Is Windsor Castle worth it?
Worth it if…Overhyped · −14The world's oldest occupied royal castle: State Apartments and St George's Chapel, west of London
Worth it, with conditions. 4.7 from 64,820 Google reviews; visitors consistently find the interiors and chapel as grand as expected.
Hype73How famous and hyped it is
Reality59Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.7 ★ Google · 64,820 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Windsor Castle? Was it worth it?
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Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 royal and history fans vote
A working royal residence with lavish State Apartments and royal tombs; 4.7 from 64,820 Google reviews.
Why Reality is 59
Lives up to its fame4/54.7 from 64,820 Google reviews; visitors consistently find the interiors and chapel as grand as expected.
Value for money3/5£32 in advance includes an audio guide and a 1-Year Pass, but add £20–26 return train fare for most visitors.
Can’t get it elsewhere4/5The oldest occupied castle in the world and a working royal home; Hampton Court and the Tower are comparable but different.
Easy to do2/5Out-of-town day trip with timed tickets, Tue–Wed closures, frequent closures for royal events and long Dolls' House queues.
What people loved
Magnificent State Apartments and St George's Chapel, the burial place of numerous monarchs including Elizabeth IIFree audio guide and knowledgeable, friendly wardens add real contextTicket converts to a 1-Year Pass, softening the price for repeat visitorsPretty town, the Long Walk and Changing the Guard make it a full, varied day outWhat wore them down
A day trip from London: 30–75 min by train each way plus £10–13 fares on top of a £32–36 ticketClosed Tue–Wed and often at short notice for royal events; St George's Chapel shut on SundaysLong queue for Queen Mary's Dolls' House even early, and summer crowdsNo photography indoors; steep hill and long distances on site are hard for limited mobilityKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: On-the-day tickets exist but cost £4 more for adults; book a timed slot online to save money and queueing, especially in summer
EntryAdult £32 online in advance / £36 on the day; 18–24 £21/£24; child 5–17 £16/£18; under 5 free; £1 tickets for UK Universal Credit recipients. Includes audio guideSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
1-Year PassConvert your ticket to a 1-Year Pass for free re-entry for a year (£2 fee to pre-book a return visit)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Closed daysClosed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays (services only). Frequent closures for royal events — check rct.uk before travellingSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Changing the GuardUsually Tue, Thu and Sat around 11am, about 45 min; a ticket is needed to watch from inside the wallsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
PhotographyNo photos inside the State Apartments or St George's Chapel; allowed outdoorsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereTrain from Paddington with a change at Slough to Windsor & Eton Central (~30 min), or direct from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (~1 hr); £10–13 one way. About 1–1.5 hours door to door from Trafalgar SquareSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed2–3 hours in the castle; half a day to a full day including travel and Windsor townSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
In their words
“If you want to see Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, do there first. Even then it will be a long line.”
“Did not go inside due to limited time, not worth the entrance fees paid if explore inside for just an hour.”
“You can get a free audio guide which I'd recommend otherwise you might miss out on stuff.”
“Visiting Windsor Castle was honestly one of the highlights of my UK trip.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much are Windsor Castle tickets?
Adults pay £32 online in advance or £36 on the day; ages 18–24 £21/£24; children 5–17 £16/£18; under-5s free.
What days is Windsor Castle closed?
It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and sometimes for royal events; St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays.
How do you get to Windsor Castle from London?
Take the train from Paddington (change at Slough, about 30 min) or direct from Waterloo (about an hour) to Windsor; the castle is a short walk from both stations.
Can you take photos inside Windsor Castle?
No. Photography isn't allowed in the State Apartments or St George's Chapel, only outdoors.
When is the Changing of the Guard at Windsor?
Usually Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at about 11am, lasting about 45 minutes; check the schedule before you go.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Royal Collection Trust – Windsor Castle tickets
- Earth Trekkers – Windsor Castle day trip guide
- Visit London – Day trip to Windsor
- Google Maps – Windsor Castle