Here is an informational table summarizing key takeaways from the article:
| Category | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Free Admission for Babies and Young Children | Babies and children under 5 years old receive free admission to Windsor Castle, making the visit more accessible for families with young children. |
| Reduced Admission for Older Children | Children aged 5 to 16 can enter Windsor Castle at a reduced fee compared to adults, helping families manage costs while allowing older children to enjoy the experience. |
| Family-Friendly Events | Windsor Castle hosts special family events throughout the year, including themes like “Royalists and Rebels” and “Windsor at War,” offering interactive activities. |
| Free Family Multimedia Tour | A free multimedia tour designed for children aged 7-11 years is available, guided by Scorch the Dragon, making the experience educational and engaging for younger visitors. |
| Family Activity Trails | Family activity trails are available for exploration, with options to prepare at home or collect at the Learning Centre during school holidays for added adventure. |
| Practical Facilities for Families | The Pug Yard Learning Centre offers family-friendly amenities, including a breastfeeding area, family bathroom, and a Chill Out Zone for toddlers, enhancing visitor comfort. |
| Dining Options | The Undercroft Café provides a range of meals and snacks, including a special children’s meal, and the Pug Yard Learning Centre offers a space for family picnics. |
| Top Attractions | Key attractions include the Castle’s historic defences, the Changing of the Guard, State Apartments, and St George’s Chapel, which appeal to visitors of all ages. |
| 1-Year Pass Opportunity | Visitors can convert their ticket into a 1-Year Pass by having it stamped, allowing for free re-admission to Windsor Castle for the next 12 months. |
Let’s discuss in detail:
Babies and children under 5 years old receive free admission to Windsor Castle. This policy allows families to visit the historic site without purchasing a ticket for their youngest members, making it more accessible for those with small children.
Brief Overview of Windsor Castle’s Admission Policies for Children
Windsor Castle has established a variety of policies to accommodate families with children. These policies ensure that visitors of all ages can enjoy the castle’s many attractions without undue difficulty. One of the key aspects of these policies is the admission fee structure, which includes specific provisions for babies and young children.
Admission Fees for Babies and Young Children
Free Admission Policy: Details on the Age Group Eligible for Free Entry
Families visiting Windsor Castle will be pleased to know that babies and children under the age of 5 enjoy free admission. This policy allows parents to bring their youngest children without incurring additional costs, making the visit more affordable for families. This free entry is part of Windsor Castle’s commitment to making its historical and cultural heritage accessible to all visitors, regardless of age.
Ticket Categories and Pricing for Older Children
While babies and children under 5 enter for free, other children have specific ticket categories and pricing. As of the latest information, children aged 5 to 16 can visit Windsor Castle for a reduced fee compared to adults. This age-based pricing helps families manage their budget while ensuring that older children can still experience the castle’s educational and entertaining offerings.
Facilities and Services for Families with Young Children
Windsor Castle perfectly blends history, adventure, and family fun. Whether you’re visiting during a special event or just exploring on a regular day, there’s plenty for children and families to enjoy. Here’s a guide to making the most of your visit.
Free Family Events Throughout the Year
Keep an eye out for our special family events scattered throughout the year. These events include exciting themes such as Royalists and Rebels, Windsor at War, and Medieval Mayhem. Each event is designed to captivate young and old with interactive activities that bring history to life.
Free Family Multimedia Tour
One of the highlights for families is our free multimedia tour, specially tailored for children aged 7-11 years. Armed with a handset, kids can follow along as Scorch the Dragon guides them through the Castle, offering fascinating insights and stories that make the experience engaging and educational.
Family Activity Trails
The family activity trails are a must for those who enjoy exploring. You can even prepare in advance by printing some trails and activities at home using the resources available on our website. These trails can also be collected directly from the Learning Centre during school holidays, adding an extra layer of adventure to your visit.
Practical Information
To ensure your visit runs smoothly, check out our practical information guide. It contains useful tips to help you navigate the Castle and make the most of your day.
Relax at the Undercroft Café
After a busy morning exploring, take a break at the Undercroft Café. It offers a range of freshly prepared meals, from sandwiches and wraps to delicious salads. If you have a sweet tooth, you can indulge in treats like vanilla mille-feuille or a classic Victoria sponge. A special children’s meal is available for the younger visitors, complete with a sandwich, drink, and fresh fruit.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more casual setting, the Pug Yard Learning Centre is an ideal spot for a family picnic, especially during school holidays.
Pug Yard Learning Centre: A Family-Friendly Haven
Located just inside the perimeter walls of the Castle, the Pug Yard Learning Centre is a warm and welcoming space for families. Open during UK school holidays, it is a perfect base for your visit. The Centre offers a changing programme of free activities, including crafts, storytelling, and ‘make and take’ sessions, ensuring there’s always something new and fun to do.
Families can enjoy their picnic in the yard or indoor lunch hall if the weather isn’t cooperative. The Learning Centre is also equipped with family-friendly facilities, including a breastfeeding-friendly area, a designated family bathroom with a changing table, and even a Chill Out Zone for toddlers, complete with a train set, Duplo, books, and beanbags.
In emergencies, the Centre also provides a Caught Short Box, which includes nappies, wipes, cutlery, and spare clothes, so you’re never caught off guard during your visit.
Top Things to Look Out For
While at Windsor Castle, explore the Castle’s historic defences. Walk around the Castle walls and discover evidence of Windsor’s past as a royal fortress, including battlements, towers, arrow loops, and even murder holes!
Another unmissable experience is the Changing of the Guard, a colourful display of British tradition on Thursdays and Saturdays. It’s a spectacle that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the State Apartments, used by the monarch and members of the Royal Family to entertain guests. Highlights include the King’s Dining Room, with its ceiling adorned with paintings of fish, lobster, and birds; St George’s Hall, where splendid banquets are held; and the Grand Reception Room, decorated with real gold.
Finally, take a moment to visit St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of 11 kings and queens, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth II. It’s a place steeped in history and reverence, offering a serene conclusion to your visit.
What’s On for Children and Families
Throughout the year and during school holidays, join us for a range of family activities at the Pug Yard Learning Centre near the Castle entrance. This is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic, making it a central part of your family day out.
Convert Your Ticket into a 1-Year Pass
As you wrap up your visit, don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket. This simple action converts your ticket into a 1-Year Pass, allowing you to enjoy free re-admission for the next 12 months. This way, you can return and experience everything Windsor Castle has to offer time and time again.
Windsor Castle is a treasure trove of experiences for families. With its mix of historical intrigue, engaging activities, and family-friendly facilities, it’s a destination that promises to be both educational and entertaining for visitors of all ages. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for an unforgettable day out!
