Windsor Castle
Berkshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Royal Collection Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Windsor & Eton Riverside, 0.2 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Windsor SL4 1NJ
Telephone 0303 123 7304
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
The world's oldest and largest continuously occupied castle, and still a working royal residence - when the King is in, the Royal Standard flies over the Round Tower. Inside, the State Apartments are the draw: room after room of art, armour and gilt that reviewers consistently call a trip highlight, with the changing of the Guard adding some pageantry outside.
Worth the trip
The State Apartments - reviewers rank them above almost everything else on site, though several say skip the doll's house if you're short on time.
Before you go
Budget more than an hour if you're paying full entry - reviewers who rushed through on a tight schedule felt it wasn't worth the ticket price, and photography isn't allowed inside.
Reviewers are consistently impressed by Windsor Castle's grandeur, from the State Apartments to St George's Chapel, and several suggest booking tickets in advance and arriving early to beat the crowds and see the Dollhouse before the queues build. Multiple visitors note that photography isn't permitted inside the castle itself, and opinions vary on how much time to allow, from a couple of hours hitting the highlights to a full day.
Working royal residence
“The castle is amazing! Could probably skip the doll house if short on time. The state apartments are a sight to see, sadly no pbotos inside of the castle only the exterior. Got to see the changing of the Kingsguard.…”- Tim Krauss, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- How long to allow
- “You can easily spend a full day here or a morning if you are okay with just hitting the highlights.” - Jerry H
Plan your visit
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
For your visit
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Historic Royal Palaces: Knights and Castles Sticker Activity Book
An official Historic Royal Palaces title aimed at the very youngest visitors - a gentle first introduction to castles before the guidebook makes sense. A sensible extra for a full day exploring Windsor Castle.
Find it on Amazon
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Regatta Lady Edgepoint Womens Walking Boots
A mid-cut boot from a well-known UK outdoor brand, isotex-waterproofed for a typically damp castle day out. Solid underfoot for a walk round the grounds.
Find it on Amazon
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Fuel24 Stainless Steel Jug, 1.3L/2.2L, Extra Strong
A large-capacity jug built for a family to share, rather than everyone carrying their own smaller bottle around the grounds. Keeps you going during a day out in Berkshire.
Find it on Amazon
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POWOMAO Selfie Stick Tripod with 2 Fill Lights (125cm)
Two fill lights either side of the phone clamp and a 125cm reach - the cheapest way to get a proper group shot in front of the keep. Keeps things to hand during a 4.7-star day out.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Windsor Castle
Where is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is in Berkshire, England, at Windsor SL4 1NJ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Windsor Castle?
Yes - Windsor Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Royal Collection Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Windsor Castle?
The State Apartments - reviewers rank them above almost everything else on site, though several say skip the doll's house if you're short on time.
Is Windsor Castle a ruin or still intact?
Windsor Castle is largely intact - Working royal residence.
