The Best Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle: What to Know Before You Go

Planning a visit to Windsor Castle? Here’s everything to know before you go, including tickets, how to get here from London, what to see inside and the best tips to know before you book.

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England is as synonymous with castles as it is with royalty itself. Although there’s quite the competition (cue Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Blenheim Palace)—Windsor Castle is absolutely one of the best castles to visit in the country, if not the world.

Between being doused in juicy and sometimes problematic history, adorned with brilliant artefacts, and oh, of course, being the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, a visit to Windsor Castle can’t truly be compared to anything else.

Today it stands proud in Windsor as a symbol of the power of the British Monarchy, and is still home to many a state banquet, official ceremonies, and any gawking eye that’s happy to pay an entrance ticket.

I visited with exclusive access via the Royal Collection Trust, hence the photos you’ll see in this post and sneak peek by proxy of the castle inside. On other occasions, photos inside the castle are strictly not allowed.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know to have a fabulous day exploring the castle both on and off the grounds, including:

whether Windsor Castle is actually worth visiting
the best time to visit Windsor Castle
how to book tickets
what to check before you go
how to get to Windsor Castle from London
how much time you need
what to see inside Windsor Castle
why you shouldn’t skip St George’s Chapel
whether the Changing of the Guard is worth planning around
what to do in Windsor town afterwards
whether to visit independently or on a guided tour
whether you can visit Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in one day
where to eat near Windsor Castle
where to stay near Windsor Castle
my best Windsor Castle tips before you go

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Is Windsor Castle Worth Visiting?

In my opinion, yes—Windsor Castle is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in castles, royal history, British history, St George’s Chapel, the Royal Family, or easy day trips from London.

Unlike most of the year (outside of summer) at Buckingham Palace at Windsor Castle you can step into the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the castle precincts, the town of Windsor itself, the River Thames, Eton across the bridge and The Long Walk all year-round.

That said, I wouldn’t squeeze it into a packed London itinerary as it absolutely deserves a half-day or full day if you can, between exploring the castle and the town.

check windsor castle tickets & guided tour options

Windsor Castle at a Glance

📍 Location: Windsor, Berkshire

👑 Best for: royal history, castles, London day trips, first-time UK visitors, history lovers

⏰ Time needed: around 2.5–3.5 hours for the castle itself; longer if you want lunch, Windsor town, Eton or The Long Walk

🚆 Best route from London: train from Paddington or Waterloo, depending on where you’re staying

🏰 Main things to see: State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, castle precincts, the Round Tower exterior, Windsor town and, if scheduled, the Changing of the Guard

🏨 Best Hotel in Windsor: Castle Hotel, Windsor

📸 Photos: Indoor photography is usually restricted

🌿 Nearby you’ll find: Windsor town, Eton, River Thames, The Long Walk and Windsor Great Park

🗺️ Best paired with: Windsor town and Eton

💡 Good to know: there is no Tube to Windsor Castle, so you’ll need a train, car, coach or organised tour

Best easy option — book a Windsor Castle day tour from London if you want transport and timings handled for you.

check out windsor castle tickets

A Little Windsor Castle History

Windsor Castle dates all the way back to the 11th century, when William the Conqueror chose the site after the Norman Conquest as part of a defensive ring of castles around London.

Since then, it’s been shaped by monarch after monarch—from medieval fortifications and Tudor drama to Georgian grandeur, Victorian family life and its role today as one of the King’s official residences.

In other words, you’re not just visiting a pretty castle for the sake of it. You’re walking through nearly 1,000 years of royal history, power, ceremony and, inevitably, a fair bit of scandal too.

Best Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle

1. Check What’s Open Before You Book

Windsor Castle is still a working royal residence, so before booking, be sure to check the official Windsor Castle website for your exact date, especially for:

State Apartments closures
St George’s Chapel opening times
Changing of the Guard dates
seasonal displays
any official closures or reduced access

Important to note too that Windsor Castle is almost always closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2. Book Tickets Ahead

Once you’ve checked what’s open, book your Windsor Castle tickets ahead.

Especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, during UK school holidays, in summer, around Christmas.

You can book direct through the official Windsor Castle website, or compare guided tours if you want transport from London included.

check windsor castle tickets & guided tour options

3. Choose the Right Train Route from London

If you are travelling independently, there’s two main train routes from London to Windsor you can take depending on where you’re staying (P.S. – You can also tap in with your contactless card, so no need to buy a ticket).

Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central — usually quicker from West/Central London, but you’ll normally change at Slough.
Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside — direct and simple, especially if you’re staying near South Bank, Westminster, Waterloo or South West London.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Windsor Castle is on a hill, with cobbles, slopes, security queues and a fair bit of walking once you add Windsor town afterwards.

You don’t need hiking boots, but I wouldn’t wear new shoes or anything you can’t comfortably stand in for a few hours.

5. Don’t Skip St George’s Chapel

If St George’s Chapel is open during your visit, make time for it!

It’s one of the most important parts of Windsor Castle, and it’s where several monarchs are buried, including Queen Elizabeth II, King George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I.

It also closes earlier than the castle and is closed to general visitors on Sundays, so don’t leave it until the very end of your visit.

6. Treat Changing of the Guard as a Bonus

The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle is lovely to see if it lines up with your visit, but I wouldn’t build the whole day around it.

It doesn’t happen every day and can change because of weather, official events or ceremonial schedules.

Check before you go, arrive early if you care about getting a good view, and don’t worry if it’s not on. Windsor Castle is still very much worth visiting without it.

I wouldn’t come all the way to Windsor and immediately rush back to London unless you really have to!

7. Leave Time for Windsor Town Afterwards

Windsor Castle is the main reason to come, but Windsor town has plenty of appeal too.

After the castle, leave time to wander through town, get lunch or coffee, walk towards the River Thames, cross over to Eton or head towards The Long Walk (more on that soon) if the weather’s good.

I wouldn’t come all the way to Windsor and immediately rush back to London unless you really have to!

How to Get to Windsor Castle from London

Like I said if you’re visiting Windsor Castle from London, there’s mainly two options if you’re coming by public transport Paddington or Waterloo.

Train from London Paddington

This is usually the route I’d check first if you’re staying in West London or somewhere with easy access to Paddington.

You’ll take the train from London Paddington to Slough, then change at Slough for Windsor & Eton Central.

From there, you’re basically in Windsor town already, and it’s a short walk up to the castle.

Best for if you’re based in: Paddington, Notting Hill, Kensington, Marylebone, Bayswater, West London or Elizabeth line access.

Train from London Waterloo

This is the simpler route because it’s direct.

You’ll take the train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, then walk into Windsor from the station.

It can be a little longer depending on where you’re starting, but there’s something very nice about not having to change trains.

Best for: Waterloo, South Bank, Westminster, Clapham, Richmond or South West London.

Can You Use Oyster or Contactless to Windsor Castle?

You can now use contactless pay as you go to Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside, but not an Oyster!

It’s super easy, just tap in and out with the same contactless card at the station and you’re sorted.

Taking a Windsor Castle Tour from London

If you don’t want to think about train routes, changes, timings or whether you’re getting off at the right Windsor station, I would book a Windsor Castle tour from London.

If you’d like, you can also combine Windsor with a trip somewhere like Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford.

Driving to Windsor Castle

Driving makes sense if you’re UK-based, travelling with children, staying near Heathrow, visiting Legoland Windsor, or adding Windsor onto a wider trip.

Just don’t expect to park outside the castle gates.

Windsor is busy and the castle is right in the middle of town, so check these car parks before you leave to give yourself time to walk up to the entrance.

What to See Inside Windsor Castle

The inside of Windsor Castle is truly marvellous, but what you can see will wholly depends on the day, season and any official closures. Outside of that, these are the main things to look out for.

The State Apartments — including the grand royal interiors, ceremonial rooms, historic rooms and Royal Collection

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House — far more impressive than it sounds, with tiny furniture, books, and artwork

St George’s Chapel — one of the most important parts of the visit, and the burial place of several monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II, King George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I.

The castle precincts — for outdoor courtyards, towers, stone walls and views

The Round Tower — one of the most recognisable parts of Windsor Castle. You won’t usually go inside on a standard ticket, but you’ll see it as you move around the grounds.

Changing of the Guard — lovely if it lines up with your visit, but not something I’d plan the whole day around.

The Undercroft Café — handy for tea, cake or coffee during your visit, and set in one of the oldest surviving spaces in the castle.

Windsor Castle shop — good for official souvenirs, guidebooks, royal bits and inevitable castle-themed things you never knew your needed (royal crown keychain anyone?)

Leave Time for Windsor Town Afterwards

Windsor Castle is the main reason to come, but I wouldn’t leave the second you walk out of the castle gates.

The town is compact, pretty and very easy to explore without needing a huge amount of plan plan. Depending on how much time you have, here’s what I’d add after your visit:

Windsor town centre — the easiest place to start once you leave the castle. Wander around the High Street, Peascod Street and Windsor Royal Station for shops and cafés (popped a few recommendations below)
Windsor Royal Station — a pretty Victorian shopping arcade by Windsor & Eton Central, with cafés, restaurants and shops. Great for a coffee, lunch or a little browse before your train.
The River Thames — head down towards the river for one of the nicest parts of Windsor outside the castle. It’s lovely for a short walk, especially if you want a breather after the Windsor Castle crowds.
Eton Bridge — this is the pedestrian bridge connecting Windsor and Eton. It’s an easy little add-on, and gives you lovely views back towards Windsor and along the Thames.
Eton High Street — cross the bridge and you’ll be in Eton within minutes. It has a slower, old-school feel, with historic buildings, independent shops and the very famous Eton College nearby.
Eton College — you won’t just casually wander around the whole school, but it’s still worth seeing from the outside if you’re already in Eton. If you’re visiting on a Sunday afternoon, you can also check whether Eton College’s museums and galleries are open to the public.
The Long Walk — this is the classic tree-lined avenue leading away from Windsor Castle into Windsor Great Park. You don’t need to walk the whole thing, but even doing a small part gives you a postcard Windsor view back towards the castle.
Windsor Great Park — best if you have more time, comfortable shoes and decent weather. The park is huge, so I’d only add it if you’re making Windsor more of a relaxed full-day trip rather than a quick castle visit.

Where to Eat Near Windsor Castle

Windsor has plenty of places to eat around the castle, so no need for a sad sandwich before your trip.

Here’s a few places I recommend.

Undercroft Café — best for teas, cake or coffee inside Windsor Castle itself.
Cinnamon Café — a historic and handy for coffee or a quick bite near Windsor & Eton Central.
The Duchess of Cambridge Pub — a very central pub option if you want a classic English pub experience after the castle.
The Boatman — a riverside pub below Windsor Castle, beside the Thames and overlooking Eton Bridge. Posh pub vibes and lovely!
The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie — just moments from Windsor Castle and good for breakfast, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea if you want something more polished for lunch.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel — fabulous for afternoon tea, riverside lunch, or a stay in Windsor

Should You Stay Near Windsor Castle?

Most people visiting from London don’t need to stay overnight in Windsor, as it works very well as a day trip.

That said, staying near Windsor Castle can make sense if you’re flying in or out of Heathrow, visiting from somewhere else in the UK, pairing it with Legoland Windsor, travelling with family, driving, or turning it into a slower weekend.

If you do stay, I’d look at Castle Hotel, Windsor for a classic Windsor stay right near the castle, or Sir Christopher Wren Hotel if you want to be closer to the river.

Should You Visit Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in One Day?

Honestly, I wouldn’t. And I’ll explain why.

You can technically see both in one day, but it depends what you mean by “visit.” If you mean taking a photo outside Buckingham Palace and then heading to Windsor Castle for the full day that’s fine.

But if you want to properly tour Windsor Castle and tour the Buckingham Palace State Rooms on the same day, I think it’s doing too way much.

Buckingham Palace is in central London, while Windsor Castle is in Berkshire, so you need to factor in getting across London, taking the train to Windsor, walking to the castle, going through security, exploring the State Apartments, visiting St George’s Chapel if it’s open, and ideally seeing a little of Windsor town afterwards too.

In other words, give Windsor Castle the time it deserves!

Final Thoughts on Visiting Windsor Castle

The UK isn’t exactly short on castles, palaces or royal landmarks, but Windsor Castle is truly a standout.

Between the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, the history packed into every corner and the fact you can pair it so easily with Windsor town, Eton and a walk by the river, it really does make for a fabulous day trip from London.

Just be sure to check what’s open before you book, give yourself enough time to enjoy it properly, and don’t rush off the second you leave the castle grounds.

I hope this helps you plan the best trip!

FAQs: Visiting Windsor Castle

💭 Is Windsor Castle worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially if you’re interested in royal history, castles, St George’s Chapel, the State Apartments and easy day trips from London.

💭 Is Windsor Castle in London?

Nope! Windsor Castle is in Windsor, Berkshire, outside central London. It’s easy to visit from London by train, but it’s not on the London Underground.

💭 Can the public visit Windsor Castle?

(Assuming you’re asking as the public) yes, you can visit Windsor Castle on open days with a ticket. Always check current opening times and closures before visiting.

💭 Can you see Windsor Castle for free?

You can see parts of Windsor Castle from outside for free, but you need a ticket to enter the main visitor areas like the State Rooms etc.

💭 How long do you need at Windsor Castle?

I’d personally allow around 2.5–3.5 hours to explore the castle itself, and longer if you want lunch, Windsor town, Eton, the River Thames or The Long Walk (which I highly recommend)

💭 How do you get to Windsor Castle from London?

The easiest is by taking a train from London Paddington or London Waterloo, then walk from the station to Windsor Castle. You can also visit by organised tour like this one, bus or car.

💭 Is Windsor Castle better than Buckingham Palace?

Which child is your favourite? I’d say they are different. Buckingham Palace is more iconic from the outside, while Windsor Castle usually offers a fuller visitor experience because you can tour castle interiors, visit St George’s Chapel and explore Windsor town.

With that said, Buckingham Palace does open in summer to the public, so why not see both!

💭 Can you visit Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace in one day?

I don’t recommend it!

💭 What should you not miss at Windsor Castle?

St George’s Chapel, the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House if open, the castle grounds and time in Windsor town afterwards.

💭 Are photos allowed inside Windsor Castle?

Photography is allowed outside the palace, but not inside.

Thanks for reading my Windsor Castle Guide. If it helped with your trip, let me know on Instagram!

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Happy travels,