Trip to Windsor Castle: How to get there from London and what to see
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited royal residence in the world. It is one of the favorite homes of the British royal family (King Charles III spends many weekends there) and is one of the most beloved day trips for those visiting London. Just 30-50 minutes by train from the capital, the castle offers a journey through English history, featuring lavish state apartments, St. George's Chapel (where Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II are buried), and the atmosphere of the picturesque town of Windsor.
Why visit Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is not a museum, but a functioning royal residence. When the king is not in residence, much of the castle is open to the public. The visit allows you to see:
TheState Apartments(State Apartments), still used for royal ceremonies and banquets.
TheChapel of St. George(St. George's Chapel), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
TheQueen Mary's Dolls' House(Queen Mary's Dolls' House), a masterpiece of miniatures.
TheChanging of the Guard(on selected days).
The town of Windsor, with its shops, pubs, and views of the Thames.
History of the Castle
The castle was founded byWilliam the Conquerorin 1070, after the Norman conquest of England. For almost 1,000 years it has been expanded and modified by 39 monarchs. Today it is one of the most important royal palaces, alongside Buckingham Palace and Holyrood Palace.
Henry II (1154-1189) transformed the fortress into a palace. Edward III (1327-1377) expanded it and founded the Order of the Garter, the highest British chivalric order. George IV (1820-1830) gave the castle the Gothic appearance we see today.
The castle survived the English Civil War (it was used as a prison by Oliver Cromwell) and a devastating fire in 1992, which destroyed over 100 rooms (subsequently restored). Queen Elizabeth II loved Windsor and spent most weekends there. She died here on September 8, 2022, and is buried in St. George's Chapel.
What to see at Windsor Castle
1. The State Apartments
These are the ceremonial rooms where the king receives official guests and carries out state functions. They are lavishly decorated with tapestries, paintings (works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck), armor, porcelain, and period furniture.
Rooms not to miss:
The Throne Room:Where ambassadors are received.
St. George's Hall:A vast hall with a vaulted ceiling, used for state banquets.
Waterloo Hall:Decorated with portraits of the heads of state who defeated Napoleon.
The Grand Staircase:Imposing, with armor and weapons.
2. St. George's Chapel
A masterpiece of English perpendicular Gothic (14th-15th century). It is the chapel of the Order of the Garter (the highest British chivalric order). Every year, the knights of the Order gather here for a ceremony.
Famous burials:
Henry VIII(1491-1547) and his third wifeJane Seymour(the only one who gave him a male heir).
Charles I(1600-1649), executed after the civil war.
George III(the king who lost the American colonies).
George Vand Queen Mary.
George VI(the father of Elizabeth II) and Queen Mother Elizabeth.
Queen Elizabeth II(1926-2022) and Prince Philip (1921-2021), buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, a small side chapel.
Prince Harry and Meghan Marklewere married here in 2018. Princess Eugenie (daughter of Prince Andrew) was married here in 2018.
Fun fact:The chapel is still active and holds daily religious services.
3. The Queen Mary's Dolls' House
A masterpiece of miniatures, created in 1924 for Queen Mary (wife of George V). It is not just a simple dollhouse: it is a 1:12 scale residence, fully functional, with electricity, running water, an elevator, a library with books written by famous authors (in miniature), and even a wine cellar with real wine bottles (miniatures).
4. The Changing of the Guard
In Windsor, there is a smaller and less crowded changing of the guard than at Buckingham Palace.
Days:Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (from August to May). In June and July, often every day.
Time:11:00 AM (the ceremony starts at 11:00, but arrive at least 20 minutes early).
Location:In the castle courtyard (Lower Ward), near St. George's Chapel.
Tip:Check the official Royal Family website for confirmation of times.
5. The town of Windsor
The castle overlooks the town, which is very pleasant to explore.
Windsor High Street:Shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants.
The Long Walk:A 4 km tree-lined avenue that starts from the castle and goes through Windsor Great Park. A magnificent walk.
The Thames:Stroll along the river, watch the swans and boats. You can rent a boat or take a short cruise.
Eton:Cross the Thames and visit the village of Eton, famous for its college (Eton College), the school of Princes William and Harry and many prime ministers.
How to get to Windsor Castle from London
By train (best option)
From London Paddington:Train to Slough (30 minutes, frequent), then change to the train to Windsor & Eton Central (5 minutes). The total journey takes about 40-50 minutes.
Cost:£20-30 round trip.
Advantages:Fast, frequent.
From London Waterloo:Direct train to Windsor & Eton Riverside (50 minutes). A bit slower but no changes.
Cost:£15-25 round trip.
Advantages:Direct, closest station to the castle (5 minutes walk).
Tip:Use an Oyster card or contactless payment to Slough (if coming from Paddington), then buy a ticket for the Slough-Windsor leg.
By bus
Green Line (702) from Victoria Coach Station.About 90 minutes (with traffic). Cost: £10-15. Not recommended because it's slow.
By car
Not recommended: traffic around Windsor is heavy and parking is expensive (about £10-15 for the day). If you must drive, use the "Windsor Royal Shopping" parking (near the station).
Tickets and schedules
Rates (2026)
Adults:£28 (online), £30 (at the ticket office)
Children (5-17 years):£15 (online), £17 (at the ticket office)
Children under 5 years:Free
Over 65 and students:£25 (online), £27 (at the ticket office)
Family (2 adults + 3 children):£75
The ticket includes:Free audio guide (in Italian), entry to State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, St. George's Chapel.
Opening hours
The castle is open all year round, except for a few days (Christmas and Easter).
March - October:10:00 AM - 5:15 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
November - February:10:00 AM - 4:15 PM (last entry 3:00 PM)
St. George's Chapel:Closes at 4:00 PM (and on Sundays it is open only for religious services).
Important:When the king is in residence (some weekends and holidays), the State Apartments may be closed. Check the official website before you go.
How much time is needed to visit Windsor Castle?
Minimum2-3 hoursfor the castle visit (State Apartments, Chapel, Dolls' House). For a complete visit, including the town of Windsor and a walk along the Thames or the Long Walk, plan for4-5 hours.
Tips for the visit
Book online:It costs less and you skip the line at the ticket office.
Arrive early (10:00 AM):The castle fills up quickly, especially on weekends and in summer.
Get the audio guide:It is included and very well done (in Italian). Duration about 1-2 hours.
Don't miss St. George's Chapel:Many tourists skip it. It is a masterpiece.
Check for closures:St. George's Chapel closes on Sundays (only services) and the State Apartments may close for royal events.
Combine the visit with Eton:Cross the bridge over the Thames and visit the village of Eton (the college is not always open to the public).
Wear comfortable shoes:You will be walking a lot, on stone floors.
Do not bring large luggage:There is no luggage storage. Medium-sized backpacks are allowed, but suitcases are not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the ticket to Windsor Castle?
£28 for adults (online), £15 for children (ages 5-17). Children under 5 are free. The audio guide is included.
How do you get to Windsor Castle from London?
By train: from Paddington (change at Slough) or from Waterloo (direct). The journey takes 40-50 minutes. It costs £20-30 round trip.
Is Windsor Castle open every day?
Yes, every day except Christmas (December 25) and Easter. St. George's Chapel is closed to tourists on Sundays (open only for services).
How much time is needed to visit Windsor Castle?
At least 2-3 hours just for the castle. For a complete trip (castle + town + Eton), plan for 4-5 hours.
Can you see the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth II is buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, a side chapel of St. George's Chapel. The tomb is open to the public (a black stone slab with her name and that of Prince Philip).
What is the best day to visit Windsor Castle?
Weekdays (Monday-Friday) are less crowded. Avoid weekends and holidays. Early morning (as soon as it opens) is the best time.
Is Windsor Castle accessible to disabled visitors?
Partially. The main areas (State Apartments, Chapel) are accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free rental (reservation recommended). Some areas (like the Dolls' House) have stairs.
Can you take photos inside the castle?
Photography is not allowed inside the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel. It is allowed outside and in the courtyards.
Is there a changing of the guard at Windsor?
Yes, but not every day. Usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 AM (from August to May). Check the official website for confirmation.
Can I bring food and drinks into the castle?
Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the State Apartments or the Chapel. There is a café (The Undercroft Café) in the castle, and many pubs and restaurants in the town of Windsor.
Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Windsor SL4 1NJ |
| Train from London | Paddington (change at Slough) or Waterloo (direct) |
| Travel time | 40-50 minutes |
| Adult ticket price | £28 (online) |
| Child price (5-17) | £15 (online) |
| Hours | 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM (summer), 10:00 AM - 4:15 PM (winter) |
| Closed | Christmas (December 25), Easter |
| Recommended visit time | 3-5 hours |
| Accessibility | Partially accessible |
One of the best day trips from London.
A trip to Windsor Castle is an unforgettable experience. Just 50 minutes from London, you enter a world of history, art, and royalty. From the State Apartments with their treasures, to St. George's Chapel with the tombs of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II, to the picturesque town on the Thames, there is much to discover. Book your tickets online, arrive early, take the audio guide, and treat yourself to a break in one of Windsor's pubs. One of the best day trips from London.
For a detailed guide covering all aspects of the trip, check out our complete guide:holidays in London.
Review date:April 2026