{"id":751,"date":"2026-03-27T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/?p=751"},"modified":"2026-03-29T15:14:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:14:28","slug":"windsor-castle-day-trip-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/windsor-castle-day-trip-london\/","title":{"rendered":"Windsor Castle Day Trip from London 2026: Tickets, Tours & Royal History"},"content":{"rendered":"

Windsor Castle<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

About Windsor Castle<\/h2>\n

Built by William the Conqueror<\/strong> in the 1070s after his conquest of England, Windsor Castle has been continuously inhabited by British monarchs ever since \u2014 making it the longest-occupied palace in Europe<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Getting to Windsor from London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Route<\/th>\nDuration<\/th>\nApprox Cost<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Paddington \u2192 Slough \u2192 Windsor (GWR + shuttle)<\/td>\n25-35 min<\/td>\n\u00a312-20 return<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waterloo \u2192 Windsor & Eton Riverside (SWR)<\/td>\n55 min (direct)<\/td>\n\u00a312-20 return<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
London (coach)<\/td>\n1h 15min<\/td>\n\u00a38-15 return<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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 \u2014 see our train ticket guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

What to See Inside Windsor Castle<\/h2>\n

The State Apartments<\/h3>\n

The State Apartments<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

St George’s Chapel<\/h3>\n

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, St George’s Chapel<\/strong> is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter \u2014 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).<\/p>\n

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House<\/h3>\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

The Round Tower<\/h3>\n

The iconic Round Tower<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Changing of the Guard<\/h2>\n

The Changing of the Guard<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

Tickets and Opening Times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ticket Type<\/th>\nPrice (2026)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Adult<\/td>\n\u00a330<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Child (5-17)<\/td>\n\u00a316.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Under 5<\/td>\nFree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Over 60 \/ Student<\/td>\n\u00a327<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Family (2+3)<\/td>\n\u00a378<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Opening hours:<\/strong> 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 \u2014 check the official Royal Collection website<\/a> before visiting.<\/p>\n

\u26a0\ufe0f Price update:<\/strong> From 8 April 2026, the UK ETA fee will increase from \u00a316 to \u00a320 (a \u00a34 increase). All other conditions remain the same \u2014 the ETA is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple trips to the UK with stays of up to 6 months.<\/div>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

\"windsor<\/p>\n

Top tip:<\/strong> Ask for a “Presentation of Admission” stamp on your ticket \u2014 this converts your day ticket into a year-long annual pass at no extra cost.<\/p>\n

Exploring the Town of Windsor<\/h2>\n

Windsor town itself is charming and well worth exploring beyond the castle:<\/p>\n