Is a Windsor Castle Day Trip Worth It?

A half-day trip to Windsor Castle from central London takes about 45-60 minutes by train. Expect a working royal palace still used by the King, so parts may be closed during state visits. The highlight is the lavish State Apartments, the magnificent St George's Chapel, and the changing of the guard (check the schedule). The castle is genuinely impressive in scale and history, but it gets very crowded with guided groups. The surrounding town is pleasant for a quick wander and lunch, though it's quite touristy.

Best time to go is spring or autumn on a weekday to avoid peak summer crowds and potential heat. Expect to pay around £80-130 per person including return transport from London and castle entry; just the train and ticket on your own comes closer to £50-70. It's a straightforward add-on to a London trip if you're into royal history.

Tip: Skip the official audio guide and just use the free map - the signage is good enough. Definitely go inside the castle rather than just walking the outside; the interiors are the real reason to visit. If you're short on time or not that fussed about monarchy, you can easily skip it for other London sights.