The Traveling Taylors

We were excited to visit Windsor Castle—after all, it’s one of the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world. But is it really worth the time, money, and trip out from London? In this no-fluff review, we break down exactly what we loved, what fell flat, and whether Windsor Castle deserves a spot on your UK itinerary.

🏰 First Impressions of Windsor Castle

As you approach, the castle’s sheer size and grandeur hit you. It feels like a proper fairytale fortress. The stone walls, turrets, and flag flying signal you’re about to step into serious royal territory.

Initial Reaction: Yep, it’s stunning from the outside. But is the inside just as impressive? Let’s get into it.

Because sightseeing often means lots of photos and videos, having a reliable travel backpack like this one makes it easy to carry your camera gear and accessories.

💎 What’s Actually Worth Seeing at Windsor Castle

Here’s what we think justifies the ticket price:

• St. George’s Chapel This gothic masterpiece is both beautiful and moving. It’s the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and other royals.

• State Apartments Lavish, gold-trimmed rooms full of history and jaw-dropping decor. If you enjoy art, history, or architecture, this will be your highlight.

• Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House Surprisingly cool and incredibly detailed. A hit with both kids and grown-ups.

• Changing of the Guard (on select days) Shorter and more accessible than Buckingham Palace’s version—and just as iconic.

If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage while walking through iconic locations.

🙄 What Felt Overhyped or Underwhelming

Not everything dazzled. Here’s what we didn’t love:

• Crowds and tight flow Even with timed entry, some rooms felt packed and hard to enjoy at your own pace.

• No photos allowed inside This was a big letdown, especially in the State Apartments. You’ll have to rely on memory.

• Extra costs sneak in Audio guides, guidebooks, or souvenirs can quickly push the price higher than expected.

💸 Is Windsor Castle Worth the Ticket Price?

Adult tickets: ~£30 Family tickets and youth discounts help, but it’s still a premium attraction.

Our take: If you love royal history, British culture, and architecture, then yes—Windsor Castle is worth it. But if you’re just mildly curious and traveling on a tight budget, you might find more bang for your buck elsewhere.

🚉 Getting There: Is It a Hassle?

Actually, no. It’s super easy from London:

• London Paddington + Slough transfer: ~30–40 minutes
• London Waterloo (direct): ~55 minutes

The town of Windsor itself is charming and walkable, so the castle feels like a full-day experience—not just a stop. Self-care is important when traveling, especially after long sightseeing days or flights, and many travelers like using a nourishing body oil like this one to help keep their skin soft and hydrated.

🥪 Food, Shops & Facilities: What to Expect

There’s an on-site café (The Undercroft) with light bites and royal-themed treats. Prices are fair, and the setting is cozy.

Tip: Eat early or after your visit—there are plenty of excellent pubs and cafes just outside the castle gates.

Toilets are clean and well-placed, but there’s no luggage storage, which can be frustrating if you’re in transit.

🧐 So… Is Windsor Castle Worth It? Here’s Our Verdict

Yes—for the right traveler. Windsor Castle delivers a sense of grandeur, depth, and history that’s hard to match. But go in with realistic expectations: it’s not a hidden gem, and crowds are part of the package.