Visit Windsor Castle
- Open 5 days/week (closed Tue-Wed)
- Direct train from Waterloo/Paddington
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- Ticket delivered immediately after validation
- Mobile ticket accepted
Standing on the banks of the Thames since the 11th century, this continuously inhabited palace is Europe's oldest. Visit the Georgian apartments and the Gothic St George's Chapel. A direct train from London makes for a royal half-day excursion.
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Windsor Castle: Entry Ticket
From 38,34 €.
A royal day out exploring the historic aspects of England's most famous castle.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"An incredible visit! We started with the State Apartments, which offer rare opulence. The staff was very informative. We ended at the Chapel of St George, a moment of absolute serenity. Make sure to check that your ticket includes this final section."
"The castle is magnificent, especially the Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which delighted our children. One drawback: the security queue was long, like at an airport. We arrived early to avoid it, but you should allow at least 30 extra minutes."
"As a couple, we loved the Semi-State Rooms. The direct train from London saved us time. The Chapelle Saint-Georges is a Gothic gem. Tip: put your phones on airplane mode, as photos are prohibited in certain rooms."
"The location is historic, but the one-way route is frustrating if you want to revisit a room. Also, the €38 price tag seems high. However, the tour of the Appartements géorgiens remains rich in detail. Wear comfortable shoes because the ancient cobbles are unforgiving over such a long distance."
"A spectacular experience for our family. The Maison des Poupées was the highlight of our stay. The docents were knowledgeable and answered all our questions about William the Conqueror’s history. We chose a Thursday to avoid the crowds, an excellent decision."
"The castle is impressive, but the lack of public gardens directly accessible from the site was a slight disappointment. On the other hand, the Chapelle Saint-Georges offers appreciated freedom of movement. We enjoyed the richness of the royal furniture in the historical rooms."
"Traveling solo, I was able to enjoy relative calm by avoiding the weekend. The optimized sequence of visiting the apartments then the chapel works perfectly. I was blown away by the Van Dyck paintings in the State Apartments. A must-see before heading back to London."
"The seniors in our group found the mild elevation changes manageable with good footwear. The atmosphere in the Chapelle Saint-Georges is enchanting. Our standard entry ticket allowed access to everything, including the outer ramparts. An unforgettable memory of this medieval fortress."
"A very nice visit despite the noise from outside traffic noted when exiting towards the Castle precincts. The guides were welcoming. Note that some specific rates do not always include the gardens; check your package carefully before buying to avoid disappointment."
"We came just for the Changing the Guard, but the interior exceeded our expectations. The appartements géorgiens are of rare elegance. It is Europe’s oldest inhabited palace, and you can feel the history everywhere. The direct train from Paddington makes access very convenient."
"The weather was grey, which slightly dimmed the view of the Thames. Strict security slowed down our entry, so you really need to plan ahead. Despite this, the Queen Mary's Dolls' House is worth the detour. It is a monument steeped in history, particularly since the fire of 1992."
"Perfectly organized. We followed the advice to start with the State Apartments to end on the high note of the chapel. The staff was lovely. For €38, it is a good investment compared to other British historical sites. I highly recommend this royal circuit."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
SL4 1NJ Windsor, United Kingdom
England
Windsor, Berkshire · Train: Waterloo or Paddington (direct lines), then a 5-minute walk.
Opening hours
Thu - Sun : 10:00 - 16:15
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hours vary by season; please check before your visit.
Fares
From €38.34. Free for children depending on age (check variants). .
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Discover Windsor Castle
960 years of living royal history
From the Norman Conquest to modern residences, discover the continuous evolution of this strategic site.
11th century
Founded by William the Conqueror
1992
Year of the major fire
500+
Current residents and staff
15th c.
Construction of St George's Chapel
Located in Berkshire, Windsor Castle is the official residence of the British monarchy. Built shortly after 1066 by William the Conqueror, it remains Europe's oldest continuously inhabited palace. Tickets often include access to the 52,000 m² gardens and St George's Chapel.
History of Windsor Castle
Originally built under William the Conqueror to control the Thames, the motte-and-bailey castle was reinforced by Henry III in the 13th century. Edward III made it the most expensive secular building project in medieval England. This strategic site survived the Barons' War, laying the foundations for the royal residence that developed on this fortified ground over the following centuries.
In the 17th century, the castle served as a prison for Charles I during the English Revolution. After the Restoration, Charles II had the interiors rebuilt in the Baroque style. George IV later transformed the site into a splendid Georgian palace, a style still visible today in the State Apartments, testifying to the major architectural evolution this fortress underwent to become a modern royal palace.
The 1992 fire damaged a significant part of the building, triggering a major reconstruction recently completed. Queen Victoria established her primary residence here, and Elizabeth II spent her final years there. Her tomb is now located in the neighboring chapel, perpetuating the royal funerary tradition linked to this iconic historical landmark of London.
What to see in the State Apartments
The main rooms, designed by George IV, represent the pinnacle of Georgian art. You can admire tapestries, royal portraits, and period furniture. The strict ban on photos and videos in these spaces requires particular attention during guided or self-guided tours, in order to preserve the privacy of these prestigious locations where the most precious royal collections are kept.
St George's Chapel, a 15th-century Gothic masterpiece, houses the tombs of several monarchs, including that of Elizabeth II. Closed to tourists on Sundays for religious services, it offers a unique solemn atmosphere. It is often the highlight of the visit itinerary, allowing visitors to feel the weight of British ecclesiastical and monarchical history.
The castle gardens span 52,000 m², offering breathtaking views over the Thames. The paved path features a slight incline in the inner courtyard. Wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy this green space that complements the architectural tour, providing an ideal peaceful and verdant setting to rest after exploring the apartments.
Access and practical information from London
From London, the train is the fastest way to reach Windsor. Departures are frequent from Waterloo or Paddington stations, with a journey time of about 30 minutes, making a half-day excursion very accessible. To optimize your time on site, arrive at least 30 minutes before your time slot to pass security checks without stress and start your visit in good conditions.
Windsor Castle is generally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To avoid crowds, prefer a weekday like Thursday or Friday. Online booking is strongly recommended to secure your entry and benefit from advantageous rates, especially during peak tourist season. This also guarantees access to the State Apartments and St George's Chapel according to your preferences.
Must-sees at Windsor Castle
Active royal residence since the 11th century
Tips for visiting Windsor Castle
Insider tips
Arrive early for security
Security checks at the entrance are strict and resemble those at an airport. Allow at least 30 extra minutes before your reserved time slot. Arriving early will allow you to go through screening calmly and avoid the queues that form quickly in the morning.
Airplane mode enabled
Set your phone to airplane mode or keep it in a waterproof bag. Photos are strictly prohibited in the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. A vibrating device can interrupt the guided tour and disturb other visitors.
Comfortable shoes required
The route includes old cobbles and a slight elevation change in the castle courtyard. Expect 2h30 to 3h of actual walking on site. Suitable shoes are essential, especially if you plan to extend your walk in the 52,000 m² gardens surrounding the fortress.
Avoid crowded weekends
Aim for a weekday like Thursday for a peaceful experience. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays for religious services. Bank holidays attract high crowds; book your tickets online to guarantee your exact time slot.
Check ticket contents
Verify that your ticket includes St George’s Chapel and the gardens, highlights of the visit. Some basic rates cover only the State Apartments. Check the conditions of the chosen package before purchase so you don’t miss these major elements.
Prepare for changing weather
Since England is unpredictable, a light waterproof jacket is essential for visiting the gardens. Even in cloudy weather, the walk offers magnificent views. A compact umbrella may prove useful for crossing the paved courtyard in case of sudden rain.
Optimized visiting order
Start with the State Apartments, then finish with St George’s Chapel. This sequence allows you to end on a majestic note. The reverse order is less effective because the chapel is located at the far end of the main circuit, away from the main exit.
Direct train from London
Take the train from Waterloo or Paddington for a short and convenient journey. The trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes, ideal for a half-day excursion. Avoid driving, as parking around the castle is limited and often saturated on days of high tourist traffic.
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Little-known anecdotes
Original Norman fortress
Built shortly after the conquest of 1066, this strategic site allowed William the Conqueror to control the Thames. The initial three palisades were reinforced with stone to dominate the suburbs of London and secure access to the capital.
Continuously inhabited palace
It is the oldest continuously inhabited palace in Europe. Since the reign of Henry I, it has continuously housed British monarchs. This unique continuity makes Windsor much more than a simple tourist attraction; it is a living residence of the royal family for nearly nine centuries.
Prison of Charles I
During the English Revolution, the castle served as headquarters for the parliamentary armies. It even housed Charles I as a prisoner before his execution. This turbulent period marked the building’s history, which survived the civil war thanks to its defensive position.
1992 fire
A major fire damaged a large part of the castle in 1992. The major reconstruction that followed was completed in the 1990s. This event marked the building’s history, which became a popular attraction again and the preferred residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
Sumptuous Gothic chapel
Completed in the 15th century, St George’s Chapel is praised by historian John Martin Robinson as one of the greatest achievements of English Gothic architecture. This iconic location within the castle testifies to the site’s architectural richness, blending medieval and modern styles.
Active royal residence
More than 500 people still live and work in the castle today. Between members of the royal family, service staff, and administrative employees, Windsor remains a true autonomous urban village. This human density explains why the visiting rules are.
Plan your visit to Windsor Castle
Three itineraries depending on available time
Express Royal Excursion
- 09:00: Departure from London (Waterloo or Paddington) by direct train.
- 10:00: Arrival in Windsor, passing through airport-style security checks.
- 10:30: Guided tour of the Georgian State Apartments and the Dolls' House.
- 12:30: Discovery of St George's Chapel, a 15th-century Gothic gem.
- 13:30: Quick lunch near the central station before returning.
Immersing in Royal History
- 09:00: Early departure from London to avoid crowds.
- 10:00: Entry to the castle, in-depth visit of the state rooms and chapel.
- 13:00: Gourmet lunch in the historic center of Windsor.
- 14:30: Walk through the royal gardens and discovery of the Thames.
- 17:00: Return to London by train, rest after this historical immersion.
Complete Royal Weekend
- Day 1: Morning dedicated to Windsor Castle and its 52,000 m² of gardens.
- Afternoon: Relaxation in Windsor Great Park, the vast neighboring natural estate.
- Evening: Traditional English dinner in a historic pub in town.
- Day 2: Walk along the Thames and visit the residential neighborhoods.
- Return to London late afternoon with memories of this royal getaway.
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From 233,36 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Windsor
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Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Windsor Castle
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Windsor Great Park
5 min walk
Vast royal park offering peaceful walks along the Thames to extend your visit.
Eton College
10 min walk
One of the most prestigious schools in the world, located just opposite the castle by the river.
The Queen's Head
8 min walk
Traditional historic pub serving authentic English cuisine in a warm setting.
Duke of Norfolk's House
12 min walk
18th-century noble house converted into a museum, illustrating local aristocratic life.
High Street Shopping
5 min walk
Busy shopping street with local boutiques and souvenirs for gifts. Discover the official Windsor Castle Shops.
River Thames Walkway
3 min walk
Path along the Thames allowing you to see the castle from the water. Ideal for a sunset stroll.
How to get to Windsor Castle
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Riverside Rail Station (Stop RR) (3 min walk) Bus : Riverside Rail Station (Stop RR) (3 min walk)
- From London Heathrow Airport 10,5 km → 31 min
- From London Gatwick Airport 47,0 km → 119 min
- From Windsor & Eton Riverside 0,2 km → 7 min
- From West Drayton 9,6 km → 29 min
- From Bourne End 12,7 km → 36 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 10,5 km → 50 min
- From London Gatwick Airport 47,0 km → 196 min
- From Windsor & Eton Riverside 0,2 km → 9 min
- From West Drayton 9,6 km → 46 min
- From Bourne End 12,7 km → 59 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 10,5 km → 38 min
- From London Gatwick Airport 47,0 km → 160 min
- From Windsor & Eton Riverside 0,2 km → 4 min
- From West Drayton 9,6 km → 35 min
- From Bourne End 12,7 km → 45 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 10,5 km → 50 min
- From London Gatwick Airport 47,0 km → 219 min
- From Windsor & Eton Riverside 0,2 km → 3 min
- From West Drayton 9,6 km → 46 min
- From Bourne End 12,7 km → 61 min
- From Windsor & Eton Riverside 0,2 km → 3 min
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Windsor Castle on video
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Windsor Castle in pictures
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