When visiting the UK, Dave and I are obsessed with castles. We can’t get enough of them. So naturally, Windsor Castle is at the top of our list. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle draws visitors from across the globe and locals alike. It was thrust back into the spotlight when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married here in 2018. With the press swirling around “Megxit” and The Crown still going strong on Netflix, interest in the royals has never been so high.

Therefore, to help you plan your visit to Windsor Castle, we’ve put together some tips and advice to make the most of a day trip from London to Windsor Castle.

Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle

Make sure to purchase your ticket entry in advance for Windsor Castle. You can purchase tickets online with GetYourGuide. There is easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want to make your travel easier, consider a tour from London. This highly rated tour takes you on a half-day excursion via coach where you’ll visit the historic town of Windsor and explore Windsor Castle at your own pace. The great thing about GetYourGuide is you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund—no hassles involved.

About Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle serves as one of the official residences of the King. Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has witnessed considerable historical events, with 39 monarchs occupying its walls over ten centuries.

What makes a visit to this castle truly unique is the fact that it was regularly used by the Royal Family. It was Queen Elizabeth’s residence of choice during her private weekends. If you are curious whether King Charles is in residence, just look for the royal standard flag flying above the Round Tower. If the royal standard is flying, the King is present; otherwise, you will see the Union Flag flying instead.

How to Get to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is located in Berkshire, within the royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Central London.

The castle is easily reached by trains departing from London Paddington or Waterloo stations, where you will need to transfer in Slough to take a train to Windsor and Eton Central Station.

Trains from London Paddington take about 35-40 minutes, while it’s nearly 45-55 minutes from Waterloo station. Upon arriving at Windsor and Eton Central train station, it is less than a 10-minute walk to the castle entrance located at the top of Castle Hill.

Additionally, Windsor Castle is just 8 miles from London Heathrow Airport. If you are renting a car, it’s a straightforward drive or you can take the bus on the Green Line from Heathrow Terminal 5.

Windsor Castle Opening Hours

• March 1 to October 31 – 10 am to 5:15 pm (last entrance at 4 pm)
• December 3 to February 28 – 10 am to 4:14 pm (last entrance 3 pm)
• St. George’s Chapel is open for visitors on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:15 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm).
• St. George’s Chapel is closed for regular services on Sundays.
• Note: Entrance to the State Apartments closes 30 minutes after the last admission time.
• The changing of the guards occurs daily at 11:00 am.
• Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• As the castle is an official residence, expect certain portions to be closed at short notice. So be prepared.

What to Expect When Entering Windsor Castle

When visiting Windsor Castle, be prepared to go through security measures similar to airport security. Keep that in mind when preparing your bags: no sharp objects, keep your bag small (no luggage or backpacks), and ensure your water bottle is sealed.

Food and water are not allowed in St. George’s Chapel, but you can consume sealed water in the State Apartments. A cafe on the grounds has a limited menu, providing the opportunity to purchase beverages.

Once inside the State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, or St George’s Chapel, no photography and video are allowed, and mobile phones must be turned off. However, you are free to take photos outside the castle.

What to See at Windsor Castle

St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel is a stunning Gothic cathedral founded in 1348 by King Edward III. It is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married and remains an active chapel. Inside, you can admire its vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and royal banners. Moreover, it serves as the burial ground for many royals, including ten English kings such as King George III and Henry VIII along with his third wife, Jane Seymour. It is considered the most beautiful Christian church in England and is home to the Order of the Garter— the senior order of British knighthood.

The State Apartments

When visiting the castle apartments, visitors will enter the State entrance and inner hall to tour the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms. State Apartments are only open when the King is not in residence; however, you can tour the other areas when he is present (look for his flag flying to confirm his presence).

Take your time admiring the Royal collection of armor and art. Notably, this is one of the few places you’ll have the chance to see paintings by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Additionally, don’t miss the exquisite English and French furniture.

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

One of the most popular attractions at Windsor Castle is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, an impressive 1:12 scale replica depicting a 1920s aristocratic home. Completed in 1924, it boasts remarkable details, including replicas of books and wine bottles.

The Castle Grounds

Numerous features are worth admiring outside as well. Besides the towers and castle gardens, the Horseshoe Cloisters were built between 1478-1481 by King Edward IV to accommodate the priests and vicars serving the chapel. Furthermore, the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park spans nearly six miles through the 2,020 hectares (5,000 acres) park— a wonderful spot to encounter red deer.

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ
Telephone: +44 (0)303 123 7304
Website: WindsorCastle.com

A visit to Windsor Castle makes for a fantastic day trip from London; however, consider spending a weekend or mid-week mini-vacation in Windsor to truly make the most of your experience. With plenty to do in Windsor, the castle itself spans 13 acres, complemented by the expansive Windsor Great Park which stretches over 5000 acres. It’s a splendid way to spend a couple of days outdoors.