Windsor Castle
About
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and a working royal residence, and it is the reason most people come to the town. A visit takes in the Castle Precincts, the State Apartments, hung with works from the Royal Collection by Holbein, Van Dyck, Rubens and others, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and St George's Chapel, the Gothic chapel begun in 1475 that is the home of the Order of the Garter and the burial place of eleven monarchs, from Henry VIII to Elizabeth II. Allow at least an hour and a half to two hours; the site is on a hill with a fair amount of walking and stairs. Book online and in advance, and note the Castle can close at short notice for state occasions.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The State Apartments and works from the Royal Collection
- ✓St George's Chapel, home of the Order of the Garter and eleven royal tombs
- ✓Queen Mary's Dolls' House
- ✓The world's oldest and largest occupied castle, still a royal residence
Tips
- →Book online in advance for timed entry and to avoid the ticket queue.
- →St George's Chapel closes to visitors at 4pm and is closed to visitors on Sundays (services only).
- →The Castle can close at short notice for state occasions, so check before you travel.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Eton College & Eton High Street
The 1440 school and its unspoilt town across Windsor Bridge, with free Sunday-afternoon museums and Friday Heritage Tours in summer.
Windsor Guildhall
The 1680s town hall on the High Street, the 2005 royal wedding venue, with a local museum and Wren's short-columns legend. A quick free stop.
Windsor Royal Shopping
A Victorian station shopping arcade below the Castle walls by the Central station, useful for the hour either side of a train.