Tim was amazing, he was captivating and so knowledgeable. We could not have had a better experience.
Windsor Castle Day Trip from London
Explore a working royal castle shaped by ceremony and memory
The Finer Details
Discover the majestic Windsor Castle, the world's oldest continuously inhabited castle, which has stood as a symbol of the English monarchy for nearly a millennium. On this enlightening Windsor Castle Tour, guided by a historian, you’ll immerse yourself in a fusion of art, architecture, and history.
Please note, as 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. 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, we uncover its strategic significance and the treasures it houses, including the Royal Archives. If your 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.
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.
Choose this tour if...
- 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.
Sites Visited
- 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.
Logistics
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 Windsor Castle guided tour operators are limited within the 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 from London, 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.
Looking for insider recommendations? Get expert tips to seeing the true London in our London City Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Where will we meet our Context Tour Guide?
Your Windsor Castle tour 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 the 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.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Meet the Experts
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Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Windsor Castle
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Oliver was great. Super knowledgeable and very personable. We are a high level group so gave us just enough info to enjoy our time. Perfect!
Barbara was incredibly well informed and clearly enjoyed sharing her knowledge with us
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Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
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