Windsor Castle Guide & Reviews (2026)

Time Needed

2 - 3 Hours

Founded

c. 1070

Best For

Royal History & Architecture

Address & Navigation

Windsor Castle sits right above the town centre on Castle Hill. The last part is noticeably uphill (the sort that makes you glad you wore comfy trainers). For sat nav, use SL4 1NJ.

Norman Foundations

Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor began as a strategically placed fortress with views over the Thames and the surrounding hunting lands.

St George’s Chapel

Inside the walls sits St George’s Chapel, closely linked with the Order of the Garter and renowned for its breathtaking Gothic craftsmanship.

The 1992 Fire

A major fire in 1992 damaged many rooms, followed by a carefully managed restoration that returned the Castle to full splendour over the following years.

Typical Admission Rates (2026)

Windsor Castle is typically open Thursday to Monday. In March to October, the published opening time is 10:00 to 17:15 with last admission at 16:00. As a working royal palace, occasional closures can happen, so it is worth checking the official page before you travel.

• In advance (online):
• Adult: £32.00
• Young Person (18-24): £21.00
• Child (5-17): £16.00
• On the day:
• Adult: £36.00
• Young Person (18-24): £24.00
• Child (5-17): £18.00
• Under 5: FREE
• Access companion: FREE

Book in Advance

Advance online tickets are normally cheaper than on-the-day pricing. It is also the easiest way to secure an entry slot during school holidays.

£1 Tickets (Eligible Benefits)

Royal Collection Trust publishes £1 tickets for people on Universal Credit and other named UK benefits on selected dates. Availability varies, so check early.

1-Year Pass Value

You can often convert your ticket into a 1-Year Pass for unlimited re-admission, which is brilliant if you might return with friends or family later in the year.

WHO WILL LOVE IT

• Royal history fans: If you like big moments and big rooms, the State Apartments deliver.
• Architecture lovers: It is a mix of styles layered across centuries, and you can feel the scale in the stonework.
• Detail spotters: Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the kind of exhibit that makes people go quiet, then lean in close.

WHO MIGHT HATE IT

• Those avoiding hills: The Castle is up a steep slope, and the route includes longer walks across the site.
• Anyone short on time: Security checks, timed entry, and big queues can make a rushed visit feel stressful.

Multimedia Guide Fun

Pick up a family multimedia guide and let the kids follow along. It turns the visit into a story rather than a lecture, which helps massively.

Layers Matter

Rooms can feel cool even in warmer months, and there is plenty outdoors between buildings. A light layer saves the day, especially if the wind catches you on the terraces.

Undercroft Café Break

The café is a handy reset point. A quick drink and snack can prevent the classic end-of-visit meltdown right before the best bits.

🏛️ State Apartments

Grand ceremonial rooms packed with art, armour, and sheer scale. The ceilings alone are worth a slow look up.

🏠 Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Incredibly detailed, and surprisingly moving. You will spot tiny working features that are easy to miss if you rush past.

⛪ St George’s Chapel

A masterpiece of Gothic design. Note that the Chapel can close earlier than the Castle route, and it is closed to general visitors on Sundays.

🟢 Early Mornings

Best chance of breathing room. Arrive for opening and you will usually get calmer galleries before the day-trip wave hits.

🔴 Midday Rush

Queues and pinch points. Security screening and popular rooms can bottleneck between late morning and early afternoon, especially in school holidays.

🟡 Late Afternoons

Quieter, but watch the clock. Last admission is typically 16:00 in March to October, so do not cut it too fine if you want a full visit.

🚆 Windsor & Eton Central

🚶 2 mins
(Practically on the doorstep)

🚆 Windsor & Eton Riverside

🚶 5 mins
(Mostly level at first, then uphill)

🎓 Eton College Area

🚶 15 mins
(Across the river, then through town)

Windsor Town Centre

Stay central and you can walk to the Castle in minutes. Perfect if you want to pop out early and beat the crowds.

Eton

Just across the Thames, quieter in the evenings with great riverside strolls. A lovely base if you want a calmer feel after sightseeing.

Old Windsor

A little further out, but handy for drivers and good for a slower pace. Ideal if you are mixing Windsor with walks and countryside pub lunches.

Nearest Car Parks (Postcodes)

There is no visitor car parking at Windsor Castle, so use town centre car parks and walk in. If it has rained, the stone and cobbles around the approaches can feel a bit slippery, so take care on the slope.

• River Street Car Park: SL4 1QT - Very central, but often fills up early on busy days.
• Q-Park Windsor Royal (Charles Street): SL4 1EF - Convenient for the shopping centre and a straightforward walk to the Castle.
• Alexandra Gardens Car Park: SL4 3HY - A solid option if you do not mind a slightly longer stroll via the riverside.
• King Edward VII Car Park (Park and Ride available): SL4 6HX - Useful if you prefer parking a bit outside the busiest centre areas.

Blue Badge bays are available in several car parks. Always double-check on-site signage for restrictions and max stay rules.