Is it possible to visit windsor castle

The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines. What strikes many people used to visiting historic ruins or attractions with a 'preservation' or museum like atmosphere is that Windsor Castle is in pristine condition and fully working.

There are around people for whom Windsor Castle is their home, the Queen herself is in residence many weekends.

With their subsequent horse drawn carriage tour around Windsor and through Windsor Great Park, this Windsor Royal wedding made Windsor Castle a must see destination for a whole new generation. From March - October the doors open to the public at 10am every day, including Sunday, and close at 5. From November to February opening time is 10am, closing 4. Last entrance is 90 minutes prior to closing time. Changing of the Guard happens between 11am and Many of the coach tours will commonly stay until around midday departing after the Changing of the Guard.

Visitor numbers are also much higher at weekends than during the week. Lastly, the castle may close for state visits and special occasions so do consult the Windsor Castle official website.

This also states the days during the winter when Changing of the Guard takes place and seasonable closing times. Windsor Castle is very easy to find. The main entrance to Windsor Castle is at the top of Castle Hill, on the right.

Check Windsor Castle map location. During the winter months when there are no queues, the average visitor will take 90 minutes to two hours in the Castle, although the official Windsor Castle website suggest three hours or more. At peak times during the summer there are often long queues to the entrance of the State Apartments.

On paying your admission you pass through airline style security where bags are put through an x-ray machine and you empty your pockets and pass through a detector door.

Once through the security you pick up your audio phone at the kiosk opposite. There is an information desk, toilets and gift shop here too. By the audio kiosk is a sign that details the times of the guided tours that day. It is from here these tours start. You simply key in the number of the room or place you are in and a full commentary is given. There are many optional commentaries within some commentaries that go into great detail about individual items.

You will be asked to place drinks and food in closed bags before being admitted to the Castle. You can purchase bottled water at the Courtyard Shop at the beginning of your visit.

Many visitors like to time their visit so they can view the Changing of the Guard. Changing of the Guard at Windsor usually takes place at 11am within the Castle grounds Mondays to Saturdays from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting. If you're not visiting the Castle you can still see the band marching through the town around 11am.

The barracks is about m from the castle, the band passes the Guildhall and Old Town before turning into the castle at Queen Victoria's statue. If you're in the Castle, congregate in the parade ground by the main exit in front of St George's Chapel. Most people after getting their introductions and briefings about the castle on their tour will make their way past the moat of the Round Tower not open to the public up to the north terrace. Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle The privilege of guarding the Sovereign has been carried out since Opening arrangements for Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is a working royal palace so opening arrangements may change at short notice.

Book Tickets. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell. Payment Methods American Express accepted Approx length of visit - A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:. Such a lovely few hours spent in the most gorgeous of surroundings, we are so privileged to have Read full review. The fulfillment of an ambition: visiting the home of our beloved Queen and at a time when she was in residence!

Wonderful history of a wonderful Country. Visit St George's Chapel on the same day Second visit and just as lovely. No trip to the U. Though this was my second visit, this time was a real treat!

Perhaps due to the pandemic, we had the castle almost entirely to Write a review. What's Nearby. Eating Out. Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, the burial place of 10 monarchs including…. Laugh, learn and enjoy our 1 hour…. Lucky enough to have two days to get a taste of wonderful Windsor and Eton? Then read on…. Let's make chocolate in the heart of Royal Windsor! Visit Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate….

This new walking route in place since September to mark the occasion of The Queen…. Let your phone guide you through the streets of Windsor! The Window Seat Guide is the…. Situated just across the river from Windsor via a pedestrian footbridge, the town of Eton…. The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually…. We offer creative photography experiences, located at unique, inspiring locations in and…. Windsor Escape Experience is a family run Escape Room company based in the centre of….

Looking for a safe, entertaining, outdoor experience? The team behind Windsor Escape…. Windsor Carriages invites you to experience the wonder of Windsor Great Park by horse…. Book Train Tickets. The VisitWindsor Partnership Woo ,. In partnership with. Book Windsor Castle tickets and tours. Start your day with a minute tour of the Castle Precincts. Learn about its past as a fortress and palace, from when William the Conqueror first built a castle here, to its role as an official residence for the Queen today.

Pick up a free audio guide for a tour introduced by The Prince of Wales. The commentary guides you then throughout the castle. Explore the glorious State Apartments, which are used by the Queen to host official visits. Don't miss the lavishly decorated Grand Reception Room, complete with glittering chandeliers.

You can also see the rooms built for Charles II, who hoped to rival the grandeur of Versailles. This colourful ceremony marking the changeover of duties doesn't only take place at Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the same pageantry during the Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle. The ceremony doesn't take place every day, so make sure to check in advance for dates and times.