Fancy a taste of British Royalty? If yes (I mean, who'd say no!), then plan your visit to Windsor Castle in London. Windsor Castle is a royal English residence that is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Home to over a thousand years of royal history, Windsor Castle has been the private residence of more than forty monarchs. It makes the list to the top tourist attractions to see in London, and has played host to many royal weddings, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Founded in the eleventh century, Windsor Castle is stunning inside - you can admire a treasure trove of antiquities, vases, and paintings that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Windsor Castle - In a Nutshell
Things to know
Number of visitors per year: 1.5 million
Established: 1078.
Architect: Hugh May
Architectural style: Baroque and Gothic architectural styles.
Must-see
St. George’s Chapel
Albert Memorial Church
The State Apartments
The Semi-State Rooms
Queen Mary’s Dolls House
Opening Hours And Address
Windsor Castle is open from 10 am to 4 pm from 1st March to 31st October
From 1st November to 28th February, Windsor Castle remains open from 10 am to 3 pm.
However, the Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address : Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ
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Why you should go visit Windsor Castle
Oldest and Largest Occupied Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1078, Windsor Castle has been the home of forty monarchs and hides within its walls more than one thousand years of royal history. The most recent resident of Windsor Castle was the late Queen Elizabeth.
Spectacular Interiors
A castle fit for a king has to have spectacular interiors, and Windsor Castle lives up to its reputation of being the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world with its spectacular interiors! Inside Windsor Castle, you will get the ultimate royal experience as you explore lavishly decorated rooms such as the State Apartments - which are still used by the royal family, the historical rooms built for Charles II, and the private apartments of George V. Once you are inside Windsor Castle, don’t forget to check out the Castle’s magnificent ceremonial rooms as well.
Royal Collection of Art Pieces
If you are an art aficionado or just want to admire exclusive artwork, Windsor Castle has the royal collection that cannot be found anywhere else in the world! Windsor Castle boasts the greatest collection of paintings in the world. You can admire masterpieces by Hans Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens here. The castle has an impressive collection of extraordinary treasures such as furniture, vases, and sculptures. Windsor Castle’s mythical ceiling paintings by Antonio Verrio are also worth seeing.
Changing of Guards
If you visit Windsor Castle on Thursday or Saturday, you will be in for a treat! The Changing of Guards ceremony at Windsor Castle happens on these days at around 11 am. The colorful ceremony involves the new guards replacing the old guards twice every week. However, the schedule of the ceremony can change, so it is a good idea to check with the castle website beforehand before planning your visit.
Explore St. George’s Chapel
Found on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the St. George’s Chapel can simply not be missed! The Chapel is a five hundred years old medieval marvel that still stands proudly today. The Chapel has hosted many royal weddings and is also the burial ground for British monarchs. The St. George’s Chapel is open on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. If you plan on exploring the St. George’s Chapel while visiting Windsor Castle, plan your visit on the days mentioned above.
Buy tickets to go inside Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and you can choose from different ticket options while booking. These include tickets with a multimedia guide, combo tickets, and a half-day tour of Windsor Castle:
Top Highlights Inside Windsor Castle
Grand Reception Room
The Grand Reception Room inside Windsor Castle is one of the most spectacular rooms. Decorated with real gold and chandeliers, the Grand Reception Room was the main ballroom of the castle.
Waterloo Chamber
The Waterloo Chamber inside Windsor Castle was built to celebrate the victory of the Allied forces at the Battle of Waterloo. In this chamber, you can find portraits of most of the British nobles who were involved in the defeat of Napoleon.
The Queen’s Drawing Room
Originally built as the ‘Withdrawing Room’ for Catherine of Braganza, the Queen’s Drawing Room came to be known as the ‘Picture Gallery’ in the nineteenth century. This room inside Windsor Castle has the finest Tudor and Stuart portraits in the Royal Collection.
Crimson Drawing Room
The Crimson Drawing Room is the principal room in the Semi-State apartments inside Windsor Castle. Decorated to a design by Morel and Seddon, the room contains some notable examples of furniture and the state portraits of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House inside Windsor Castle was created as a 1:12 miniature royal palace or townhouse. The Dolls’ house was a gift from the nation to Queen Mary and it is operated by a mechanism in the basement and lifts entirely to reveal the interiors of the dolls’ house.
St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle was designed for the most Noble Order of the Garters that was started by Edward IV. The Chapel is the finest example of the perpendicular style of Gothic architecture in England.
Moat Room
The Moat Room inside Windsor Castle contains a bronze medal of Windsor Castle that was made in 1377. The room also features a timeline with names of reigning monarchs along its length, which can help understand the history of Windsor Castle.
Mythical Ceiling Paintings
Home to some of the most amazing artifacts, Windsor Castle has a beautiful mythical ceiling painting by Antonio Verrio. The painting depicts Catherine of Braganza, the wife of Charles II, being drawn by a chariot of swans towards the temple of virtue.
Undercroft Cafe
The Undercroft Cafe inside Windsor Castle is one of the oldest surviving spaces in the castle. You’ll find freshly prepared meals such as sandwiches and wraps along with sweet treats and ice creams during summers over here.
Know before you go - Windsor Castle
These tips will come in handy while planning your visit to Windsor Castle -
- The best way to reach Windsor Castle is by taking the train.
- Since Windsor Castle is a working castle, the opening times of the castle change throughout the year. We recommend checking the opening times before planning your visit to the castle.
- You will be walking a lot while visiting Windsor Castle, so we recommend that you wear comfortable footwear.
- Carry a light cardigan and an umbrella since it can get windy and chilly at Windsor Castle.
- The best time to visit Windsor Castle is post-lunch. Plan your visit around midday to avoid the queues and the crowds.
- Avoid visiting Windsor Castle on Sundays.
- No photography and/or videography is permitted inside Windsor Castle.
- You cannot carry snacks and other food items with you when visiting Windsor Castle
- The best place to watch the Changing of the Guards ceremony is the Guildhall.
- Windsor Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so it's a good idea to buy your tickets online and in advance.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Windsor Castle?
What is the best time to visit Windsor Castle?
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How long does it take to explore Windsor Castle?
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Is photography permitted inside Windsor Castle?
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Can I carry outside food inside Windsor Castle?
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What are some of the highlights inside Windsor Castle?
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