Place of Interest
Windsor Castle Windsor Castle
Journey through Windsor Castle
With a history dating back almost 1,000 years, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it’s just 8 miles from our Chertsey Club Site. The magnificent castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has since been home to 40 monarchs. Keep reading this guide to learn more about the castle, what you'll find, ticket and admission fees and more.
Tickets and Discounts | Getting to Windsor Castle | Places to Stay | Things to do at Windsor Castle | More Information
Windsor Castle tickets and discounts
If you want to bag some great discounts and guarantee your entry to Windsor Castle, book online and in advance. Admission prices start from free for those under five and go up to £30 for adults. If you’re attending with a group of 15 people or more, you’ll be able to get an additional 10% off tickets.
Once you’ve visited Windsor Castle, we won’t be surprised if you want to return for a second or even a third time. For that reason, you can change your day pass into an annual membership for free. All you have to do is sign your name and get a staff member to approve it at the end of your visit.
Click here for more information on Windsor Castle admissions.
Getting to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is located in the English county of Berkshire, just west of London. It’s within walking distance from Windsor city centre and the River Thames. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are multiple ways to get to Windsor Castle.
Travelling by car to Windsor Castle
Getting to Windsor via the motorway can be straightforward, but as you get closer to the castle, there'll be a lot of traffic - especially during high season. Therefore, plan your journey ahead of time to avoid congestion. You can also take advantage of the Park and Ride scheme if you get to Windsor early. This scheme allows you to park for free at the Home Park or King Edward VII car park and take a bus to Guildhall, which is a 2-minute walk to the castle entrance.
Estimated drive times:
- London: 50 minutes
- Oxford: 50 minutes
- Bristol: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Birmingham: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Cardiff: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Travelling by public transport to Windsor Castle
There are two main train stations in Windsor – both are less than a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle. The train stations are:
Windsor & Eton Riverside run regularly from London Paddington, and Windsor and Eton Central run regularly from Waterloo.
Estimated train times:
- London: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Oxford: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Bristol: 2 hours and 10 minutes
- Birmingham: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Cardiff: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Where to stay while visiting Windsor Castle
You’ll want to be up bright and early to visit Windsor Castle, and you’ll also need a lie in the day after from all the exploring. So, why not book a stay at an affordable campsite in Windsor?
We have multiple popular campsites you can stay at, which are a short drive away from Windsor Castle. These campsites include:
- Chertsey Club Site – 22 minutes drive
- Walton on Thames Club Site – 35 minutes drive
- Horsley Club Site – 35 minutes
- Theobalds Park Club Site – 55 minutes
Our campsites near Windsor are family-friendly and have plenty of on-site facilities, such as parent and baby rooms, a recreation hall, a children's play area, and family showers. The above four Club Sites are also dog-friendly campsites with designated dog walks, and our Chertsey Club Site has a dog washing area. For more information on each campsite, click on the page and scroll down to view its facilities, pitch types and more.
A great part of staying at our Chertsey Club Site and Walton on Thames Club Site is that they both have public transport links less than a mile from the campsite entrance. This makes it super easy for you to leave your car and catch the bus or train to Windsor Castle.
Psst, members of the Camping and Caravanning Club also have access to our exclusive member-only campsites near Windsor and plenty of money-saving campsite offers.
Things to do at Windsor Castle
Make sure you reach Windsor Castle early as there’s so much to do, from viewing State Apartments to watching the Changing of the Guard and much more.
State Apartments
The main State Apartments consist of ceremonial rooms. Here, the King hosts Heads of State from other countries, investitures, and awards ceremonies. A popular room in Windsor Castle is the Grand Reception Room. Initially damaged in the fire of 1992, this ballroom was restored to its former glory and has stunning gold walls, grand chandeliers and a large malachite urn.
Semi-State Rooms
These are smaller rooms that the monarchy uses for private appearances and entertaining guests. These rooms were furnished by George IV, but during the 1992 fire, the rooms were destroyed. Luckily, the artefacts were stored in a safe location, and the room was rebuilt to look exactly how it did prior to the fire.
While walking through the State Apartments and Semi-State rooms, remember to check out the royal collection of paintings by famous artists, including Van Dyck. You’ll also see beautiful china used in state banquets and ornate pieces of furniture.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
The famous Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was built between 1921 and 1824 and is always on display at Windsor Castle. The doll house was made for the wife of George V, Mary, by leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. He used contributions from over 1,500 artists, craftspeople and manufacturers to build the iconic doll house.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House has a well-furnished dining room, a library with original works by famous writers, a fully stocked wine cellar, and a blossoming garden. If that was detailed enough, it also has electricity, running water and working lifts.
St George’s Chapel
Within the grounds of Windsor Castle, you’ll find St George’s Chapel. This architectural masterpiece was first worked on in 1475 under King Edward IV. Now, the chapel is famous for royal weddings, including that of TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank.
St George’s Chapel is also the well-known resting place of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I. The late queen was buried with her husband, parents, and sister in King George VI Memorial Chapel, which is part of St Georges’s Chapel.
Changing of the Guard
Since 1660, ‘the Guard’ had a duty to protect the monarch. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place to allow the handover of duties between two groups of guards. Although the ceremony has a military purpose, the spectacle is also fascinating to watch. Visitors to Windsor Castle can see this ceremony on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Click here for more information on the Changing of the Guard timings and dates.
What’s on events
Different exhibitions, performances, special visits, and lectures occur throughout the year at Windsor Castle. To make the most of your trip (and plan what day to revisit the castle with your free annual pass), view everything happening at Windsor Castle here.
More information on Windsor Castle
Opening and closing times
Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Castle opens at 10am and closes at 4:15pm, with the final admission at 3pm. After the 28th of February, the castle closes at 5:15pm, with the final admission at 4pm.
If you want to visit the State Apartments, make sure you do so 30 minutes before the final admission time.
The Semi-State rooms are open until Sunday 24th March 2024. After that, they’ll reopen in autumn and stay open until spring.
Please note: Windsor Castle is a working castle that can close at short notice.
Click here for more information on Windsor Castle opening times and castle closures.
Windsor Castle cafe and gift shop
After all your exploring, you’re definitely going to need something to eat. Why not treat yourself at Undercroft Cafe? Enjoy a tasty and nutritious lunch or a hot coffee and delicious cake. The Undercroft Café caters for all dietary requirements.
Before you head out, don’t forget to upgrade your Windsor Castle day ticket into an annual pass for free and remember to hit the gift shop. There are plenty of great souvenirs to pick up, including a Guardsman bear, Christmas ornaments, soap, alcohol and biscuits.
Windsor Castle accessibility
If you’re accompanying a person with a disability, you’ll get a free Windsor Castle ticket. Call or email the specialist sales team for more information.
Windsor Castle is wheelchair friendly and has plenty of stair-less entry points. There are lifts available too, but if you have a motorised wheelchair, you’ll need to check whether they are compatible with the lifts prior to your visit.
You can also borrow a manual wheelchair for free before entering the castle. However, these wheelchairs are only available on a first come, first serve basis.
Click here for more information on accessibility at Windsor Castle.
Is Windsor Castle dog friendly?
Dogs are not allowed inside Windsor Castle. However, this is not applicable to guide, hearing or assistant dogs. If you’re visiting the castle with your furry companion, you can walk around the grounds.