Windsor Castle Group Visits: Booking, Discounts & What to Know
Groups of 15 or more visitors receive a 10% discount on Windsor Castle admission tickets. Group visits must be pre-booked in advance — walk-up group entry is not available. Tickets can be booked online through the Royal Collection Trust website or by telephone. Coach parking is available in Windsor town centre; coaches cannot drop off directly outside the castle.
Windsor Castle is one of the most visited heritage attractions in the United Kingdom, and it welcomes group visitors year-round — from tour operators and travel companies to social clubs, community organisations, church groups, and informal gatherings of friends. The group booking process is straightforward, but there are specific rules around arrival, guide access, coach logistics, and payment that every group organiser should understand before confirming a visit.
This guide covers everything a group organiser needs to know to plan a smooth, well-prepared visit to Windsor Castle.
Group Discount
Groups of 15 or more paying visitors qualify for a discount of approximately 10% on standard admission ticket prices. This applies to all group types — tour operators, school groups, social clubs, corporate groups, and private parties of friends or family.
A complimentary place is offered for one group organiser per 20 paying visitors, recognising the coordination work involved in bringing large groups to the castle.
For school and educational groups, separate pricing and booking arrangements apply. See our dedicated guide to Windsor Castle School Visits: Curriculum Links, Booking & Practicalities for full details.
Yes. Groups of 15 or more receive approximately 10% off standard admission prices. Group visits must be pre-booked — walk-up group entry is not available. One free organiser place is included per 20 paying visitors.
How to Book a Group Visit
Group visits to Windsor Castle must be booked in advance. Windsor Castle operates timed-entry ticketing to manage visitor numbers, and it is essential that groups secure an arrival time slot before travelling.
Booking options:
- Online: Group tickets can be booked through the Royal Collection Trust website at rct.uk. Select your date, choose the group ticket type, and confirm your arrival time.
- By telephone: Call the Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)303 123 7321. Note that a £2.00 transaction fee applies to all telephone bookings.
Payment: Group reservations must be paid by credit card or company cheque at least 30 days before the visit date. For bookings made within 30 days of the visit, payment is required at the time of booking.
Confirmation: Groups will receive booking confirmation by email. Bring this confirmation to the castle on the day of the visit.
Arriving at Windsor Castle with a Group
Security: All visitors, including group members, must pass through airport-style security on arrival. Groups should be advised to carry as few bags and items as possible to speed up this process. Large bags must be checked into the cloakroom before entering the State Apartments.
Arrival time: Windsor Castle is busiest from opening time and throughout the morning. Groups are advised to plan their arrival time carefully and to arrive punctually at their booked slot. Late arrival may result in reduced access to certain areas.
Coach parking: There is no coach parking at or directly adjacent to Windsor Castle. Coaches must use designated parking areas in Windsor town centre. Coaches are not permitted to drop off or pick up directly outside the castle entrance. Groups should factor in additional walking time between the coach drop-off point and the castle gates.
Guide Arrangements for Groups
Windsor Castle has specific rules regarding guides for group visits.
Windsor Castle-authorised Blue Badge Guides are permitted to guide within the castle precincts — the outdoor areas — but are not permitted inside the castle buildings. All Windsor Castle-authorised Blue Badge Guides receive free entry when accompanying a group.
Unauthorised guides and tour leaders who are not Windsor Castle-authorised Blue Badge Guides must be included as paying members of the group booking. They are not permitted to guide visitors inside the castle buildings.
For information about official private guided experiences inside the castle — including the State Apartments — see our Private & Special Access Tours guide.
Only Windsor Castle-authorised Blue Badge Guides are permitted to guide within the castle precincts. They receive free entry when accompanying a group. Unauthorised guides must be booked as paying group members and cannot guide inside the castle buildings.
Private Group Tours
For groups seeking a more exclusive experience, the Royal Collection Trust offers private guided tours of the State Apartments outside of public opening hours. These take place when the castle is closed to general visitors, allowing your group an intimate and unhurried journey through the royal interiors.
Private Evening Tours: Available Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 18:00 to 20:30. Priced at £85 per person with a minimum group of 15 and a maximum of 60. A guidebook is included.
Early Morning Tours: Available Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before public opening. Priced at £50 per person with a minimum group of 25 and a maximum of 90.
To enquire about private group tours, contact the Royal Collection Trust Specialist Sales team at +44 (0)303 123 7324 or by email at [email protected].
Practical Tips for Group Organisers
- Pre-book your arrival time well in advance, especially for peak periods (April to September) and school holidays
- Brief group members on the security process and request they bring minimal bags
- Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for a comprehensive visit covering the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the precincts
- Note that St. George’s Chapel is closed to general visitors on Sundays — plan accordingly
- Multimedia audio guides are available for all group members and are included in the standard ticket price
- The Undercroft Café provides refreshments on-site; larger groups may wish to stagger their breaks
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people qualify for a group discount at Windsor Castle?
Groups of 15 or more paying visitors qualify for a group discount of approximately 10% off standard admission prices. One complimentary organiser place is provided per 20 paying visitors.
Can I book a group visit to Windsor Castle on the day?
No. Group visits must be pre-booked in advance. Windsor Castle uses timed-entry ticketing and does not accept walk-up group bookings. Book online via rct.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)303 123 7321.
Where do coaches park for Windsor Castle group visits?
Coaches park in Windsor town centre. There is no coach parking at the castle, and coaches are not permitted to drop off or pick up directly outside the entrance. Allow additional walking time between the town centre drop-off and the castle gates.
Can a tour guide enter Windsor Castle with a group?
Windsor Castle-authorised Blue Badge Guides may guide within the outdoor precincts and receive free entry. Unauthorised guides must be booked as paying group members and are not permitted to guide inside the castle buildings.
When should I pay for a group booking at Windsor Castle?
Payment is required at least 30 days before the visit date. For bookings made within 30 days of the visit, payment is required at the time of booking. Accepted methods are credit card or company cheque.
Is the audio guide available for group visits?
Yes. The multimedia audio guide is included with standard admission for all visitors, including group members. It is available in ten languages. See our Windsor Castle Audio Tours: Languages, Cost & What to Expect guide for full details.
