Is Windsor Castle Free to Visit?

February 8, 2025| February 17, 2025

J. Shaw 8 min read

Visiting Windsor Castle typically requires purchasing a ticket, with standard adult prices starting at £30 when booked in advance. However, certain groups can access the Castle at reduced rates or even for free. For instance, from 1 January 2025, holders of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card receive a 50% discount on admission, along with free entry for one child per adult cardholder.

Additionally, individuals receiving benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit can obtain £1 tickets for visits between 1 January and 4 April 2025. Moreover, those with a MOD90 or Defence Discount Scheme card are entitled to free admission once per year, along with up to four guests, after 12 noon. Therefore, while general admission is not free, these concessions make the Castle more accessible to eligible visitors.

Introduction

Windsor Castle, a historic royal residence, is generally not free to visit. However, specific concessions and discounted entry schemes are available for certain groups. This guide provides detailed information on admission policies, eligibility criteria, and how to access these offers.

Standard Admission

For most visitors, entry to Windsor Castle requires the purchase of a ticket. As of 2025, the standard admission prices are as follows:

Adult (in advance): £31.00
Adult (on the day, subject to availability): £35.00
Young Person (18-24, in advance): £20.00
Young Person (18-24, on the day, subject to availability): £23.00
Child (5-17, in advance): £15.50
Child (5-17, on the day, subject to availability): £17.50
Under 5: Free
Disabled Person (in advance): £15.50
Disabled Person (on the day, subject to availability): £17.50
Access Companion (must be booked with a disabled ticket): Free

These prices are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the official Windsor Castle website or contact their ticketing office for the most up-to-date information.

Concessions for Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card Holders

Residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead who possess a valid Advantage Card are eligible for discounted admission to Windsor Castle. As of 1 January 2025, the following concessions apply:

50% Discount: Advantage Card holders receive a 50% discount on standard admission prices.
Free Entry for One Child: Per adult Advantage Card holder, one child up to the age of 17 can enter for free, provided the child has a valid Advantage Card.
Additional Children: For any additional children, a 50% discount on the child’s ticket price is available upon presentation of their valid Advantage Cards.

To utilise these discounts, tickets can be booked online by selecting the ‘Advantage Card’ ticket option. Ensure that each visitor, including children, has their own Advantage Card with a photograph and a valid expiry date. If your card lacks these features, you should apply for a new one through the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s official website.

£1 Tickets for Benefit Recipients

In an effort to make Windsor Castle more accessible, the Royal Collection Trust offers £1 tickets to individuals receiving certain benefits. This scheme is available from 1 January to 4 April 2025 and applies to the following benefits:

Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Pension Credit
Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Jobseeker’s Allowance

Eligible individuals can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to provide supporting documentation to verify eligibility. Tickets must be booked in advance to guarantee entry, as visitor numbers are limited, and some dates may sell out. It’s important to note that £1 tickets are non-refundable and cannot be converted into a 1-Year Pass.

Free Admission for MOD90 and Defence Discount Scheme Cardholders

Holders of MOD90 or Defence Discount Scheme (DDS) cards are entitled to free standard admission to Windsor Castle once per year, along with up to four guests. Entry under this scheme is permitted after 12 noon. It’s recommended that tickets be booked in advance by contacting the Ticket Sales and Information Office at +44 (0)303 123 7304. A £2.00 transaction fee applies to all telephone bookings. Alternatively, tickets can be obtained on the day of the visit by presenting the MOD90 or DDS card at the ticket counter, subject to availability. Please be aware that same-day tickets are issued only for immediate entry, and future dates cannot be booked in person.

Changes to Admission Policies for Local Residents

Historically, residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead with an Advantage Card enjoyed free admission to Windsor Castle. However, this policy changed on 1 June 2024, when the Royal Collection Trust introduced a 50% discount for Advantage Card holders instead of free entry. This decision was made to align the Castle’s pricing with other businesses in the borough. The Trust has stated that it is exploring additional ways to make the Castle accessible to local visitors, including free visits for community organisations and educational programmes for schools serving economically disadvantaged areas.

Booking and Visiting Information

Advance Booking: To ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance. This can be done online through the official Windsor Castle website or by calling the Ticket Sales and Information Office.
Identification: When availing of discounted or free entry offers, ensure you bring all necessary identification and supporting documents, such as benefit statements, Advantage Cards, or MOD90/DDS cards.
Operating Hours: Windsor Castle operates on a seasonal schedule, with specific opening times throughout the year. From 1 March to 31 October, the Castle welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM. During the winter months, from 1 November to 28 February, the Castle is open from 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM, with the last admission at 3:00 PM. Please note that the Castle is closed to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Additionally, Windsor Castle may close on certain dates for official events or ceremonies as a working royal palace. It’s advisable to check the official Royal Collection Trust website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Additional Considerations

When planning your visit, consider the following:

Security Screening: Upon arrival, visitors and their belongings undergo airport-style security checks. To expedite this process, it’s recommended to bring minimal belongings and be prepared for screening procedures.
Photography: While photography is permitted in the Castle’s precincts, it is prohibited inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
Accessibility: Windsor Castle offers concessionary rates for visitors with disabilities and provides a free access companion ticket. The site includes accessible facilities such as an accessible café, toilets, and a Changing Places facility.
Amenities: The Undercroft Café, located within the Castle, offers refreshments in one of the oldest surviving spaces of the 1,000-year-old structure.

By considering these details and planning accordingly, visitors can ensure a more enjoyable and informed experience at Windsor Castle.

Conclusion

In summary, while Windsor Castle generally requires an admission fee, various concessions and discounted entry schemes are available to make visits more accessible. These include discounts for local residents with an Advantage Card, £1 tickets for individuals receiving certain benefits, and free annual admission for MOD90 and Defence Discount Scheme cardholders. By understanding and utilising these offers, eligible visitors can enjoy the rich history and splendour of Windsor Castle at a reduced cost or even for free.