Windsor Castle Day Trip from London 2026: Tickets, Tours & Royal History

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as the official residence of the British monarch for over 900 years. Located just 25 minutes by train from London Paddington (via Slough), Windsor makes one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from London. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Windsor Castle, the Changing of the Guard, the charming town of Windsor, and nearby attractions like Eton College and Legoland in 2026.

About Windsor Castle

Built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s after his conquest of England, Windsor Castle has been continuously inhabited by British monarchs ever since — making it the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The castle covers 13 acres and contains approximately 1,000 rooms. It has served as both a royal home and a working palace, hosting state visits, ceremonies, and official events. Queen Elizabeth II spent most weekends at Windsor and passed away there in 2022. King Charles III continues to use the castle as a primary residence.

The castle was extensively restored after a devastating fire in 1992 and today offers visitors a magnificent experience combining medieval architecture, royal history, and world-class art collections. For more UK castles, see our scheduled article on top UK castles.

Getting to Windsor from London

Both train routes are convenient. The Paddington route is faster but requires a change at Slough. The Waterloo route is direct and arrives closer to the castle. Book advance tickets for savings — see our train ticket guide.

What to See Inside Windsor Castle

The State Apartments

The State Apartments are the ceremonial heart of the castle, used for official state occasions and visits from heads of state. You can walk through the stunning sequence of rooms including St George’s Hall (the grand banqueting hall seating 160 guests), the Waterloo Chamber, and rooms adorned with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, and Canaletto. The ornate ceilings, gilded furniture, and royal portraits are breathtaking.

St George’s Chapel

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, St George’s Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter — the oldest order of chivalry in the world, founded in 1348. The chapel is the final resting place of 10 monarchs including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and more recently Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. It was also the venue for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The chapel is included in castle admission but closes on Sundays (for services only).

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Created in the 1920s, this extraordinary miniature palace is built to a 1:12 scale and is considered the most beautiful dolls’ house in the world. Every detail functions — the lifts work, the taps have running water, and the wine cellar contains real (tiny) bottles. It was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens with contributions from 1,500 craftsmen and artists.

The Round Tower

The iconic Round Tower dominates the castle skyline. While not always open to the public, it offers incredible views when accessible. The Royal Standard flies from the tower when the monarch is in residence; the Union Flag flies at all other times.

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle is a colourful display of British pageantry. The Guard marches through the town to the castle accompanied by a military band. It occurs at 11:00 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (check the official schedule as it varies). The ceremony is free to watch from the town streets and castle grounds.

Tickets and Opening Times

Opening hours: March-October 10:00-17:15, November-February 10:00-16:15. Last admission 75 minutes before closing. The castle occasionally closes for state events — check the official Royal Collection website before visiting.

Top tip: Ask for a “Presentation of Admission” stamp on your ticket — this converts your day ticket into a year-long annual pass at no extra cost.

Exploring the Town of Windsor

Windsor town itself is charming and well worth exploring beyond the castle:

• Windsor Royal Shopping — An attractive arcade in the old train station building
• The Long Walk — A 2.65-mile tree-lined avenue stretching south from the castle, perfect for a scenic walk
• Eton College — Cross the bridge to Eton, home to one of the world’s most famous schools (founded 1440). Walking the charming Eton High Street is free
• River Thames — Boat trips along the Thames from Windsor Promenade offer beautiful views
• Restaurants and pubs — Numerous dining options line the streets around the castle

Nearby Attractions

• Legoland Windsor — Major theme park for families, 2 miles from town
• Windsor Great Park — 5,000 acres of royal parkland including the Savill Garden
• Runnymede — Historic meadow where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215
• Hampton Court Palace — Another stunning royal palace, 30 minutes away

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

1. 9:30 AM — Train from London Waterloo or Paddington
2. 10:30 AM — Arrive in Windsor, walk to castle (5 minutes)
3. 11:00 AM — Changing of the Guard (if scheduled)
4. 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Explore Windsor Castle (State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Dolls’ House)
5. 2:00 PM — Lunch in Windsor town or cross the bridge to Eton
6. 3:00 PM — Walk the Long Walk or explore Windsor Great Park
7. 4:30 PM — Tea and shopping in Windsor town
8. 5:30 PM — Train back to London

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit Windsor Castle?

Allow at least 2-3 hours to see the main highlights of Windsor Castle, including the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. A thorough visit with the audio guide takes 3-4 hours. Combined with exploring the town of Windsor, half a day to a full day is ideal.

Is Windsor Castle worth the admission price?

Yes, Windsor Castle is widely considered one of the best heritage attractions in the UK. The State Apartments, art collection, and St George’s Chapel are genuinely world-class. The included audio guide is excellent. Ask for the annual pass conversion stamp to make it even better value if you might return within a year.

Can you see the King at Windsor Castle?

While you cannot arrange to meet the monarch, the Royal Standard flag flying from the Round Tower indicates when the King is in residence. Some areas may be closed when the Royal Family is present, but the castle still opens to visitors. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is the closest most visitors get to royal pageantry.

Is Windsor Castle suitable for children?

Yes, children generally enjoy Windsor Castle, especially the armoury displays, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and the Changing of the Guard. Under-5s enter free. The nearby Long Walk and Windsor Great Park provide space to run around. Legoland Windsor is just 2 miles away for a combined trip. See our UK travel checklist for children.

When is the best time to visit Windsor Castle?

Weekday mornings are the quietest times to visit. Arrive early (10:00 AM) to avoid crowds. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays offer the bonus of the Changing of the Guard at 11:00 AM. Spring and summer have the longest opening hours. Check the castle is open before visiting, as it occasionally closes for state events. See our UK bank holidays calendar for busy dates to avoid.