Windsor Castle Tickets
Highlights
- Explore the royal residence and family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years
- Visit the State Apartments
- Go Inside Gothic St George’s Chapel
- Experience the Changing of the Guard
- Option to add Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus or Open Top Bus Tour
Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Inclusions
What's Included:
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What's Excluded:
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Description
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and Queen Elizabeth II loved to spend time in this stunning fortress. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the castle is still a favourite residence of the royal family. This sprawling, grand home covers 13 acres and overlooks the charming town of Windsor. Visit the castle and find out why our royals have lived here for centuries and why many royal weddings have taken place here.
The State Apartments
Take a look inside the heart of the working palace – the State Apartments. Regularly used for ceremonial and official occasions, the Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection. During your Windsor Castle tour, try and spot the paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci that hang from the walls! During the winter months, the richly decorated Semi-State Rooms are added to the visitor route.
St George’s Chapel
St George’s Chapel is an imposing Gothic building and the resting place for a number of British monarchs. These include Edward IV, who built the Chapel, Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II. Services are held regularly, and this quiet church is a peaceful addition to a visit to Windsor Castle.
The Changing of the Guard
This rousing, truly British ceremony takes place at 11am on Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting. The ceremony allows the handover of duties between two different sets of guards.
Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus (optional)
Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (optional)
Explore the many historic sights of Windsor with a convenient Hop-on Hop-off Bus. See famous landmarks such as Eton College, Holy Trinity Church, Frogmore House, and more with 11 central stops! The onboard audio commentary provides facts about the town’s history and hidden stories to keep you entertained and informed.
Venus Garden
The newly redesigned Venus Garden at Windsor Castle will be open to visitors from 16th July to 13th September 2026 as part of a standard castle visit. Inspired by The King’s passion for patterns in nature, the historic garden offers a rare opportunity to enjoy views of the Castle’s east façade and relax within the walls of the 1,000-year-old fortress.
Rail Packages
For ease, you can book both return train tickets and entry to Windsor Castle here.
Schedule
Venue Information:
Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ
Nearest Train Station: Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside
Standard opening times
Jan-Feb: Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 16:15 (last admission 15:00)
Mar-Oct: Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 17:15 (last admission 16:00)
Nov-Dec: Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 16:15 (last admission 15:00)
Please note
Windsor Castle is generally open from Thursday to Monday throughout the year, with a few exceptions when the Castle is in use for official functions. As a working royal palace, the Castle is used frequently by The King for State ceremonies and official entertaining, and closures can occasionally occur at short notice.
Windsor Castle closures
- Every Tuesday & Wednesday
- 25 & 26 December
St. George’s Chapel
- St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Visitors to the Castle on Sundays will not be able to enter the chapel or view the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II.
Semi-State Rooms
- During the winter months, an additional five rooms, known collectively as the Semi-State Rooms, are included in the visitor route.
- Please note that when the State Apartments are closed, the Semi-State Rooms will not be open.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
- Access to Queen Mary's Dolls' House may be limited on busy days.
Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus
Time: 12:15pm
Duration: Approx. 70-90 minutes
Departure Point: Theatre Royal, Thames Street, Windsor
Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Departures from Theatre Royal bus stop: 09:30, 10:40, 11:40, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 & 16:30
Duration: Approx. 75-90 minutes for a full loop
Additional Information
Windsor Castle
- As a working royal palace, the Castle is used frequently by The King for State ceremonies and official entertaining, and closures can occasionally occur at short notice.
- St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on a Sunday.
- Under 5's go free.
- You will receive an e-ticket for this activity.
Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus & Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but will need to occupy one of the fixed-position seats.
- The route is subject to change due to road closures and traffic conditions.
- There are no toilets on board.
Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus
- Guests may have to share tables.
- Alcohol will only be served to those aged 18 and over – a valid ID will be required.
- Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Under 5s are not allowed.
- Some of the dishes on the menus may be subject to change.
- We cannot guarantee that all foods have not been in contact with nuts.
Images: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust
Golden Tours acts as an official agent for these activities; as such, you are subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier.
Reviews
Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

