Best Time to Visit Windsor Castle: Season, Day & Time of Day The best overall time to visit Windsor Castle is on a weekday afternoon in autumn — specifically a Thursday or Friday in October or November. Crowds are light, the Semi-State Rooms reopen for winter, the light is excellent for outdoor photography, and the … Read more
Windsor Castle vs Kensington Palace: Which Should You Visit? Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace are both worth visiting, but they offer fundamentally different experiences. Windsor is older, larger, and provides a deeper immersion in royal and architectural history — including St. George’s Chapel and the State Apartments. Kensington Palace is smaller, more intimate, more centrally … Read more
Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace: Which Should You Visit? Windsor Castle is open Thursday to Monday year-round and offers one of England’s richest heritage experiences at approximately £32 per adult. Buckingham Palace State Rooms are only open to the public from 9 July to 27 September 2026. Windsor has more historical depth, a Gothic chapel … Read more
Windsor Castle from London: Every Way to Get There in 2026 The best way to get from London to Windsor Castle is by train from London Paddington, changing at Slough, arriving at Windsor & Eton Central in approximately 22–28 minutes total. A direct train from London Waterloo takes approximately 55 minutes with no change required. … Read more
Windsor Castle Floor Plan: A Guide to the Layout & Visitor Route Windsor Castle is divided into three main areas: the Lower Ward (containing St. George’s Chapel and the Horseshoe Cloister), the Middle Ward (centred on the Round Tower), and the Upper Ward (containing the State Apartments, the Quadrangle, and the private royal apartments). Visitors … Read more
Windsor Castle Facts: 25 Things Worth Knowing Before You Visit Windsor Castle was founded circa 1070 by William the Conqueror, covers 13 acres, has approximately 1,000 rooms, and has been the home of 40 monarchs over nearly 1,000 years. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Queen Elizabeth II lived there … Read more
What to Expect on Arrival at Windsor Castle On arrival at Windsor Castle you will pass through airport-style security screening before entering the grounds. Present your ticket QR code at the admission centre, collect your free multimedia audio guide, and proceed uphill into the castle precincts. Visit St. George’s Chapel first — it closes at … Read more
Visiting Windsor Castle with Children: Tips, Trails & Family Facilities Windsor Castle is well-suited to families with children. Under-5s enter free. Children aged 5–17 pay approximately £16 in advance. A dedicated children’s multimedia guide narrated by Scorch the Dragon is available for ages 7–11. Free craft activities and trails run during school holidays at the … Read more
Photography & Filming at Windsor Castle: What's Allowed & What Isn't Photography and filming — including wearable devices such as GoPros and smartwatches — are not permitted inside the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, or St. George’s Chapel. Photography for personal non-commercial use is permitted and encouraged in all outdoor areas of the castle precincts. … Read more
Windsor Castle Opening Hours & Seasonal Closures Windsor Castle is open Thursday to Monday throughout the year. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except July, August, and September when it also opens on Tuesdays, closing only on Wednesdays). Summer hours (March–October): 10:00–17:15, last admission 16:00. Winter hours (November–February): 10:00–16:15, last admission 15:00. St. George’s … Read more
