Top 15 Windsor Castle Tours You Can’t Miss

Situated in the charming English town of Windsor, this royal abode stands as the largest continually inhabited castle globally.

A journey to the palace not only enriches your understanding of the contemporary Royal Family but also immerses you in crucial facets of British heritage.

Numerous exceptional tours of the castle are offered that enable you to bypass lengthy queues, while also ensuring transportation to and from the site and visits to other iconic destinations in southern England.

Below are the 15 top tours you can embark on to Windsor Castle.

1. Windsor Castle Admission Ticket

Discover the castle and grounds at your own tempo with this fundamental admission ticket. This ticket facilitates expedited access, allowing you to enter the castle during your selected time slot.

It also grants you admission to St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of King Henry VIII. You can explore all accessible areas of the castle, including the state apartments.

Certain sections may be closed during specific times when the Royal Family is present, so be sure to verify this prior to your visit.

2. Windsor Castle Afternoon Sightseeing Tour from London

For those desiring a more organized experience and assistance with transportation from London, this tour serves as an ideal selection.

The Windsor Castle segment of the tour remains unguided, permitting you to explore at your discretion; nevertheless, audio guides are available in eight languages to enhance your understanding of the building’s historical significance. The experience also includes a visit to Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St George’s Chapel.

Pick-up and drop-off occur at a central London location, allowing you to relax during your journey to the castle.

3. From London: Full Day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

Explore additional renowned attractions in Southern England with this comprehensive tour. In addition to gaining entry to Windsor Castle, you will also be taken to Stonehenge and Oxford.

Stonehenge, a Neolithic stone circle located near Salisbury, and Oxford, a prestigious university town renowned for its historic architecture and charming pubs, are incorporated into this tour.

Audio guides are provided at each site, and transportation from Central London is included. Your tour in Oxford will be conducted by a live guide with personal ties to the area.

4. The London Pass with Free Entry to 60 Attractions

If your base is in London and you intend to visit multiple attractions, this pass provides access to 60 of the city’s most sought-after sights, extending beyond its borders.

Windsor Castle is included in the pass; fast-track entry is granted, allowing you to devote more time to explore. This pass also includes a one-day ticket for a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and various discounts for shopping and dining throughout the city.

Different options are available, ranging from one to ten days, according to the duration of your stay and your exploration ambitions.

5. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour

This tour is an excellent option for those eager to visit multiple landmarks in a single day. Alongside Windsor Castle and Stonehenge, you will also explore the ancient Roman spa town of Bath. Within Bath, you will have the opportunity to uncover Roman ruins and one of the world’s best-preserved Roman Baths.

Enjoy local culture in Bath and partake in an afternoon tea at one of the country’s most esteemed tea houses. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide and transportation aboard a luxury coach.

6. From London: Windsor Half-Day Tour

This tour resembles the afternoon tour; however, it occurs in the morning, concluding around lunchtime.

It serves as an excellent alternative if you are short on time and do not mind starting your day early. You will also receive a brief tour around Windsor, offering insight into local life.

Entry tickets are included, and an audio guide will be offered upon arrival. You will have leisure time to explore the castle’s surrounding gardens before returning to London.

7. Small Group Windsor Castle Express Tour by Train

This tour offers a leisurely train journey to Windsor and Eton, enabling you to arrive quicker than by bus while enjoying more time in each location.

A professional tour guide will guide you through both towns, where you can learn about English traditions amid the charming riverside scenery.

Windsor Castle entrance tickets are included, and an audio guide will be provided. Group sizes are limited to foster a more personalized experience.

8. Windsor Castle and the London Eye Half-Day Tour

This tour commences with a visit to Windsor Castle, where you will have complete access to the castle, grounds, and St George’s Chapel, accompanied by an audio guide.

After concluding your visit to the castle, you will return to London for an experience on the London Eye. This iconic attraction in central London provides exceptional views over the Thames, Houses of Parliament, and Tower of London as you ascend to 130m above street level.

This tour is an excellent choice for experiencing two exceptional attractions in one day, with the London Eye offering numerous opportunities for stunning photographs.

9. Windsor Castle Tour with Fish and Chips Lunch London

This engaging half-day tour to the castle spans 5.5 hours from London. Your driver also acts as an expert guide, elucidating all notable locations and historical landmarks en route to the castle.

Entry tickets are included, along with a multilingual audio guide. Upon your return to London, you will enjoy a complimentary fish and chips lunch.

This iconic British meal, comprising thick chips and battered fish, will be served in a traditional English pub, providing you with a genuine local dining experience.

10. The Original Windsor Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

For those wishing to further explore Windsor after their palace visit, this hop-on-hop-off bus presents an excellent overview of the town and nearby Eton.

Featuring eleven stops along the route, you can utilize the bus as often as desired within a 24-hour window. A multilingual audio guide is provided on board to deliver additional historical and cultural insights about these charming English towns.

11. London: Panoramic Tour and Visit to Royal Windsor

This tour initiates with a brief trip to Runnymede, a site of great historical significance where the revolt leading to the Magna Carta occurred.

Subsequently, you will be escorted to Windsor Castle to gain insights into the Royal Family’s history and a glimpse into the lifestyles of contemporary royals.

A short lunch break is provided in Windsor before returning to London, during which you will tour iconic attractions such as the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street, as well as noted nightlife venues and restaurants.

Photo stops will be included, and a live guide will offer valuable commentary regarding their hometown throughout the journey.

12. Southampton-London via Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Windsor

If you are arriving at the port of Southampton and plan to head directly to London, this tour is an excellent opportunity to enhance your first day by visiting other significant attractions in Southern England.

You will explore Salisbury, a unique English town characterized by its imposing gothic cathedral. The tour proceeds to Stonehenge and concludes at Windsor Castle.

Entry tickets are not included but can be acquired at a discounted rate from the guide. The bus will drop you off either in Central London or at Heathrow Airport.

13. Windsor Castle Tour and Traditional Lunch

This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Windsor, beginning with a meal at the Harte and Garter Hotel and Spa.

Here, you will indulge in a traditional main course and dessert before resuming your tour. A local guide will escort you to the most iconic historical sites in the area.

You will also receive admission to Windsor Castle and a multilingual audio guide, concluding your experience with a visit to St George’s Chapel.

14. From London: Windsor Castle, Runnymede, and Kew Gardens

The adjacent town of Runnymede is rich in medieval heritage. Your knowledgeable guide will elaborate on the town’s significance—from the Magna Carta to King Henry VIII’s courtship of Anne Boleyn.

You will subsequently continue to Windsor Castle, where an audio guide will be provided. On the return journey to London, the tour will make a stop at Kew Gardens.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest in London and features a diverse range of architectural styles.

15. Private Tour from London: Windsor Castle & Hampton Court

Experience a luxurious journey to Windsor Castle with this private tour, which includes transport in a high-end sedan driven by a private chauffeur.

As it is a personalized tour, you have the liberty to curate your own itinerary for visiting Windsor, the castle, and Hampton Court. Pick-up can be arranged from any location in Central London, and chauffeurs are well-trained experts in the region.

This package also encompasses a visit to Hampton Court, an additional royal palace reputed to be haunted by two of Henry VIII’s spouses. Experience breathtaking views of the London skyline from the palace tower.