Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most famous royal residences in the United Kingdom, standing above the River Thames in the town of Windsor, Berkshire, about 35 km west of central London. It is both a working royal palace and a popular visitor attraction, and it has been home to the monarchy for more than 900 years. Founded in the 11th century, it is one of the official residences of the British monarch and the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

History and Significance

Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror around 1070 as one of a ring of fortresses around London. Its position on a chalk ridge above the Thames made it both a defensive stronghold and a royal residence. Almost every monarch since has altered or extended it, and after a major fire in 1992 damaged more than 100 rooms, the castle was fully restored by 1997.

Architecture

The castle covers about 13 acres and combines elements of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture. Its main features include:

• The Round Tower, standing on a raised mound, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• The State Apartments, lavishly decorated with artworks from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, and Rembrandt.
• St George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, which serves as a royal church and the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter. Several monarchs, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth II, are buried there.

The castle’s blend of defensive fortifications and luxurious living spaces makes it a unique architectural and historical landmark.

Visiting the Castle

Windsor Castle is open to visitors from Thursday to Monday; it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and occasionally for official events. Visitors can see the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St George’s Chapel, which is closed to sightseers on Sundays, when it is open only for worship. The Changing of the Guard usually takes place at 11:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and more often in spring and early summer.

Opening hours:
From March to October the castle is open from 10:00 to 17:15, and from November to February from 10:00 to 16:15. Last admission is 75 minutes before closing.

Admission fees:
In 2026 an adult ticket costs £32 when booked in advance or £36 on the day. Young people aged 18–24 pay £21, children aged 5–17 pay £16, and under-5s go free. A multimedia guide in several languages is included.

How to Get There

By train:
From London Waterloo, direct trains run to Windsor & Eton Riverside in about 55 minutes. From London Paddington, change at Slough for the short shuttle to Windsor & Eton Central; the trip takes about 30–40 minutes. Both stations are a short walk from the castle.

By car:
Windsor can be reached via the M4 motorway (exit 6). There are several public car parks in Windsor town, but parking near the castle is limited, so arriving early is recommended.

By bus or tour:
Numerous guided tours and coach trips operate from central London, often including round-trip transportation and entry tickets.

What Makes It Famous

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and is closely linked with the royal family. Elizabeth II spent much of her life here, and royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, have taken place in St George’s Chapel.