Lib Dem Council Negotiate Significant Concessions for Resident Windsor Castle Tickets

After withdrawing the free entry to Windsor Castle offer for Advantage Card holders living in RBWM, the Royal Collection Trust announces a new offer, which, following negotiation with councillors and officers, provides additional benefits for more residents. 

After learning of the plans to remove the discount, Leader of the Council, Simon Werner, and Lead Member for Windsor, Cllr Amy Tisi met the RCT in the summer to push for a better offer for residents. As well as delaying the introduction of charges from June 1st 2024 until January 1st 2025, they were able to secure a much better offer than what was first proposed by RCT. 

One significant concession is that RBWM residents who pay the 50% entry fee can convert their ticket into an annual ticket- essentially allowing them to visit as much as they like during the year for £15.50. One child will go free for every paying adult and additional children will be half-price. 

Enabling access to those residents who might not have previously been able to visit the castle was also a priority. Developing the community offer for groups such as foster carers and the children they care for, as well as children in our Borough schools was key. 

Cllr Amy Tisi says, 

“Although disappointed that free entry for Advantage Card Holders has not been maintained, we have worked hard with the Royal Collection Trust to negotiate concessions for more residents, including a ticket that Advantage cardholders will be able to use year-round from January.”

“I’m pleased that this new deal goes further for those in the greatest need, including children in care, foster families, and care leavers, who will have more opportunities to visit the Castle and learn about our special borough and history.”

Cllr Julian Tisi, Eton and Castle, who campaigned against the changes to free tickets and launched a petition that gained over 2,500 signatures, said, 

“It is a shame that the Royal Collection Trust felt they were unable to reinstate the free tickets for local people, especially given the impact that the Castle and its activities have on the area. However, I am pleased that the Council has negotiated a significantly better deal than was previously on the table. I look forward to seeing the community offer develop to allow even more residents the chance to visit this historic place on our doorstep.”

An additional trial offer is being launched, which brings Windsor Castle in line with other similar venues. £1 tickets for people in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance will be offered. This means that access to the castle will be widened to eligible residents, many of whom did not access the Advantage Card offer, and visitors from further afield. The trial runs from January- April. 

Ticket price updates and bookings will launch on Tuesday 5th November on the RCT website with the new prices taking effect from January 1st 2025.