Private Walking Tour with Accredited Expert Guide Windsor Castle

Windsor & Eton , United Kingdom

Private Walking Tour with Accredited Expert Guide Windsor Castle

Active

(21 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the largest, oldest inhabited castle in the world on a two and a half hour private guided tour of Windsor Castle. This royal residence, home to His Majesty King Charles III, boasts a thousand years of history, art, and architecture.

Sarah, your knowledgeable guide, is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide who holds the prestigious Windsor & Eton endorsement as accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding.
Sarah is authorised to guide you through the castle wards and St George’s Chapel explaining the history, why and how it was built, and sharing fascinating stories of the monarchs who once resided within the walls. See the photographic Round Tower, views across to Eton College, Queen Mary’s Doll House, the State Rooms, and the final resting place of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

*Guiding is not permitted inside the State Rooms, but Sarah is authorized to accompany you and converse to ensure you experience the best of the Royal Collection
*St George’s Chapel closed on Sundays

Available options

Private Walking Tour with Accredited Expert Guide Windsor Castle

What's included

Guide: In-person: English

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

As a royal residence, Windsor Castle is one of the homes of His Majesty King Charles III, at nearly one thousand years old it has a rich wealth of history, art and architecture waiting to be explored.

Your guide, will meet you on Castle Hill just outside the Henry VIII Gate. And will escort you into the castle entrance, through the ticket office and security.

You will now be with the castle walls. Sarah will guide you through castle precincts. Firstly the Middle Ward where you will walk past the famous Round Tower. If the Royal Standard is flying from the top then we will know that the King is in residence.

We will then pass through onto the the upper walkway where we will see spectacular views of the River Thames below us and Eton, including the famous Eton College where Princes William and Harry were educated.

Stop 2

After exploring the Castle Wards, our guide will accompany you into the State Apartments.

First stop will be the famous Queen Mary’s Dolls House which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Our guide will then walk with you through the State Apartments, here you will walk where Kings Queens and State dignitaries have walked before you, through both the King's and Queen's State Chambers including the Waterloo Chamber, St George's Hall and the Grand Reception Room, where you will see some of the famous artwork, paintings, tapestries and furniture from the Royal Collection.

Guiding of large groups is not permitted which is why our only takes bookings for small intimate private groups. As an accredited Windsor Castle guide, Sarah is permitted to walk you through the State Apartments pointing out items of interest and answering any questions you may have.

Photography is not permitted within the State Apartments.

Stop 3

Lastly we will visit the 15th century, St George’s Chapel, home to the famous Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world.

Entrance to the Chapel is at no extra cost, it is included in the Windsor Castle entrance fee. We will walk past the George VI Chapel where Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest alongside her father, husband, mother and sister; King George VI, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.

Please note, as a working chapel, St George’s Chapel is NOT open on Sundays.

Photography is not permitted within the Chapel.

The tour will take three hours in total and will finish back at the starting point, the Henry VIII Gate.

What's not included

Transport to and from Windsor

All food and drink is excluded, you will need to make your own lunch/dinner arrangements

Windsor Castle

Admission fees are not included

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

9 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

12 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Entrance fees to Windsor Castle, adult tickets on the day cost £35 and should be bought in advance

Photography is not permitted within the State Apartments and Chapel

Meeting point

We shall meet you on Castle Hill in front of the Henry VIII gate.
If you would prefer that we meet you off the train please let us know so that we can make arrangements to meet at the railway station.

Important notes

Please purchase your Windsor Castle entrance tickets.
This ticket only is for the guided tour with Sarah. Entrance/admission tickets are NOT included in this guiding fee. Travellers must purchase Windsor Castle entrance tickets separately through the Royal Collection Trust website.

About Windsor & Eton

Windsor & Eton is a charming twin-town in South East England, known for its royal heritage and picturesque settings. Home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the prestigious Eton College, this destination offers a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty along the River Thames.

Top Attractions

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as a royal residence for over 900 years. It is a must-visit for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful grounds.

Historical 2-3 hours £27.50 (Adult ticket)

Eton College

Eton College is one of the most prestigious and well-known boarding schools in the world. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, it has educated many British leaders and royalty.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (grounds and chapel); guided tours may have a fee

Legoland Windsor Resort

Legoland Windsor is a popular theme park designed for families with children aged 2-12. It features a variety of Lego-themed rides, attractions, and shows.

Entertainment Full day £50-£70 (Adult ticket); prices vary by season and online offers

Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park is a vast, scenic parkland covering over 4,800 acres. It offers beautiful walks, cycling routes, and historic landmarks such as the Long Walk and the Copper Horse statue.

Nature 1-4 hours (depending on the chosen activity) Free (park access); Savill Garden has an admission fee of £7.50 (Adult ticket)

Royal Ascot Racecourse

Royal Ascot is one of the most famous horse racing events in the world. The racecourse hosts several high-profile racing events throughout the year, including the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting in June.

Cultural Half day to full day (depending on the event) Varies by event; general admission starts at £25

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and deep-fried fish, typically cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Main Course Can be gluten-free with appropriate batter.

Afternoon Tea

A traditional British experience featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and assorted pastries, accompanied by a pot of tea.

Dessert/Snack Vegetarian and vegan options often available.

Sunday Roast

A hearty British meal typically served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (such as beef, chicken, or lamb), roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.

Main Course Vegetarian and vegan options available at many restaurants.

Popular Activities

Horseback riding in Windsor Great Park Boating on the River Thames Afternoon tea at a historic venue Scenic walks in Windsor Great Park Visiting Windsor Castle and Eton College Attending the Royal Ascot horse racing event Boating and picnicking by the River Thames Fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The summer months offer warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the historic sites. This is also the peak tourist season with various events and festivals taking place.

15°C to 23°C 59°F to 73°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Windsor & Eton is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

London Heathrow Airport • 20 km (12 miles)
London Gatwick Airport • 80 km (50 miles)

By train

Windsor & Eton Central, Windsor & Eton Riverside

By bus

Windsor & Eton Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Green Line 702 bus service connects Windsor & Eton to London and other nearby towns. Local buses are frequent and reliable for getting around the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Windsor Town Center Eton Windsor Homestake

Day trips

Runnymede

10 km (6 miles) • Half day

Runnymede is a historic water-meadow where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. It offers beautiful walks, a memorial to Magna Carta, and the Kennedy Memorial.

Henley-on-Thames

20 km (12 miles) • Full day

Henley-on-Thames is a picturesque town known for its annual Royal Regatta and charming riverside setting. It offers a mix of historic sites, shopping, and dining.

Cliveden House

15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day

Cliveden House is a historic mansion set in beautiful gardens, offering stunning views of the River Thames. It is known for its rich history, elegant interiors, and beautiful landscapes.

Festivals

Windsor Festival • September Royal Ascot • June Winter Wonderland • November to December

Pro tips

Visit Windsor Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds and long queues.
Explore the historic sites and scenic walks in Windsor Great Park for a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Try the traditional British dish of fish and chips at a local pub or restaurant.
Take a boat ride or walk along the River Thames for beautiful views of Windsor & Eton.
Attend the Royal Ascot horse racing event for a unique and glamorous experience.