If you’re looking for a majestic getaway, get ready to be swept away by the beauty and history of Windsor Castle. You may have got an idea of what the inside of this royal residence looks like during season four of The Crown, but did you know that you can see the real thing? His Majesty The King welcomes the public throughout the year, and the castle receives 1.65 million visitors annually from around the world. With over 1,000 years of architectural history, the iconic changing of the guard and stunning displays of royal treasures, it’s no wonder this residence is one of the most popular days out near London.
Whatever the time of year, you’ll find a range of tours available to learn more about the history of Windsor Castle and its 40 monarchs. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, there are treasures to discover around every corner.
Ready to find out more? Here you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Windsor Castle, including how to get there, where to book tickets, the best castle tours and much more.
Where is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is located in Windsor, a historic market town in the English county of Berkshire. Sitting just west of London, the castle is within walking distance of both the town centre and the River Thames. With two train stations and a ferry terminal within ten minutes of its grounds, Windsor Castle is a fantastic option for a day trip without a car.
Around Windsor you’ll also find some other fascinating places to add to your excursion. Head down to the river and stroll over the Eton Walkway bridge and you’ll find yourself in the quaint town of Eton with its world-famous boarding school. You can also take a river boat to the Royal Windsor Racecourse, which is set back on its own island in the middle of the Thames.
How do I get to Windsor Castle?
With a huge choice of travel options to pick from, getting to Windsor Castle has never been easier. As it’s such a popular destination, many people prefer to take public transport to avoid queues and parking delays.
Travelling by train
There are two main train stations in Windsor, both within a 10-minute walk of the castle. The first is Windsor & Eton Riverside, which is just outside the town centre by the River Thames. The second is Windsor & Eton Central, which is in the town centre.
There are a flexible range of ticket types to choose from. Get cheap train tickets to Windsor by travelling off-peak or booking in advance, and if you have a Railcard you could save even more.
There’s something at Windsor Castle to suit all tastes, including guided and audio-guided tours available in a range of languages. In the State Apartments you’ll see the ceremonial parts of Windsor Castle still used by His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family to this day, some of which were recreated for the television series The Crown. You can also explore the intimate spaces and grand interiors of the historic rooms built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, while learning about the castle’s vast history.
Between autumn and spring each year, you can take a look at The Semi-State Rooms, the richly decorated private apartments created for George IV, so impressive that His Majesty The King uses them for official entertaining.
Sights
Taking place since 1660, the famous Changing the Guard ceremony sees the handover of duties between two groups of castle guards, dressed in red jackets and bearskin caps. Today, it usually takes place at 11:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, although the schedule can change so check dates and times beforehand.
Walk down the aisle of St George’s Chapel, a spectacular example of gothic architecture, perhaps most recognisable as the wedding location for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It is also the final resting place of many British monarchs. Please note that St George's Chapel is closed on Sundays.
St George’s Chapel
The Royal Collection is another must-see during your trip. Wander through rooms built in the 17th century to house some of the most precious royal treasures, including porcelain, furniture, paintings and beautiful sculptures.
Another unmissable sight for all the family is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, built by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The intricate construction includes contributions from over 1,500 of the finest craftsmen of the early 20th century. It even has electricity, working lifts, and running water!
Tickets to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle tickets can be bought online from Royal Collection Trust and advance booking is essential. You can get free readmission for up to a year when you convert your day ticket into a 1-Year Pass.
Events
Windsor Castle hosts a number of special events throughout the year. In the past, these have included majestic Christmas celebrations and the Royal Windsor Horse Show. For an up-to-date list of the Windsor Castle events, you can find out What’s On from Royal Collection Trust.
Changing the Guard (Image credit: Royal Collection Trust (c) His Majesty King Charles III 2022)
Nearby
There are loads of things to see and do just outside the royal grounds. Stretch your legs after your castle tour with a walk through the beautiful greenery of Windsor Great Park, where you’ll spot plenty of deer and stunning views of Windsor. When you’re all tired out, rest up at the Theatre Royal Windsor. Located just outside the walls of the castle, you can enjoy the best of British theatre before it hits the West End.
Located opposite the castle, Windsor Royal Station is a shopper’s paradise. Once a railway station, this Grade-II listed building now houses a fantastic shopping centre.
A 300-year old royal retreat is located just over a mile away from the castle, but it’s worth noting that Frogmore House and Gardens is only open to individual visitors on a handful of days each year.
Don’t tell the kids, but Legoland Windsor is just three miles south west of the castle, and easy to reach by bus from the town centre.
The Undercroft Café is located in the medieval undercroft of Windsor Castle and it’s the only place for visitors to enjoy refreshments on site.
In Windsor, The Cinnamon Café is a great choice for grabbing coffee, cake, and sandwiches. For cheap bites and a drink, try The King & Castle, a family-friendly pub with plenty of outdoor seating.
If you have a little more time to spare, you’ll find old-fashioned charm, local beers and delicious pub grub at The Two Brewers, or if you’re looking for something a little more fancy, the fantastic Italian fare at Sebastian’s is sure to fit the bill.
Hotels near Windsor Castle
Rest up with a budget-friendly stay in the heart of town at Travelodge Windsor Central, or for a little extra, opt for a luxurious night that won’t break the bank at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. Both of these options are perfect if you want to be close to travel links.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a little royal rest and relaxation with a stay at the stately home Coworth Park, just outside of Windsor Great Park. Or if you’d like a more homely feel to your accommodation, you might like the St Mary’s Cottage B&B, just a few hundred metres from both of Windsor’s train stations.
Windsor Castle accessibility
Windsor Castle is situated on top of a steep hill, but within the castle there are manual wheelchairs and rollators available for free. Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used inside the castle, and there are also lifts throughout the castle. More information can be found here.
Now that you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hub for exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
