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Windsor Castle

Type:Castle / Fort

Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 13442 reviews13442 reviews

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Windsor Castle's Round Tower. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer Peter Packer.

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About

No trip to Windsor could be complete without a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs and is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.

Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday*.

*During July, August and September 2025, Windsor Castle will be open on the following Tuesdays: 1, 15 and 29 July; 5, 12, 19 and 26 August; 2, 9, 16 and 23 September.

We recommend allowing 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything.  Visit Windsor Castle's Practical Information page to find out more.

Tickets for Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card holders are available on the day (subject to...Read More

About

No trip to Windsor could be complete without a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs and is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.

Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday*.

*During July, August and September 2025, Windsor Castle will be open on the following Tuesdays: 1, 15 and 29 July; 5, 12, 19 and 26 August; 2, 9, 16 and 23 September.

We recommend allowing 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything.  Visit Windsor Castle's Practical Information page to find out more.

Tickets for Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card holders are available on the day (subject to availability) or can be prebooked by telephone only (transaction fee payable). From 1 January 2025, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card holders can obtain 50% off admission to the Castle with free entry for one child up to the age of 17 per adult Advantage Card holder and on production of the child’s valid card. Read details of the Advantage Card offer.

£1 tickets are available from 1 January to 4 April 2025 for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits. This offer will start again on Thursday 2 October 2025 for the autumn/winter. Tickets for visits in October and onwards will be on sale later in the year. Read more about the £1 ticket offer.

What to see and do at Windsor Castle (all included in your ticket price)

Visit the magnificent State Apartments

Windsor Castle's State Apartments are the ceremonial rooms that are used today by the Royal Family for official visits by Heads of State from other countries, investitures, and awards ceremonies, where people from all walks of life are recognised for their achievements. Explore historic rooms, built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, and view some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Rubens, fine French furniture, delicate tapestries and impressive armours.

The Semi-State Rooms

Between autumn and spring, enter the Semi-State Rooms, the richly decorated private apartments. Severely damaged by the fire of 1992, they were completely restored to their 19th-century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV.  Blending classical, gothic and rococo styles, they also contain some of the best 18th-century English and French works of art.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House

Queen Mary's Dolls' House is the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world! Completed in 1924, it's a perfect replica of an Edwardian residence, complete with electricity, working lifts and running water. Its scaled-down rooms range from a fully stocked wine cellar and ‘below-stairs’ spaces to grand entertaining salons, and feature contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers of the day. The house went on display at Windsor Castle in 1925 and has been delighting visitors ever since. 

St George's Chapel

Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, the burial place of 11 monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and Charles I and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.

St George’s Chapel is included as part of a ticketed visit to Windsor Castle. Please note, the chapel is closed to general visitors on Sundays but worshippers are welcome to attend services.

Watch Changing the Guard

Weather permitting, the Changing the Guard parade and ceremony begins at 11am and lasts approximately 30 minutes. Please check the Royal Collection Trust website for latest information. There is a link to the British Army website from here too with confirmation of the full schedule.

Have a break in Windsor Castle's Undercroft Café.

Located in one of the oldest surviving spaces of the Castle, Edward III’s medieval Undercroft, which for centuries served as the Castle’s main wine cellar, is now a café open to visitors. Visit the Royal Collection Trust website to see the menu.

How much does it cost to go into Windsor Castle?

See the latest Windsor Castle ticket prices under the Guide Prices section below.

When is Windsor Castle closed?

Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays* and Wednesdays but as a working palace it can close on other days and at short notice.  Please check the provisional closure dates listed on the Royal Collection website.

*During July, August and September 2025, Windsor Castle will be open on the following Tuesdays: 1, 15 and 29 July; 5, 12, 19 and 26 August; 2, 9, 16 and 23 September.

Family activities at Windsor Castle

Collect your handset and follow Scorch the dragon on a special tour of Windsor Castle, full of amazing stories. Try spotting mystery objects and other games as you go round.

Discover the Castle and its 1,000-year history with one of the free trails for children aged 5-11. Look out for battlements, towers, arrow loops and murder holes!

During local school holidays, join free activities for children and families including crafts, storytelling and ‘make and takes’.

If you’re looking for a quieter space, toddlers can take time in the Chill Out Zone, with toys, books and lots of bean bags. The Learning Centre is breastfeeding friendly and has a designated family bathroom with changing table and a handy ‘caught short’ box.

Top Tips for visiting Windsor Castle

  • Book your tickets in advance, to avoid any disappointment.
  • Get your ticket converted into a one-year pass so you can visit again within 12 months. Speak to a member of staff on the day. Please note that only tickets booked on the Royal Collection Trust website can be converted into a one-year pass.
  • Check which flag is flying from Windsor Castle’s round tower – if it’s the Royal Standard then The King is in residence when you’re visiting.
  • Make sure to collect a multimedia guide to get the most out of your visit to Windsor Castle – it's available in many different languages.
  • Look out for special tours throughout the year including the Great Kitchen and Conquer the Tower tours (these must be booked in advance).
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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
01. Adult (in advance)£31.00 per ticket
02. Adult (on the day, subject to availability)£35.00 per ticket
03. Young Person 18-24 (in advance)£20.00 per ticket
04. Young Person 18-24 (on the day, subject to availability)£23.00 per ticket
05. Child 5-17 (in advance)£15.50 per ticket
06. Child 5-17 (on the day, subject to availability)£17.50 per ticket
07. Under 5Free
08. Disabled Person (in advance)£15.50 per ticket
09. Disabled Person (on the day, subject to availalability)£17.50 per ticket
10. Access companion (must be booked with a disabled ticket)Free
11. £1 ticket (for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits)£1.00 per ticket

Groups: Groups of 15 or more receive a 10% discount on ticket prices shown above.

From 1 January 2025, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card holders can obtain 50% off admission to the Castle with free entry for one child up to the age of 17 per adult Advantage Card holder and on production of the child’s valid card.

£1 tickets are available from 1 January to 4 April 2025 for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits. This offer will start again on Thursday 2 October 2025 for the autumn/winter. Tickets for visits in October and onwards will be on sale later in the year.

Find out more at https://tickets.rct.uk/product/11/6097

Events

Friday, 2nd May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025

Changing the Guard in WindsorThe Captain's InspectionOn certain days, visitors to Windsor Castle will be able to see an extra Armed Forces ceremony when they visit the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world!
more info

Saturday, 17th May 2025 - Sunday, 18th May 2025

History Weekend - Glorious GeorgiansHistory Weekends - Glorious GeorgiansThe Georgians are coming back to Windsor Castle? “What? What? What?” On this select weekend, Windsor Castle will be hosting an array of 18th-century characters who have stepped right out of the time of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
more info

Saturday, 24th May 2025 - Sunday, 1st June 2025

©RCT - Union Flag Half Mast Round Tower RainbowMaking Rainbows - Spring Half Term at Windsor CastleThe sight of a rainbow can be so uplifting, especially after a rainy day when the sun comes out and a rainbow appears!  As part of your visit to Windsor Castle this spring half term, join us in the Castle’s Learning Centre, where children can enjoy some creative crafting. Create rainbows using…
more info

Wednesday, 28th May 2025 - Wednesday, 28th May 2025

Wednesday, 25th June 2025 - Wednesday, 25th June 2025

Wednesday, 30th July 2025 - Wednesday, 30th July 2025

Wednesday, 24th September 2025 - Wednesday, 24th September 2025

Wednesday, 29th October 2025 - Wednesday, 29th October 2025

Wednesday, 26th November 2025 - Wednesday, 26th November 2025

Painting of Windsor CastleWindsor: Royal Reminiscence, Dementia-friendly morningsEvery month, Windsor Castle welcomes people living with dementia and their support-givers to Pug Yard, the learning centre for Windsor Castle, for a fun morning with refreshments, an interactive short talk, and activity.
more info

Saturday, 28th June 2025 - Sunday, 29th June 2025

History Weekends - Medieval MayhemHistory Weekends - Medieval MayhemIt's 1475 and King Edward IV prepares for his great invasion of France. Meet the chivalrous knights and Men at Arms of the Wars of the Roses who will muster in his great Royal Castle before their expedition. Explore their camp in the quadrangle and watch fascinating armour and weaponry displays.
more info

Saturday, 26th July 2025 - Sunday, 31st August 2025

Glorious GardensGlorious Gardens - throughout the Summer Holidays at Windsor CastleVisit the Castle this summer and get artistic using some of the fantastic outdoor spaces as inspiration for some art. Paint the gardens or even the majestic Round Tower.
more info

Saturday, 16th August 2025 - Sunday, 17th August 2025

Windsor at War - get involvedHistory Weekends - Windsor at WarExperience what it was like in Windsor Castle during the Second World War. Explore the WW2 vehicles which would have been familiar to the late Queen Elizabeth II and learn how she contributed to the War Effort. Visit the Home guard HQ of “Dad’s Army” fame and watch how they prepare for an imminent…
more info

Saturday, 13th September 2025 - Sunday, 14th September 2025

Royalists and RebelsHistory Weekends - Royalists and RebelsGo back in time to see the Parliamentarian Garrison of Windsor Castle!  Learn about the Parliamentarian takeover, the founding of the New Model Army and hear the stories of imprisoned Royalists. Watch thrilling pikeman drills by grizzled soldiers of dashing Prince Rupert’s army.
more info

Saturday, 25th October 2025 - Sunday, 2nd November 2025

Bookseller and AuthorCelebrating 250 years of Jane AustenCelebrate 250 years of Jane Austen during your visit to The Castle this half term.  Whilst Jane Austen did not visit Windsor Castle, she was familiar with the area and referenced it in her writing. She did, however, she did visit London and was acquainted with the Prince Regent, later King George…
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift - gives access to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Facility for service dogs - water available on request
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors
  • Wheelchair
...Read More

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift - gives access to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Facility for service dogs - water available on request
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors
  • Wheelchair user accessible

Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages

  • French audio guide
  • German audio guide
  • Italian audio guide
  • Japanese audio guide
  • Mandarin audio guide
  • Portuguese audio guide - Brazilian Portuguese
  • Russian audio guide
  • Spanish audio guide

Catering

  • Cafe
  • On-Site cafe/restaurant - Undercroft Café serving freshly prepared meals, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats and an exclusive selection of teas
  • Refreshments Available
  • Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

  • Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

  • Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
  • Gift shop - Step into the Windsor Castle shops and experience a world of exclusive gifts and royal souvenirs, including commemorative chinaware, glittering jewellery, sumptuous homeware, delicious food and drink and charming gifts for children.
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Green Transport - Green Line from London. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell.
  • Parking (charge) - No car parking on site but follow the signs for LONG STAY PARKING in Windsor town centre; these car parks are better value if you are visiting the castle.

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Approx length of visit - A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted - Only Blue Bage Guides accredited to Windsor Castle are permitted to guide within the precincts of the Castle.
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Max group size - 9999
  • Min group size - 15
  • Special group rates - Reduced admission charges apply to groups of 15 or more visitors
  • Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
  • Visa accepted

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

  • French printed material
  • German printed material
  • Italian printed material
  • Japanese printed material
  • Mandarin printed material
  • Portuguese printed material - Brazilian Portuguese
  • Russian printed material
  • Spanish printed material

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre
  • No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun - In addition to trails and a children's audio guide we now offer an exciting family programme every Saturday throughout the year, linked to the amazing history of Windsor Castle, the magnificent art works on display and the royal residents past and present who have lived here.

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available
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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.6 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      10154
    • Very Good
      3242
    • Average
      696
    • Poor
      213
    • Terrible
      150

    Recent Reviews:

    • Ray A
      Great historic place to visit
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 18th March 2025
      Definitely worth a visit - allow 2+ hours! Very historic palace. We watched changing of the guards which was about 11am (not every day). The State rooms were amazing - made all the more... Read full review
    • CrisH653
      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
      a wonderful tour
      4 of 5 stars
      Monday, 14th April 2025
      Once inside you have a lovely walk up to the state apartments, you can see the queens dollhouse but honestly it's a 5 minute look so unless it's your thing skip it but if you do want to see it make... Read full review
    • fernandom401
      Juiz de Fora, MG
      Impermeable!
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 21st April 2025
      An amazing castle and royal residence! It is very large, has a beautiful architecture, a lot of history and lots of items of invaluable value, everything impresses. The gardens around it and the... Read full review

    Map

    Opening Times

    Open New Year
    Open March to October 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    DayTimes
    Monday10:00 - 17:15
    Tuesday - WednesdayClosed
    Thursday - Sunday10:00 - 17:15
    Open November to February 1 Nov 2025 - 28 Feb 2026
    DayTimes
    Monday10:00 - 16:15
    Tuesday - WednesdayClosed
    Thursday - Sunday10:00 - 16:15

    * During July, August and September 2025, Windsor Castle will be open on the following Tuesdays: 1, 15 and 29 July; 5, 12, 19 and 26 August; 2, 9, 16 and 23 September.

    Last admission 75 minutes before closing. Please check the 'provisional closure' dates listed on the Royal Collection website: rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

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