The Upper Ward of Windsor Castle

No. 13 25 Classic Day Trips from Great Cities 2026

Windsor Castle

Berkshire, England · Day trip from London

The world's oldest and largest occupied castle, on the Thames west of London.

Photo: Diliff, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for more than 900 years, since William the Conqueror built a fortress here. It remains a working palace of the British monarch.

Visitors see the State Apartments, St George's Chapel and, on some days, the Changing of the Guard. Windsor town and Eton, across the river, are pleasant to explore.

Best time to visit

Open most of the year, but closures happen for royal events, so check before going. Weekdays are quieter.

Highlights

  • 1

    State Apartments

    Ceremonial rooms with paintings from the Royal Collection.

  • 2

    St George's Chapel

    A Gothic chapel and royal burial place.

  • 3

    Queen Mary's Dolls' House

    A detailed miniature house.

  • 4

    Changing of the Guard

    On scheduled days; check before you go.

  • 5

    Long Walk and Windsor Great Park

    A straight avenue and large parkland south of the castle.

Getting there

Trains from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, or from Paddington with a change at Slough, take about 35–60 minutes. The castle is a short walk from both stations.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
Half a day to a full day.

Official information: Royal Collection Trust: Windsor Castle. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Nearby

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  2. The main façade of the Victoria and Albert Museum on Cromwell Road

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  3. The Millbank entrance of Tate Britain, London

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  4. The National Gallery's portico on the north side of Trafalgar Square

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  5. The entrance of the National Portrait Gallery, London

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  6. The glass-roofed Great Court of the British Museum

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