What is the most time efficient way to visit Windsor castle from London? Ideally I would love to get there first thing in the morning just as it is opening as we can do the 1hr train trip without wasting too much precious time in the afternoon. However I heard that it is usually packed right away in the morning with long lines, is this true? Also are there any restrictions to visiting with the London Pass? For whatever reason the pass says to travel from Padington station after 1230? Appreciate anyone's advice!
Posted by
2 posts
Opening time is when the tour companies tend to arrive with their tours. It's the first stop on a lot of the most popular day trips, so there can be a lot of people.
Posted by
Connecticut
612 posts
Just prior to opening there are lots and lots of people waiting. Once the gates opened the lines moved very swiftly and quite efficiently at least during my visit. Things were extremely well organized with queues for tour groups, queues for ticketed visitors, queues for those requiring tickets, etc. Additionally, the crowd dispersed very quickly throughout the grounds. This was on a Sunday during the month of May about five years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32785 posts
However I heard that it is usually packed right away in the morning with long lines, is this true?
yes
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1140 posts
Last time I went was October, 2016. I got there as soon as it opened and it was very quiet. I don't remember what day of the week it was.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13950 posts
But do the long lines apply now? Are there that many tour groups at present? I'm sure there are day tours from London but surely not nearly as many as Pre-covid. Ditto big tour groups. Has the travel market from Asia opened back up? Asking because prior to Covid there were scads of bus tours from that segment of the travel market.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Whatever you do on a visit to Windsor , you should be certain not to miss St George's Chapel . This was a highlight for me , and the ceiling is one of the best examples of Fan Vaulting anywhere in England . ( King's College Chapel , in Cambridge , will also pop your eyes ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_George%27s_Chapel,_Windsor_Castle#/media/File:Castell_de_Windsor_-_Capella_de_Sant_Jordi.JPG By the way . the vaults are actually defined in a different way , but I didn't want to get too technical .
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32785 posts
Pam raises an interesting question.
My experiences are all pre covid from when I was a member and went frequently.
You need to obey the instructions on your ticket, so I guess you'll be in the afternoon.
They are still managing crowds and reservations for timed tickets are required. From the official FAQ on the Windsor Castle website:
Yes you do need to book in advance. We have introduced timed tickets
to manage the number of visitors inside The Queen’s official
residences and galleries. We have reduced ticket capacity to ensure
that everyone can enjoy their visit while maintaining social
distancing. For guaranteed entry while capacity is reduced, please
book your ticket in advance of your visit.