VISIT WINDSOR CASTLE – THE COMPLETE GUIDE 2026
Best time to visit Windsor Castle | Woking hours | Where to book tickets and tours?
Everything you need to know before visiting Windsor Castle
Discover 1,000 years of British history in the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world! Visitors can see the State Apartments, where monarchs meet Heads of State. You can also explore St George’s Chapel from the 15th century, watch the Changing of the Guard, and see Queen Mary’s Doll’s House – the world’s biggest dollhouse! Windsor Castle is a popular attraction with almost 1.5 million visitors each year, so we recommend booking online in advance to secure a visit!
What can you see at Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle was home to many monarchs, such as George IV, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II, and Henry VIII.
THE STATE APARTMENTS
The State Apartments are lavishly decorated rooms where the monarchs host Heads of State and award ceremonies. One of the rooms is called the Grand Reception room, and this is where balls were held. The Waterloo Chamber was designed in celebration of the victory over Napoleon. Visitors can admire the many paintings that cover the walls, such as works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Holbein.
ST GEORGE’S CHAPEL
The chapel’s construction began in the 15th century. It is known for its Gothic architecture and was the site of royal weddings. For example, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot there. It is also the Order of the Garter’s spiritual home. They are the British Chivalry’s senior order, established in the 14th century.
BIGGEST DOLLHOUSE IN THE WORLD
Queen Mary’s Doll’s House is an intricately designed dollhouse owned by Queen Mary, wife of George V. It was built in the 1920s, and over 1,500 people worked on it! The dollhouse even includes electricity, elevators, and running water, and includes over 750 miniature artworks!
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Visitors can see the Changing of the Guard at certain times. The monarchs have been guarded by the Household Troops since 1660.
Plan your visit to Windsor Castle
Best time to visit: If you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit Windsor Castle in the morning. Instead, visit around noon or in the afternoon.
Getting there: If you are taking a train, you can get off at the Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside train stations. Please note that visitors have to walk up a steep hill from the Riverside station. You can catch a Windsor Express bus, which stops at the center of the town of Windsor. Route 702 starts close to Victoria Station in central London, and route 703 starts at Terminal 5 at Heathrow. If you are driving, please note that parking is not available. You can park in Windsor town center.
Windsor Castle Working Hours
MARCH TO OCTOBER:
- Days open: Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:15
- Last admission: 16:00
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY:
- Days open: Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 16:15
- Last admission: 15:00
Note: Windsor Castle is closed on 16 June and 25–26 December 2026.
ST GEORGE’S CHAPEL
- Closing Time: 16:00 (last entry at 15:45)
- Closed to Visitors: Sundays (open for worshippers only)
Access to St George’s Chapel may be limited on busy days and during services.
SEMI-STATE ROOMS
- Open Until: 30 March 2026
- Closed: 27–28 February
These additional rooms are included in the visitor route during the winter months.
Learn about 900 years of British history with one of our guided tours of Windsor Castle!
Audio guide in 9 languages
Windsor Castle Small-Group Guided Tour
Discover the historic town of Windsor and explore 11th-century Windsor Castle on our small group guided tour. Walk through the home of the British royal family and the largest continuously occupied castle in the world. Learn the interesting stories about the royal family from your guide. Tour the State Apartments and see the royal art collection. Explore the famous St George's Chapel, a Gothic architectural masterpiece and royal wedding venue.
Per group up to 6
Windsor Castle Private Tour
Visit Windsor and explore Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest castle still in use. See the lavish State Apartments and St George's Chapel, a wedding venue for many royals and a burial place for kings and queens. Learn about its royal history with a private guide. Explore the prehistoric Stonehenge and learn about the secrets of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a comfortable trip with hotel pickup and drop-off, tailored to your pace, for a VIP Windsor Castle experience.
FAQ - Visit Windsor Castle
Should I book a visit to Windsor Castle in advance?
Windsor Castle is a very popular attraction, with almost 1.5 million visitors coming each year to discover 1,000 years of British history and the biggest and oldest occupied castle in the world! Book tickets online in advance so you can secure a visit.How much time do I need at Windsor Castle?
You should plan to spend 1 and a half to 2 hours at Windsor Castle. If you are in a hurry, don't miss the State Apartments and St George's Chapel.Can I bring a bag or luggage to Windsor Castle?
You should not bring big suitcases to Windsor Castle. The staff decides if they are allowed, and they have to be able to fit into the security scanner. You can carry a handbag, but you have to carry it with you, so don't bring anything too bulky or heavy. Large bags are not allowed in the State Apartments, and you will have to leave them in the cloakroom in the China Museum, close to the entrance to the State Apartments. Long umbrellas also must be left in the cloakroom before entering the State Apartments.Can I bring a pushchair?
You can use a pushchair outdoors, but you must leave it in the cloakroom when you go inside. Visitors can borrow baby carriers and hip carriers.Can I take photos at Windsor Castle?
You can take photos for personal use, but note that photography and filming are not allowed in the State Apartments and St George's Chapel. You cannot use a drone at Windsor Castle.Can I get something to eat or drink at Windsor Castle?
Visit the Undercroft Café to get a sandwich, a wrap, a salad, and a drink. You can also refill your water bottle for free at a fountain outside, after exiting the Security Hall.Where are the restrooms at Windsor Castle?
You can find toilets after exiting the Security Hall, on the North Terrace before entering the State Apartments, and close to the café. They include accessible toilets and baby-care facilities.Windsor Castle DOs & DON’Ts
DO book your visit as soon as possible
With almost 1.5 million visitors each year, Windsor Castle is a popular attraction. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
DON’T bring a drone
Drones are not permitted at Windsor Castle.
DO explore more famous British landmarks
Book the Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour to discover the famous monument and visit the castle.
DON’T bring large suitcases
The staff decides if a large suitcase can be allowed, and it must fit into the security scanner.
DO take phone calls outside
In order not to bother other visitors, take your calls outside.
Get the most out of your visit to Windsor Castle with our best ticket deals!
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Access to castle & St George's Chapel
Windsor Castle Online Discount Ticket
Visit Windsor Castle, the world's oldest castle still occupied today, and discover centuries of history. With this ticket, you can explore the State Apartments and see royal treasures and art masterpieces. Enjoy a self-guided tour of St George's Chapel with a multimedia guide available in multiple languages. Walk through the extensive lawns surrounding the castle and enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic royal residence. Your ticket is valid for one whole day, giving you enough time to explore at your own pace!
Half day tour
Windsor Castle Entry Ticket with Tour and Transportation
Escape central London on a half-day tour to Windsor. Travel in comfort on a luxury bus to the historic town of Windsor. Visit Windsor Castle, an official residence of King Charles III, with a Skip-the-Line ticket and a multimedia guide. Learn about the castle's history, explore its grounds, and visit the famous St George's Chapel to see its impressive architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to London.