Planning Your Time

A visit to Windsor Castle typically takes between 2 and 3 hours if you want to see all the main areas without rushing. This includes the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and the castle precincts.

If you are particularly interested in the history and art on display, you could easily spend longer. The State Apartments alone contain works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, and the rooms themselves are richly decorated with centuries of royal furnishings.

Breaking Down the Visit

State Apartments (45 to 60 minutes)

The State Apartments are the highlight for most visitors. These grand rooms are still used for state banquets and official entertaining, and they showcase some of the finest examples of Georgian and Victorian interior decoration in the country. The audio guide provides detailed commentary on each room, the paintings, the furniture, and the history behind them.

St George's Hall, the largest of the State Apartments, is particularly impressive. Its ceiling displays the coats of arms of every Knight of the Garter since Edward III founded the order in 1348.

St George's Chapel (20 to 30 minutes)

This late-Gothic masterpiece is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. It is the burial place of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth II. The fan-vaulted ceiling, the carved wooden choir stalls, and the Garter stalls with their heraldic banners deserve careful attention.

Note that the chapel is a working place of worship and may be closed to visitors on Sundays and during services. Check the schedule before planning your visit around the chapel.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House (10 to 15 minutes)

This extraordinary miniature house, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, features working lifts, electric lighting, running water, and a library of miniature books written by real authors. The queue to see it can add 20 to 30 minutes to your visit during busy periods.

Castle Grounds and Precincts (20 to 30 minutes)

Walking through the castle precincts gives you a sense of the sheer scale of the place. The views from the North Terrace across the Thames Valley are excellent, and the Round Tower, sitting on its ancient Norman motte, is one of the most recognisable landmarks in England.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Arriving early in the morning is the best strategy for avoiding crowds, particularly in the State Apartments. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, when the castle can become very busy.

The audio guide is included in the entry fee and is available in multiple languages. It is well produced and genuinely informative, covering details that you would miss without it. Using it fully will push your visit towards the three-hour mark, but the added context is worthwhile.

If you have limited time and must choose, prioritise the State Apartments and St George's Chapel. These two areas represent the best of what Windsor has to offer and can be seen in around 90 minutes together.