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Contents
Explore the Inside of Windsor Castle | Major Highlights
Windsor Castle is a historic fortress and royal residence steeped in history. It houses magnificent State Apartments adorned with priceless artworks by renowned masters, luxurious furnishings, and exquisite tapestries. Read on to learn about what you can see inside the renowned castle.
Windsor Castle | Visitor information at a glance
Official name: Windsor Castle
Built in: 1070
Founded by: William the Conqueror
Architects: Jeffry Wyatville, Hugh May, Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, Giles Downes, and Henry Emlyn
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK
Timings: 10am to 4:15pm (Nov 1-Feb 28), 10am to 5:15pm (Mar 1-Oct 31)
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1991
Visitors per year: 1.5 million approximately
How to go inside Windsor Castle
Top things to see inside Windsor Castle
State Apartments
The British monarchy has used the State Apartments for official functions and entertaining distinguished guests for centuries. The rooms have magnificent chandeliers, furnishings, and artworks by renowned masters, including Van Dyck and Rembrandt. Intricately designed ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and richly decorated walls create a majestic and elegant atmosphere.
St. George's Chapel
St. George's Chapel is a testament to Gothic architecture. It holds historical and spiritual significance, serving as the final resting place for monarchs, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. The chapel's exterior, with towering spires and beautiful stained glass windows, illuminates the interior. You'll also be greeted by a breathtaking Quire, adorned with carved woodwork and intricate details.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House
Queen Mary's Dolls' House is a miniature marvel built in the early 1920s for Queen Mary, wife of King George V. Designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it measures nearly 5 feet tall, housing an array of meticulously crafted miniature furnishings. It includes a working elevator, running water, functional electric lights, and a library stocked with authentic miniature books.
Semi-State Rooms
The opulent rooms, designed for state and ceremonial occasions, are proof of the British monarchy’s grandeur and magnificence. Created for George IV in the early 19th century, the rooms underwent restoration in the 20th century to increase their lure. They showcase a remarkable blend of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Rococo, with gilded ceilings and lavish furnishings.
Round Tower
The Round Tower stands at the heart of Windsor Castle. The tower dates back to Henry II’s reign in the 12th century and has played a crucial role in the defense and administration of the castle. Thanks to its location atop a hill, the tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, giving the British monarchy a strategic vantage point for monitoring potential threats.
Garter Throne Room
The Garter Throne Room is the venue for ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious British chivalric order. The room features magnificent Gothic-style windows, intricate wood paneling, and a soaring vaulted ceiling adorned with elaborate carvings. The Garter Throne is the room’s focal point, where the Sovereign sits during Garter ceremonies.
Royal Archives
Hidden behind closed doors is a remarkable collection of ancient manuscripts called the Royal Archives. Spanning over 250,000 documents, the Royal Archives hold an extraordinary wealth of historical treasures, including letters penned by monarchs and confidential government papers. The personal diary of King George III is one such document that offers a firsthand account of the monarch's thoughts and experiences.
Waterloo Chamber
The Waterloo Chamber is dedicated to the defeat of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo. Designed by Jeffry Wyatville, it replaced many of the rooms in Hugh May's 17th-century design. The chamber is filled with portraits of prominent figures who defeated Napoleon together. In 2004, the musical Les Miserables was staged here. Today, it remains an important room that hosts the Garter Day luncheon every year.
China Museum
The China Museum stores original china and exquisite porcelain pieces from the Royal Collection. It also displays unique Chinese and Japanese pieces from the 17th century, Queen Mary's china collection, as well as pieces used by the royal family on special occasions. You can also buy replicas inspired by this collection, made using traditional techniques.
Frequently asked questions about what's inside Windsor Castle
What is the ticket price to tour inside Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle 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.
How big is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is approximately 484,000 square feet and sits on 13 acres (5.3 hectares), with impressive structures and buildings. Some sections may not be open to the public if royalty is in or during important events. However, most of the castle premises can be explored in a few hours.
How many rooms does Windsor Castle have?
Windsor Castle has over a 1000 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. That's more rooms than Buckingham Palace in London, the official residence of the monarch.
What is the biggest room in Windsor Castle?
Technically not a room, St George's Chapel is the largest space inside Windsor Castle, big enough to accommodate over 800 people on its pews. Established by King Edward III in the 14th century, it continued to expand throughout the 15th century to its current structure and size.
Who designed Windsor Castle?
William the Conqueror first designed Windsor Castle, with several architects adding unique elements with time, including Jeffry Wyatville, Hugh May, Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, Giles Downes, and Henry Emlyn.
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.
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.
What is an interesting fact about Windsor Castle?
The Great Kitchen at Windsor Castle is the oldest functioning kitchen in Britain, serving 32 of the 39 monarchs who lived at the castle. Interestingly, the clock in the kitchen was always set five minutes ahead so that Queen Elizabeth II was always served on time. You can read more facts about Windsor Castle here.