Windsor Castle: Everything You Need to Know for Visitors

Windsor Castle is one of Britain’s most impressive royal residences. It stands as a testament to nearly a thousand years of monarchy.

Located in Berkshire, this fortress has served as home to 40 monarchs. Today, it still functions as an official residence of the King, making it a living piece of British history.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Visitors can explore lavish State Apartments, priceless royal collections, and the historic St George’s Chapel, where recent royal weddings have taken place.

The castle opens to the public throughout the year. Guests can walk through rooms still used by the royal family and experience centuries of royal tradition firsthand.

Whether you’re drawn by the castle’s rich history or its stunning architecture, Windsor Castle provides a unique glimpse into British royal life. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a highlight for many visitors.

From practical visiting information and ticket prices to the stories behind its treasured rooms and collections, knowing what to expect will help you make the most of your visit.

Essential Facts About Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. It serves as both a working royal palace and a historic fortress.

Located in Berkshire, this structure has housed British monarchs for nearly 1,000 years. It remains central to the House of Windsor’s identity.

Location and Overview

Windsor Castle sits in Windsor, Berkshire, about 20 miles west of central London. The castle stands atop a steep hill overlooking the River Thames.

Key Location Details:

• County: Berkshire, England
• Distance from London: 20 miles west
• Elevation: Positioned on a chalk bluff
• River proximity: Overlooks the Thames Valley

William the Conqueror founded Windsor Castle in the 11th century because of its strategic location. Today, visitors climb the steep approach to reach the castle grounds.

The town of Windsor has grown around the royal residence over the centuries. Windsor Castle covers about 13 acres and features multiple courtyards, towers, and residential quarters.

The Upper Ward contains the State Apartments. The Lower Ward houses St George’s Chapel.

Oldest and Largest Occupied Castle

William the Conqueror established Windsor Castle in 1070, making it nearly 1,000 years old. The castle has remained continuously occupied throughout its history.

Unlike many ancient castles that now serve only as museums, Windsor Castle functions as a working royal residence. This makes it unique among the world’s historic fortifications.

Record-Breaking Statistics:

• Age: Founded in 1070 (956 years old)
• Size: Largest occupied castle globally
• Continuous use: Nearly 1,000 years of royal occupation

The structure has evolved significantly since Norman times. Each monarch added their own architectural touches, creating an eclectic mix of styles.

A devastating fire in 1992 destroyed many rooms. A five-year restoration programme returned the castle to its former glory.

Windsor in the British Monarchy

Windsor Castle has served as home to 40 monarchs throughout British history. In 1917, the royal family adopted the name House of Windsor from this residence.

King George V changed the royal family’s name from the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the House of Windsor during the First World War. This change reflected the castle’s central role in British royal identity.

The castle serves several functions for the monarchy:

• Weekend residence for the reigning monarch
• Official state occasions and ceremonies
• Private royal events and family gatherings

Queen Elizabeth II spent many weekends at Windsor Castle. The castle continues to host important state visits, diplomatic receptions, and ceremonial events.

St George’s Chapel within the castle grounds has witnessed numerous royal weddings and serves as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter. The castle remains a symbol of royal continuity, representing nearly a millennium of British monarchy in one extraordinary location.

History of Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, with nearly 1,000 years of royal history. From William the Conqueror’s fortress to devastating fire and remarkable restoration, the castle has undergone dramatic changes under successive monarchs.

Founding by William the Conqueror

William the Conqueror established Windsor Castle around 1070 as part of his defence of newly conquered England. He chose a position high above the River Thames, on the edge of Saxon hunting grounds.

Construction began in 1070, just four years after William’s invasion of England. The original castle was built of timber and formed part of a defensive ring around London.

By 1086, Windsor Castle was complete and functioning as a military fortification. The location provided excellent visibility across the Thames Valley and controlled important trade routes into London.

The timber structure served its military purpose for decades. Later monarchs recognised the need for permanent stone construction to reflect the castle’s growing importance as a royal residence.

Royal Transformations and Notable Monarchs

King Henry II (1154-1189) began replacing the timber walls with stone. He transformed Windsor from a basic fortress into a royal palace and added the first royal apartments.

King Edward III (1327-1377) spent £50,000 on a major medieval transformation. This sum exceeded any other English king’s spending on a single building.

Edward converted Windsor from a military fortification into a gothic palace. In the 15th century, Windsor became a favoured royal residence.

King Edward IV started construction of St George’s Chapel in 1475. King Henry VIII completed it in 1528 in the Perpendicular Gothic style.

During the English Civil War, Charles I was imprisoned at Windsor before his execution. After the monarchy was restored, King Charles II made Windsor his principal country residence and a symbol of royal power.

King George IV led a comprehensive restoration in the early 1800s with Sir Charles Long. Their gothic transformation gave Windsor much of its current appearance.

The Windsor Castle Fire and Restoration

On 20th November 1992, fire broke out in Queen Victoria’s Private Chapel. A faulty spotlight ignited a curtain next to the altar, starting the most destructive fire in the castle’s history.

The blaze burned for 15 hours, destroying 115 rooms including nine state rooms. Only two artworks were completely lost: a rosewood sideboard and a painting by Sir William Beechey.

Restoration efforts began immediately after the fire. The project took five years, with craftspeople recreating destroyed rooms using traditional methods and materials.

The restoration finished in 1997, returning Windsor Castle to its former glory. Modern fire prevention systems now protect the historic structure and its collections while maintaining the castle’s authentic character.

Exploring the Castle and Grounds

Windsor Castle offers visitors access to royal rooms filled with priceless art and furnishings. Highlights include the lavish State Apartments and the elegant Semi-State Rooms.

The State Apartments

The State Apartments are the castle’s most spectacular public rooms. They were designed to impress dignitaries and showcase royal power.

These grand chambers contain masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. Each room displays different artistic treasures and historical significance.

The King’s Drawing Room features Gobelins tapestries. The Queen’s Ballroom houses crystal chandeliers that illuminate ornate ceiling paintings.

Visitors can admire French and English furniture dating back centuries. The rooms also display rare porcelain, including pieces from the Royal Collection’s Sèvres collection.

The apartments follow a traditional route that guests would have taken when visiting the monarch. Audio guides explain the artwork and history of each room.

Semi-State Rooms and Grand Reception Room

The Semi-State Rooms serve as the Queen’s private apartments when she’s in residence. These spaces blend comfort with formality and feature rich decorations and personal touches.

The Grand Reception Room stands as the centrepiece. Its walls display portraits of European royalty, creating an impressive gallery of monarchs and their families.

These rooms show a more intimate side of royal life compared to the formal State Apartments. Visitors see how the royal family entertains guests in a relaxed setting while maintaining grandeur.

The furnishings include rare Chinese and Japanese porcelain and silk-covered furniture. Each room tells a story of how these spaces evolved to meet changing royal needs.

Round Tower and North Terrace

The Round Tower dominates Windsor Castle’s skyline. Built on an artificial mound, it stands 65 metres high and houses the Royal Archives and Photographic Collection.

When the Royal Standard flies from the tower, the monarch is in residence. The tower’s origins date back to William the Conqueror’s fortification, though it was rebuilt in the 19th century.

The North Terrace provides stunning views across the Thames Valley and Eton College. This elevated walkway stretches along the castle’s northern edge.

From the terrace, visitors can see the formal gardens below and understand the castle’s defensive advantages. The views extend for miles across the Berkshire countryside, showing why this location remained important throughout British history.

Highlights and Royal Collections

Windsor Castle houses extraordinary treasures that span centuries of royal history. Visitors can explore Queen Mary’s intricate dolls’ house and admire art collections managed by the Royal Collection Trust.

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is one of the most remarkable miniature creations ever made. Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, wife of King George V, this masterpiece contains over 1,500 items crafted to one-twelfth scale.

Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the dolls’ house as a perfect replica of an aristocratic home. Every detail was planned, from working lifts and electric lighting to running water in the tiny bathrooms.

The house features six floors filled with miniature furniture, paintings, and books. Famous authors contributed to the house’s library, writing original stories in tiny handwriting.

The wine cellar contains real vintage wines in bottles no bigger than a thimble. The dolls’ house includes working features that still amaze visitors today:

• Electric lighting throughout all rooms
• Running water in bathrooms and kitchen
• Functioning lifts between floors
• Detailed gardens with real plants

Royal Collection Trust

The Royal Collection Trust manages one of the world’s finest art collections. This organisation cares for the royal family’s treasures and makes them accessible to the public through exhibitions and castle visits.

The trust oversees paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts collected by British monarchs over 500 years. These items are held in trust for the nation, not privately owned by the royal family.

At Windsor Castle, the trust displays rotating exhibitions in the State Apartments. Recent exhibitions have featured royal portraits and ceremonial items used during coronations.

The trust’s experts research and conserve these precious objects. Visitors can often see conservation work in progress.

The trust employs specialists who restore paintings, repair furniture, and preserve historical documents using traditional techniques.

Art and Treasures on Display

The State Apartments display masterpieces by artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Canaletto. These rooms feature some of Britain’s most important royal portraits and historical paintings.

King Charles II assembled much of the core collection in the 17th century. He purchased paintings from famous European collections and commissioned new works from leading artists.

Notable highlights include:

• Waterloo Chamber – portraits of leaders who defeated Napoleon
• St George’s Hall – medieval armour and weapons
• Grand Reception Room – ornate furniture and decorative arts
• Crimson Drawing Room – important royal portraits

The Semi-State Rooms hold treasures from different periods of British history. Visitors see furniture used by monarchs, porcelain from royal dinner services, and jewellery worn at state occasions.

Many items in the collection have fascinating stories. Staff and firefighters rescued some pieces during the 1992 fire, saving the castle’s most precious contents.

St George’s Chapel and Royal Ceremonies

St George’s Chapel stands as the spiritual heart of Windsor Castle. The chapel hosts royal weddings, funerals, and the annual Order of the Garter ceremony.

The chapel houses the tombs of eleven monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II. Its magnificent Gothic architecture dates back to the 14th century.

Architecture and Historical Significance

St George’s Chapel is one of England’s finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1475 under Edward IV and finished in 1511.

The chapel spans the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle and accommodates 800 people. Stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings decorate the building.

Seventy-six heraldic statues, known as the Royal Beasts, stand on the chapel’s roof pinnacles. These statues represent fourteen heraldic animals, including the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, and the unicorn of Edward III.

The chapel suffered damage during the English Civil War when Parliamentary forces plundered it in 1642. King George III funded major restoration work between 1780 and 1790.

Another significant restoration took place in the 1920s under architect Sir Harold Brakspear. The King George VI Memorial Chapel was added in 1969, designed by George Pace.

This smaller chapel sits between the Rutland Chapel and the north choir.

Royal Burials and Order of the Garter

St George’s Chapel serves as the burial place for eleven British monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II was interred here in 2022, joining Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, and Charles I.

The chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, Britain’s most senior order of chivalry. Each June, members gather for the annual Garter Service and process from the State Apartments to the chapel in ceremonial robes.

Knights and Ladies of the Garter receive assigned stalls in the chapel choir. Heraldic banners, helmets, and crests hang above each stall.

Small brass Garter stall plates remain permanently fixed to each stall. Over 800 plates represent members throughout the order’s history.

When a member dies, their banner and regalia are removed during a special ceremony. Military Knights of Windsor carry the deceased member’s banner to the altar during this solemn event.

Changing of the Guard

The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on the chapel grounds when the Royal Family is in residence. The Royal Standard flies above the Round Tower to show the monarch’s presence.

Guards march through the castle grounds and pass St George’s Chapel during the exchange. The ceremony occurs on selected days throughout the week, weather permitting.

Visitors can watch from various vantage points around the chapel and Lower Ward. The ceremony combines military precision and royal pageantry, maintaining centuries-old traditions.

The chapel bells often ring during significant royal events and ceremonies. The building continues to serve the Royal Family and the Windsor community for regular worship services.

Visiting Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle welcomes visitors five days a week. Advance booking is required, and various ticket options are available.

The castle offers excellent accessibility features and operates on seasonal schedules that affect crowd levels and pricing.

Windsor Castle Tickets and Entry

Windsor Castle tickets must be purchased in advance through the Royal Collection Trust website. Standard admission prices vary by season, with adult tickets typically ranging from £28.50 to £33.00.

The castle offers several ticket types:

• Standard admission – includes State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and grounds
• 1-Year Pass – convert your day ticket for unlimited visits within 12 months
• Exclusive guided tours – after-hours access with expert guides (select dates)
• £1 tickets – available for visitors on Universal Credit and other UK benefits

Group discounts apply for bookings of 15 or more people. Children under 5 enter free, and concessions are available for students, seniors, and disabled visitors.

You must arrive at your designated time slot. Free re-admission for one year is available by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass at the admissions desk.

Opening Times and Accessibility

Windsor Castle opens Thursday to Monday throughout the year. It remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Opening hours vary by season, usually 10:00-17:00 in summer and 10:00-16:00 in winter. The castle provides excellent accessibility features despite being atop a steep hill.

Wheelchair access is available throughout most areas. Accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility are on-site.

Key accessibility services include:

• Free access companion tickets for disabled visitors
• Multimedia guides with British Sign Language and subtitles
• Dementia-friendly trained staff
• Concessionary admission rates

Visitors with mobility needs should download the photo journey guide to plan their route effectively. The visit requires covering long distances outdoors.

Best Times to Visit

Early morning visits on weekdays offer the quietest experience. Term time brings fewer school groups.

Allow 2.5 to 3 hours to see all major attractions comfortably. Peak times to avoid include weekends, school holidays, and summer months when crowds increase.

Winter visits provide a more intimate atmosphere with shorter queues. Some outdoor areas may be less accessible due to weather.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony draws larger crowds but offers a classic royal experience. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for current schedules, as ceremonies may be cancelled due to weather or operational needs.

Planning Your Trip to Windsor

Windsor Castle sits about 25 miles west of London, making it ideal for day trips. Visitors can reach the castle by train, car, or coach.

Nearby accommodation options range from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts for those who want to extend their stay.

How to Get to Windsor Castle from London

The most convenient way to reach Windsor Castle is by train from London Paddington to Slough, then changing to the branch line to Windsor & Eton Central station. This journey takes about 50 minutes.

The castle is a short 5-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, take a direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside station, which takes about an hour.

Both stations are within easy walking distance of the castle.

By Car:

• Take the M4 motorway to Junction 6, then follow signs to Windsor
• Journey time: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
• Public car parks available in Windsor town centre
• No direct castle parking for visitors

By Coach:

• National Express operates direct services from Victoria Coach Station
• Journey time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
• Coaches cannot drop off directly at the castle entrance

Tips for Day Trips from London

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. The castle usually requires 2-3 hours to explore, including the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.

Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and possibly save money. Consider a 1-Year Pass if you plan multiple visits, as it offers excellent value and free re-admission.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone paths
• Weather-appropriate clothing (much of the visit is outdoors)
• Camera (photography permitted in most areas)

Check the castle’s opening times before travelling, as these can vary seasonally. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on select days and is worth timing your visit around.

Allow extra time for travel during peak tourist seasons and school holidays when both transport and the castle become busier.

Where to Stay and Eat Nearby

The Macdonald Windsor Hotel offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Windsor, just minutes from the castle. This Victorian railway hotel provides elegant rooms and convenient access to local attractions.

Other Accommodation Options:

• Premier Inn Windsor offers budget-friendly rooms with modern amenities
• The Christopher Hotel provides boutique accommodation in nearby Eton
• Several bed and breakfasts available within walking distance

Dining Options: The Undercroft Café within the castle serves traditional afternoon tea and light meals in one of the castle’s oldest surviving spaces.

Windsor High Street offers many restaurants and pubs, including The Duchess of Cambridge pub and Gilbey’s Bar & Restaurant for fine dining. Many establishments serve traditional British cuisine and international options.

For quick meals, several chain restaurants and cafés line the pedestrian areas near the castle entrance. These are convenient for visitors with limited time.

Windsor Great Park and Surrounding Attractions

Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres of ancient royal parkland. The iconic Long Walk stretches 2.64 miles from Windsor Castle to Snow Hill.

Virginia Water Lake offers scenic walking circuits and historical features, including Roman ruins transported from Libya.

Walking the Long Walk and Parklands

The Long Walk is Windsor’s most recognisable vista, creating a tree-lined avenue that connects Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue atop Snow Hill. This 2.64-mile stretch takes about 90 minutes to complete as a round trip.

Key Features:

• Deer Park: Home to about 500 red deer descendants from Prince Philip’s 1979 introduction
• Snow Hill viewpoint: Offers panoramic views extending to London’s skyline
• Seasonal highlights: Especially stunning during sunrise and sunset

The parkland around the Long Walk includes ancient woodlands and grasslands that have served as royal hunting grounds for over 1,000 years. Visitors should keep at least 50 metres away from deer, especially during rutting season (September to November) when the animals can be more aggressive.

Important restrictions apply. Bicycles and scooters are prohibited on the Long Walk and within Deer Park.

Frogmore House and Virginia Water Lake

Virginia Water Lake, created in the mid-18th century as a royal pleasure ground, was once England’s largest artificial lake. The complete circuit measures 5.25 miles and usually takes two hours to walk.

Notable attractions include:

• The Cascade: A dramatic 30-foot waterfall
• Leptis Magna ruins: Authentic Roman stones relocated from Libya and arranged beside the lake
• Woodland trails: Popular with runners, cyclists, and families

The lake area offers parking, cafés, and seasonal ice cream vendors along the walking routes. Virginia Water Pavilion Café provides refreshments with lakeside views, making it a good stopping point during longer walks.

These grounds also served as filming locations for Harry Potter productions. This adds contemporary cultural significance to the historical landscape.

Conclusion

Windsor Castle stands as Britain’s most impressive royal residence. Visitors can walk through 1,000 years of history.

The State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the castle grounds create an unforgettable experience for tourists and history enthusiasts.

To plan the perfect visit, consider timing, ticket prices, and accessibility options. The castle welcomes visitors year-round, and booking in advance ensures the best experience.

Accommodation options near Windsor range from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts.

For stays near Windsor Castle, we offer quality serviced apartments and rental properties perfectly positioned for exploring royal heritage locations. Our properties provide comfortable, fully-equipped accommodation with the flexibility and space that hotels simply can’t match.

Contact us at info@jfpropertypartners.com or call +44 7457 427143.

Visit our website to browse our available properties in Windsor and nearby areas. Our contact page offers more ways to reach us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors often ask about royal residents, ticket costs, and travel logistics before planning a Windsor Castle trip. These answers cover the practical details you need to enjoy your visit.

Who lives at Windsor Castle now?

King Charles III uses Windsor Castle as his primary weekend residence. He often stays there during Easter Court.

The castle serves as an official royal residence where the monarch conducts state business and hosts official events. Various members of the Royal Family use it for official duties and private occasions.

Is Windsor Castle worth visiting?

Windsor Castle lets visitors explore 1,000 years of royal history in the world’s oldest occupied castle. The State Apartments display magnificent royal collections, and St. George’s Chapel hosts royal weddings and contains the tombs of many monarchs.

The multimedia guide offers expert commentary about each room and historical artifact. You can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore rooms where royals still conduct official business.

The castle’s grounds and historic significance make it a top destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Is Windsor Castle free to visit?

Visitors must purchase tickets to enter Windsor Castle. Ticket prices vary throughout the year.

The Royal Collection Trust offers £1 tickets for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named UK benefits. Group discounts apply for bookings of 15 or more.

You can convert your day ticket to a 1-Year Pass for free re-admission, making multiple visits more affordable.

What is the difference between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?

Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official London residence and administrative headquarters. Windsor Castle serves as the main weekend retreat and hosts Easter Court celebrations.

Windsor Castle is much older, dating to the 11th century, while Buckingham Palace became the official royal residence in 1837. The castle covers a larger area and has housed royalty for nearly 1,000 years.

Buckingham Palace focuses on state rooms and ceremonies. Windsor Castle offers a broader historical experience spanning many centuries of royal life.

Where is Windsor Castle in England?

Windsor Castle sits in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, about 20 miles west of central London. The castle stands on a hill overlooking the River Thames.

The historic market town of Windsor surrounds the castle. Eton College is just across the Thames.

The castle’s location provides easy access to London while preserving its historic setting in the English countryside.

How to get to Windsor Castle from London?

Direct trains run from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central station. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

You can also take trains from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside via Clapham Junction. Both stations are within walking distance of the castle entrance.

The castle stands at the top of a steep hill. Visitors should prepare for an uphill walk from the town centre.

Coach services leave from central London, but coaches do not drop passengers directly outside the castle gates. Car parking is available in Windsor town centre, though spaces fill quickly during busy times.

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