Windsor Castle and Eton

A 6-hour coach tour visiting two notable royal institutions: Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the world and a working royal residence, and Eton College, the famous public school founded in 1440. You'll walk through Windsor's State Apartments and grounds, then cross the River Thames to explore Eton's historic College Yard and Chapel. The tour includes castle admission and provides insight into British royal life and education traditions. Best for royal history enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 6 hours. Group size: max 40. You meet at Oxford city centre. Key highlights: Windsor Castle: 900-year-old fortress, current residence of the British monarchy, State Apartments: St George's Hall, Waterloo Chamber, and royal corridors with Old Master paintings, St George's Chapel: Gothic chapel with royal tombs dating to 1475 (access subject to closures).

Price: £58

Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 40

Best for: royal history enthusiasts

Best time: April–May for spring grounds and lighter crowds. September–October for autumn colour and post-summer break. November–December for castle decorations (if open; check royal events). Avoid July–August (peak summer) and dates of royal events (castle may close without notice).

Meeting point: Oxford city centre

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting Meet in Oxford city centre, board coach - Driver provides specific meeting point; usually near Oxford town hall or a central hotel.

45 minutes Coach journey to Windsor - Scenic drive through Berkshire; driver shares royal and historical facts during journey.

2.5 hours Explore Windsor Castle State Apartments and grounds - Self-guided or audio-guided tour of royal rooms, St George's Chapel (if open), Round Tower, and quadrangles.

1.5 hours Lunch break in Windsor town centre - Free time to eat at Thames Street cafés, pubs, or restaurants (not included in price).

1 hour Walk to Eton College across the Thames - 5-minute walk across bridge; explore College Yard, School Yard, and Chapel (exterior access; interior during term may be restricted).

45 minutes Return coach journey to Oxford - Coach departs Windsor by 4pm; arrives Oxford approximately 5pm.

The whole experience takes 6 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Oxford city centre.

• Windsor Castle: 900-year-old fortress, current residence of the British monarchy
• State Apartments: St George's Hall, Waterloo Chamber, and royal corridors with Old Master paintings
• St George's Chapel: Gothic chapel with royal tombs dating to 1475 (access subject to closures)
• Eton College: Founded 1440, educates British royalty and political leaders; explore College Yard and historic School Yard
• Thames riverside walk between Windsor and Eton
• Accessibility: Windsor Castle has wheelchair access to State Apartments (via lift) and designated routes. Eton College Yard is flat but involves uneven cobblestones. St George's Chapel has limited wheelchair access. Mobility buggies not available on tour.

What is included: Return coach transport from Oxford, Windsor Castle admission (State Apartments and grounds), Driver commentary during journey, Entry to Eton College Yard (exterior access; Chapel depends on term time).

Not included: Meals and refreshments, Guided tour inside castle (audio guide available on-site), Eton College guided tour (self-guided only unless pre-booked separately). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes; castle and Eton involve 2+ miles of walking, Camera for castle and riverside photos, Jacket or waterproof for changeable weather, Lunch money for Windsor town centre cafés, Sunscreen and hat for sunny days. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: April–May for spring grounds and lighter crowds. September–October for autumn colour and post-summer break. November–December for castle decorations (if open; check royal events). Avoid July–August (peak summer) and dates of royal events (castle may close without notice)..

Tip: Castle admission included

Tip: May close for royal events

Accessibility: Windsor Castle has wheelchair access to State Apartments (via lift) and designated routes. Eton College Yard is flat but involves uneven cobblestones. St George's Chapel has limited wheelchair access. Mobility buggies not available on tour..

Operator: Premium Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bodleian Library (12 min from meeting point walk)
• Ashmolean Museum (10 min from meeting point walk)
• Christ Church College (8 min from meeting point walk)

This activity is run by Premium Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before departure. 50% refund 24–48 hours before. Non-refundable within 24 hours..

Accessibility: Windsor Castle has wheelchair access to State Apartments (via lift) and designated routes. Eton College Yard is flat but involves uneven cobblestones. St George's Chapel has limited wheelchair access. Mobility buggies not available on tour..

Best time to go: April–May for spring grounds and lighter crowds. September–October for autumn colour and post-summer break. November–December for castle decorations (if open; check royal events). Avoid July–August (peak summer) and dates of royal events (castle may close without notice)..

Is Windsor Castle admission included in the tour price?

Yes, Windsor Castle State Apartments and grounds (£28–30 value) are included in the £58 tour price. St George's Chapel access depends on royal duties and ceremonies; the castle may close 1–2 days per week without notice.

What happens if Windsor Castle is closed for a royal event?

If the castle closes due to royal events, Premium Tours may offer an alternative venue (Runnymede or Magna Carta memorial) or a partial refund. Check cancellation terms when booking. The castle typically closes 2–3 times annually for state events.

Can you explore Eton College during the tour?

Yes. You have 1 hour to walk Eton College Yard, School Yard, and surrounding areas (exterior access). The Chapel interior is open during school holidays only (April, July–September, December). Guided tours cost extra and must be booked separately.