London Castles: Book Tickets Now

Discover London's medieval fortresses and royal history.

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Oxford: Day Trip from London

From £140.00

Tower of London: An Iconic and Intriguing Location!

From £40.66

London and the countryside around it are full of castles, from medieval fortresses on the riverbank to royal homes a short journey out of the city. They're some of the best places to see how defence, power and everyday life looked centuries ago.

Learn more about them and book your tickets online to save your date and time.

Which London Castles Should I Visit?

Castles to Visit in and Around London

The Tower of London is the obvious place to start. It stands beside Tower Bridge on the north bank of the Thames, right in the city, and has served as a fortress, royal palace and prison over its long history.

Windsor Castle, an official royal residence west of London, makes an easy day out from the capital.

The main entrance to the Tower of London

Medieval Fortresses and Royal Castles

The Tower of London grew around the White Tower, a Norman keep that still dominates the site, and today it's also home to the Crown Jewels. Windsor Castle has its own claim, as one of the oldest and largest castles still lived in, with grand State Apartments inside.

Between them, you get both the grim fortress side of castle history and the polished royal side.

Day Trips from London to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle can be combined with Stonehenge and Oxford in a single day trip from London. That's three very different stops: a royal castle, a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain and a historic university city.

It suits anyone who wants to see more than one place without arranging the journeys themselves, and you can check the departure time and meeting point when you book.

Booking Castle Tickets Online

Booking tickets online in advance lets you choose the date and time that suit you. It's worth doing early for the Tower of London in summer and school holidays, and for any day trip that includes Windsor Castle, as popular dates fill up first.

Once your slot is confirmed, you can spend your time on the history.

Good to Know Before Visiting Castles in London

Book your date and time online in advance, as popular castles can sell out on busy days.

Allow two to three hours for a castle on its own, and a full day if you're joining a day trip.

Castles mean plenty of walking, stairs and uneven stone, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Some castles are still used by the royal family, so access can change at short notice around official events.

Expect a security check at the entrance, so travel light and avoid large bags.

Much of a castle visit is outdoors, so dress for the weather and bring a layer.

Accessibility varies, as medieval layouts can include steep steps, narrow passages and cobbled courtyards.

Day trips have set departure times, so arrive at the meeting point a little early.

London Castles - Gallery

London's Top 5 Picks

Kensington Palace

A royal residence in Kensington Gardens, once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, with State Apartments and changing exhibitions on royal life.

Stonehenge

A prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, built over 4,500 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The View from The Shard

Observation floors near the top of Western Europe's tallest building, with panoramic views of London from 244 metres up.

Tower of London

A 900-year-old riverside fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison and armoury, and today houses the Crown Jewels.

London Transport Museum

A Covent Garden museum tracing the history of London's buses, trams, Tube and railways, with historic vehicles and interactive displays.

FAQs about Castles in London

Which castles can you visit in and around London?

The Tower of London sits in the heart of the city, while Windsor Castle is an easy day trip away.

What is the Tower of London famous for?

It's known for the Crown Jewels, its nearly thousand-year history and its past as a royal palace, fortress and prison.

How long should I spend at the Tower of London?

Allow around three hours to see the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the castle walls without rushing.

Can I see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London?

Yes, the Crown Jewels are on display inside the Tower and are one of its biggest draws.

Who are the Beefeaters at the Tower of London?

Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters, live at the Tower and are known for lively tours that bring its history to life.

How do I get to the Tower of London?

The nearest Tube station is Tower Hill, a short walk from the entrance, and the Tower sits right beside Tower Bridge.

Is the Tower of London suitable for children?

Yes, the armour, the Crown Jewels and tales of the Tower's ravens and prisoners tend to hold children's attention.

Which places does the Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford day trip visit?

It combines Windsor Castle, the prehistoric stones of Stonehenge and the university city of Oxford in a single day from London.

How long is the day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford?

It's a full-day trip, so plan on being out from morning until early evening.

Is Windsor Castle still a royal residence?

Yes, it's an official royal residence, so access can change at short notice around royal events.

What will I see at Stonehenge?

You'll see a prehistoric circle of giant standing stones on Salisbury Plain, built around 4,500 years ago.

Do I need to book castle tickets in advance?

It's a good idea, especially in summer, at weekends and in school holidays, as booking online lets you choose your date and time.