Windsor Castle Tours From London
Windsor Castle day trips from London: how a royal escape really feels
A Windsor Castle tour from London is one of those days that feels bigger than its timetable. You leave the city after breakfast and, in less than an hour, you are walking through a working royal residence that has seen almost a thousand years of British history. In our catalogue of activities you will find half-day escapes that focus on the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, long days that combine Windsor with Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford, private drivers for a quieter pace, and train-based trips for independent travellers, so you can choose the rhythm and style that fits your group instead of adjusting your plans to the tour.
📚 Choose your Windsor Castle tour from London
Half-day Windsor Castle escapes
A royal visit that fits around your London plans.
Full-day trips with Stonehenge and more
Windsor Castle plus iconic countryside stops in one day.
One day, many royal palaces
Windsor Castle with Buckingham, Hampton Court or the Tower.
Windsor by train and self-guided
For travellers who prefer rail journeys and free time.
Private Windsor Castle tours
Door-to-door comfort and a flexible schedule.
Exploring Windsor beyond the castle
Hop-on buses, riverside walks and family attractions.
Frequently asked questions
Timing, transport and practical details answered.
Half-day Windsor Castle tours: a royal visit that fits in half a day
Half-day trips from London to Windsor Castle are designed for travellers who want the essence of the royal residence without giving up a full day in the city. You leave central London by coach, reach Windsor in around an hour, visit the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel with an audio guide, have a short walk through the town and are usually back in London by mid-afternoon.
In our offer of experiences you will find options that already include your entrance ticket, so you avoid queuing at the ticket office and go straight to security checks. Many half-day Windsor Castle tours from London use luxury coaches with air conditioning and a guide on board who explains what you are going to see before you enter the castle, which makes the audio guide inside easier to follow.
This format works especially well if you are only in London for a few days or if you are travelling with children or older relatives who would rather not face a twelve-hour excursion. You get around two to three hours inside the castle complex, enough time to walk through the ceremonial rooms, spend a quiet moment in the chapel and still reach London with energy for an evening plan.
How a typical half-day Windsor Castle tour runs
- Early morning or early afternoon departure from a central London meeting point.
- Coach ride to Windsor with commentary and practical advice from the guide.
- Entry to the castle with timed access, audio guide and time to explore at your own pace.
- Short window to walk through Windsor town, grab a coffee or take photos of the castle from the Long Walk.
- Return to London after around four to five hours door to door.
Practical tips for half-day visits
- Choose a departure slot that leaves you some margin before and after, in case of traffic delays.
- Travel light to pass security quicker; large bags are not allowed inside the State Apartments.
- If seeing the Changing of the Guard at Windsor is important for you, check in advance whether it is scheduled on the day of your visit, as the ceremony does not take place every day.
Full-day tours: Windsor Castle with Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford
Full-day tours of Windsor Castle from London combine the royal residence with one or two other big-name stops, usually Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford. These are long but memorable days, perfect if you like packed itineraries and want to see several highlights in the English countryside without having to organise train timetables or local buses yourself.
The classic format starts with Windsor Castle in the morning, when the light is softer and the site is usually quieter, continues with Stonehenge around midday and ends in Bath or Oxford for an afternoon walk. Travel between stops is by coach with commentary from a guide, so the stretches of road become part of the story rather than dead time between visits.
If you are still choosing between different destinations, it can be useful to compare these itineraries with other ideas in the region. The guide to day trips from London gives you a broader overview of what is realistic to cover in a single day and how Windsor fits into that puzzle.
Choosing your full-day combo
- Windsor and Stonehenge. Ideal if your priority is ticking off two of the most famous sites in England in one go, with a clear focus on royal history and prehistoric mystery.
- Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath. Adds Roman baths and Georgian architecture, turning the day into a compact lesson in how the country evolved over centuries.
- Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford. Combines royal pageantry with university life and film locations, which usually appeals a lot to teenagers and film fans.
Who full-day tours work best for
- Travellers who only have a few days in London and want to see as much as possible beyond the city.
- People who do not want to rent a car but like the idea of crossing the countryside, villages and fields in one continuous route.
- Visitors ready for a long day with early start and late return, with several hours on the road in exchange for variety of places.
Royal palaces in one day: Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and Buckingham
Some tours turn the whole day into a deep dive into royal life, combining Windsor Castle with Hampton Court Palace, Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London. These itineraries are less about ticking distant regions and more about comparing how different monarchs chose to live, work and show power in and around London.
In this kind of Windsor Castle day trip from London you usually start with Windsor in the morning and then head back towards the capital for an afternoon at another palace. You might spend time in the gardens of Hampton Court, walk through the State Rooms at Buckingham, or add an optional visit to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, depending on the tour you choose.
These days are especially attractive if you already know central London and want to understand the monarchy as a whole rather than visiting a single iconic building. For travellers who enjoy palaces, historic houses and manicured gardens, it is also worth exploring other rural escapes in the guide to countryside day trips from London, which collects more ideas beyond the royal circuit.
What to expect from a multi-palace day
- Shorter time in each site than on a single-focus tour, so the rhythm feels more like a highlights reel.
- Plenty of walking through corridors, gardens and courtyards, with photo stops built in by the guide.
- Strong emphasis on stories, anecdotes and contrasts between different reigns and royal residences.
Windsor Castle day trips by train and self-guided visits
Not every Windsor Castle tour from London moves by coach. Many travellers prefer to take the train from London to Windsor and then join a local experience or explore independently, especially repeat visitors or people who feel comfortable using public transport in English.
The usual rail options are from London Paddington with a change at Slough to reach Windsor and Eton Central, or direct trains from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside. Both stations are within walking distance of the castle, and the train journey itself takes less than an hour of actual travel time, although you should always add margin for waiting and possible delays.
Once in Windsor, you can follow your own rhythm, picking a time slot for the castle and then wandering through the town, crossing the bridge to Eton or walking along the Thames. If you enjoy this level of autonomy, the selection in day trips from London by train will help you compare Windsor with other rail-based escapes such as Warwick or even Edinburgh.
Tips for visiting Windsor Castle by train
- Buy train tickets in advance when possible, especially for peak hours, to secure better fares and seats.
- Book your Windsor Castle entrance slot separately and leave generous time between your scheduled arrival and entry time.
- Check the last train back to London before you start your day, so you can plan your evening stroll or dinner without stress.
Private Windsor Castle tours: tailor-made royal days from London
Private Windsor Castle tours from London are built for travellers who value flexibility and comfort above all. You are picked up at your accommodation, travel in a car or minivan just for your group and decide, within reasonable limits, how to distribute your time between Windsor Castle, nearby towns and extra stops such as Stonehenge or Bath.
In our catalogue of activities you will see options where a local host travels with you, helps you navigate the entrance procedures and gives context during the journey, as well as itineraries where a professional driver focuses on transport and you explore the castle with the official audio guide. The key is to read the description carefully and choose the level of guiding that matches your expectations.
Private tours are particularly interesting for families with small children, travellers with reduced mobility or groups of friends who want to chat and move at their own rhythm without worrying about keeping up with a large group. They also make it easier to adjust the plan on the fly if the weather changes or if you decide to spend longer than expected in St George’s Chapel.
Questions to ask before booking a private tour
- Whether entrance tickets to Windsor Castle and any extra sites are included or must be booked separately.
- How many hours of service you have with the driver or guide and how much time is realistically available inside each stop.
- What the meeting point and drop-off options are, especially if you are staying outside the usual central London areas.
Beyond the castle: buses, river walks and family attractions in Windsor
Many visitors are surprised by how much there is to do in Windsor once they step outside the castle walls. A hop-on hop-off bus gives you a simple way to circle the town and the surrounding area, with open-top views of the castle and recorded commentary, while the riverside path and the streets of Eton invite slow walks and café stops.
Families often appreciate combining the castle with something lighter, whether that is a relaxed loop on the bus, a short cruise on the Thames or even a separate day entirely focused on the theme park world of LEGOLAND in Windsor. These experiences help balance the more formal atmosphere of the State Apartments with time for children to move and play.
If you are planning several outings from the capital, it can make sense to see Windsor as part of a wider set of countryside experiences. The page dedicated to countryside day trips from London gathers more ideas for villages, castles and coastal towns that combine well with a Windsor day.
How to extend your time in Windsor
- Use the hop-on bus as a flexible shuttle between the station, the castle area and viewpoints outside the centre.
- Walk part of the Long Walk towards Windsor Great Park to see the castle from a distance and understand its scale.
- Cross the bridge into Eton to contrast the royal town with the quieter streets and college buildings on the other side of the river.
Compare Windsor Castle tours from London at a glance
There is no single best Windsor Castle tour from London, only formats that fit different travellers. This table helps you see in one place how half-day visits, full-day combinations, private trips and train-based options differ in pace, time on site and style of travel.
| Type of tour | Time in Windsor Castle | Total length from London | Best suited for | Travel style | Typical combinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day Windsor Castle tour by coach | Around two to three hours inside the castle and chapel | About four to five hours door to door | Short stays in London, families, visitors who prefer a lighter day | Guided coach transfer with audio guide inside the castle | Windsor Castle with a brief walk in Windsor town |
| Windsor Castle and Stonehenge day trip | Roughly two hours at Windsor, similar time at Stonehenge | Around ten to twelve hours | First-time visitors who want two major sites in one day | Structured coach tour with commentary and fixed timetable | Morning at Windsor, afternoon at Stonehenge before returning to London |
| Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath or Oxford | Shorter visit at Windsor than on focused tours | Full day, often close to twelve hours | Travellers who enjoy very full itineraries and variety of landscapes | Coach tour with walking segments in each city or town | Windsor Castle plus Stonehenge and either Bath or Oxford in a single loop |
| Royal palaces in one day | Moderate time in Windsor, shared with another palace | Between eight and ten hours | Fans of royal history and palace architecture | Coach transfers and guided walks through palaces and gardens | Windsor Castle with Hampton Court Palace, Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London |
| Windsor Castle by train, self-guided | Flexible, you decide how long to stay | From half a day to a full day depending on your plan | Independent travellers used to public transport | Train from London, self-paced visit with audio guide or local experience booked separately | Windsor Castle plus riverside walk, Eton and free time in town |
| Private or small-group Windsor Castle tour | Usually more time inside the castle and town than group tours | From four to ten hours depending on route | Families, travellers with mobility needs, groups of friends | Car or minivan with driver or local host and flexible schedule | Windsor Castle on its own or with extra stops such as Stonehenge or Bath |
Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle tours from London
Can you do a day trip to Windsor Castle from London?
Yes. Most people visit Windsor Castle as a day trip, either on a half-day escape by coach or as part of a longer itinerary that also includes Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford. From central London you can reach Windsor in under an hour by train or around an hour by road, so you have enough time to explore the castle and still be back in the city for the evening. Sections on half-day tours and full-day trips explain how each format feels.
Is the Windsor Castle tour worth it?
For most visitors interested in British history or the royal family, Windsor Castle is one of the most rewarding day trips from London. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with ceremonial rooms used for state events, an impressive chapel and views that place you right inside the landscape of the Thames valley. If your stay in London is very short, you will need to decide whether to prioritise Windsor, the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace, but for many people Windsor feels like the most complete royal experience in a single visit.
How many hours do you need to visit Windsor Castle?
Plan on spending at least two to three hours inside Windsor Castle itself. That gives you time for security checks, the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and a short walk through the grounds. If you like to read every panel or stop for many photos, you will be happier with closer to three hours. On top of that, add your travel time from London and any extra free time you want in the town, as described in the sections on half-day and town-focused plans.
Is there a guided tour of Windsor Castle?
Most organised tours include a guide for the journey from London and the town of Windsor, but use the official multilingual audio guide inside the State Apartments and chapel, because guiding in some interior areas is restricted. Private tours may offer more in-depth guiding around the exterior and in permitted spaces. Always read the description carefully to see where your guide can speak, what is covered by audio guide and how much time you have to explore independently.
How much does a tour of Windsor Castle cost?
Prices vary widely depending on what the tour includes. A simple half-day trip to Windsor Castle from London—with coach transport and entry tickets—sits in a different price range than a full-day excursion that also adds places like Stonehenge or Bath, and private tours are usually higher. Seasonal demand and how early you book can also affect the cost. For accurate, updated figures, check the price listed in the specific experience you’re considering.
What is the best day to visit Windsor Castle?
Weekdays outside school holidays tend to be the most peaceful, especially in the morning. Weekends, bank holidays, and days with major royal events nearby are usually busier. The castle can occasionally close fully or partially for official ceremonies, so it’s important to check the updated opening calendar before setting your date, as schedules may change throughout the year.
Is Windsor Castle a lot of walking?
There is a fair amount of walking, but it is manageable for most visitors with average fitness. You walk up a gentle slope from the entrance, move through long corridors inside the State Apartments and stand for periods in the chapel. There are some steps and uneven surfaces in historic areas. Comfortable shoes are essential, and if you have mobility concerns it is worth looking at private or small-group tours, which can adapt the pace and sometimes drop you closer to the entrance.
Is there a nonstop train from London to Windsor?
Yes, there are direct trains from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside. The other common route, from London Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central, usually involves a change at Slough. Both options are popular, and the best one for you depends on where you are staying in London and how comfortable you are with changing trains. The section on Windsor by train explains how to think about timings and connections.
Which train station is best for Windsor Castle?
Both Windsor and Eton Central and Windsor and Eton Riverside are within walking distance of the castle. Central is slightly closer to the main entrance and reached via the route that changes at Slough, while Riverside is a pleasant walk along the town from the direct line out of Waterloo. In practice, most visitors choose the station that connects more easily with their London accommodation or onward plans rather than worrying about a few minutes’ difference on foot.
Is there a dress code to tour Windsor Castle?
There is no strict dress code for general visitors, but comfortable, respectful clothing works best. Because St George’s Chapel is an active place of worship, very revealing outfits are not advised, and you will be expected to remove hats inside the chapel. Flat shoes are strongly recommended due to the amount of walking and the historic surfaces. On days with changeable weather, layers make it easier to adapt between cool interiors and warmer outdoor areas.
Can you just turn up at Windsor Castle without a tour?
You can usually buy tickets on arrival, but availability is not guaranteed, especially on busy days or at popular time slots. Booking a specific entrance time in advance is the safest option, and many tours from London already include this, saving you a separate step. If you prefer to travel independently, check the official site shortly before your trip to see how advance sales are going and whether any dates are already marked as sold out.
Author: Belén Rivas, GuruWalk.
Publication date: 2025-12-01
Data updated as of December 2025
