Windsor Castle Visitors Guide

Your essential guide to visiting Windsor Castle, covering everything you need to know for a memorable trip.

Windsor Castle covers thirteen acres on its chalk bluff above the Thames — three wards arranged around the central Round Tower, with St George's Chapel anchoring the Lower Ward and the State Apartments running along the Upper Ward. It can feel overwhelming on a first visit, especially in summer crowds. This guide walks you through the route most visitors find rewarding, the practical details that catch people out, and where each major sight sits. See also our opening hours and best time to visit guides for planning tips.

What to see at Windsor Castle

Upper Ward — The State Apartments

The grand ceremonial heart of the castle. Sweep through the Grand Staircase past Henry VIII's armour, the Grand Vestibule, the Waterloo Chamber commemorating Wellington's 1815 victory, the gilded Crimson Drawing Room and St George's Hall with its hammerbeam roof and Garter shields. In autumn–spring your ticket also covers the Semi-State Rooms — the monarch's most ornate private suite, including the Green Drawing Room and the White Drawing Room. Allow 90 minutes for the full route.

Middle Ward — The Round Tower

The shell keep built by Henry II on William the Conqueror's original Norman motte. The Round Tower houses the Royal Archives (not open to the public) and the flag flying from its summit tells you whether the monarch is in residence: the Royal Standard means yes, the Union Jack means no. The most photographed silhouette in Berkshire and the visual centre of the entire castle. Walk the slope around it for the best aerial views over the Lower Ward and the Long Walk stretching south.

Lower Ward — St George's Chapel

One of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England, completed in 1528 under Henry VIII. Ten monarchs are buried here — Henry VIII himself and Charles I share a vault, while Elizabeth II rests with Prince Philip and her parents in the King George VI Memorial Chapel. The medieval Quire stalls of the Knights of the Garter are draped with their banners. Closed Sundays for worship; Evensong is free to attend and an extraordinary acoustic experience. Don't miss the Horseshoe Cloister just outside.

Getting there and the first ten minutes inside

The castle address is Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1NJ, in the centre of the small market town of Windsor in Berkshire, 30 km west of London. The easiest journey from central London is by train: from London Paddington trains run every 30 minutes via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central, a 5-minute walk from the castle entrance (total journey ~30 minutes). From London Waterloo a direct South Western Railway service goes to Windsor & Eton Riverside, also a 5-minute walk (~55 minutes). National Express coaches run from Victoria; by car the M4 motorway exit 6 leads directly to Windsor (~1 hr from central London plus parking at the King Edward VII Avenue car park or Alma Road).

The main visitor entrance is on Castle Hill, accessed from the High Street next to the Queen Victoria statue. All visitors clear airport-style security at the entrance — bags larger than cabin-bag size cannot enter the State Apartments and must be left at the cloakroom in the China Museum just inside. Pick up your free multimedia guide and head up the slope into the Middle Ward.

Visiting Windsor Castle — FAQ

Practical answers to plan your visit

Where is the entrance?
On Castle Hill, off the High Street next to the Queen Victoria statue. Online ticket holders and on-the-day buyers use the same security entrance — separate queues are marked.
Where do I leave bags and coats?
At the cloakroom in the China Museum just inside the entrance — bags larger than cabin-bag size cannot enter the State Apartments. Bring as little as possible: security screening is airport-style and large bags slow it down.
What is the recommended route?
Start with the multimedia guide at the entrance, then the State Apartments (via the Grand Staircase). Continue to Queen Mary's Dolls' House, then walk down to St George's Chapel in the Lower Ward. End at the Horseshoe Cloister and the Curfew Tower — and time your visit so you're in the Lower Ward at 11:00 if it's a Thursday or Saturday for the Changing of the Guard.
Can I take photos in the State Apartments?
No — photography and filming, including phone cameras and wearable devices, are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. Outside, anywhere in the precincts, photography is welcome and encouraged (no drones).
Is there a café inside?
Yes — the Undercroft Café in the Lower Ward (sandwiches, hot drinks, cakes) and a separate refreshment kiosk in summer. Most visitors prefer to eat in Windsor town, a 3-minute walk down Castle Hill. See our food & drinks page.
Is there free WiFi?
Yes, in most public areas of the castle. The free multimedia guide is provided on dedicated devices at the entrance, so you don't need WiFi for the audio narration.
Can I re-enter the castle?
Same-day re-entry is generally not permitted once you've exited. The 1-Year Pass option — sign and date your ticket before you leave — gives unlimited free re-entry for 12 months.
How long should I plan for the visit?
Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3.5 hours inside. Add 30 minutes for the Changing of the Guard if you're visiting on a Thursday or Saturday, or an hour for Choral Evensong at St George's Chapel.
Buy Tickets