Verdict
Destinations
Destination · London

Windsor Castle (day-trip)

The world's oldest occupied castle — State Apartments, St George's Chapel, a short trip out.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • History & culture buffs
  • The genuinely curious
  • Photographers
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day
Not for

—

Worth it for families with kids, couples and solo travellers.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

A working royal castle, grander and more lived-in than people expect, with St George's Chapel and a Changing the Guard.
Not independently verified — estimated
An easy roughly one-hour train trip makes it the simplest of the royal day-trips.
Not independently verified — estimated
Weekend queues are real, and parts close when the royals are in residence.
Not independently verified — estimated
At around £33 plus the train, it's a pricey day out.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • First-timers

    The easiest castle day-trip from London, with the town itself worth a wander too.

  • Multigenerational

    Grand and accessible enough for mixed ages, with seating and a manageable site.

  • With kids

    Armour, the guard ceremony and the dolls' house hold children's interest.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
£33 + train (~1 hr)
Time
Half day
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Weekday mornings; check ahead as the State Apartments close during royal visits.
Getting there
About an hour by train from London Paddington (via Slough) or Waterloo.
Booking
Cheaper and quicker entry if booked online in advance.
Accessibility
Largely accessible with step-free routes, though some historic areas have limits.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

another nearby palace day-trip with better gardenscentral royal history without leaving the city
Was this helpful?
Make the most of it
Book through our partner — we may earn a commission, and it never changes the verdict.
Check availability
Sources

What we checked

  • The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and an official royal residence
  • Reachable in about an hour by train from London Paddington or Waterloo
Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →