Windsor Castle

Experience Royal History at the World’s Oldest Occupied Castle

Windsor Castle captivates visitors with its breathtaking grandeur as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, home to 40 British monarchs and still serving as an official royal residence today.

Highlights:

• Wander through the opulent State Apartments to admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Leonardo da Vinci amid lavish ceremonial rooms.
• Explore the magnificent St. George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the final resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.
• Marvel at Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, an intricate miniature palace complete with working electricity, tiny books, and exquisite furnishings designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Tickets & Prices

Book your Windsor Castle tickets in advance to guarantee entry and save money. All tickets include a multimedia tour to enhance your visit, and children go half price. Under-5s enter for free but must still be included in the booking.

Advance ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: £31.00
• Young people aged 18–24: £20.00
• Children aged 5–17: £15.50
• Disabled visitors: £15.50
• Children under 5: Free

If you buy tickets on the day, prices are slightly higher and subject to availability.

A brilliant perk when booking directly from the official site is the option to convert your ticket into a 1-Year Pass. This gives you 12 months of free re-entry to the site you visited.

To activate the pass, simply sign your ticket before leaving and keep it as proof, along with your signature. The pass is valid for a full year from the date of your first visit and can be used on any day Windsor Castle is open to the public, subject to availability.

Tours

Visitors can choose between self-guided exploration with the complimentary multimedia guides or join specialized tours.

Many travelers find that the audio guides provide sufficient information to enjoy the castle at their own pace, allowing flexibility to linger in areas of personal interest.

Family-friendly tours are available during UK school holidays, including activities at the Pug Yard Learning Centre and a special Family Multimedia Tour guided by “Scorch the Dragon” aimed at children aged 7-11.

For an enhanced experience, visitors can download activity trails before their visit.

Opening Hours

Windsor Castle welcomes visitors year-round with seasonal hours.

From March 1st to October 31st, the castle operates from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM with last admission at 4:00 PM.

Winter hours (November 1st to February 28th) are slightly reduced, running from 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM with last entry at 3:00 PM.

Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for services and maintenance, and St. George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays. Always check the official website before planning your visit, as closures may occur for royal events.

What to See and Do

There’s so much to discover at Windsor Castle that you’ll want to plan at least 2.5-3 hours for your visit. Here are the must-see highlights and experiences that make this royal residence magnificent.

Step into Royal History in the State Apartments

The moment you enter the State Apartments, you’re walking in the footsteps of kings and queens who’ve called these rooms home for centuries. These aren’t just any royal rooms – they’re stunning spaces originally built for Charles II and Queen Catherine of Braganza.

Look up as you wander through, and you’ll see the spectacular ceiling paintings by Antonio Verrio depicting mythological scenes. The exquisite woodwork carvings by Grinling Gibbons will catch your eye too – they’re considered some of the finest in existence.

Don’t miss the Grand Reception Room with its breathtaking chandeliers and gold gilding. There’s a massive malachite urn here that was a gift to Queen Victoria from Tsar Nicholas I in 1839 – a perfect example of the priceless treasures scattered throughout.

My favorite room has to be the Waterloo Chamber. Created specifically to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon, it’s adorned with portraits of allied monarchs and statesmen who contributed to the victory. The sense of history here is palpable.

Top tip: The State Apartments can get crowded, especially after lunch. Try to make this your first stop in the morning for a more peaceful experience.

Marvel at Gothic Splendor in St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel is truly one of England’s greatest ecclesiastical buildings, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that’s served as the setting for numerous royal weddings and ceremonies.

When you step inside, you’re entering a space with 500 years of royal history. The vaulted ceiling stretches high above, creating a sense of awe that’s hard to describe. Light streams through the stained glass windows, illuminating the intricate stonework.

This chapel serves as the final resting place for many British monarchs. Henry VIII and Charles I are buried here, along with Queen Elizabeth II, who was laid to rest in 2022. There’s something quite moving about standing near the tombs of such significant historical figures.

The chapel is also home to the Order of the Garter, England’s oldest order of chivalry. Look for the Knights’ stalls with their heraldic plates – these have remained unchanged for centuries.

Inside tip: The chapel is open to visitors Thursday through Monday but closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Plan your visit accordingly, and remember photography isn’t permitted inside.

Peek into Royal Life at Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

This isn’t just any doll’s house – it’s a masterpiece in miniature. Designed in 1924 by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Queen Mary, this extraordinary creation is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an aristocratic home.

What makes this doll’s house special is the incredible attention to detail. It features working electricity, running water, and functioning elevators – all at a tiny scale. The library contains over 700 miniature books, many written especially for the house by famous authors of the day.

The wine cellar is stocked with tiny bottles containing real wine, and the garage houses miniature cars with working engines. Even the art is special – renowned artists of the period created original, postage-stamp-sized works specifically for this royal plaything.

Children are absolutely fascinated by this miniature world, but honestly, adults find it just as captivating. It’s like looking into a perfectly preserved snapshot of 1920s royal life.

Visitor tip: This is one of the most popular attractions in the castle, so be prepared for a short wait during peak times.

Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

If you time your visit right, you can witness the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This traditional display of British military tradition takes place at 11:00 AM on select days (typically Thursdays and Saturdays, but this can vary).

The ceremony involves guards marching to Windsor Castle from their barracks, accompanied by a band. The precision of their movements and the stirring music create a quintessentially British experience.

For the best views, position yourself near the Guildhall or by the Queen Victoria statue. These spots offer elevated vantage points along the parade route. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Local insight: To avoid crowds, arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. The castle tends to get busier after the ceremony concludes.

Explore the Semi-State Rooms

If you’re visiting between autumn and spring, you’re in for a special treat – access to the Semi-State Rooms. These were created as private apartments for George IV and represent some of the richly decorated interiors in the castle.

Unlike the more formal State Apartments, these rooms give you a glimpse into the more personal side of royal life. The Crimson Drawing Room is particularly stunning, with its rich red silk wall coverings and gilded moldings.

These rooms aren’t always open to the public as they’re still used by the Royal Family for official functions, which makes seeing them even more special.

Stroll Through the Castle Precincts

Take some time to wander the castle grounds, where you’ll discover defensive features like battlements and arrow loops. The architecture spans nearly a millennium, from Norman fortifications to Victorian additions.

St. George’s Hall is particularly impressive – it was completely restored after the devastating fire of 1992. The hammer-beam roof is adorned with the shields of Knights of the Garter, creating a spectacular heraldic display.

Don’t miss a walk along the North Terrace, which offers sweeping views across the Thames Valley and Windsor Great Park.

On a clear day, you can see for miles – it’s easy to understand why monarchs have treasured this location for centuries.

Engage Children with Family-Friendly Activities

Windsor Castle makes special efforts to engage younger visitors.

During UK school holidays, the Pug Yard Learning Centre offers free activities like crafts and storytelling. There’s even a ‘Chill Out Zone’ for toddlers who need a break from all the excitement.

Pick up the Family Multimedia Tour narrated by ‘Scorch the Dragon,’ designed specifically for children aged 7-11. It guides kids through the castle in an entertaining and educational way, highlighting features that will capture their imagination.

Activity trails are also available for download or collection during school holidays, turning the visit into an adventure. Children particularly enjoy exploring the castle defenses and imagining life as a royal guard.

Refuel at the Undercroft Café

When you need a break, head to the Undercroft Café, located beneath St. George’s Hall in one of the oldest surviving spaces in the castle. The atmospheric stone vaulting creates a unique dining environment.

The café offers seasonal salads, homemade soups, sandwiches, and wraps made with locally sourced ingredients. There are special meal boxes available for children, and they cater to all dietary requirements.

Treat yourself to barista-made coffee and freshly baked cakes – after all that walking, you’ve earned it! It’s the perfect place to rest and reflect on the royal splendor you’ve experienced.

Insider tip: If the weather’s nice, consider taking your refreshments outside to enjoy the castle grounds.

Directions

Windsor Castle is easily accessible from London, located approximately 22 miles (35 km) west of central London.

The most convenient option is traveling by train, with services running regularly from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (requiring a change at Slough) or directly from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. Both stations are a short walk from the castle.

Alternatively, the Green Line 702 coach service operates from London Victoria Coach Station.

If driving, note there is no parking at the castle itself; use public car parks in Windsor town center. The castle is situated at the top of a steep hill, so wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk.

Nearby Places

Windsor Great Park & The Long Walk: After exploring the castle, take a leisurely stroll along The Long Walk, a magnificent tree-lined avenue stretching for 2.64 miles from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue.

This scenic path offers stunning views and is perfect for experiencing the majestic royal landscape.

Eton College: Just across the River Thames from Windsor, this prestigious boarding school has educated numerous British prime ministers and members of the royal family.

Its historic buildings and chapel (occasionally open to visitors) showcase Gothic architecture dating back to the 15th century.

Legoland Windsor Resort: Located just three miles from Windsor Castle, this theme park offers a fun family experience with rides, shows, and impressive Lego models, making it an excellent option to combine with your castle visit if traveling with children.

The Boatman: This riverside pub offers traditional British cuisine with picturesque views of the Thames and Eton Bridge.

It’s the perfect spot to relax after your castle tour and enjoy some classic English fare.

Madame Posh: Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea experience in a charming setting, offering a quintessentially British experience to complement your royal castle visit.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Windsor Castle survived a devastating fire in 1992 that damaged over 100 rooms, including St George’s Hall, with restoration taking five years and costing £37 million.
2. The castle’s original structure was built using wood, not stone, and was part of a defensive ring of fortifications around London ordered by William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion.
3. Windsor Castle has its own fire brigade, established after the Great Fire of 1992, with staff living on-site ready to protect the historic building 24/7.
4. During World War II, the castle’s priceless works of art were removed for safekeeping, and the royal family would often sleep in the castle’s dungeon during air raids.
5. St. George’s Chapel contains a functioning organ with 4,000 pipes that has been in use since the 1800s and is still played during royal ceremonies today.

History

• 1070: Construction of Windsor Castle begins under William the Conqueror, initially as a simple motte and bailey fortress.
• 1170s: Henry II replaces the wooden structure with stone buildings, including the Round Tower.
• 1350s: Edward III transforms Windsor from a military fortress into a Gothic palace, establishing the Order of the Garter.
• 1475-1528: St. George’s Chapel is constructed under Edward IV, Henry VII, and Henry VIII.
• 1660s: Charles II renovates the State Apartments in Baroque style following the English Civil War and Restoration of the monarchy.
• 1820s: George IV extensively remodels the castle, raising the height of the Round Tower and creating the Semi-State Rooms.
• 1845: Queen Victoria opens the State Apartments to public visitors for the first time.
• 1917: King George V changes the royal family’s name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor during World War I, taking the castle’s name.
• 1992: A devastating fire damages over 100 rooms at the castle, leading to a major restoration project.
• 2022: Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest in St. George’s Chapel following her 70-year reign as Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

FAQ

Map & Address

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom