Plan the perfect day out with these essential tips for visiting Windsor Castle, including how to get there, what to pack, and which tickets to book for a stress free experience.
We know the majority of first-time visitors to Windsor will have plans to explore the castle. With over 1,000 years of royal history and incredible tales, it’s the most amazing day out.
It’s also one of the most visited attractions in the entire UK, so if you don’t plan your trip meticulously, you might be left disappointed. From how to get to Windsor, to special events, and where to eat and drink, I’ve popped together a guide packed full of practical tips for visiting Windsor Castle.
We’re local, we’ve visited numerous times, and learned so much each time. We’ve also made the odd mistake and thought about how we’d do things differently!
So, whether you’re visiting as part of a one day itinerary or a longer break in the town, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the royal palace.
13 Practical tips for visiting Windsor Castle
Book tickets in advance
While you can purchase Windsor Castle tickets on the day, they’ll cost you more. So, it’s a no brainer to book in advance, as not only will you have a guaranteed ticket and 30-minute entry time slot, but it’ll cost you less. Popular slots in peak season do sell out, so I would never risk turning up and hoping to buy a ticket at the gate!
We bought advance tickets for our last visit and it only took 5 minutes to queue, clear security and be within the castle compound. The staff were turning people away who wanted tickets on the day, as all time slots were booked until the afternoon.
A few things to note:
- Even if you have small children with you, they’ll need a ticket (which is free for under 5s).
- There are discounts for local residents with an Advantage Card and those who are part of the MOD90 or a Defence Discount Scheme. You can book online here.
As a quick guide, advance tickets currently cost (2025 prices):
- Adult: £31.00
- Young Person (18-24): £20.00
- Child (5-17): £15.50
- Disabled Person: £15.50
- Under 5: Free
Upgrade to an annual pass… for free!
Did you know that you can actually visit Windsor Castle all year round with your original entrance ticket? You’ll need to convert your ticket to the 1-year pass before you leave the site. You’ll see a space to sign and print your name on the ticket. Keep it somewhere safe. Then you can use it for future visits over the following 12 months. How amazing is that?
For future visits, it’s better to pre-book tickets over the phone to guarantee entry. You should carry proof of ID and signature when you return.
Don’t try to visit Windsor Castle on a Wednesday
Did you know Windsor Castle is always closed on Wednesdays? During the summer months of July, August and September the Castle is open 6 days a week. The rest of the year, it’s also closed on Tuesdays.
Opening time is always 10am, but you’ll find you can buy entrance tickets from 9.30am. This is a good tip, as you’ll be on site early and can walk around the castle grounds until the main buildings open, such as the State Apartments.
One thing to note is that it tends to be much busier in the mornings. Most tour groups arrive for the first slots of the day. Also, it’s even busier on days that the Changing of the Guard ceremony is taking place (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
If you want to capture photos with fewer people in, you might find the later slots are a little quieter. Bear in mind though, that the last admission times only allow 1 hour 15 inside the castle, which isn’t very long.
Combine your visit with the Changing of the Guard
One of my biggest tips is to plan your trip to Windsor Castle for a day when you can also see the Changing of the Guard. This traditional ceremony is full of pageantry, music, royal history, and is guaranteed to add to your Windsor experience.
The ceremony usually takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11am, with the guards marching from Victoria Barracks down Windsor High Street (past the Guildhall) and entering Windsor Castle through the Henry VIII Gate (where you exit after visiting).
If the King is in official residence, this route often changes. Instead of entering through the town, the guards march all the way up to the top of Castle Hill and enter Windsor Castle through the St George’s Gate. The Changing of the Guard ceremony then takes place on the Quadrangle lawn.
It’s worth checking this schedule online, as occasionally the dates can change for special occasions. It also lists the guards and band you’ll see.
Plan your journey in advance
Whether you’re considering driving, catching the train or using a bus service, there are plenty of ways to get to Windsor. I’d recommend researching your route in detail, so that you arrive for the time on your ticket.
If you need to park your car, allow plenty of time to find a parking space, particularly at weekends and during the summer. Our guide about how to travel from London to Windsor has plenty of advice to make your journey as stress free as possible!
Check the Royal Calendar
As a general rule, the castle is open all year round on the days we’ve already mentioned. However, as it’s an official royal residence, occasionally there will be closures for royal or state events.
Recently, when the French President was in Windsor for his official State Visit, the castle was closed for a few days. There were several events in the town, including a procession and banquet hosted by the royal family. These will always be listed in advance on the Royal Collection Trust website.
Did you know you can’t take photos inside Windsor Castle?
Unfortunately, you’re not permitted to take photos or videos inside the castle itself. That includes inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel (where Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest). However, you can take as many snaps as you like around the castle grounds.
There are plenty of beautiful spots with buildings such as the Round Tower and St George’s Chapel in the background, including the Moat Garden, the Quadrangle and the Horseshoe Cloister.
We’ve been given permission to post these official photos of the interiors of the castle, provided by the Royal Collection Trust.
Learn as you walk with the Windsor Castle multimedia guide
To enhance your visit to Windsor Castle, you can collect a free multimedia guide just after you enter. It’s available in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and British Sign Language with subtitles.
As you can’t take photos within the interior of Windsor Castle (including the State Rooms and Queen Mary’s Dolls House), having this interactive guide is really great. It tells you all about what you’re seeing and keeps you moving at a good pace through the exhibits. It even includes an introduction by King Charles III. I actually made a comment on our last visit about how little information there was inside the castle. It means the multimedia tour is a must!
It brings the Castle’s rich history to life, from its beginnings under William the Conqueror to its use by the modern monarchy. You’ll also hear from the staff of Windsor Castle about how they prepare for State Banquets and other important events.
If you’re visiting with children, there’s a special multimedia guide designed for 7–11 year olds, which includes games and interactive elements.
Did you know you can eat at Windsor Castle?
If you want to enhance your royal day out, you could enjoy lunch or a coffee and snack at the castle. There are two kiosk style cafes in the grounds – the Engine Room cafe by the Quadrangle, and the ice cream store on the route to the State Apartments. Opening times vary.
The main place to dine is at Undercroft Café, within the castle itself. You’ll find signs for it once you exit the State Apartments. This café serves a lovely selection of items, including sandwiches, salads, afternoon tea, cakes, coffee, tea and soft drinks. There are even some alcoholic drinks for sale, so you’ll be able to say you got merry inside a royal castle! Prices are on the high side, so it’s not great value but it’s there if you need it and the quality is good.
If you’re looking for tips on where to eat and drink in Windsor, you can find out some of our favourite local spots here.
Windsor Castle is accessible
While every attempt has been made to make Windsor Castle accessible for all, those with limited mobility may struggle at times. There are a lot of stairs to the State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls House. However, the mobility page on the website mentions various lifts which can be used.
The website also mentions that you can borrow manual wheelchairs and rollators free of charge. Plus, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used throughout the site, so long as they are compatible with the lifts.
Dress for comfort
When you visit the castle, you’ll be walking up hills, stairs and on ancient, uneven cobbles! That’s a lot of time on your feet. On our last visit, we were there almost three hours and never sat down!
You don’t want to be tottering around in impractical shoes. I’d recommend dressing in comfortable shoes such as flat sandals or trainers.
Pack carefully
You’ll go through airport-style scanners before you enter the castle grounds. This is fairly routine, and if you’re travelling with normal items, it’s nothing to worry about. There are some items that are restricted though, and you’ll either have them confiscated or you can check them in and reclaim them at the exit. Check the website before your visit if there’s anything you’re unsure of.
You can’t take bikes, roller skates or skateboards into the castle. Drones are also prohibited. You can’t take bags that are too big for the security scanners. If you have a lot of luggage, look for a luggage storage in Windsor first.
These items aren’t allowed within the castle, but you can reclaim at the end:
- Scissors
- Pen knives and knives with blades under 7.7cm (3”)
- Alcoholic drinks in sealed containers
- Paints and aerosols
These items will need to be checked in at the cloakroom before visiting the State Apartments:
- Large bags
- Long umbrellas
- Pushchairs and buggies
Don’t rush!
While the tickets may have timed entry slots, you can take as long as you like once you’re inside. Isn’t that great?
On my previous visits I’ve spent two to three hours at the castle. You’ll find yourself stopping a lot to take photos and enjoy the views. If you’re visiting on a day with the Changing of the Guard, you’re likely to stay a minimum of 2.5 hours. Without the ceremony, perhaps just two hours.
I hope these tips for visiting Windsor Castle help you make the most of your visit. It’s an amazing attraction, and one you will love exploring in person.
Looking for more tips for visiting Windsor? Check out these guides:
- 13 Things To Know Before Your First Visit To Windsor
- Spending One Day In Windsor: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- 13 Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle For First-Timers
- How To Travel From London To Windsor
- When Is The Best Time To Visit Windsor?
- The History of Windsor, UK – A Quick Timeline
- 17 Fun Facts About Windsor, England
- 20 Amazing Things To Do In Windsor In Summer
- 9 Best Things To Do In Windsor In The Rain