Windsor Castle Opening Hours

Current opening hours for Windsor Castle, including seasonal variations and last admission times.

Windsor Castle is open Thursday to Monday, with longer hours March–October (10:00–17:15, last admission 16:00) and shorter hours November–February (10:00–16:15, last admission 15:00). The castle is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday, and as a working royal palace can close at short notice for state events. See our best time to visit page for quieter slots and the visitors guide for what to do once you arrive.

Windsor Castle Opening Hours

Castle & State Apartments

Thursday – Monday (Mar–Oct)10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Thursday – Monday (Nov–Feb)10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Tuesday & WednesdayClosed all day

Last Admission

March – October4:00 PM
November – February3:00 PM

St George's Chapel (to tourists)

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
SundayWorship only — free to attend services
Tuesday & WednesdayClosed (castle closed)

Semi-State Rooms

Autumn–Spring (Sept–May)Open with castle
Summer (June–Aug)Generally closed (in use)

Annual Closures

Good FridayClosed all day
25 & 26 DecemberClosed all day
Every Tuesday & WednesdayClosed all day

Important: Windsor remains a working royal palace and can close at short notice for state events, the Order of the Garter Service in June, or when the monarch is in formal residence. Always check the Royal Collection Trust website before travelling.

Opening Hours FAQ

Hours, holidays, and last admission

Is Windsor Castle open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays?
No. The castle is closed to visitors every Tuesday and Wednesday year-round. The only access on those days is from outside the gates — useful if you've come to see the Changing of the Guard on a Tuesday and watch the regimental band march through town.
What time is the last admission?
16:00 from March to October; 15:00 from November to February. Galleries close at 17:15 (or 16:15 in winter). Aim to arrive at least 3 hours before closing to see everything.
Can I attend St George's Chapel on a Sunday?
Yes — on Sundays the chapel is closed to tourists but open for worship. Services including Matins, Sung Eucharist and Choral Evensong are free to attend. Worship is the most atmospheric way to experience the medieval acoustics and the choir of St George's Chapel.
Are the Semi-State Rooms always open?
They open from autumn to spring each year — broadly September to May — when the monarch isn't using them. From June to August they are generally closed. The opening dates change slightly each year, so check before booking if these rooms are your priority.
What about Christmas and Easter?
Closed on Good Friday and on 25 and 26 December. Open with standard hours on Easter Monday and 1 January. The week between Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest of the entire year — book at least two weeks in advance.
Do unscheduled closures happen often?
Yes — Windsor remains a working royal palace. State visits, the annual Garter Service in June, royal weddings and funerals can all cause short-notice closures. Royal Collection Trust always announces these in advance on rct.uk; our free 24-hour cancellation covers you if your visit is affected.
How long can I stay inside once I've entered?
Until 30 minutes after last admission, when staff start clearing the State Apartments. The timed slot only governs when you can enter, not how long you can stay — though most visitors find 3 hours is plenty.
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