Did you know Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, has been around for almost 1,000 years? It's the oldest one that's still lived in, and it's even bigger than any other inhabited castle on Earth, built by William the Conqueror, who invaded England in the 1000s. The castle is so grand that it inspired the royal family to change their name to the House of Windsor! The castle has also hosted many royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Queen Elizabeth II lived there for a long time too, from 2011 to 2022, and it's where she's laid to rest now.

The entire property is so impressive that it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, especially significant for its centuries-long history and culture. Even today, the Crown keeps it up and running as a home for the British Royal Family.

Why visit Windsor Castle?

Historical significance: Explore over 900 years of royal history within the walls of this iconic medieval castle, which remains a favored residence for British royalty.
Opulent rooms: Marvel at the grand State Apartments adorned with priceless artworks, the final resting place of monarchs at the St George's Chapel, and the intricate craftsmanship of the miniature Queen Mary's Doll's House.
Changing the Guard: Witness the timeless tradition as the guards change duty in an elaborate ceremony, an event that also takes place at Buckingham Palace.
Beautiful grounds: Stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, and the three-mile Long Walk to the castle amid lush greenery.

Plan your visit to Windsor Castle

Location

Timings

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom

Find On Map

Windsor Castle is in the picturesque town of Windsor, Berkshire, in southeastern England.

Nearest train station: Windsor & Eton Central, 373m away

Landmarks nearby: River Thames Windsor

How to get to Windsor Castle

The opening hours of Windsor Castle can vary depending on the time of the year.

November 1 to February 29: 10am to 4:15pm (Thursday to Monday)
March 1 to October 31: 10am to 5:15pm (Thursday to Monday)

The last entry is 1 hour and 15 minutes before closing. Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Windsor Castle opening hours

What to see at Windsor Castle

St George's Chapel

Founded by King Edward III in 1348, it is dedicated to the Order of the Garter. This Perpendicular Gothic-style chapel has been the venue for several royal services, weddings, and burials. The last grand wedding was that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This is also where Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in 2022.

State Apartments

These ceremonial rooms are used by the monarch to host the Heads of State from other countries, investitures, and award ceremonies when they visit the country. The gold-covered Grand Reception Room, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Semi-State Rooms are the most extravagant, each with elaborately painted ceilings and works by Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens, adding an extra layer of historical significance to your visit.

Semi-State Rooms

These private apartments were often used by Queen Elizabeth II for entertaining guests of royalty and private events. Created for George IV, the rooms have the most richly decorated interiors in the castle, with the Crimson Drawing Room being one of the most elaborate and expensive interior decoration projects in England with interiors by Morel and Seddon, including chandeliers, lavish curtains, decorative trimmings, and velvet wall hangings.

Queen Mary's Doll's House

Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, this miniature marvel has over 1,500 contributions from writers, architects, artists, and craftspeople. The dollhouse features 200 miniature books by famous authors, a fully-stocked wine cellar, electricity, running water, and working lifts.

Changing the Guards

Even if you’ve missed the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, don’t worry! Windsor Palace also offers the same experience. Watch the guards hand over their duties to the next set of guards, a ceremony carried out since 1660. The ceremony begins at 11am and lasts 45 minutes.

Royal Archives

The Royal Archives, also known as the King's or Queen's Archives, have stored the official and private correspondence of monarchs for centuries now. Founded in 1912 to store Queen Victoria's personal papers, the expanding collection includes diaries, letters, household papers, administrative records, and photographs of the other monarchs too.

Order of the Garter

The Order of the Garter is Britain’s oldest and most senior level of knighthood. It was founded by Edward III in 1348 and the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is the mother church of the Order of the Garter. Every June, a service and procession celebrates the Order attended by the monarch and the royal family. All new Knights and/or Ladies of the Order are sworn in at the Throne Room at Windsor Castle on Garter Day during the investiture ceremony.

History of Windsor Castle in a nutshell

1070s: William the Conqueror built the first wooden fortress on the site because of its proximity to the River Thames and the Windsor Forest, following the Norman conquest of 1066.

1165-1179: Henry II extensively expanded the castle and constructed the first stone castle and the first King’s Gate with Bagshot Heath stone, fortifying it against potential threats.

1216-1230: Henry III repaired the castle after it was besieged under King John's rule, further strengthening its defenses, along with three new towers.

1240-1263: Henry III built a luxurious palace in the Upper Ward for his queen and children, including the Lady Chapel, comparable to the Sainte-Chapelle in size and extravagance.

1350-1377: Edward III began the extensive expansion, rebuilding Henry III's palace, setting the foundation for the Order of the Garter, and turning Windsor into a grand royal residence.

1475: Edward IV commissioned the construction of St. George's Chapel, adding architectural magnificence and dismantling several buildings in the Lower Ward.

1488: Henry VII completed the roof of St George's Chapel and converted the Lady Chapel into a shrine for Henry VI. He remodeled the King's Chamber and used Windsor for international diplomatic events.

1550s-1600s: Edward VI used the castle as a haven amidst political strife. A fountain was added and the buildings used by the Knights of Windsor were expanded by Mary I. Elizabeth I added brass canons, constructed more modest buildings, and repaired existing structures. She converted the North Wharf into a stone terrace with statues, carvings, and a banqueting house. The chapel was refitted with stalls, a gallery, and a new ceiling.

1642-43: John Venn took control of the castle during the English Civil War. The valuable contents of St George's Chapel were looted. The castle became the headquarters for the Earl of Essex.

1660: Following the restoration of the monarchy, Charles II initiated restoration and remodeling projects with Baroque interiors, enhancing the castle's grandeur, inspired by Louis XIV's style and French design.

1740s-1760s: The castle, before George III's Gothic renovation, was a tourist attraction for wealthier visitors who could afford to see the castle and gardens, including the castle’s narwhal horn. He also built new battlements and turrets, a new Gothic staircase, and a Grand Vestibule ceiling above it. He also bought paintings for the royal collection and moved many artworks from other palaces.

1820: George IV and architect Jeffry Wyatville made the castle and the buildings appear more dramatic and taller in the French Rococo style.

1901: Edward VII modernized the castle, decluttering and redecorating many rooms. Electric lighting, heating, telephone lines, and automobile garages were added.

1939-1940: Royalty and staff from Buckingham Palace were shifted to Windsor Castle at the beginning of World War II. Artworks were taken down, chandeliers were lowered, and new paintings of the castle by John Piper were commissioned.

1992: A devastating fire engulfed a significant portion of the castle including 9 State Apartments, leading to a meticulous restoration effort of the castle in a modern style.

Present: Windsor Castle remains an official residence of the British monarch, serving as a symbol of royal power and tradition. It attracts visitors from all over, showcasing over 900 years of history and architectural magnificence.

Detailed history of Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle architecture

Who built Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is the result of works by several architects. William the Conqueror started it all with a basic wooden fort. Then, over the centuries, different architects kept adding on and making changes. Some famous names you might recognize include Jeffry Wyatville Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, Hugh May, Giles Downes, and Henry Emlyn. Apart from these architects, tons of skilled craftspeople also helped turn the castle into what it is today.

Architecture of Windsor Castle

The very heart of Windsor Castle is old-school, like a medieval movie with battlements on top, towers, and turrets all around. The Round Tower is the main attraction in this part of the castle. As time went on, though, the castle got some makeovers. They added architectural elements in the Gothic style, with dramatic pointed arches and stained-glass windows. Then, there are the State Apartments, decorated in a Georgian and Victorian style, with grand halls, opulent furniture, and intricate ceilings.

More about Windsor Castle architecture

Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle

How much are Windsor Castle tickets?

Windsor Castle tickets range from £30 to £159, depending on the type of experience you are looking for. The standard entry tickets cost £30. A day trip from London to Windsor Castle, although more expensive, saves you the trouble of arranging transport to and from the castle. You can also choose tickets which include nearby attractions like Stonehenge or a guided tour of Bath or Oxford.

What is the best time to visit Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is open from 10am to 4:15pm in winter and till 5:15pm in the summer from Thursday to Monday. The best time to visit the castle is from May to September. However, be aware that these months are also the busiest. Try to visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

How can I get to Windsor Castle?

The best way to get to the castle is by booking a day trip from London to Windsor Castle. This saves you the trouble of arranging transport. You can even take a guided tour of attractions like Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath. If you're choosing public transport, take the train. Get down at Windsor & Eton Central, which is just 373m away from the castle.

Who lives at Windsor Castle?

No royal members are living at Windsor Castle now except the staff. After Queen Elizabeth II's passing, King Charles inherited the castle. It is likely that Prince William and Kate Middleton may move into Windsor Castle.

How big is Windsor Castle?

Although Windsor Castle is much smaller than Buckingham Palace in London, it has more rooms. While Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, Windsor Castle has just over 1,000 rooms. That's about 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.

How long did it take to build Windsor Castle?

The original wooden castle was built around 1070 and took over 16 years to complete. However, there were several rounds of expansions and renovations by succeeding rulers over the years, with the last round of renovations after the fire in 1992.

Which parts of Windsor Castle are off-limits to the public?

The Windsor Castle is completely open to the public. The castle or the State Apartments are only closed to the public when royalty is in the house or during special events when the castle is functioning as a working palace.

Is photography allowed inside Windsor Castle?

Photography is not allowed in St George’s Chapel and the State Apartments. However, you are free to click photos outside the castle premises.

Is there a dress code to follow at Windsor Castle?

There is no strict dress code to follow when visiting Windsor Castle, but we encourage you to wear smart daywear. Given the attraction’s significance and the weather, wear respectable and modest clothing. Avoid shorts and flip-flops.

Can I buy souvenirs or gifts at Windsor Castle?

Yes, you can buy souvenirs and gifts, including books, decorations, stationery, and chocolates at the Windsor Castle Shop at the end of the tour.