Windsor Castle and town of Windsor

Windsor is an easy day trip. I took the train from Paddington station which requires changing at Slough for a short shuttle train into Windsor. I believe there’s a train from Waterloo too. But that involves a different route.

I didn’t take a tour but the castle has an audio guide that was good enough for me. The line for tickets was long when I was there so buying tickets online in advance is probably the way to go.

I agree with the above post, take train from Paddington Station, it’s a 35 minute train ride. It’s so simple. When you arrive in Windsor as you exit the train turn to your left, walk up to High Street and there across the street in the castle. Once on High Street to your right walk down to the corner, a statue of Queen Victoria will be across the street, cross over walk up Castle Hill and straight ahead is the gate to the entrance.

Just be aware that the Castle is closed Tuesday and Wednesday each week. Wouldn’t want you to be disappointed —as we almost were!

Do go and have a look inside the Church of St John the Baptist just down from the Castle on High Street. The outside is a bit uninspiring but the inside is much better, with its gallery and monuments. Don’t miss the carvings of angels playing musical instruments around the chancel ceiling or the Royal Pew on the right. The two thrones being given by Princess Augusta, the daughter of George III who regularly worshipped here.

For Windsor Castle I didn’t take a guided tour. It is easily accessible using public transportation (or taxi) with a very short walk from the train station. The official website (Royal Collection Trust or rct.uk) provides detailed information about openings and closings not just for the grounds but specific areas. The advice to purchase tickets online is quite worthy especially if planning a 10:00 AM arrival.

Thank you for all the recommendations as they are very helpful!

I just checked Windsor Castle itself is open everyday of the week, St George’s Chapel is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesday.

That's interesting from Robin Z, so this is what I see on the Castle website, reproduced Verbatim

Opening times
The Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Opening time Last admission Closing time
1 March - 31 October 10:00 16:00 17:15
1 November- 28 February 10:00 15:00 16:15
Access to St George’s Chapel may be limited after 14:30, particularly on Saturdays. Please arrive earlier to avoid disappointment.

Entrance to the State Apartments closes 30 minutes after the last admission time.

The Semi-State Rooms usually open from autumn-spring each year. They are currently closed and will reopen in autumn 2023.

Windsor Castle closures
As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, sometimes the entire Castle or the State Apartments within the Castle need to be closed at short notice.​

Friday, 7 April 2023 Castle closed.

Sunday, 9 April 2023 – Castle will open at 13:00.

Sunday, 23 April 2023 – Last admission 11:30, Castle will close at 13:00.

6 - 7 May 2023 – Castle closed.

Sunday, 18 June 2023 - The State Apartments in the Castle will be closed. A reduced admission price applies.

Monday, 19 June 2023 – Castle closed.

Monday, 25 December 2023 - Castle closed.

St George's Chapel

Please note St George’s Chapel is open on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday but it is not part of the visit on Sunday, when it is only open for worship. More details are available on the Chapel website.

Access to St George’s Chapel may be limited after 14:30, particularly on Saturdays. Please arrive earlier to avoid disappointment.

Monday, 20 March - St George's Chapel closing at 13:00
Saturday, 8 April St George’s Chapel opening at 11:00
Saturday, 29 April - St George's Chapel opening at 13:00
Friday, 7 July - St George's Chapel opening at 11:00
Saturday, 22 July - St George's Chapel closing at 13:00
Monday, 4 December - St George's Chapel closing 13:00
Friday, 8 December - St George's Chapel opening 11:00
Saturday, 23 December St George's Chapel closing 13:00