Windsor Castle

Windsor, England, United Kingdom

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If you can only visit one castle on your trip to England, Windsor Castle should be at the top of your list. It is a living and breathing castle, fully staffed and running as it is one of the official residences of The Queen of England. It is a home as well as a museum and a major tourist attraction. The Queen is frequently there on the weekend and uses the various function rooms for State business.

This castle, occupied for over 1,000 years, is palatial in size and important for its magnificent collection of art and antiques and the impressive restoration of the areas that were destroyed in the devastating 1992 fire.

Much of the castle is open to visitors. Children will love visiting Queen Mary’s dolls’ house. The State Apartments, including bedrooms and dining rooms, can be toured; as well as St. George’s Chapel, where many royal weddings and funerals take place and the Albert Memorial Chapel.

There is an entrance fee which includes a self-directed audio tour. Photo taking is not allowed so consider taking pictures of the outside of the castle and purchasing interior shots in the gift shop. Most visitors stroll back into the charming village of Windsor for tea and crumpets afterwards, or for a meal in the many pubs and restaurants.

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3 Reviews

1. Huge, Amazing Castle

   Diana September 2, 2011 (New York)
   This is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and is still one of the official royal residences of Queen Elizabeth II. Most of the castle is open to visitors, with some absolutely magnificent works of art available for viewing in the royal collection. Paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Gainsborough are just some of the masterpieces on show
   
   

2. Watch the changing of the guard

   James September 4, 2011 (UK)
   The changing of the guard takes place at Windsor Castle every two days at 11am. The guards march up from the Victoria Barracks, where they are stationed, to Windsor Castle, accompanied by a band playing traditional marches and military songs. It is free to watch, but it is advised that you arrive early.
   
   

3. Lots to see and do. Well worth a visit.

   Michael September 7, 2011 (Singapore)
   Anglophiles should make this a must see place on any trip to England, since this is the favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth II and it is also the biggest and oldest still occupied castle in the world.
   
   The castle was originally built by William the Conquerer after the Norman invasion to guard a strategic position on the Thames River. It was fortified in the 13th century when it withstood many seiges during the First Baron's War. It was extensively used as a royal court by both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and was a favourite with Queen Victoria too.
   
   In a nutshell there is a whole lot of royal and political history packed into its walls and it makes for a fascinating place to visit.
   
   There is much to see here, with many different sections of the castle open to the public - my favourites were George IV's private apartments, which are very richly decorated and St. George's Chapel where Henry VIII is buried. You should allow for several hours to see the whole complex. There are audio guides available too.