Windsor Castle Afternoon Sightseeing Tour from London: Full Review for 2026
The Windsor Castle Afternoon Sightseeing Tour from London departs at 13:00 (1:00 PM) from Victoria in summer (April–October) and at 11:45 in winter (November–March). Windsor Castle admission is included. You spend approximately 2 hours at the castle before the coach returns to London, arriving back by approximately 17:30–18:30. It is the best option for visitors who want to spend their London morning doing other activities and visit Windsor Castle in the afternoon.
Most Windsor Castle tours from London depart early in the morning. The afternoon sightseeing tour is the exception — it allows visitors to use their London morning freely, departing after lunch and returning in time for an evening in the city. For visitors with packed London itineraries who want to slot Windsor Castle in without sacrificing an entire day, this is the most practical option available.
What’s Included
- Return luxury air-conditioned coach from central London (Victoria)
- Windsor Castle admission ticket
- Free multimedia audio guide at the castle (available in multiple languages)
- Wi-Fi on board the coach
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
The afternoon tour includes return coach transport from Victoria (London), Windsor Castle admission covering the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and a free multilingual audio guide at the castle. Wi-Fi is available on the coach. The tour departs at 13:00 (April–October) or 11:45 (November–March).
Departure Times by Season
This is the most important piece of information for anyone booking this tour, as the timings vary significantly by season:
April to October (summer schedule): – Check-in: 12:45 at Victoria – Departure: 13:00 from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria (SW1W 9SR) – Return: approximately 17:30–18:00 to London
November to March (winter schedule): – Check-in: 11:30 at Victoria – Departure: 11:45 from Victoria – Return: approximately 17:00
Some operators depart from the Evan Evans office at 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Victoria, SW1V 1BS. Always confirm your exact departure point and time on your booking voucher.
How Does the Afternoon Timing Affect the Visit?
Visiting Windsor Castle in the afternoon rather than the morning has genuine advantages and one important limitation.
Advantages of afternoon: – The castle is notably quieter after 14:00. The mid-morning rush of coach tours has passed, and the State Apartments feel considerably less crowded. – You can use your morning in London for other activities — the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace’s exterior, or a Thames river cruise. – Less time pressure on the coach journey itself — an afternoon departure is more relaxed than an early morning start.
The key limitation — St. George’s Chapel: St. George’s Chapel closes at 16:00 on weekdays (last entry approximately 15:45). On the afternoon tour, you arrive at Windsor Castle at approximately 14:00–14:30. This gives you only about 90 minutes before the chapel closes — and the chapel should always be visited first.
Visit St. George’s Chapel immediately upon arrival. Do not leave it until later in your visit — the audio guide will direct you through the State Apartments first, but override this and go to the chapel straight away. The State Apartments can be visited in any order and have a later last-entry time.
Yes, but only if you visit it immediately upon arrival. St. George’s Chapel closes at 16:00 on weekdays. On the afternoon tour, you arrive at Windsor Castle at approximately 14:00–14:30. Visit the chapel first — before the State Apartments — to ensure you have enough time inside.
What You’ll See
St. George’s Chapel — Visit first. Closes at 16:00. The Gothic chapel in the Lower Ward is the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII, Charles I, and nine other monarchs. One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England and the venue for the 2018 royal wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The State Apartments — The ceremonial rooms at the heart of Windsor Castle, still used for royal state occasions. Paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Rembrandt, Holbein, and Canaletto line the walls. The Waterloo Chamber, St. George’s Hall, and the Grand Reception Room are the standout spaces.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House — The 1:12-scale miniature palace completed in 1924, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with contributions from over 1,500 craftspeople. Working electricity, running water, and a fully stocked wine cellar.
The castle precincts — The outdoor areas including the Lower Ward, the Round Tower, and the castle grounds. Photography is permitted outdoors.
For a full breakdown of what the entry ticket covers, see our Windsor Castle Entry Ticket guide.
Afternoon Tour vs. Morning Tours
| Afternoon Tour | Morning Half-Day Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure time | 13:00 (summer) / 11:45 (winter) | ~09:30–09:50 |
| Arrival at Windsor | ~14:00–14:30 | ~10:50 |
| Time at castle | ~2 hours | ~2.5 hours |
| Chapel access | Limited (closes 16:00) | Full |
| Crowd levels | Quieter | Busier |
| London morning | Free | Committed |
| Best for | London-first itineraries | Maximum castle time |
Practical Information
Departure: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR. Check-in 15 minutes before departure.
St. George’s Chapel: Visit immediately upon arrival. Closes at 16:00 weekdays. Closed entirely on Sundays.
Windsor Castle closures: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Book Thursday through Monday.
Photography: Not permitted inside State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, or St. George’s Chapel. Outdoor photography permitted.
Return: Approximately 17:30–18:00 to London Victoria area (Gloucester Road Underground Station, Zone 1).
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Windsor Castle afternoon tour depart from London?
Departures are at 13:00 from Victoria (April–October) and 11:45 (November–March). Check-in begins 15 minutes before departure. Confirm your exact departure point on your booking voucher.
Can you see everything at Windsor Castle on the afternoon tour?
Most of it, yes — the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and the castle precincts. St. George’s Chapel is accessible but closes at 16:00, so it must be visited first upon arrival. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House can be enjoyed at any time.
Is the afternoon tour quieter than the morning?
Generally yes. The peak coach tour rush arrives in the late morning. By early afternoon, queues are shorter and the State Apartments are less crowded. This is one of the main practical advantages of the afternoon departure.
What time does the afternoon tour return to London?
Approximately 17:30 to 18:00 in summer, and approximately 17:00 in winter. Passengers are dropped near Gloucester Road Underground Station (Zone 1), providing easy connections to central London. Do not book evening reservations before 19:30 to allow for traffic variability.
Is this tour available year-round?
Yes. The afternoon tour operates Thursday to Monday year-round (Windsor Castle is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Check departure times by season as they differ significantly — 13:00 in summer, 11:45 in winter.
Is the Windsor Castle afternoon tour self-guided inside the castle?
Yes. The guide provides commentary on the coach journey but is not permitted to guide inside the castle buildings. Inside, you explore using the free multimedia audio guide included with admission.
