Windsor Castle
The Oldest And Largest Inhabited Castle In The World, A Royal Residence For Nearly 1,000 Years Since William The Conqueror, With The State Apartments, St George'S Chapel (Where Many Monarchs Are Buried) And Queen Mary'S Dolls' House. Parts Close When The Royal Family Is In Residence Or For State Events · Windsor, England
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years since William the Conqueror raised a timber fort here around 1070. It sits on a chalk ridge above the Thames about 35 km west of central London, and the long grey walls dominate the little town below. Visitors walk through the State Apartments, lavish rooms still used for official entertaining, then see St George's Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece where many monarchs are buried, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House, a miniature palace with working plumbing and tiny books. It is a working royal home, so rooms close without much warning when the monarch is in residence or for state events. Expect crowds in summer, security queues at the gate, and a visit that is mostly indoors and on foot. The castle is impressive but ticket prices are high, so decide what you want to see before paying. Windsor town at its foot is small, touristy and busy at weekends.
Castle Hill, Windsor, about 35 km west of central London and a short walk from the two Windsor stations, Windsor, England, United Kingdom
The castle is open most days of the year, with longer hours in summer and shorter ones in winter. Last entry is commonly an hour or more before closing. It is usually closed on some days when the monarch is in residence, for state events and over Christmas, so check the calendar before you travel. St George's Chapel is closed to sightseeing on Sundays because services are held, though worshippers may attend; confirm other closure days too. The Changing of the Guard happens on set days only, not daily, and may be cancelled in bad weather - confirm the schedule. Walking in Windsor Great Park and around the town centre is FREE and always open. The castle interior, chapel and Dolls' House all need a ticket and are CLOSED when the castle shuts. Confirm everything close to your date.