Windsor is the easiest royal day out from London. The castle has been a royal home for more than 900 years and is still a working palace today. Across the Thames is Eton, with its famous college and a quieter high street. It is about 25 miles from Central London, so you spend your day there, not on the road.
The most important thing to get right is the day you go.
- DistanceAbout 25 miles, roughly an hour by car
- Castle openThursday to Monday
- ClosedTuesdays and Wednesdays
- Allow2½ to 3 hours in the castle
Choose your day carefully
Windsor Castle is normally open Thursday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. From March to October it opens at 10:00 with last admission at 16:00; from November to February last admission is at 15:00. Because it is a working palace, the castle or the State Apartments can also close at short notice for official events, so check the Royal Collection Trust website before you set your date.
St George's Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth II is buried, is open to sightseeing visitors on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed to visitors on Sundays, when services are held. If the chapel matters to you, avoid a Sunday.
The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:00, weather permitting. From April to June it usually happens Monday to Saturday; for the rest of the year it is on alternate days and never on Sundays. Check the schedule for your date and arrive in good time for a view.
Book your castle tickets in advance for the best price and to choose your entry time.
A day that works
- Pickup from your hotel or home in Central London.
- Windsor Castle: the State Apartments, St George's Chapel and, on scheduled days, the Changing of the Guard (about 2½ hours).
- Lunch in Windsor town centre.
- Walk over the Thames bridge to Eton High Street and the college (about an hour).
- A short drive to the Long Walk for the classic view up to the castle.
- Back to London, about an hour.
- Drop-off at your door.
Learn more about the town itself in our Windsor area guide and Eton guide.
Train or private car?
Windsor is one of the few day trips that is genuinely easy by train. Trains from Waterloo or from Paddington (changing at Slough) take under an hour, and both Windsor stations are a short walk from the castle. For one or two people travelling light, the train is great value.
A private car makes more sense when you are a family or a group, when you have mobility needs or a pushchair, or when you want to add something the train cannot do easily: the Long Walk view, a stop at Runnymede, or a second sight such as Hampton Court on the way back. It also means no crossing London to a station first, and a door-to-door journey home after a long day on your feet.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| See the current prices for every vehicle on the tour page. | ||
Make it a bigger day
Windsor leaves room in the day for more. Popular additions are Hampton Court Palace, which is about 40 minutes away, or a longer day out to Stonehenge and Bath on our Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath tour. Add extra hours when you book, or tell us your plan and we will suggest timings.
Practical tips
- There are security checks at the castle entrance, so avoid large bags.
- Photography is not allowed inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel.
- The castle approach and Eton High Street are walkable and largely flat. The State Apartments involve stairs, though accessible routes are available.
- If you visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the town, Eton and the Great Park are still lovely, but plan around the castle being closed.
Questions we are often asked
Which days is Windsor Castle closed?
It is normally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and occasionally on other days for official events. Always check the Royal Collection Trust website before booking your tour date.
Can we see St George's Chapel on a Sunday?
No. The chapel is closed to sightseeing visitors on Sundays because services are held. It is normally open to visitors on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
How long should we spend at Windsor Castle?
Allow about two and a half to three hours for the State Apartments, St George's Chapel and the grounds, plus extra time if you want to watch the Changing of the Guard.
Can you pick us up from Heathrow and go straight to Windsor?
Yes. Windsor is close to Heathrow, so it makes an easy first or last day of a trip. Contact us with your flight details and we will plan the timing and luggage space.
Are castle tickets included?
No. Our price covers your private car, driver, fuel, parking and waiting time. You buy castle tickets directly from the Royal Collection Trust.