Food, Drink & Shopping at Windsor Castle: A Complete Visitor Guide

The food and shopping facilities at Windsor Castle are modest by comparison with some major tourist attractions, but what the Undercroft Café in particular lacks in size it makes up for in character. Opened in 2020 inside Edward III’s medieval undercroft — one of the oldest surviving spaces in the castle, dating to the 1350s and 1360s — it is the only café in the world set beneath a room where the King hosts State Banquets.

This guide covers every food, drink, and shopping option inside the castle and points to the best options in Windsor town for visitors who want a longer meal break.

The Undercroft Café

The Undercroft Café is Windsor Castle’s main on-site eating option, located on the ground floor of the castle beneath St. George’s Hall — directly below the room used for the King’s State Banquets. The medieval undercroft dates to Edward III’s major castle renovations of the 1350s and 1360s, when it served as the castle’s primary wine cellar. The space was restored to its medieval character in 2020 when the café opened.

What’s on the menu: – Freshly prepared sandwiches, baguettes, bloomers, open sandwiches, and wraps — filled with locally sourced ingredients from within 100 miles of Windsor Castle – Home-made soups and fresh salads, changing seasonally from the deli counter – Victoria sponge, scones with cream, vanilla mille-feuille, vegan cakes, and other freshly-baked cakes – Barista-made coffee, a curated selection of teas, juices, and sparkling drinks – Children’s meal boxes: a cheese or ham roll, crisps, juice or water, and a piece of fruit

Food sourcing: The café uses ingredients sourced from Royal Farms at Windsor wherever possible — the King’s working farm estate on the Windsor Estate — which gives the food a genuine local provenance unusual in a heritage site café.

Location: The café is accessed after exiting the State Apartments, making it the natural midpoint break for most visitors. Step-free access is available, with a platform lift for level changes.

Practical note: The café can be busy at peak times. If you are visiting during school holidays or on a summer weekend, arriving at the café slightly before or after the main lunchtime rush (roughly 12:30–14:00) reduces waiting time.

Additional On-Site Refreshments

Engine Room Café / kiosk — by the Quadrangle A smaller kiosk-style option near the castle’s central quadrangle offering hot drinks and snacks. Opening times vary — check signage on the day.

Ice cream van — North Terrace (seasonal) A seasonal ice cream stand is available on the North Terrace on the route to the State Apartments during warmer months. This is a practical quick-stop for families with younger children.

Water fountain: A water fountain for refilling bottles is available in the outdoor area after the Security Hall. This is the only place to obtain free water on the visitor route — bring a refillable bottle.

Eating Rules to Know

• No food or drink inside the State Apartments or St. George’s Chapel. The only exception is bottled water, which may be carried inside.
• Bottled water is available for purchase in the Lower Ward shop at the beginning of your visit.
• Eating outside in the castle precincts — on benches or in the Learning Centre yard — is permitted and a practical option for families who bring their own packed lunch.

Re-Entry Permits: Eating in Windsor Town

If you want to leave the castle for a longer meal in Windsor town and return, ask for a re-entry permit at the Castle shops or the audio guide return point before exiting. This allows you to leave, eat, and return to the castle on the same day within opening hours. Windsor High Street and the surrounding streets have a wide range of restaurants, pubs, cafés, and fast-food options within a very short walk of the castle entrance.

Best areas for food in Windsor town:

• Windsor High Street: Chains and independent cafés closest to the castle
• Peascod Street: A mix of restaurants from casual to mid-range
• Thames Street and the riverside: Pubs and restaurants overlooking the River Thames — the most atmospheric setting for a longer lunch

The Windsor Castle Shops

Windsor Castle has four shops within the grounds, all accessible with your admission ticket. They sell exclusive Royal Collection merchandise and gifts available only at Windsor Castle and through the Royal Collection Trust online shop.

Middle Ward Shop The largest shop, located in the Middle Ward with easy access and plenty of room to browse. Stocks a wide range of gifts, homeware, jewellery, and commemorative items. Accessible with a low-level till point for wheelchair users.

China Museum / Billiards Room Shop Located near the entrance to the State Apartments, this shop sells china, ceramics, and decorative objects from the Royal Collection’s licensed ranges. Also the location of the State Apartments cloakroom.

Cloister Shop (St. George’s Chapel) Inside the Lower Ward close to St. George’s Chapel, selling chapel-specific items, books, and gifts. Stone flooring throughout with a one-way accessible route.

Inner Hall Shop Located on the exit route from the State Apartments, offering a curated selection of Royal Collection publications, prints, and gifts.

All shops are accessible. Stock rotates seasonally with special editions available around royal anniversaries, Christmas, and state occasions. The same ranges (and some additional items) are available through the Royal Collection Trust online shop at rct.uk/shop.

Windsor Town: Additional Options Near the Castle

For visitors who want something beyond the Undercroft Café, Windsor town offers a full range of options within walking distance of the castle gates:

Windsor Farm Shop (a short journey from the castle, accessible by the open-top bus or by car): The King’s own farm shop on the Windsor Estate selling produce from the Royal Farm. An on-site café serves breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon tea — strongly recommended for food provenance enthusiasts and for a less touristy experience.

Windsor Royal Shopping Centre (Windsor & Eton Central station): A shopping centre attached to the Victorian train station with a range of high-street stores and independent food options.

Thames riverside: A 10-minute walk from the castle towards the River Thames brings you to a pleasant stretch of riverside pubs, restaurants, and riverside walks — particularly appealing on warmer days.