A royal home and fortress for over 900 years, Windsor is the largest occupied castle in the world, and remains a working palace, with over 150 staff. Rumoured to have been Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite address – she spent most of her private weekends at the castle.
The ornate state apartments, lined with works of art by painters such as Van Dyck, Holbein and Rubens, were built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, as an attempt to rival the achievements of his cousin, Louis XVI, at Versailles. Visitors can also see the semi-state rooms – the private apartments of George IV.
Don’t miss
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor is a spectacle worth seeing, with guards marching up to the castle complete with a band. It takes place at 11am on different days each month, and last 30 minutes. Check the website for specific dates and time your visit accordingly.
While you’re there
A visit to Windsor gives you two classic slices of British history in one; alongside the castle, the town of Windsor is also home to Eton College, the UK’s most renowned boarding school and alma mater of twenty British Prime Ministers. Take a walk from the castle across the river and along Eton High Sreet, and you’ll find yourself stepping into a bygone era, with masters and boys from the world-famous school strolling past in gowns, with shopfronts that haven’t changed in over a century.
Follow the Eton Walkway, a 2-mile / one-hour circular walk, following bronze markers set into the pavement, that connects 18 points of interest in the town starting at Windsor Bridge.
Logistics
Price from: £24
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Windsor is about a 1-hour drive from London. Trains from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside take about an hour.
Book tickets in advance on the website to guarantee entry. Allow about 1.5-2 hours for your visit.
Free audio tours are available with admission (take your own headphones if possible). Before you go, read the informative sections on the website about who built the castle and why and who has lived there.
When to do it
Windsor Castle is open all year round, Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. More rooms are open in the winter months.
Who to go with: organised tours
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
This Tour combines three iconic destinations in one day, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery. Travelers can explore the prehistoric marvel of Stonehenge, the royal grandeur of Windsor Castle, and the exquisite Georgian architecture of Bath.
Benefit from knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights and stories abut each location, enhancing the overall experience and making the history come alive.
Explore the beautiful scenery of the English countryside on this full-day tour of Windsor, Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath. Head to Windsor, home of the British Royal Family famous for Windsor Castle. Over 900 years of royal history are waiting for you there. Continue onward to the 5,000-year-old prehistoric site of Stonehenge with a guide, and ponder over its use in centuries past. Visit the charming English village of Lacock for a traditional pub lunch, and finally, enjoy a coach tour of Georgian city of Bath as well as a short walking tour.
Entry to Windsor Castle State Apartments
Visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St George’s Chapel
Visit Mysterious Stonehenge
Entrance to Roman Baths and Pump Rooms with spa water–tasting
Luxury air–conditioned vehicle*
Windsor has been the home of Kings and Queens for centuries. Wander its cobbled streets and see the largest occupied castle in the world - home of the English and British monarchy for almost 1,000 years and today one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.
Stonehenge is a must-see icon of England and, with a history spanning 4,500 years, has many different meanings to people today. Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration.
Plus, discover the beautiful English city of Oxford, home to the world-famous university and incredible architecture dating back to Saxon times.
- See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor
- Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option selected)
- Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected)
- Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an expert guide
- See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University
Enjoy three of England's most delightful destinations in just one day! Make sure you are in Victoria: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR for 7:30am as your coach will be leaving at 8:00am sharp!
Highlights of the day:
• See what’s inside the King’s favourite weekend residence
• Marvel at the stunning interiors of Windsor Castle
• Get up close with the mystery of Stonehenge
• Wander through the cobbled streets of Oxford
