Windsor Castle: Prices, Discounts and Where to Buy

Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has since been the home of 39 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II. The castle is open to visitors throughout the year, and ticketed tours include access to the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and the Semi-State Rooms. It also features special exhibitions and events, including holiday celebrations and family-friendly activities.

Entering Windsor Castle and its grounds requires a ticket for each visitor, which can be purchased online or by phone in advance or on the day at the Admissions Centre. Tours of Windsor Castle are self-guided with a multimedia guide and appropriate for visitors of all ages. The castle is fully accessible and offers discounts for disabled guests.

How Much Are Tickets to Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is part of the Royal Collection Trust, and tickets are sold via the RCT's website, via phone, or in-person at Windsor Castle. The ticket types are broken down into several price points depending on the visitor's age, and family tickets are also available. Adult tickets cost £22.50 while tickets for those under 17 years old are £13.00. Children under the age of 5 may enter for free. There are also discounts for disabled visitors who can purchase tickets for £13.00. Tickets for students and those over 60 costs £20.30.

Family tickets are available for £58.00 and include two adults and three children under 17.

Group tickets are available for more than 15 visitors and come with a slightly discounted price. Group prices range from £20.20 for adults to £11.70 for under 17 and disable visitors to £18.30 for students and those over 60. Children under 5 remain free when in a group. Group bookings can be made online or via phone and must be paid with a credit card or company check. Groups are recommended to book in advance and to select a time slot after midday when it's less busy.

All tickets include the multimedia tour, which is available in nine languages. There is a special family multimedia tour for children aged 7-11, which is only available in English.

Discount Pricing

Tickets to Windsor Castle are discounted when the State Apartments are closed to visitors. When the State Apartments are closed, the ticket prices are £12.40 for adults, £11.20 for students and those over 60 and £7.30 for children under 17 and disable visitors. Children under 5 are free. Family tickets, for two adults and three children under 17, are reduced to £32.10. Group prices are also discounted when the State Apartments are closed. Check online to confirm the closure dates.

Visitors who want to return more than once during the year can convert their ticket into a 1-Year Pass when leaving Windsor Castle, which allows for free re-admission for 12 months. To do so, fill in and sign the spaces on the ticket indicating you'd like to treat the ticket price as a donation. A staff member will stamp and validate the ticket, which can then be used as many times you want to return for the next year. There are no blackout dates for a 1-Year Pass.

In addition, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Cardholders can score free access to Windsor Castle on the same day by showing their card.

Plan Your Visit

Windsor Castle is located just outside London and is best accessed via train from Paddington Station (you will need to change trains in Slough). The castle's opening times vary during different times of the year, so it's best to check online ahead of a visit. The State Apartments close 30 minutes after the last admission time. The castle is shut to visitors on December 25 and 26.

Allow two to three hours for a visit to Windsor Castle and be sure to book tickets ahead of time online or via phone. The castle is particularly busy in the mornings and during the weekends, so arrive after midday to avoid the crowds. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the visitor route includes a fair amount of walking. Strollers can be used for most of the visit, but may not be taken into the State Apartments.

All visitors will need to go through airport-style security when entering Windsor Castle. There are several items that are restricted, including large items of baggage, backpacks, penknives, and scissors, which will need to be checked in before entry. There is a cloakroom in the China Museum at the entrance to the State Apartments for strollers and larger bags/backpacks.

No photography or filming is allowed in the State Apartments or St George's Chapel, although visitors can take photos of the castle from the grounds. Eating, drinking, and smoking are also prohibited during a visit.