Windsor Castle Tours

Windsor Castle showing heritage architecture and a castle
Windsor Castle featuring heritage architecture and a castle as well as a small group of people
Windsor Castle showing heritage architecture and a castle
Windsor Castle featuring a park and heritage architecture
Windsor Castle which includes signage and heritage elements


Manicured gardens stretch beyond the Gothic turrets of the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, a weekend home to royals. 

For about 1,000 years, the kings and queens of Britain have lodged in the 11th-century Windsor Castle. A flag hoisted from the central Round Tower informs visitors when the queen is in the building on one of her private weekend escapes. Borrow an audio guide for a detailed description of the castle’s history and context.

Stroll through the elegant gardens of this 13-acre (5-hectare) compound, which is large and developed enough to form a small village made up of wards. At the front is the main castle body, while the elegant St. George’s Chapel dominates the Lower Ward.

For a glimpse of the castle’s regal charm, watch the Changing the Guard ceremony, featuring unflinching guards in bearskin hats. Tour the State Apartments in the Upper Ward to marvel at the Georgian architecture, period décor and historic portraits. Enter Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, comprising minuscule replicas of stately rooms and gardens.

Visit St. George’s Chapel and attend a Sunday service in the building, where some of the royal family’s most notable members have been baptized, married and buried. Sculptures of emblematic animals cover the pinnacles rising from the roof, while the interior fan-vaulted ceiling is a notable highlight. 

The church’s history extends as far back as the Normans, when William the Conqueror founded it. Imagine the changing faces of the structure in the intervening centuries, when Georgian, Victorian and Gothic touches were added to medieval stone foundations.

The castle is open to visitors daily from morning until late afternoon, with an extra hour in summer. Purchase tickets and ask for discounts for youths and seniors. 

Windsor Castle is in the heart of Eton, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of London. Arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside or Windsor & Eton Central stations, take a water taxi to Windsor Promenade or ride a bus to a nearby stop. 

Explore other sites near the structure, including the Royal Theatre, the Soldier’s Statue and the Bachelor’s Acre.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Windsor Castle

Tours & day trips

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Reviews of Windsor Castle

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1386
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
628
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
96
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Well worth the visit! Our favorite part of the trip!

4/5 - Good

Tambe

Very busy venue. Plan several hours for the visit. Quite a bit of time is just waiting in line for entry and also in line to go thru security.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go to a service in St. George's Chapel! Amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Could spend more time here. Our tour only allowed 2 hours, but 3-4 hours could have been spent here.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Home of the Queen. Kind of stuffy and a quite a drive out from the city, but if you like old furniture and paintings go there. You only tour a small part.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

In the winter, get there early and DRESS WARMLY! The cold and winds will chill you to your bones while you wait to get into the castle. Your wait will be an hour or longer. I am used to cold weather and was still very uncomfortably cold while waiting. Also, be aware that there are NO pictures allowed inside the castle at all. They will watch you in ever room.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Windsor Castle

Castle Hotel Windsor

Castle Hotel Windsor

4 out of 5
18 High Street, Windsor, England
Castle Hotel Windsor
Harte and Garter

Harte and Garter

2 out of 5
31 High St, Windsor, England
Harte and Garter
Host Stay Eton House

Host Stay Eton House

2 out of 5
Windsor
Host Stay Eton House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions for visitors. Enjoy sightseeing opportunities around the majestic grounds, indulge in some window shopping in the charming local boutiques, and experience thrilling rides nearby. For those seeking adventure, explore the vibrant evening scene that the area has to offer, ensuring a memorable visit filled with excitement and exploration.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Eton High Street Shopping, just 483m from Windsor Castle, offering a vibrant atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, head to Fara Books, located 19.3km away, or visit Kingston Historic Market, 22.5km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

At Stockley Park, enjoy serene nature trails and rejuvenating picnic spots just 11.3km from Windsor Castle. Sunningdale Golf Club offers invigorating outdoor sports and stunning landscapes, also 11.3km away. For entertainment, the Old Ticket Hall hosts lively music concerts only 161m from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Mercedes-Benz World, located 17.7km from Windsor Castle, where speed meets excitement. For a scenic adventure, hike the Thames Path, 8.0km away, and soak in stunning landscapes. For water sports enthusiasts, Liquid Leisure, just 3.2km away, offers exhilarating aquatic activities.

Nightlife

Experience a charming night in Windsor with a show at Theatre Royal, just 322m from the castle, where romance and culture flourish. For a lively time, head to Copper Horse, a cozy pub 4.8km away, perfect for drinks and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle offers a captivating blend of history and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Explore the royal castle and its stunning surroundings, including urban parks and nearby attractions. Capture memorable photos near Windsor Castle and immerse yourself in the local culture. With so much to see and do, your visit to Windsor will be both enriching and enjoyable.

  • Cliveden House: Experience the grandeur of Cliveden House, a historic estate set in beautiful gardens. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, it's a perfect spot to soak in the cultural vibes and enjoy afternoon tea while overlooking the picturesque views of the River Thames.
  • Royal Holloway, University of London: Wander through the stunning campus of Royal Holloway, renowned for its impressive Victorian architecture. The university offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with cultural events, art exhibitions, and lush green spaces, making it a delightful place to explore.
  • Brunel University: Visit Brunel University, a modern institution known for its innovative approach to education. The campus features contemporary architecture and a lively environment, perfect for experiencing the dynamic city vibes and engaging in various student-led activities.

Best time to go to Windsor Castle

The best time to visit Windsor Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
May54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
November46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Windsor Castle

To save money on your visit to Windsor Castle, travel during the off-peak months of January to March when hotel prices drop. Book your accommodations about a month in advance to secure the best deals, and consider Monday for cheaper rates, while Saturday tends to be the priciest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, take advantage of the town's compact layout by walking to explore free attractions nearby.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Windsor Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Windsor Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Windsor Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Windsor Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, ensuring you see the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Windsor Castle with your flights and activities.