castle is an official residence of the royal family’s official residences. Visiting requires a purchased ticket or official invitation. Security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the royals and staff while they are on-site.

The best time to visit Windsor Castle is during the spring and summer. The days are longer, the weather is milder, and the lush gardens and grounds of the castle provide a perfect backdrop for your visit. Visiting the castle while the gardens are in bloom will be an especially beautiful experience for visitors.

Yes. If you plan on parking at Windsor Castle, you’ll have to pay for it, and there are several car parks available. The rates vary based on how long you stay, with a brief stay being less costly than a full day. Pay in-person at the car park or online beforehand.

Yes, photography is allowed at Windsor Castle. Of course, there are a few restrictions in place. Visitors may not use tripods or flashes, but are otherwise free to snap photos as long as they are for personal use.