Windsor Castle tours from London

If you’re thinking of visiting Windsor Castle with a tour guide, this post is for you. We’ll cover everything there is to know about Windsor Castle tours from London, including tour prices, the best tours available, combo tours, how to find discounted deals online, and much more.

Windsor Castle tours from London are hugely popular, thanks to a location just 25 miles away from England’s capital. The official residence of the Queen is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and sees more than one million people visit each year.

If you feel like skipping ahead, however, discover the best Windsor Castle deals and book your guided tour right now!

Windsor Castle tours from London – Is it worth booking a guided tour?

Windsor Castle tours

Windsor Castle has more than 950 years’ worth of history to discover, not to mention plenty of different places to see around the castle. From the State Apartments to St. George’s Chapel, visiting Windsor Castle is an experience you will relish.

It’s worth taking a guided tour if you want to get the most out of this historic attraction. Guides expertly navigate tours of Windsor Castle, ensuring that you see the best parts while keeping a relaxed pace. Going on a guided tour provides plenty of benefits, such as:

Simplicity: Booking a guided tour means you don’t need to worry about the minor details. Just go to the meeting point, at which point your guide will take care of the rest.

You won’t miss a thing: A guide’s job is to provide you with the best experience, including making sure you see the best of the castle and don’t miss aspects like the changing of the guard.

Q&A: Having access to a guide means you can ask questions during the tour and get specific answers, which provides you with a more personalized experience.

What are the most popular Windsor Castle tours from London?

best Windsor Castle tours from London

They say that variety is the spice of life, and Windsor Castle tours from London come in many options. From half-day tours to audio-only trips, you can select a Windsor Castle experience that’s best suited to you.

Here are the primary options:

Half-day guided tours

Half-day tours include pick-up and drop-off in London, plus a couple of hours to explore Windsor Castle. It’s enough time to see the best of the castle while still planning other activities in the day.

Audio guided tours

Audio tours provide a detailed guide of each room in Windsor Castle and come in multiple languages. It’s a great option if you want a different language from English or would prefer to go at your own pace during the tour.

Private guided tours

If you’re willing to pay a little bit extra, a private guided tour offers a truly personal experience. Your guide will curate a bespoke tour, suggesting how to maximize your trip to Windsor Castle.

Combined guided tours including other attractions

Some of the most popular Windsor Castle tours from London include combinations with other trips. These involve visits to historic landmarks like Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, Roman Baths in Bath, and Oxford.

How much do Windsor Castle tours from London cost?

Windsor Castle tours price

The price you pay for a Windsor Castle tour from London depends on the type of trip you book.

  • Half-day guided tour -expect to pay between £50 (US$ 63) and £90 (US$ 113) per person for half-day guided tours
  • Audio tour – you will pay around £23 (US$ 28) for an audio tour, which is one of the lowest prices for Windsor Castle visits. However, it usually doesn’t include travel from London
  • Private guided tour – private tours are the most expensive and typically include more than one attraction. Expect to pay between £500 (US$ 628) and £900 (US$ 1,100) for a combination private tour of up to eight people.

How do you book a Windsor Castle tour online?

There are several online tour agencies offering Windsor Castles tours such as Viator, GetYourGuide, or Headout.

These companies offer a range of online options, and you can use the TourScanner search engine to find the cheapest tickets and best-reviewed tours that fit well your itinerary and budget.

How long does it take to reach Windsor Castle from London?

Windsor Castle location

Windsor Castle is located around 25 miles from London, and it typically takes 45 minutes to get from the center of the capital to Windsor if you’re going by car or coach. Train times from London to Windsor take between 35 minutes and one hour, depending on which service you use.

How long does it take to visit Windsor Castle?

Give yourself between two and three hours to see Windsor Castle. Two hours is enough to view the primary attractions like the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, while three hours should offer plenty of time to explore the castle thoroughly.

How long does it take to visit Windsor Castle?

Give yourself between two and three hours to see Windsor Castle. Two hours is enough to view the primary attractions like the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, while three hours should offer plenty of time to explore the castle thoroughly.

What will I see?

visiting the Windsor Castle

There is plenty to do and see at Windsor Castle, and who knows, you might even bump into the Queen!

Here are some of the best attractions at the Castle…

State apartments

The State Apartments are used by the Queen to host official visits, but they’re also open to the public. Discover rooms like the Grand Reception Room, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Semi-State Rooms. They are the most popular attraction at the castle, and there is usually a long queue to see them.

St George’s Chapel

Historic architecture is on show at St George’s Chapel, which features tombs of the 10 monarchs. It’s a place of worship but is included with the admission ticket for Windsor Castle. It’s closed every Sunday.

Changing the Guard

The changing of the guard is perhaps most commonly associated with Buckingham Palace. However, it also takes place at Windsor Castle (usually at around 11 am) and is a primary highlight with everyone clamouring to see the guards marking their changeover duties.

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

The most famous doll’s house in the world, Queen Mary’s Doll’s House was built in the 1920s and designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Find miniature delights, such as a library with over 700 books and contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists of the 20th century.

The Moat Room

The Moat Room is where you can learn about Windsor Castle’s 950-years-plus history. The room features three bronze models that depict how the castle has changed from its inception under William the Conqueror to the humble abode of the Queen.

Travel tips

Windsor Castle tips

  • Photography or video recordings aren’t allowed in the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel
  • The chapel is also closed every Sunday
  • You will do plenty of walking during the tour, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes
  • Airport-style security checks take place before entry into the castle
  • The Royal Standard flag will fly if the Queen is staying in the castle
  • Last entry is one hour before closing time
Simon Banks
Simon Banks is an esteemed content writer with a flair for narrating captivating travel tales. With years of experience, Simon has crafted compelling narratives for TourScanner, shedding light on must-visit destinations in Europe and beyond. His expertise lies in transforming intricate travel details into engaging stories, ensuring readers are both informed and inspired. Whether it's a quaint European village or a bustling global metropolis, Simon's insights aim to guide and enlighten every traveler on their journey.