Windsor Castle – tours and tickets

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

A royal home and fortress for more than 900 years, it remains a working palace to this day, and is the official residence of His Majesty The King.

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of the world famous Windsor Castle. Get ready to explore the lavish State Rooms, pay your respects at St George's Chapel and explore the immaculate gardens.

What is there to see at Windsor Castle?

Your ticket to Windsor Castle allows entry to the magnificent State Apartments, decorated with some of the finest works of art in the Royal Collection. Spot masterpieces on display by Holbein, Rubens and Van Dyck, Sèvres porcelain and exquisite English and French furniture.

Admire Queen Mary's Doll's House – the largest dolls’ house in the world – and St George's Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2018 and where Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in 2022.

The Moat Room gives an overview of the castle's 950-year history, with three largescale bronze models showing how the castle looked at different moments in time.

You can take a self-guided tour of the castle with a free multimedia tour.

Try to time your visit for the Changing the Guard ceremony, it takes place at 11am on select days throughout the year (weather permitting).

Read more about the top 10 things to see at Windsor Castle. 

How to book tickets to Windsor Castle?

Tickets to Windsor Castle must be booked in advance – book Windsor Castle tickets now.

Alternatively, book onto one of the many day trips to Windsor Castle that include entry to the castle plus stops at other attractions and towns, including Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford, Lacock, Salisbury and Hampton Court Palace.

If you’re short on time, join an afternoon coach tour from London to Windsor Castle, giving you enough time to look around before returning in the evening. You can even combine London's two iconic royal residences on a Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour. 

Where is Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is in Windsor, around 25 miles (40km) from central London in the county of Berkshire. The town of Windsor is on the banks of the Thames, to the south of Slough and to the west of Heathrow Airport. 

How to get to Windsor Castle from London

Travel to Windsor by train from London Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central station, with services taking as little as 22 minutes. Trains also run from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside, taking just under an hour.

Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely afternoon or full day coach tour from Victoria in central London.

Who lives at Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.

How long does it take to see Windsor Castle?

The recommended time to visit Windsor Castle is two to three hours, allowing you to complete the full visitors’ route around the castle and grounds. 

How old is Windsor Castle and when was it built?

The castle is more than 900 years old and was built in the 11th century. The construction started around 1070 and took about 16 years to complete the castle.

How many rooms are in Windsor Castle?

Windsor castle is home to more than 1,000 rooms including the famous State Apartments split in ceremonial rooms and historic rooms as well as the Semi-State rooms.

Can you walk around Windsor Castle for free?

To gain access to Windsor Castle visitors need to purchase tickets. The price allows entry to St George's Chapel, the State Apartments, the Moat Room, Queen Mary's Doll's House, as well as some walks on castle grounds.