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Explore Queen Mary's Dolls' House at Windsor Castle

queen marys dolls house

What is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the largest and most famous dolls’ house in the world. Constructed in the early 1920s and completed in 1924, it was created for Queen Mary of Teck, consort of King George V. Designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the miniature marvel showcases the craftsmanship of over 1,500 artists and artisans of the era, with intricate details in every room, including a fully stocked wine cellar, a grand piano, and a library with hundreds of miniature books.

Where is it located?

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is housed in a specially designed room within the State Apartments of Windsor Castle. The house is displayed behind a large glass case, and its facade can be lifted to reveal the detailed interiors.

How to access Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House?

Access to Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is included with all Windsor Castle tickets. No separate ticket is required.

Things to know before booking Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House tickets

  • Ticketed entry: Entry to the Dolls’ House is included with your Windsor Castle admission tickets.
  • Accessibility: For those requiring step-free access, entry to the Dolls’ House is available via a platform lift from the North Terrace. The lift is a key part of the step-free route into the State Apartments.
  • Other facilities: You can access the North Terrace and find toilets and baby-care facilities there before entering the State Apartments.
  • Timings: The Dolls’ House follows Windsor Castle’s opening hours, that is, 10am to 5:15pm from March to October, and 10am to 4:15pm from November to February. Entry to the State Apartments typically closes 30 minutes before the castle’s last admission time.
  • Closures: As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, the State Apartments or other parts of the castle may be closed at short notice for official events. Make sure to check for the latest updates before visiting.

Why visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House?

Queen Mary's Dolls' House interior at Windsor Castle, showcasing detailed miniature rooms.
  • Historical symbolism: Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, consort of King George V, the dolls’ house reflects the opulence and cultural life of the British royal family in the early 20th century.
  • Magnificent miniature craftsmanship: It is the largest and most famous doll’s house in the world, showcasing the work of over 1,500 artists and craftsmen. 
  • Functional and realistic design: The house features fully functioning electricity, running hot and cold water, and working lifts. Each room is meticulously designed with details that replicate real-life objects on a 1:12 scale.
  • Cultural context: It was conceived as a tribute to Queen Mary's contributions to the nation during and after World War I and was intended as a symbolizing gratitude for her service. 
  • Unique features: Some of the highlights of the dolls’ house include a miniature library with over 580 books, a wine cellar stocked with tiny bottles of real wine and a miniature garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

Historical and cultural significance of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

The idea for Queen Mary's Dolls' House originated with Princess Marie Louise, Queen Mary's cousin, who imagined a miniature residence that would reflect the elegance of the royal household. To bring this vision to life, she sought the services of celebrated architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and gathered more than 1,500 artists and craftsmen to contribute their expertise.

Far more than a child’s plaything, the Dolls’ House was conceived as a faithful record of 1920s British life, and was gifted to Queen Mary to honour her love for miniatures and for her role and leadership during the years of World War 1.

First unveiled at the British Empire Exhibition of 1924–1925, where it drew more than 1.6 million visitors, the Dolls’ House helped raise funds for Queen Mary’s charitable causes. Today, it remains one of Windsor Castle’s most cherished attractions, welcoming thousands of people to witness one of the finest masterpieces of British artistry.

What can you see inside the Dolls’ House?

Furnishings

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is one that would impress even the most cultured of collectors. The house features linens, working lifts, a garage housing cars, carpets, curtains, and working electric lights. The bathrooms are fully plumbed with running water and a functioning flush toilet complete with miniature toilet paper!

Library

Believe it or not, nearly 600 original, scaled-down books were handwritten or specially printed for the Dolls’ house’s library by renowned authors! These include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s How Watson Learned the Trick, alongside works by Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, and Joseph Conrad.

Music

The library also contains a remarkable collection of miniature musical compositions by composers such as Gustav Holst, Frederick Delius, Arthur Bliss, John Ireland, and Arnold Bax. Approximately 50 original works were specially created for the Dolls’ House.

Cellar and pantry

The house doesn’t just impress on the outside; the expertise with which it was created shows that no domestic detail was overlooked. Featuring a fully provisioned cellar and pantry, it includes cupboards and closets as well as a wine cellar stocked with 1,200 bottles filled with real champagnes, wines, spirits, and beers!

Garage

Befitting a grand residence fit for a queen, the house also includes a five-bay garage on its west side, housing a fleet of miniature automobiles. These include models from Daimler, Lanchester, Rolls-Royce, Sunbeam, and Vauxhall. And the ultimate mark of royalty? A Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost seven-seater limousine-landaulet!

Secret garden

The Dolls’ House also conceals hidden treasures. One such treasure is the secret garden, revealed by pulling out a large drawer beneath the main structure. Designed by Gertrude Jekyll, it features miniature greenery and gardening tools, styled in a traditional ornamental fashion inspired by studies at Kew Gardens.

Saloon and dining room

The State Apartments at the castle include the elegant Dining Room, used for large-scale formal entertaining. In the Dolls’ House, this grandeur is captured in miniature. Peer closely to see the dining room’s intricately carved mahogany table and crystal glassware and the saloon’s Louis XV-style chairs, chandeliers, miniature vases and side tables.

Know before you visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

queen marys dolls house

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House follows the same opening hours as Windsor Castle.

Opening times:

  • 1st March – 31st October: Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5:15pm (Last entry: 4pm)
  • 1st November – 28th February: Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4:15pm (Last entry: 3pm)

Note:

  • Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Entry to the State Apartments, where the Dolls’ House is located, closes 30 minutes after the last admission time.
Windsor Castle timings

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By bus: 702, 703
    Nearest stop: Parish Church (Stop J)
  • By train: GWR, South Western Railway
    Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central
  • By car: Via A4 and M4
    Nearest parking: Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road
  • By guided tour: Evan Evans Tours
    Nearest stop: Windsor Castle
Getting to Windsor Castle
No-flash photography sign at SEA Life London.
  • Be a respectful visitor at Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Do not touch the exhibit or take flash photography.
  • Strollers and buggies are not permitted inside the State Apartments although baby carriers are allowed.
  • Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not allowed
  • Food and drinks are not permitted inside the State Apartments
  • Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
Visitors with guide and audio devices inside Windsor Castle.
  • Plan your visit for early morning (around 10am) or late afternoon (post 3pm) to avoid crowds.
  • Make a note of everything the doll house has to offer and take time to admire the miniature furnishings, books, and musical instruments once there.
  • Allocate at least 30 to 45 minutes to fully enjoy the Dolls’ House.
  • Combine your visit with other parts of Windsor Castle, including St George’s Chapel and the rest of the State Apartments, for a complete experience.

Frequently asked questions about Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Yes, entry to Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is included with the standard Windsor Castle admission ticket.