How to Visit Windsor Castle
In advance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's big day, here's everything you need to plan a trip to their wedding venue: Windsor Castle.
The best way to visit is absolutely free.
If you want to get an up-close view of the altar where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be married, Evensong is a must. Better yet, there's no charge to attend this service at St. George's Chapel; simply line up at 5:15 p.m. near the castle gate. You'll then be ushered into the church, to take your seats in the quire in one of the stalls of the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Garter. This is where the royal family will likely sit during the wedding ceremony.
Follow along with the choir with the handout provided, or simply spend the 45-minute-long ritual admiring the intricate fan vaulted ceiling and stunning stained-glass window, or trying to catch a glimpse of the grave of King Henry VIII, which lies in front of the altar.
The service takes place every night except Wednesdays. Get the full schedule here.
General admission is worth the price.
Evensong is lovely, but it's still worth paying general admission to see the rest of the castle grounds, the State Apartments, and the Semi-State Rooms. Admission generally costs £21.20 per ticket for adults (there are slight discounts for children under 17, students, and visitors with disabilities and those who are over 60), and it will take 2 1/2 to 3 hours to visit.
The castle is normally open every day, but as it is a working royal palace, sometimes portions of the Castle will close to the public. View the closure schedule on royalcollection.org.uk.
A post shared by Visit Windsor (@visitwindsoruk) on Jan 17, 2017 at 5:16am PST
If you buy your ticket through the castle, it's valid for a full year.
Simply ask a warden to stamp it for you before you leave the site.
Order your ticket ahead of time.
If possible, book your tickets online, and have them shipped to your residence before you leave for Windsor. If you have your ticket in hand, you'll be able to skip some of the queues. That said, you will need to go through airport-style security before entering the castle for your visit.
