tower tour windsor castle

The 7 Best Windsor Castle Tours From London 🏰 [2024 Reviews]

Constructed around 1,000 years ago, Windsor Castle understandably has quite the history (to say the least!). The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it’s been home to 39 monarchs and currently the Queen spends many weekends there.

If you’re going to be in London, it’s a historic icon that you absolutely must see – even if you aren’t particularly interested in the royal family.

We have the top Windsor Castle tours available, making sure you make the most of your time and money!

Best Tours Of Windsor Castle

Quick answer: the 7 best rated windsor castle tours for 2024.

• Best Half-Day Tour: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets From London
• Best Private Tour: Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour
• Best Budget Tour: Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London From London
• Best Luxury Tour: Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath from London
• Best Small Group Tour: Private Windsor Castle And Eton Tour
• Best Day Tour: Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch
• Best Guided Tour: Afternoon Trip London to Windsor Castle

Be sure to see our reviews of Buckingham Palace tours , Downton Abbey tours and Thames River cruises .

Windsor Castle Tour Reviews

1. best half-day tour: half-day trip to windsor with castle tickets from london.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure:  Earls Court Underground Station
• Departure Time: 9:50 AM
• Includes:  Entrance to Windsor Castle,  Windsor Castle multimedia guide, r ound-trip transportation from London by luxury bus

This is one of the most popular tours from London, and if you’re in the city looking for an educational, fun tour this one is hard to beat. The From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets packs a ton in while still making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

If you’re looking to explore Windsor Castle and get some fresh air walking around the grounds, take a good look here!

There are various central London meetup points, ensuring it’s as convenient as possible for you. Choose the one that works best for you and head out west on a bus tour in the morning. If you have London plans in the evening, this won’t conflict at all!

The bus is quite comfortable, with nice, big windows to see the beautiful city and landscape views as you head to the historic town of Windsor.

Once you and the rest of your group arrive, you’ll be taken through and told all about the Queen’s official residence. There’s no need to rush, either – they make sure you can take it at your own pace.

From the Norman Invasion and its origins to present-day relevance, you’ll practically be an expert on the castle! The history is obviously very interesting, but the castle and surrounding area itself is also quite beautiful!

We highly recommend heading to the left once exiting the castle to take the “long walk”. It’s a great way to also get away for a moment from the hustle-and-bustle of lively London.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other london experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best private tour: private windsor town & guided castle walking tour.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure: Pickup included
• Departure Time: Between 9:00 AM & 1:30 PM
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, wi-fi on board, bottled water

While our other tours are certainly smaller ones for more personalized attention, this one is even more so. This 3-hour tour comes in the form of a private car service picking you up from your hotel and taking you to the town of Windsor where you will see main sights of Windsor and of course Windsor Castle.

If that sounds like a good time to you, check out the Windsor Castle Private Tour ! With just your group, you can be assured you’ll receive all the answers to your questions!

Considering the convenience and ability to learn so much with this model of tour, it’s surprising how affordable this one runs for. With such an accommodating, knowledgeable, attentive guide, it feels like a good friend is just taking you and showing you around Windsor!

As soon as you get in the vehicle, your guide will start telling you interesting facts and anecdotes about all the sites you see. You’ll even learn quite a bit about Windsor and Windsor Castle before you arrive!

This is the largest and oldest continuously-occupied castle in the world, and as one of the official royal residences of the Queen, it already draws a lot of interest.

Walk around and see St. George’s Chapel, which is over 500 years old and has been the place of many significant events throughout history.

Check out inside the castle, where the State Apartments sit and have been used to house important guests throughout these over 900 years. Not to mention, all of the beautiful furniture, tapestries, artwork, and more!

Search For Other London Experiences You May Enjoy

3. best budget tour: royal windsor afternoon tour from london.

• Duration: 7 hours
• Departure: Evan Evans Office 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road
• Departure Time:  1:00 PM
• Includes:   Entry to Windsor Castle,  English-speaking guide, a  personal audio headset, audio guide in various languages, w i-fi

Not everyone needs or wants a tour that will fit into busier schedules. Some want to pack in as much as possible, and don’t mind taking longer tours to do so. If that sounds like you, check out the London: Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London .

This 7-hour tour is led by a professional tour guide, who is undoubtedly knowledgeable and there to ensure you have a great time. The English-speaking guide will take you through the historic Windsor so you can explore the castle, see the famous St. George’s Chapel, and more.

Starting out as a Saxon village, it’s thought to have been inhabited from approximately 700 AD – as you can imagine there are quite a few stories to tell about the area.

Meet up at Evan Evans Office in London and head out to Windsor. We found the vehicles to be smooth, and the driver to be very safe and attentive.

Once you arrive to this beautiful countryside location, you’ll get to see the river, stroll about its cobbled streets, and explore its charming little tea rooms, shops, and more as your guide offers an intriguing commentary on its background.

After getting to know the town a bit, you’ll head over to the infamous Windsor Castle. It’s hard to miss, and you may have even caught a glimpse of it already as it rises high above the rest of the town.

Having been the ancestral home of the royal family for almost a thousand years, there are countless stories to learn about it.

The architecture alone is quite stunning, but the interior is really going to make your jaw drop. Take a tour through the state apartments, where all kinds of significant icons throughout history have laid their heads.

On the walls hang some of the most important pieces of art by legendary artists as well, and were luckily saved during a more recent fire.

You’ll then see St. George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed in 2018. However, it’s been around a lot longer than that: since 1528! It’s also the resting place of various monarchs.

4. Best Luxury Tour: Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath from London

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure: Various departure points (round-trip transportation offered)
• Departure Time: 8:30 AM
• Includes: Bottled water, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour, transport by private vehicle, fuel surcharge

Next up, we bring you our longest tour and one that will take you all over some of the most legendary places in the country. You’ll not only get to see Windsor Castle, but many other points of interest!

The Private Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath from London tour will check a lot of boxes on your bucket list, and do so in one of the most convenient ways possible!

Start off by being picked up in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle and head straight to Eton College, which is known as being the private school of choice for the royal family of the United Kingdom.

Commissioned over 500 years ago by King Henry VIII, it’s still one of the top choices for schools for some of the most powerful families on the planet.

Next, is Windsor Castle, where you’ll get to see the Royal Guards, inside the history of the castle, the courtyards, and even St. George’s Chapel. Your guide will take you through all the interesting nooks and crannies, and to the most iconic parts, as well.

Now, it’s over to both Woodhenge and Stonehenge. Woodhenge is an ancient Neolithic wooden monument built very close to Stonehenge in approximately 2500 BC. You’ll learn about why it’s so important, both throughout the years and present-day.

Hop on over to Stonehenge and your guide will also fill you in on the history behind this 5,000-year-old wonder, explore the visitor center, and take some photos!

After all this adventuring, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Sneak in a fantastic traditional pub lunch of fish and chips or sip on a traditional English tea.

Head on over to the beautiful, enthralling town of Bath which is filled with jaw-droppingly intricate architecture and a unique history. There’s some great shopping and dining here, and if you’d like you can also enter the infamous Roman Bath house!

5. Best Small Group Tour: Private Windsor Castle And Eton Tour

• Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• Departure: Various pickup spots available
• Departure Time:  9:00 AM
• Includes:  Hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour, transport by private vehicle, driver/guide, professional guide

This tour is a crowd favorite, due to the time being easy to fit into the daytime while being able to tend to London plans in the evening. The Private Windsor Castle and Eton Tour lasts anywhere from 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and other factors.

Offered in 10 different languages, this is a comprehensive tour that will have you avoiding the large group tours that can be harder to learn or see the interesting points with.

You and the rest of your group will be picked up in central London, in a comfortable, spacious vehicle with air conditioning. The trip is quite scenic and your guide/driver will tell you interesting stories about the route as well as Windsor so you have a good background before arriving.

Starting out in the historic center of the town, you’ll check out hidden passages that connect the castle to certain pubs! You’ll see the famous “crooked house”, and even see the rear part of the castle that many visitors don’t get to see.

Next, you’ll see the more common, “touristy” parts of the castle though you’ll get to skip the long lines and just enter.

You’ll be able to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the amazing apartments inside where many important figures have stayed, artwork by some of the most famous artists throughout history, and much more.

You’ll also see St. George’s Chapel, which has been transformed into a royal wedding venue various times, and even holds the tombs of Henry VIII, Charles I, George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and many others. The architecture itself is beautiful, and an excellent example of late medieval Gothic architecture.

If you’d like, you can stroll across the River Thames into Eton – home of Eton College. We’ve already covered quite a bit about this college, but we do recommend checking it out.

6. Best Day Tour: Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch

• Duration: 6.5 hours
• Departure:  Victoria Coach Station, Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Includes: One-course pub lunch, professional guide, transport by air-conditioned coach

Exploring and learning can really take a lot out of you, and what better way to take a tour then have one with a delicious lunch included to break up the walking? The Windsor Castle Tour from London with Lunch is exactly that, and more.

You’ll be able to see Windsor Castle, St. George’s Chapel, and other points of interest in one of the most convenient ways possible.

You and the rest of your group will meet at Victoria Coach Station bright and early, at 7:30 am. The 6.5-hour tour is great, because you’ll be in London in time for dinner or any other plans you may have.

The air-conditioned coach is very easy to relax in, with nice, big windows that are great for checking out the countryside as you travel to the historic town of Windsor.

As you head over, your guide will tell your group all about the castle, as well as any other notable places you may encounter.

If you don’t already know about it, you’ll learn about how it plays a very important role in British history and was originally built by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago.

It is one of the Queen’s official residences, and she sometimes still stays here so there’s always the chance she’ll be “in residence” while you explore around. Make sure to check out St. George’s Chapel as well, which is an incredible piece of Gothic architecture and holds the tombs of various monarchs.

Take some time to walk around the town of Windsor at your own pace. Set right next to the Thames, it’s absolutely beautiful, with charming little shops, pubs, and delicious food. Speaking of which, you’ll have lunch here at a pub with some traditional fish and chips!

7. Best Guided Tour: Afternoon Trip London to Windsor Castle

• Departure: Various options available
• Departure Time: 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM,
• Includes:  Hotel Pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, audio guides, admission tickets, 2 hours of viewing time at Windsor

Are you on the search for a more compact tour? One that will pack as much in as possible but still allows you to fit it into a busy schedule? If so, the Afternoon Trip London to Windsor Castle should catch your eye!

With hotel pickup and drop-off offered, you don’t even have to spend time getting to a station or central pickup spot! However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a self-guided tour, with groups of up to 8 passengers.

Due to this design, it’s one of the best in terms of flexibility and is also a very comfortable way of getting out of the city and seeing this piece of history that’s still relevant today.

Do you ever feel rushed by tour guides? Now you won’t have to, as you can truly check out Windsor Castle at your own pace.

The audio guide is available in multiple languages and takes you through the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, Queen May’s Doll’s House, and much more!

Not only that, but this tour comes with tickets that allow you to bypass the lines which can save you around an hour!

We felt that this was a great experience for families, partners, and friends as you can talk amongst yourselves without interrupting a tour guide. Not to mention, with the smaller group sizes you’ll simply be able to move around easier and see more!

It also lets you choose how you want to spend your time, whether that’s in a certain wing of the castle or outdoors.

FAQs About Windsor Castle Tours

What are the hours of windsor castle.

Windsor Castle is open daily from 10:00am to 5:15pm, except on some public holidays and when the queen is residing there.

How much are tickets for Windsor Castle?

The tickets for Windsor Castle vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the visitor. For adults the prices are about . You can buy tickets in advance or at the ticket office We recommend a skip-the-line guided tour to save time as the lines can be quite long.

What can I see and do at Windsor Castle?

There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, so we would recommend allowing between 1½ and 2 hours to adequately see the castle. Some highlights are:

The State Apartments : These are the rooms where the Queen and her guests entertain. They are decorated with paintings, furniture and items from the Royal Collection.

St George’s Chapel : This is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world. There are 10 monarchs buried here, including Henry VIII and Charles I.

The Changing of the Guard : This is a traditional ceremony where the soldiers that are dressed in red tunics and bearskin hats march from Victoria Barracks to Windsor Castle accompanied by a band. Then they change places with another group of soldiers who guard the Castle. The ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:00 am.

The Semi-State Rooms : These are the most lavishly decorated rooms in the Castle. They are used by the Queen for official entertaining during the winter months. They include the Crimson Drawing Room, the White Drawing Room and the Green Drawing Room.

Why You Should Visit Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England and you should go for several reasons. Here are five reasons you should visit Windsor Castle:

• Royal Residence : Windsor Castle has been one the official residences of the British Royal Family for over 900 years. It is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the home of British kings and queens for centuries.
• History and Architecture : The castle is steeped in history and its architecture is a stunning blend of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, St. George’s Chapel and the impressive grounds of the castle.
• Changing of the Guard : The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place everyday at Windsor Castle, providing tourists with an opportunity to witness the pageantry of this historic event.
• Location : Windsor Castle is situated in the picturesque town of Windsor, which is a short train ride from London, making it an easy day trip from the city.
• Family-Friendly : The castle offers various family-friendly activities, such as the interactive family trail which takes visitors on a journey through the castle’s history and the Castle Quests, which are fun treasure hunts for kids.

Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle

• Plan your visit : Windsor Castle is popular so it’s a good idea to buy your tickets well in advance to avoid long lines. Tickets are available online or at the castle’s ticket office. We would recommend a “skip-the-line” tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes : The castle grounds are massive, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. The castle also has many staircases so keep this in mind when choosing your shoes.
• Check the schedule : The castle’s opening hours and tour schedules var, so be sure to check the website or call ahead to plan your visit. Also note that the castle is closed on certain days the year.
• Bring a camera : The castle and its grounds are incredibly beautiful so bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery.
• Respect the rules : Windsor Castle is a royal residence, so there are rules and regulations you must follow while on site. This includes: no photography inside certain areas, no eating or drinking inside the castle and no touching or leaning on any of the artifacts.
• Changing of the Guard : Try to time your visit at the same time as the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s a spectacular display of British pageantry that takes place at the castle’s entrance.
• Allow plenty of time : There’s a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle so allow yourself time for your visit so you don’t have to rush. It normally takes a few hours to see everything.

Tour Guides

The Half-Day Trip to Windsor Castle is our Editor's Choice for the best tour of Windsor Castle from London.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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You are here: Events > Windsor Castle: Conquer the Tower Tour

Windsor Castle: Conquer the Tower Tour

Windsor and Maidenhead

Tel: +44 030 3123 7304

Throughout August and September, enjoy a guided tour to the top of the world-famous Round Tower at Windsor Castle.

Join a Conquer the Tower Tour to climb the 200 steps to the top of Windsor Castle's iconic Round Tower. From a height of 65.5 metres, you can enjoy breathtaking views across the historic Windsor parkland, the Thames Valley, London skyline as well as the extent of Windsor Castle.

The Castle covers an area of 5.3 hectares, you will see:

the Lower Ward, including the medieval St George’s Chapel.

the Middle Ward, built around the original Norman motte and crowned by the Round Tower.

the Upper Ward, containing the State Apartments and Royal Apartments arranged around the Quadrangle.

The view to the south is dominated by the spectacular five-kilometre Long Walk, created by Charles II. This tour will also give you a close view of the Castle’s 15-metre flagpole, which flies the Royal Standard when The King is in residence and the Union Flag when His Majesty is away from Windsor.

Follow this link for important safety information when booking your ticket.

Book Tickets

Guide prices.

If you already have a ticket to Windsor Castle or an Advantage Card or 1-Year Pass you can add on a Conquer the Tower ticket by telephoning +44 (0)303 123 7304 or from the Castle's Admission Centre on the day of your visit.

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Map & directions.

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You can climb to the top of Windsor Castle for a limited amount of time this summer

Flip flops are strictly prohibited

If 2023 hasn’t thrown enough royal shenanigans your way already ( coronation : we’re looking at you), you can now book a special visit to climb to the top of Windsor Castle. 

The guided ‘ Conquer the Tower Tour’  offers guests the opportunity to climb the 200 steps up Windsor Castle’s world-famous Round Tower – a whole 65.5 metres in the sky. From up there, you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views across Windsor’s parkland, the Thames Valley, the London skyline and the rest of the castle grounds.

There are a few royal rules to note, of course. The official website clearly states that s ensible shoes must be worn and ‘flip flops are unsuitable’, so you better leave those sliders at home.  Photography also isn’t allowed inside the tower, or from some parts of the roof that overlook the The King’s private gardens – but you will be allowed to snap some pics from the roof overlooking Windsor town centre, so there’s that.

This is the first year the tower tours are finally back in action after they were  paused for the pandemic. Three tours will run per day for five days a week, throughout August and September.

Combined tickets to Windsor Castle and the tower tour cost £38 for an adult, £24.50 for a young person and £21 for children and for disabled people. Find out more   here .  

ICYMI: You can now stay the night in a disused railway station .

Plus: This UK city is getting a swanky new canal quarter .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Tickets Alert: Climb to the top of Windsor Castle’s round tower

For a couple of months each year, it’s possible to climb to the top of the ancient Round Tower inside Windsor Castle , with views all the way to London.

The Round Tower (c) ianVisits

Official blurb: Join a Conquer the Tower Tour to climb the 200 steps to the top of Windsor Castle’s iconic Round Tower. From a height of 65.5 metres, you can enjoy breathtaking views across the historic Windsor parkland, the Thames Valley, the London skyline, as well as the extent of Windsor Castle.

Translation: Climb a very tall, very old tower and take lots of photos.

The Round Tower can quite rightly be said to dominate the area. Although its core dates back to the 12th century, most of what we see is a 19th-century refurbishment, making it much taller than it was originally.

Photography isn’t allowed inside the tower or from some parts of the roof that overlook the private gardens belonging to The King, but you are free to take photos around the rest of the roof overlooking the Great Park and Windsor town centre.

View from the tower (c) ianVisits

I conquered the tower in 2017 and much enjoyed it – my review is here .

This year, they will have tours throughout August and September.

Combined ticket to Windsor Castle and the Conquer the Tower Tour:

• Adult: £40
• Young Person (18-24): £26
• Child (at least 1.3m tall): £20
• Disabled: £20

Tickets are on sale now from here .

You can comfortably spend a day in Windsor , but if you want to pack in all the things — book tickets to Windsor Castle for a Friday morning and you could also take a tour of Eton College later in the afternoon.

(make sure both have tours available on the same day before booking)

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Windsor Castle

Welcome to windsor castle.

The Residence of British Kings & Queens for over 900 Years

Our website is not the official website of the royal collection trust and has no link or association with Windsor Castle, the Queen or the Royal family nor is it operated with their endorsement.

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Tours & Tickets for 2024

The largest inhabited working castle in the world

The stunning 13-acre site is the largest and oldest occupied, working castle in the world. The reigning monarch is in residence if the flag flying from the Round Tower is the Royal Standard.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the palace's history through the special exhibitions, walk through the re-imagined childhood rooms of Queen Victoria, take a tour around the King and Queen's State Apartments, or explore the world-renowned gardens.

The castle hosts formal state events, ceremonial occasions and visits from foreign dignitaries and overseas Heads of State. Windsor castle has its own changing of the guard which has been performed since 1660.

St George’s Chapel is the home of the Order of the Garter, an annual event founded by Edward III in 1348.

Windsor Castle Highlights

One of the main highlights of a visit to Windsor Castle is the State Apartments , which are open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence. These apartments are lavishly decorated with beautiful furnishings, priceless artwork, and ornate ceilings. Visitors can admire the opulence of the Grand Reception Room, the magnificent St. George's Hall, and the impressive Waterloo Chamber, which features portraits of the Duke of Wellington and other military heroes.

Another must-see attraction is the castle's Chapel, St. George's Chapel , which is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture. This chapel has been the site of many royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Visitors can marvel at the intricate stonework, beautiful stained glass windows, and ornate carvings in this historic chapel.

For those interested in military history, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see event. This ceremony takes place outside the castle gates and features a procession of soldiers in their iconic red uniforms. The ceremony lasts around 30 minutes and is a great opportunity to witness British tradition and pageantry up close.

In addition to these highlights, there are many other areas of Windsor Castle to explore, including the beautiful gardens, the impressive Round Tower, and the historic Queen Mary's Dolls' House , which is a miniature replica of an aristocratic home from the 1920s.

Windsor Castle is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the United Kingdom. Its history dates back to the 11th century when it was built by William the Conqueror as a motte-and-bailey castle. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and modified by many monarchs, including Henry II, Edward III, and George IV. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural beauty of England.

One of the most significant moments in Windsor Castle's history was during the reign of Edward III. He transformed the castle into a luxurious palace and built St. George's Chapel, which became the official chapel of the Order of the Garter . The chapel's intricate designs and beautiful stained-glass windows are a testament to the architectural achievements of the time.

Throughout history, Windsor Castle has been the site of many royal events. One of the most notable was the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, which took place in St. George's Chapel. The castle has also been the setting for many state visits and official receptions.

An Unforgettable Experience

A visit to Windsor Castle is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the fascinating history of the British Royal Family and the rich cultural heritage of England. With so many incredible sights to see, it's no wonder that Windsor Castle remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.

Changing of the Guard

The Guard Mount at Windsor Castle

The Staterooms

The Staterooms at Windsor Castle

St. George's Chapel

St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle

Visiting Windsor Castle in 2024

A Windsor Castle admission ticket provides access to all public areas of the castle and gardens. By booking your ticket and arrival slot online in advance, you can help ensure your visit goes to plan.

Opening Times

Closed: Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

1st March – 31st October Open Thursday to Monday: 10:00-17:15 - Last admission: 16:00

1st November – 28th February Open Thursday to Monday: 10:00-16:15 - Last admission: 15:00

Please Note:

Due to Windsor Castle's status as a functioning royal palace, there may be occasions where either the entire castle or the State Apartments within it must be closed with little advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion default, is there an entrance fee if so, how much, can i take photographs inside the castle, can i get refreshments in the castle, do you offer tour guides, accordion minimal, is windsor castle is accessible, where can i park my car, do you offer discount for group bookings, what time is the changing of the guard.

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Your one-course meal is a choice of either Fish and Chips or Vegetarian Sausages and Mash. Drinks are available at additional cost.

TRIP ITINERARY

Windsor Castle

In the morning we head out to Windsor Castle where over 900 years of royal history are waiting for you. From William the Conqueror in the 11 th century, 40 successive monarchs have lived here and left their mark on what is now the largest continuously occupied castle in the world.

Your ticket allows entrance to the castle, so you can see for yourself the splendour of St. George's Chapel and the sumptuous state apartments. Windsor itself is a pretty town full of traditional shops and historic pubs. Shakespeare is said to have written his play The Merry Wives of Windsor in one of them!

Why not upgrade to add a visit to The London Eye or have Fish & Chips lunch?

• Entry to Windsor Castle
• Entry to Venue or Lunch (With upgrade option selected)
• Professional Guide
• Transportation by Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel drop off's

Please note:

• The tour departs at Victoria Coach Station, Gate 19 - 20 at 7:45am (boarding starts 7:30am). Return transfer back to London departs Windsor at approximately 13:00pm.

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The 5 Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

O n a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

Check prices & availability on:

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Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

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Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

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The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Button Enhancement : Travel - Buckingham Palace Tours - The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab (Viator)

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

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Though it is not a tower itself, a hidden gem of Buenos Aires that it's also my personal favorite of the city: the Water Company Palace, a huge water tank with a neo-barroque facade  

^^ it looks like a museum :cheers:  

Y'all should check out Hilla and Bernd Becher's series of photographs of water towers.  

dj4life said: Hyllie Centrum seen from above: Hyllie centrum. Vy mot Lindeborg i öst. par Hyllie centrum , sur Flickr A complex of the 18 and 28 floor buildings is under construction there. Click to expand...

Chateau d'eau de Valence (1969) Click to expand...

Shadow on the Wall

mapece said: Click to expand...

I'm not even sure if it was actually built, but it's certainly a fascinating project in a evil kind of way (like everything built by Poelzig). Click to expand...

^^ Nice so they are renovating it?  

A Hungarian site: víztorony.hu ország = country régió = region megye = county település = settlement típus = type keresés indítása! = search%  

ThatOneGuy said: ^^ Nice so they are renovating it? Click to expand...

ThatOneGuy said: Schanzenturm, Hamburg, Germany (1910, converted to a hotel in 2007) Click to expand...

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