Windsor Castle questions
 

Hi - I will be in Windsor Saturday afternoon July 1 departing Monday morning. I plan to visit St. George's Chapel Saturday afternoon and the Castle Sunday. Several questions:
1. If I buy an advance ticket to the Castle for Saturday, what happens if I don't make it to the time slot my ticket is for? Will they allow me to enter at a later time or am I just out of luck? Would it be better to wait till I get there to buy a ticket?
2. Some say it's best to arrive early to tour the Castle; others say wait until afternoon after the tour buses leave. What do you advise?
3. Regarding St. George's Chapel, I want to tour it Saturday as it's closed on Sunday. I'd also like to attend a service there - either Evensong Saturday or a service on Sunday. Any recommendations on that? Also, can you actually see the Queen's burial site? Just managing expectations :)
4. Besides the Castle, what are your top recommendations to see in Windsor?

Thanks in advance!

Just very quick - I'll try to address the other questions when I get back home. But is there a reason you want to visit the Chapel and Castle on different days? You'd have to pay twice because you can't view the Chapel (except for attending services) without entering the Castle grounds. And during service there is no 'wandering around the chapel'. Do both on the Saturday.

Hey, Janis - I won't get to Windsor till afternoon on Saturday, and probably wouldn't get to the castle before 2:30 or so. I know I'll have to pay twice if I go both days, but I didn't want to rush through either the castle or the chapel. Besides, I didn't really have a lot to do on Sunday - unless you have some suggestions :)

Ah - then that's a problem. From the Castle's website "Access to St George’s Chapel may be limited after 14:30, particularly on Saturdays. Please arrive earlier to avoid disappointment." You might not be able to visit the Chapel at all. You wouldn't really know if you'll have access until you are there. The Castle/State Rooms don't close until 5:15. What I'd probably do is enter the castle and before walking down the hill to St George's ask if the Chapel is still open. If it is, head there straight away then back up the the Castle where you'd still have probably 1:45 or 2 hours for the State Rooms. If the Chapel is closed/closing - then spend the whole time in the State Rooms/Dolls House etc. then decide if you'd rather attend evensong at 5:15 or a full on service on Sunday.

Well, rats! Maybe I can manage to get there earlier & do both on Saturday. But then what to do on Sunday?

And does anyone know what happens if I buy a ticket for Saturday at 1:30 and don't make it by 1:30?

I'm not a church-goer but the thing I love most about spending time in England are the opportunities to attend evensong services. Out of this world. If you've never had the experience I suggest you do, especially given it's St. George's Chapel, one of the best. You won't be sorry. Consider it a huge opportunity rather than "rats." Lucky you.

Just looked up Evensong - it sounds great!

What to do on Sunday? Several options -- but tell us where are you arriving from on Saturday and where are you going to on the Monday?

Assuming you haven't seen it before - Hampton Court Palace is an option - about 90 minutes via train and bus

Or - you can wander around Windsor, have a nice Sunday lunch (not just 'lunch' but a main meal - often requires pre-booking) and take one of several boat excursions (up / down river, Runnymede, etc)

Or - you can take train into London for the day.

I'll be spending a week in the Cotswolds and Windsor is the last stop before flying home. I have not been to Hampton Court Palace and that is very tempting. But so is an easy day absorbing Windsor. It's nice to have such good options! Thanks, Janis. As always, you are the best.

I would book a trip on one of the river boats that leave from Windsor. I particularly like doing it for afternoons tea.
In the morning if you’re not attending a church service, walk down Peascod Street towards the river . Cross over the bridge and walk around Eton. Then have a late breakfast/ brunch or lunch at The Cote on the River Thames by the bridge (Eton side). Would suggest booking a table in advance either on the quayside or the street level rear room.

That sounds lovely! And a trip on the river would give a different perspective. Thank you.

I hope you enjoy it. I’m pretty local to Windsor. I have done this with visitors in the past and we have always enjoyed ourselves. Meant to mention Peascod Street is full of shops and often has some market stalls at the weekend. You can also walk through to the Windsor Royal Station Arcade which is worth seeing.
If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday night, there’s a small theatre in Windsor. Look on line to see what’s on. You can book in advance and pick up tickets from the box office on the day.
https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/

Thank you for great suggestions!