Standard Admission Ticket Prices
Windsor Castle operates a two-tier pricing system: advance online bookings cost less than on-the-day purchases. This isn't just a minor discount—you save £4 on every adult ticket and guarantee your entry slot. During peak periods, on-the-day tickets sometimes sell out entirely.
The pricing structure below applies to standard admission, which includes all publicly accessible areas of the castle. This covers the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, St George's Chapel (except Sundays), and the castle grounds.
| Visitor Category | Advance Online | On-the-Day | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (25 years and over) | £32.00 | £36.00 | £4.00 |
| Young Person (18-24 years) | £21.00 | £24.00 | £3.00 |
| Child (5-17 years) | £16.00 | £18.00 | £2.00 |
| Under 5 | Free | — | |
| Disabled Visitor | £16.00 | £18.00 | £2.00 |
| Access Companion | Free | — | |
Official prices from rct.uk.
What Does Your Ticket Include?
Every standard admission ticket provides access to these areas and amenities:
- The State Apartments – Grand ceremonial rooms with priceless art, furniture, and armor
- Queen Mary's Dolls' House – The world's most famous miniature house at 1:12 scale
- St George's Chapel – Gothic masterpiece and burial site of 10 monarchs (closed Sundays)
- Castle Precincts – Courtyards, gardens, and exterior views
- Semi-State Rooms – Available late September through March only
- Multimedia Guide – Free audio/video guide in 12 languages
The ticket also includes access to any temporary exhibitions running during your visit. The multimedia guide provides approximately 2 hours of content, covering history, architecture, and the Royal Collection's treasures.
💡 What's NOT Included
- Exclusive guided tours (separate booking required)
- Special evening events
- Food and beverages
- Parking (use Windsor town car parks)
- Photography permits for commercial use
Ticket Type Comparison
Beyond standard admission, several enhanced ticket options exist. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Standard Ticket | Combo Tour | Exclusive Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Apartments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Queen Mary's Dolls' House | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| St George's Chapel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multimedia Guide | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Expert Human Guide | — | Varies | ✓ |
| Transport from London | — | ✓ | — |
| After-Hours Access | — | — | ✓ |
| Small Group Size | — | Varies | ✓ |
| Price Range | £32-36 | £65-95 | £100+ |
Family Visit Cost Calculator
Planning a family trip? Here's what typical family configurations cost with advance booking:
- 2 Adults + 1 Child (5-17): £32 + £32 + £16 = £80
- 2 Adults + 2 Children: £32 + £32 + £16 + £16 = £96
- 2 Adults + 3 Children: £32 + £32 + £16 + £16 + £16 = £112
- 1 Adult + 2 Children: £32 + £16 + £16 = £64
- Grandparents + 2 Children: £32 + £32 + £16 + £16 = £96
Children under 5 don't require tickets, so families with toddlers pay only for older children and adults. No dedicated "family ticket" bundle exists—you simply book the appropriate individual tickets.
Special Pricing Categories
Young Person Rate (18-24 years)
Visitors aged 18-24 receive approximately 35% off the adult price. Photo ID showing date of birth is required at entry—a passport, driving license, or student ID with birthdate works. This discount applies to all nationalities, not just UK residents.
Disabled Visitor Rate
Visitors with disabilities pay the child rate (£16 advance/£18 on-day). One companion accompanying a disabled visitor enters free as an "Access Companion." This doesn't require formal carer registration—any friend or family member providing assistance qualifies.
£1 Tickets for Benefits Recipients
UK residents receiving Universal Credit and certain other benefits can purchase tickets for just £1 per person. This applies to the ticket holder plus up to three guests. Proof of benefit receipt is required. These tickets must be booked through the official Royal Collection Trust website, not third-party vendors.
The £1 ticket program represents exceptional value but has limited availability. Book at least two weeks ahead during summer months. The program covers not just Windsor Castle but also Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews, and other Royal Collection Trust venues.
Group Booking Rates
Groups of 15 or more visitors qualify for discounted rates. The group discount provides approximately 10-15% savings depending on group size and time of year. Key details:
- Minimum group size: 15 paying visitors
- One free organizer place per 20 paying visitors
- Advance booking mandatory
- Group entrance through dedicated queue (faster entry)
- Bulk invoice option for tour operators
Even informal groups—friends, social clubs, church groups—can combine to reach the 15-person threshold. Contact the Groups department directly for quotes.
The 1-Year Pass: Best Value for Repeat Visitors
Here's something many visitors miss: you can convert any standard admission ticket into a 1-Year Pass at no extra charge. This allows unlimited return visits for 12 months.
How it works:
- Purchase and use your standard admission ticket
- Before leaving, ask staff about the 1-Year Pass conversion
- Your ticket becomes a membership card
- Book return visits online (£2 booking fee per visit applies)
- Show your pass at entrance for expedited entry
The 1-Year Pass makes sense if you plan even one return visit within 12 months. The Semi-State Rooms, open only from late September through March, provide a compelling reason to return—they're among the castle's most impressive spaces and aren't included in summer visits.
Combo Tour Pricing
Several tour operators bundle Windsor Castle admission with transportation and additional experiences. Typical combo packages include:
Windsor Castle + Transport from London
Price range: £65-85 per adult. Includes coach transfer from central London (usually Victoria), pre-booked castle admission, and return journey. Some tours add a guided walk through Windsor town.
Windsor + Stonehenge Day Trip
Price range: £95-130 per adult. Full-day excursion combining Windsor Castle morning visit with afternoon at Stonehenge. Long day (10+ hours) but covers two major attractions.
Windsor + Bath + Stonehenge
Price range: £120-160 per adult. Most comprehensive option hitting three iconic sites in one day. Pace is rushed but appeals to visitors with limited UK time.
Historical Price Changes
Windsor Castle admission has increased approximately 3-5% annually in recent years. The current £32 advance price represents good value compared to similar heritage sites worldwide:
- Versailles (France): €22 for palace only
- Neuschwanstein (Germany): €17.50
- Alhambra (Spain): €19
- Tower of London: £34.80
- Edinburgh Castle: £19.50
Given Windsor Castle's scale, the included multimedia guide, and the working-palace status, the pricing compares favorably to European royal residences.
Payment Methods & Booking
For online advance booking:
- All major credit and debit cards accepted
- PayPal available on some booking platforms
- Apple Pay and Google Pay supported
- E-tickets delivered via email (print or show on phone)
On-the-day purchases at the castle ticket office accept cash (GBP only) and cards. No foreign currency accepted.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Advance tickets through the official Royal Collection Trust website typically allow cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit for a full refund. Third-party booking platforms may have different policies—always check before purchasing.
If the castle closes unexpectedly (royal events, emergencies), all ticket holders receive automatic refunds or rebooking options.