Tour Details
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- Windsor Castle
Photos & Highlights
- Let our Context experts guide you through the heart of Windsor Castle, transforming your visit into an interactive story that captivates your imagination.
- Choose from a personalized private tour crafted for your group's unique interests, or connect with fellow history buffs in a small group tour.
Tour Description
Discover the majestic Windsor Castle, the world's oldest and continuously inhabited castle, which has stood as a symbol of the English monarchy for nearly a millennium. On this enlightening tour, guided by a historian, you’ll immerse yourself in a fusion of art, architecture, and history.
Once you’ve connected with your Context Expert in Windsor, you’ll generally begin with a tour of the castle’s interior spaces. From the State Apartments to Queen Mary's remarkable Dolls' House, there will be much to explore.
Please note, like for all Royal Palaces, guiding in Windsor Castle is limited to certain areas of the Castle, but no one is allowed to guide in the State Apartments. Included in your ticket is an audioguide and your guide will explain extensively in the castle precincts and in the Royal Chapel. They will also facilitate the information flow between you and the Palace volunteers.
Next, you’ll visit St. George’s Chapel, not only the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II but also a significant site for royal ceremonies, including the weddings of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank. Here you’ll learn about the Order of the Garter, the world's oldest chivalry order, and the storied Albert Memorial Chapel. Please also note, as an active place of worship, St. George’s Chapel may sometimes close unexpectedly without advance notice.
The iconic Round Tower stands at the heart of the castle. As we navigate its surroundings, uncover its strategic significance and the treasures it houses, including the Royal Archives. If your group’s energy allows, you’ll wander through parts of the sprawling castle grounds together and be captivated by stories of the King's Guard—The Household Division, understanding their historical and contemporary roles.
If time and weather allow, you might also take in the grandeur of The Long Walk, a ceremonial route rich in royal tradition.
Discovering Windsor Castle isn't just a journey through stone and mortar; it's a living testament to England's evolving narrative. Engaging with its tales, architecture, and traditions enriches our understanding of a monarchy's impact on culture, providing a deeper connection to a nation's shared history and identity.
- You're seeking to enrich your knowledge of traditions, ceremonies, and the everyday life of royals.
- You desire an immersive experience guided by a historian who can connect the dots of England's royal lineage.
- Windsor Castle - The world's oldest continuously inhabited royal residence, having sheltered monarchs for nearly 1000 years.
- State Apartments - Once devastated by fire, these were opened to the public in 1997 and showcase the grandeur of royal gatherings and diplomatic soirees.
- St. George’s Chapel - Beyond being Queen Elizabeth II's final resting place, this chapel has been the backdrop for many royal events, including recent weddings and baptisms.
- Round Tower - This iconic tower holds the Royal Archives and the Sebastopol Bell, which was solemnly tolled during Queen Elizabeth II's funeral services.
Tickets
- Includes priority access tickets to Windsor Castle – including seeing Queen Mary’s Doll House, St George’s Chapel, the Albert Memorial Chapel, the Inner Hall, and the State Apartments.
- Our priority tickets ensure timely access to Windsor Castle's attractions. However, please note that we may still encounter some wait time due to security and crowd control measures.
Headsets
- As noted previously, all guided tour operators are limited within Windsor Castle's State Apartments. However, your ticket comes with an audioguide for in-depth insights.
- Outside these rooms, your Context guide will offer detailed explanations, especially in the castle precincts and Royal Chapel. They'll also facilitate interactions with Palace volunteers for a smoother experience overall.
- If needed, multimedia guides are available in BSL and with subtitles.
Transport
- Your guided tour's total duration will be approximately 3.5 hours
- You will independently take a train from London to Windsor and return. Travel duration varies but is typically less than an hour each way.
- While this tour doesn't include a car service by default, we do offer an optional car service from London for those interested. You can easily select this option when booking your tour.
- This tour doesn't automatically come with a car service. However, for those interested, we offer an optional car service between London and Windsor. Simply select this option when booking your tour.
Lunch
- If you've booked a morning slot for your Windsor Castle tour, we typically recommend indulging in a delightful lunch in town afterward.
- However, if you're setting out at 1:30 pm, it's a good idea to treat yourself to lunch before the tour begins. That way, you can fully enjoy the experience without distraction.
Resources
- For more information on planning your tour, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about London prior to a visit, check out our online lectures and audio guides here.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Where will we meet our Context Tour Guide?
Your Windsor adventure begins near the Queen Victoria Statue, where you'll meet your guide. To simplify your journey, we'll send a confirmation email with the exact meeting spot and easy-to-follow directions for the train ride from London.
What's the best way to travel to Windsor from London?
The train is a straightforward option, typically taking around 60 minutes each way. Additional information from the city’s official railway site is available here.
Can we arrange for a private car service from London to Windsor?
For those booking a private tour, we offer an optional Windsor Castle Car Service. You must add this service during checkout and let us know where you’ll be staying in London.
Will we have the opportunity to visit Queen Elizabeth II's resting place?
St. George’s Chapel, which houses Queen Elizabeth II's tomb, is open to visitors during Windsor Castle's standard operating hours, with the exception of Sundays when it's reserved for services. Although the chapel is a sought-after destination and there might be a short wait, visiting the Queen's tomb is often considered a highlight of our tour. However, being an active place of worship, the chapel's availability can change unexpectedly.
St. George’s Chapel, which houses Queen Elizabeth II's tomb, is open to visitors during Windsor Castle's standard operating hours, with the exception of Sundays when it's reserved for services. Although the chapel is a sought-after destination and there might be a short wait, visiting the Queen's tomb is often considered a highlight of our tour. However, being an active place of worship, the chapel's availability can change unexpectedly.
What should I wear for the tour?
Our tours proceed rain or shine, so we recommend dressing comfortably and in layers to adapt to unpredictable British weather. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, given the expansive castle grounds.
Will we see the changing of the guard at Windsor?
The Changing of the Guard generally happens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays around 11am. If watching this iconic ceremony is on your wishlist, give us a heads-up when you book a morning departure, and we'll do our best to make it happen.
How accessible is Windsor Castle for those with mobility issues?
While many areas of Windsor Castle are accessible, some parts may pose challenges for visitors with limited mobility. For example, the walk from the train station involves a steep hill. If you have specific concerns, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to accommodate. Additional information is available here.
Are there any restrictions on photography within Windsor Castle?
Photography is permitted in many areas of Windsor Castle, but there are certain sections, especially inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, where it's restricted. Your guide will keep you informed during the tour.
Why doesn't the tour operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Sundays?
Windsor Castle is closed to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And while the Castle is open on Sundays, St. George's Chapel is reserved for services and remains closed to tours. We prioritize offering a comprehensive experience, so we avoid scheduling walking tours on these days.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
74 Reviews
–
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
We had a wonderful time visiting Windsor castle. Truly an amazing place and you felt like living history from past to present
Lisa
Nov. 29, 2023
Fia was amazing. Her love of British history was apparent from the start. Her passion for the stories and people who have lived at Windsor castle made us feel so much more connected to this special place. She made us feel like we were the only people there, while connecting on a personal level.
Elizabeth
Nov. 4, 2023
Victoria was perfect!
Russell
Oct. 28, 2023
