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

Last updated: 19 October 2026

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. Trains run from London Paddington almost every 20 minutes (change at Slough), or direct from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside in about 55 minutes, making Windsor 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

Route	Duration	Approx Cost
Paddington → Slough → Windsor (GWR + shuttle)	25-35 min	£12-20 return
Waterloo → Windsor & Eton Riverside (SWR)	55 min (direct)	£12-20 return
London (coach)	1h 15min	£8-15 return

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, weather permitting, and never on Sundays (check the official schedule as it varies). You can watch the Guard and band march through the town for free, but the ceremony itself takes place inside the castle precincts, so you need a Windsor Castle ticket to see it.

Tickets and Opening Times

Windsor Castle tickets for 2026 cost £32 for adults booked in advance (£36 on the day), £21 for 18–24s and £16 for children aged 5–17; under-5s go free.

Ticket Type	Price (2026)
Adult	£32 (£36 on the day)
Child (5-17)	£16 (£18 on the day)
Under 5	Free
Young person (18–24)	£21 (£24 on the day)
Family (2+3)	£78

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: If you buy your ticket directly from Royal Collection Trust, you can convert it into a free 1-Year Pass: sign and print your name on the ticket before you leave, and the purchase is treated as a donation. This does not apply to tickets bought through third parties.

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, open daily all year and free to enter
• 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 do I get from London to Windsor Castle?

Take a train from London Paddington and change at Slough for Windsor & Eton Central (services run almost every 20 minutes), or take a direct South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, which takes about 55 minutes.

Is the Changing of the Guard at Windsor free to watch?

Watching the Guard and band march through Windsor between Victoria Barracks and the castle is free, but the ceremony itself takes place inside the castle precincts, so you need a Windsor Castle ticket to see it. It usually takes place at 11:00 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting, and never on Sundays.

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. If you buy directly from Royal Collection Trust, you can convert your ticket into a free 1-Year Pass, which makes 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.

Additional travel preparation essentials

Before you travel, double-check three practical points that often catch first-time UK ETA applicants by surprise. First, confirm your passport’s validity: UK border officials verify that your passport will remain valid for the duration of your intended stay, and your ETA ends when your passport expires. Second, prepare your accommodation address: even though the ETA application does not require a hotel reservation, border officers may ask where you’ll be staying, so have a confirmation email or address ready on your phone. Third, carry proof of onward or return travel: a printed flight itinerary or train ticket showing you’ll leave the UK within the permitted 6-month window helps avoid unnecessary questioning at passport control.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ETA approval usually take?

Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours, though the UK Home Office advises allowing up to 3 working days for processing. Apply at least 3 working days before your flight, and earlier if you can, in case your application needs further review. Last-minute applications may be approved in time, but if there’s any delay you risk being denied boarding, so don’t leave it to the final 24 hours unless absolutely necessary.

What documents should I keep accessible during my trip?

Always carry your passport (in original, not photocopy), the ETA approval email printed or saved offline on your phone, proof of accommodation for your first night, return travel confirmation, and a backup payment method. While the ETA is digitally linked to your passport (no separate document needed), having the approval email accessible can resolve disputes quickly if border systems are temporarily slow or offline.

Where can I check the latest UK ETA policy updates?

The official UK government ETA portal is the only authoritative source for fees, eligible nationalities, and procedural changes. Other websites may charge more than the official £20 fee and may show outdated information, so avoid sites that imitate government services.