The Best Day of the Week to Visit Windsor Castle
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekdays are best | To avoid large crowds and have a more enjoyable experience, visit Windsor Castle on a weekday rather than a weekend. Weekends are significantly busier. |
| Thursday is the optimal weekday | Thursday offers fewer crowds, shorter queues, and easier access to exhibits, avoiding the Friday surge due to long weekends. |
| Weekend drawbacks | Higher visitor numbers mean longer queues for tickets, security checks, and entry to exhibits. The experience can feel rushed and less tranquil. |
| Weekday advantages | Weekdays provide a calmer atmosphere for leisurely exploration of the castle grounds, State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel, allowing for a deeper experience. |
| Changing of the Guard consideration | The Changing of the Guard attracts larger crowds on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, even on weekdays. Plan accordingly if you wish to see it. |
| School holidays and peak seasons | Increased visitor numbers occur during school holidays and peak tourist seasons (e.g., summer). Check these dates before finalising travel plans. |
Introduction
Weekdays are generally considered the best days to visit Windsor Castle to avoid crowds. The castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays would be the best choices.
Out of the weekdays to visit Windsor Castle, We’d recommend Thursday. Here’s why:
- Weekday advantage: Thursdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, though potentially busier than Mondays depending on school holidays. They might offer a middle ground between avoiding weekend crowds and giving you a full weekend for other activities, especially if you’re on a shorter trip.
- Avoids potential Friday rush: Some people might choose Fridays for a long weekend trip, so Thursdays are less crowded than Fridays.
While Mondays might be the absolute least crowded, Thursdays offer a good balance of avoiding crowds and giving yourself a full weekend for other activities if you’re on a trip.
Windsor Castle stands towering over the charming town of Windsor, Berkshire, a magnificent royal residence steeped in British history. For over 900 years, this fortified palace has served as a weekend retreat and a centre of power for English and British monarchs.
From the State Apartments’ grandeur to the Round Tower’s mystique, Windsor Castle offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a chance to witness the ongoing traditions of the British Royal Family.
Let’s take a deeper look into the best day to visit Windsor Castle:
Weekends vs. Weekdays: Crowd Control
The allure of Windsor Castle draws a significant number of visitors, particularly on weekends. This surge in visitor numbers can significantly impact your experience. Weekends often see:
- Higher Visitor Influx: Families, tourists, and residents flock to the castle during their free time, leading to crowded corridors and packed State Apartments.
- Lengthened Queues: The increased foot traffic translates to longer wait times for entry tickets, security checks, and accessing popular exhibits within the castle. This can eat into your exploration time and create a sense of frustration.
- Reduced Tranquility: The bustling crowds can make it challenging to fully appreciate the castle’s historical significance and architectural details. The overall experience might feel rushed and less peaceful than a quieter day.
While weekends offer the opportunity to explore Windsor alongside a vibrant atmosphere, navigating the crowds can be overwhelming. To truly immerse yourself in the rich history and grandeur of Windsor Castle, considering an alternative day might be a wiser choice.
Examining Weekdays: A Calmer Experience
Escaping the weekend crowds, weekdays offer a significantly calmer and more enjoyable experience at Windsor Castle. Here’s why opting for a weekday visit might be the perfect strategy:
- Shorter Queues and Wait Times: Weekdays generally see a much lower influx of visitors than weekends. This translates to shorter lines for entry tickets, security checks, and popular exhibits within the castle. You can spend less time waiting and more time exploring the fascinating history.
- More Space for Leisurely Exploration: With fewer crowds, you’ll have more space to move around comfortably and truly appreciate the grandeur of the State Apartments, the intricate details of St. George’s Chapel, or the panoramic views from the castle walls. You can take your time, linger in areas that pique your interest, and delve deeper into the historical exhibits at your own pace.
- Easier Access to Exhibits and Attractions: The reduced weekday crowds make accessing popular exhibits and attractions within the castle easier. You’ll have a better chance of getting a closer look at the Crown Jewels or enjoying a more intimate experience at the Queen’s Dollhouse without feeling rushed or jostled by fellow visitors.
Choosing a weekday allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Windsor Castle’s history and appreciate its architectural marvels without the pressures of a crowded environment.
Why Thursday Wins
Having explored the benefits of weekdays for a less crowded visit, let’s delve deeper and identify the ideal day within the week. Among weekdays, Thursday emerges as the champion for a truly enriching experience at Windsor Castle. Here’s why:
- Weekday Advantage: As discussed earlier, Thursdays share the general advantage of weekdays. You can expect shorter queues, more space for exploration, and easier access to exhibits compared to weekends.
- Potentially Avoiding a Weekend Uptick: Fridays might see a slight increase in visitors due to long weekend trips, leading to somewhat longer wait times and a busier atmosphere. Choosing Thursday allows you to avoid this possible increase and enjoy a potentially more relaxed experience compared to a Friday visit.
- Weekend Buffer: Choosing Thursday provides a good balance with the weekend ahead. You can fully immerse yourself in the castle’s history on Thursday and have the entire weekend to explore other attractions in Windsor or travel to nearby destinations. This way, your itinerary offers a captivating mix of historical exploration and leisure activities.
Therefore, considering the overall advantages, Thursday stands out as the best day of the week to visit Windsor Castle. It offers the calmness of a weekday visit with the added benefit of avoiding potential pre-weekend crowds and allowing you to utilize the weekend for further explorations.
Special Considerations
While weekdays, particularly Thursdays, offer the best chance for a less crowded visit, there are a few additional factors to consider:
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony: The iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, a popular tourist attraction, typically occurs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If witnessing this ceremony is a priority, be prepared for potentially larger crowds on those days, regardless of being a weekday.
- School Holidays and Peak Tourist Seasons: School holidays and peak tourist seasons (summer months) can see a general increase in visitor numbers across all weekdays. It’s advisable to check the school holiday calendar and tourist season trends before finalizing your visit date.
Conclusion
Selecting the optimal day for a Windsor Castle visit is key to a rewarding experience. Choosing a Thursday offers the advantage of fewer crowds, shorter queues, and more space to appreciate the castle’s magnificence at leisure. To further enhance your visit, consider booking tickets in advance to bypass the ticket line, arriving early to minimise security wait times, dressing comfortably for extensive walking, considering a guided tour for deeper historical insights, and downloading the Royal Collection Trust app for an audio guide and extra information.
By following these recommendations, particularly opting for a Thursday visit, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and enlightening exploration of this iconic symbol of British history and royalty.
FAQ
What is the best day to visit Windsor Castle?
Tuesday and Wednesday are often quieter, offering fewer crowds. Weekends and Mondays can be busier due to tourists and locals. Visiting midweek ensures a more relaxed experience, especially if you prefer fewer queues and more time to explore the grounds.
When is Windsor Castle less crowded?
Windsor Castle tends to be less crowded midweek, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. School holidays and weekends often see higher footfall, so avoid those if you prefer a peaceful visit.
What time of day is ideal to visit Windsor Castle?
The best time to visit Windsor Castle is early morning, just as it opens. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the grounds before the crowds build up, ensuring a more enjoyable and quieter experience.
Are weekends busy at Windsor Castle?
Yes, weekends are typically busier at Windsor Castle due to local visitors and tourists. Expect longer queues and larger crowds, especially in the summer and holidays.
Is Windsor Castle open every day?
Windsor Castle is open to visitors most days of the year, except for specific holidays and special events. Always check the official website for up-to-date opening times before planning your visit.
Are there quiet months to visit Windsor Castle?
The quietest months to visit Windsor Castle are January and February. These off-peak months attract fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience with shorter queues.
How long should I plan to spend at Windsor Castle?
You should allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore Windsor Castle thoroughly, including the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the grounds. Arriving early maximises your time.
Is Windsor Castle busy during school holidays?
Yes, school holidays are one of the busiest times at Windsor Castle. Families and tourists increase footfall, so plan midweek visits during term time for a quieter experience.
What is the best season to visit Windsor Castle?
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to visit Windsor Castle. The weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. These seasons also highlight the beauty of the castle gardens.
Does the Changing of the Guard impact crowds?
Yes, the Changing of the Guard ceremony attracts large crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays. If you want to see it, arrive early; otherwise, visit on a non-ceremony day for fewer visitors.
Can I visit Windsor Castle during winter?
Yes, winter is a great time to visit Windsor Castle, especially in January and February. Visitor numbers are lower, and the castle offers a unique charm during the colder months.
Are weekdays better than weekends for Windsor Castle?
Weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, are much better for visiting Windsor Castle. They have fewer crowds compared to weekends, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Is Windsor Castle open on bank holidays?
Yes, Windsor Castle is open on most bank holidays but tends to be very busy. Arrive early or opt for a visit on a regular weekday to avoid long queues.
What is the busiest time of year at Windsor Castle?
The busiest time of year at Windsor Castle is summer, particularly July and August. Tourists flock during this period, making midweek visits preferable to avoid heavy crowds.
Can I buy tickets for Windsor Castle in advance?
Yes, buying tickets for Windsor Castle in advance is highly recommended. This saves time and ensures entry, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
