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
Multimedia guides available in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian & Brazilian Portuguese

Inclusions

Please Note:

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 for visitors on a Sunday.
Under 5's go free

Venue Information:
Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ
Nearest Train Station: Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside

Golden Tours act as an official agent for these activities, as such you are subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier.

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 an area of 13 acres and overlooks charming Windsor town – pay the castle a visit 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 and 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 Windsor Castle visit.

The Changing of the Guard
This rousing, truly British ceremony takes place at 11.00am on Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting. The ceremony allows the handover of duties between two different sets of guards.

Rail Packages
For ease, you can book both return train tickets and entry to Windsor Castle here.

Schedule

Standard opening times

March – October:
Thursday to Monday, 10:00-17:15 (last admission 16:00)

November – February:
Thursday to Monday, 10:00–16:15 (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
6 September 2025 – Last admission timeslot 15:00-15:30, Castle closes at 16:45.
16th, 18th & 30th September 2025
25 & 26 December 2025

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.

Windsor Castle Tickets

Highlights

Inclusions

Description

Schedule

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