Windsor is often considered the best day trip from London. It's close, making it easy to get to for those looking for a quick escape from the city. There is plenty to do and explore, from iconic Windsor Castle to the serene Windsor Great Park. Visiting attractions like St. George’s Chapel and Eton College gives you a perfect mix of history, nature, and the charm of a small town filled with English charm. Whether you want to stroll through the castle grounds or stop by one of the cozy pubs to enjoy a pint, you’ll feel the true essence of Windsor.
Though it’s a popular spot for tourists, Windsor doesn’t feel fake or overrun with crowds. Despite the steady flow of visitors, the town remains an authentic experience, with the castle still a working residence, deeply integrated with the local community. This guide includes the latest updates for 2025, giving you all the background and tips you need to plan your visit to Windsor Castle.
How to Reach Windsor Castle from London:
Taking the Train to Windsor Castle:
The easiest way to get to Windsor from London is by train. There are several options available, but the fastest option is to travel from Paddington Station to Windsor Central Station. Paddington is easily accessible from many parts of Central London via the Circle, Bakerloo, District, and Hammersmith & City underground lines. The trip itself takes about 30 minutes, though you will need to change trains at Slough Station before reaching Windsor Central Station, located just below the Castle walls.
Alternatively, you can take a direct route by hopping on the South West Train line at Waterloo Station, which will take you straight to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. This journey takes slightly longer at about 55 minutes, but the convenience of a direct train is always a plus. I personally use Trainline to purchase tickets, as it’s a reliable tool for buying rail tickets not only in the UK but across Europe as well.
Windsor & Eton Riverside Station: Only 5 Minutes to the Castle
When your train arrives at Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, you’ll have no doubt where you are. Windsor Castle looms overhead, making it as picturesque as a postcard. It’s just a short 5-minute walk to reach the castle from the station, making it easy to get to. On the way, you’ll pass through charming streets, and the beauty of the town adds to the anticipation.
If you’re coming from Waterloo, one of Britain’s largest and busiest stations, you’ll find the journey quite convenient. Waterloo Station itself is an impressive place with a refurbished concourse featuring arched glass and girder architecture. It’s a high-tech hub that’s easy to navigate, with a massive departure board guiding travelers. If you're early for your train or need a break, there are plenty of places to grab a bite or enjoy a coffee. This easy journey makes day trips from London to Windsor a breeze.
How to Get to Windsor Castle by Bus:
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Windsor Castle, the Green Line No. 702 bus offers a daily service from Victoria Coach Station. At just £10 for an adult return ticket, it’s probably the cheapest option. However, it does take around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Windsor, which is longer compared to other methods of transport. While it's an affordable choice, we would definitely recommend taking the train for a quicker and more comfortable journey. If you're feeling a bit unsure about navigating the area on your own, there are plenty of available options for organized tours to Windsor Castle. Some tours even include visits to nearby destinations like Stonehenge, Bath, or Oxford, making them a great way to explore more.
Visiting the Windsor Castle Grounds:
The main attraction of Windsor is, of course, Windsor Castle, which has been the home to English royalty for over 900 years. This is the oldest and largest still-occupied castle in the world, just 22 miles from Central London. For many years, it was the late Queen’s favorite weekend getaway, and in the final years of her reign, it became her permanent residence.
While the grounds of Windsor Castle are open to visitors throughout the year, don’t expect to run into any royals as the private residences and entrances are off-limits. The place is massive, and there is plenty to see, including the beautiful gardens, the Castle, and the historic St. George’s Chapel. You can also witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony up close during your visit.
Windsor Castle Tickets and Opening Hours:
When planning your visit to Windsor Castle in 2025, a standard adult ticket costs £31.00 and can be purchased through the Royal Collection Trust website. To make the most of your trip, don’t forget to grab the free multimedia tour at the visitor entrance – it’s incredibly helpful for exploring the Castle. If you prefer to save some money, buying the ticket ahead of time gives you a discounted price, but you can also opt for purchasing at the door.
As for the Windsor Castle hours in 2024-2025, the Castle is open year-round, but it’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since it's a working residence, parts of the Castle, like the State Apartments, can be closed on short notice. From November to February, the Castle opens at 10:00 am and closes at 4:15 pm (with the last entry at 3:00 pm). For the rest of the year, from March to October, it opens at the same time but closes later at 5:15 pm (with the last entry at 4:00 pm).
Christmas Displays at Windsor Castle in 2024:
During the festive period, Windsor Castle becomes a must-see destination with its magnificent holiday displays. The State Apartments are lavishly decorated for Christmas, creating a truly magical atmosphere. For the first time, even Queen Mary’s Doll’s House will feature tiny Christmas displays in its rooms.
Visitors can enjoy the displays from Thursday 21 Nov 2024 to Monday 6 Jan 2025, with the castle open on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Note that it will be closed on Tuesday 24 Dec 2024, Wednesday 25 Dec 2024, and Thursday 26 Dec 2024. If you're planning multiple attractions during your London area trip, the Go City Explorer Pass could be a great way to save money. For more details on the Christmas Displays, check the link provided.
The Guard Change at Windsor Castle:
At Windsor Castle, one of the most popular events is the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which takes place inside the Castle Precincts. Once you have purchased a ticket, you can easily find a good spot to watch the ceremony, as the crowd size is controlled by a timed ticket system. You don't need to arrive too early to secure a place. During the ceremony, the guards march from the Victoria Barracks to the castle, parading through the Henry VIII gate and along the walkway.
The ceremony takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11am in front of the Guard Room in the Lower Ward. It lasts about 45 minutes, featuring the Windsor Castle Guard, led by a Regimental Band, Corps of Drums, or occasionally a Pipe Band. The Old Guard returns to the Victoria Barracks after the changeover, and the route they take leads them through Sheet Street, High Street, past the Parish Church, the Guildhall, and finally up to the Castle Forecourt, especially when the King is in residence.
Saint George’s Chapel:
One of the most beautiful parts of Windsor Castle is St. George's Chapel, located on the north side of the Lower Ward. Admission to the chapel is included with your standard ticket, and you can explore it on your own with the help of a multimedia guide. St. George's Chapel holds a lot of history, including the burial place of 11 monarchs, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and King George VI. The King George VI Memorial Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth II and other royals are interred, is a serene and intimate location, filled with stained glass and soft light.
The chapel is also home to the Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in 1348, and every year, Garter Day brings a joyful and flamboyant procession with Knights of the Garter dressed in ceremonial robes. If you visit in June, you can apply for tickets to watch this grand procession. Just be aware that the chapel is closed on Sundays and after 4pm, but visitors are welcome for evensong at 5:15pm. You can also see tombs of kings like King George V, Queen Mary, and Edward IV while walking through this historic site.
Windsor Castle Gardens:
The gardens around Windsor Castle are stunning, with the River Thames as a beautiful backdrop. I was truly amazed by the beauty of the grounds, especially in spring, when the colors were vibrant with brilliant greens, and pops of purple, pink, and red scattered throughout. The stone terraces and the iconic tower of the Castle stand out against the lush greenery, and I couldn't help but marvel at the crowns and coats of arms carved into the faceted window structures. You can take photos and videos throughout the outside Castle grounds, though filming inside places like St. George’s Chapel is not allowed.
The gardens themselves have a long history, with the Moat Garden dating back to the seventeenth century, while the Jubilee Garden, created for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, is the most recent. The East Terrace Garden, a formal garden from the time of George IV, offers breathtaking views. Visitors can explore these beautiful areas mostly on weekends during the summer months, but the Jubilee Garden is open year-round, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the magnificence of Windsor Castle.
Can You Dine at Windsor Castle?
When visiting Windsor Castle, you can enjoy a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and light meals at the Undercroft Café, located in one of the oldest surviving spaces in the 1,000-year-old Castle. During the summer months, the café also serves ice cream made from milk from the Jersey herd at the Royal Farms in Windsor. While dining within the castle grounds is a great option, there are also plenty of places to eat in the nearby town.
We didn't find it necessary to eat on the castle premises, especially since we enjoyed a delicious scone and coffee at Fortescues, a charming coffee shop and gelato shop just outside the castle gate. Dining in the quaint, cobblestone street of Old Town, with views of the castle, made the experience feel both fun and festive. It was the perfect way to kick off our tour, and we were able to enjoy a nice lunch in town later, after exploring the castle grounds.
Exploring Windsor Town:
Windsor is a charming town with deep royal heritage, making it an exciting place to explore. It’s centered around Windsor Castle, and locals are used to having royals as neighbors. The medieval part of the town, Windsor Old Town, is full of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and cozy pubs. If you're hungry, there are plenty of places to eat, such as The Duchess of Cambridge and Ye Olde King’s Head, an old inn where William Shakespeare may have written The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Windsor Royal Station is a lively shopping center housed in a historic railway station, offering a variety of stores, eateries, and independent shops. During events like Coronation Week, the town feels especially festive, with plenty of royal details and opportunities for window shopping. The town also boasts significant historical landmarks, such as Guildhall Windsor, the Windsor Theatre Royal, St. John the Baptist Parish Church, and the Windsor War Memorial.
Just a short walk from the castle, the Diamond Jubilee Water Fountain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you’re walking through Old Town or enjoying the local landmarks, Windsor is a town full of life and history.
The Royal Path:
The three-mile path leading from Windsor Castle to the King George III Copper Horse Statue offers a serene walk through Windsor Great Park. It's a free and comfortable walking experience, with a paved tarmac surface and plenty of green space and trees lining the route. Along the way, you may spot herds of deer grazing in the evening, adding to the charm.
The further you walk, the more the view opens up, offering sweeping vistas of the countryside, with fantastic views of London and planes flying over Heathrow Airport. While the hill provides a backdrop of a blue sky, be aware that during summer weekends, the path can become crowded, which might affect the peaceful hike.
For a quieter experience, weekday visits or going after afternoon tea might be your best bet. Keep in mind that there is no shade along the path, so it’s wise to bring water, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget, no bicycles or skateboards are allowed here.
Windsor Park:
Windsor Great Park, covering 4,800 acres, is part of the historic Windsor Estate and offers visitors an incredible mix of rolling grasslands, forests, gardens, and lakes. As you explore, you'll encounter rare wildlife, including Champion trees—the largest and tallest trees in Britain and Ireland.
While Windsor Castle and Windsor Old Town are must-sees, don't overlook this vast park. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy green spaces, wildlife, and beautiful historic monuments.
A visit can easily be its own day trip, but if you’re short on time, it’s best to focus on Windsor Castle first and plan the park for another visit. For those seeking a peaceful getaway, the park’s play areas and scenic spots make it a great place to unwind.
Eton College:
Eton College is one of England’s most distinguished public schools, known for its rich history and impressive list of alumni, including royalty, prime ministers, world leaders, and renowned writers.
Located on Eton High Street, just across the river from Windsor, it's only a fifteen-minute walk from Windsor Castle. As a secondary school, Eton has a long-standing tradition where all students are boarders and wear the iconic Eton uniform, which consists of a black tailcoat, morning coat, waistcoat, false-collar, white tie, and pin-striped trousers.
Visitors can explore the northern part of the school campus, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Prince William, who is said to have walked here for tea with the Queen. The college also has three fascinating museums: the Museum of Eton Life, the Eton Museum of Antiquities, and the Eton Natural History Museum.
These museums are open on Sundays or with a guided tour. Tours last about 90 minutes and cost £10, with tickets available both online and on-site for those who want a deeper dive into the history of this iconic institution.
FAQs
1. How do I get to Windsor Castle from London?
The quickest way to reach Windsor Castle from London is by train. You can catch a train from Paddington Station to Windsor Central Station, which takes about 30 minutes with a train change at Slough.
Alternatively, the South West Train from Waterloo Station takes around 55 minutes, and you can reach Windsor & Eton Riverside Station in just five minutes on foot from the Castle.
2. Can I visit Windsor Castle year-round?
Yes, Windsor Castle is open year-round, but it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The opening hours vary depending on the season, with earlier closing times in winter (4:15 pm) and longer hours in summer (5:15 pm).
3. How much does it cost to visit Windsor Castle?
The standard adult ticket costs £31. Discounts are available when booking tickets online in advance. Visitors can also enjoy a free multimedia tour, which helps to explore the castle in detail.
4. What is the Changing of the Guard Ceremony?
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a popular event held inside the Windsor Castle Precincts. It takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 am, lasting about 45 minutes. The ceremony features the Windsor Castle Guard, accompanied by a band or pipe band.
5. Are there any special Christmas events at Windsor Castle?
Yes, Windsor Castle is beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. The State Apartments are adorned with holiday decorations, and even Queen Mary’s Doll’s House is dressed up for Christmas. The displays are open from 21 Nov 2024 to 6 Jan 2025.
6. Can I explore Windsor Great Park during my visit?
Absolutely! Windsor Great Park, with its 4,800 acres of land, offers vast green spaces, forests, gardens, and lakes. It’s home to rare wildlife, including Champion trees, and is a great place for a peaceful retreat. However, if you're short on time, focus on visiting Windsor Castle first and plan a trip to the park another time.
Conclusion
Windsor Castle is a top destination for anyone visiting the UK, offering a rich combination of history, royal heritage, and beautiful grounds. Whether you're taking a stroll through the Castle gardens, exploring St. George’s Chapel, or enjoying the Changing of the Guard, there's something for everyone.
For those planning a visit in 2025, be sure to check out the castle's holiday displays, grab a multimedia tour, and don’t forget to explore the charming Windsor Old Town and surrounding areas. Whether you're traveling from London or already nearby, Windsor is well worth the visit.