How to visit Windsor Castle, the most popular royal home

Windsor Castle is the most popular royal home for visitors, welcoming more paying customers than any other.

The latest report from the Royal Collection Trust shows that almost 1.4 million people bought a ticket to go into Windsor Castle in 2024-2025. Buckingham Palace saw 683,000 paying customers in the same financial year although it’s only open in the summer months whereas Windsor is accessible pretty much all year round.

A site of royal history for almost 1,000 years

The ancient royal residence has a host of rooms open to the public, covering centuries of royal history. It’s also been at the heart of recent major royal events with the world watching in 2022 as Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor after a State Funeral at Westminster Abbey.

It’s also now the setting for State Visits with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, recently hosted there by King Charles and Queen Camilla. In September, Donald and Melania Trump will be guests of The King and Queen at Windsor for an historic second State Visit.

That means tourists won’t be getting into the ancient castle for the several days in September that span the State Visit but there are plenty of other chances to see this place where royal history has been made for centuries.

It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and has been home to British monarchs for over 900 years. It remains a working palace today. Located in the picturesque town of Windsor, just a short journey from London, it offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the royal past and present. Here’s how to plan your visit to Windsor Castle.

Getting to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is located in the town of Windsor, Berkshire, about 22 miles (35 km) west of central London. It’s got good train links and it’s a relatively easy drive although parking has to be found away from the castle.

By Train:

• From London Paddington, take a train to Slough, then transfer to Windsor & Eton Central. Total journey time is around 35–45 minutes.
• Alternatively, from London Waterloo, take a direct train to Windsor & Eton Riverside, which takes about an hour.

By Car:

• It’s roughly a 45-minute drive from London, depending on traffic. There is no parking at the castle itself, but several public car parks are available in the town.

Getting into Windsor Castle

The easiest way to book tickets is online via the Royal Collection Trust website. It’s also the cheapest option as on the door prices are higher. The ticket includes a multimedia tour.

Windsor Castle is managed by the Royal Collection Trust, and it is open to the public year-round, though it can close for official royal events.

Ticket Options:

• Adult: Online in advance £31
• Child (5–17): £15.50
• Young Person (18-24): £24
• Under 5s: Free
• Family tickets are also available.

Where to Buy:

• Buy tickets online in advance at the Royal Collection Trust website to ensure entry and avoid queues.
• Walk-up tickets are sometimes available, but during peak seasons (summer, weekends, school holidays), pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Make the most of your visit

Windsor Castle is open all year round but you do need to check in advance in case events, such as State Visits, mean it will be closed for a brief time. Between March and October, the castle’s opening hours are 10:00am – 5:15pm (last admission 4:00pm) and between November and February, they are 10am – 4.15pm (last admission 3:00pm).

There’s plenty to see inside so these tips will help make the most of your time at Windsor Castle.

Arrive Early: Morning visits are generally quieter, especially on weekdays. Aim to arrive around opening time.

Use the Multimedia Guide: Included in the ticket price, the audio guide offers detailed insights into the rooms and history. It’s available in multiple languages.

Photography: No photography is allowed inside the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel. You can take photos in the castle grounds.

Security: Airport-style security checks are in place. Avoid bringing large bags.

Accessibility: Windsor Castle is situated on a steep hill, but lifts and mobility aids are available. Wheelchairs can be borrowed.

The glamourous part – what will you see inside?

Windsor Castle was started in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and it was his son, Henry I, who first used it as a royal residence rather than just a defensive shield. Monarchs have put their own stamp on it with some of the most notable renovations under taken in the reigns of Edward III (1327 – 1377) and George IV (1820 – 1830). Windsor is a fascinating melee of styles and moments of royal history and packed with stunning furniture and decorations as well as being an echo of royal history for almost 1,000 years.

The State Apartments are on show. These are lavishly decorated rooms used by the monarch for official ceremonies. Highlights include the Grand Reception Room, Queen’s Drawing Room, and St George’s Hall, used for state banquets.

Many visitors are drawn to St. George’s Chapel which is one of the most stunning examples of Gothic architecture in England. It is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, King Henry VIII, and many other royals. And it is still an active place of worship. In recent years, it has been the setting for many famous royal weddings including the blessing that followed the civil marriage of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Windsor Castle is also where you can see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, an intricate, fully furnished miniature palace built in the 1920s. It features tiny, working plumbing and electric lights.

There’s always plenty of royal ceremonial on show at Windsor, too, with Changing the Guard taking place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am (weather permitting).

Find out more about Windsor Castle visits

The best place for tickets is the Royal Collection Trust website.