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Contents
All You Need to Know About Windsor Castle
Founded On
1824
Founded By
Jeffry Wyatville, Hugh May, Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, Giles Downes, and Henry Emlyn
Quick information
ADDRESS
Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
10 AM - 5:15 PM
VISITORS PER YEAR
1500000
TICKETS
From £ 30
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
1991
Windsor Castle tickets and tours
What is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It serves as an official residence of the British monarch and a popular tourist attraction. Built by William the Conqueror following the Norman invasion in the 11th century, this historic estate inspired the renaming of the royal House of Windsor. The castle has also played host to many royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It was the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II from 2011 to 2022 and remains the late Queen's resting place.
Windsor Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, highlighting the castle's exceptional cultural significance and remarkable architectural achievements throughout its centuries-long history. The castle’s preservation and ongoing use as an official residence of the British monarch add to its global value.
Why visit Windsor Castle?
- Historical majesty: Explore over 900 years of royal history within the walls of this iconic medieval castle, that remains a favored residence for the 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 of 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 breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the three-mile Long Walk to the castle amid lush greenery.
Plan your visit to Windsor Castle
Location
Timings
The opening hours of Windsor Castle can vary, depending on the time of the year.
- 1 November to 29 February: 10am to 4:15pm (Thursday to Monday)
- 1 March to 31 October: 10am to 5:15pm (Thursday to Monday)
The last entry is 1 hour 15 minutes before closing. Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Windsor Castle opening hoursWhat 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, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. 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 Heads of State from other countries, investitures, and award ceremonies. The gold-covered Grand Reception Room, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Semi-State Rooms are the most elaborate. Here, you will find elaborately painted ceilings and works by Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens
Semi-State Rooms
These private apartments were often used by Queen Elizabeth II for official entertaining. 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.
Queen Mary's Doll's House
Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, this miniature marvel has over 1500 contributions from writers, architects, artists, and craftspeople. The dollhouse features 200 miniature books by famous authors, a fully-stocked wine cellar with actual spirits, electricity, running water, and working lifts.
Changing of the Guards
Witness the grand Changing of the Guards ceremony in one of the only two places that it is conducted (don't worry if you missed it at Buckingham Palace)! Watch the guards handover their duties to the next set of guards, a duty which they has been carried out since 1660.
Royal Archives
Also known as the King's or Queen's Archives, these archives have stored the official and private correspondence of monarchs for centuries. Established in 1912 to store Queen Victoria's correspondence following her death, the expanding collection includes diaries, letters, household papers, administrative records, and photographs.
Windsor Castle architecture
Who built Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle was built by a multitude of architects over the centuries. The initial wooden fortress was constructed by William the Conqueror. Later, notable architects such as Jeffry Wyatville, Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, Hugh May, Giles Downes, and Henry Emlyn contributed to its expansion. Numerous craftsmen and builders also shaped the castle's remarkable architecture.
Architecture of Windsor Castle
The castle's core reflects the medieval fortress design featuring battlements, towers, and turrets, with the Round Tower as its centerpiece. Expansion projects introduced Gothic elements. The State Apartments showcase Georgian and Victorian influences, with grand halls, opulent furnishings, and intricate ceilings.
Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle
How much are Windsor Castle tickets?
The tickets range from £30 to £159, depending on the type of experience you purchase. 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, these months are also the busiest. Weekends are also more crowded than weekdays, so try to avoid visiting on these days if you want to avoid 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, and you can even take a guided tour of attractions or nearby locations like Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath. If you're choosing public transport, take the train. Get down at Windsor & Eton Central, which is just 373 m away from the castle.
Who lives at Windsor Castle?
Currently, no royal lives at Windsor Castle and is only occupied by 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 than the latter. While Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, Windsor Castle has just over 1000 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.
What is the Order of the Garter?
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior level of knighthood in Britain. It was founded by Edward III in 1348 and the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is the mother church to the Order of the Garter. Every year in June, a service and procession celebrates the Order, which is 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.
