Windsor Castle is one of Britain’s most remarkable royal landmarks and, according to the Royal Collection Trust, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Rising above Windsor in Berkshire, the castle has almost 1,000 years of history and remains an important working royal residence.
A Castle With Nearly 1,000 Years of Royal History
The story of Windsor Castle begins in the 11th century, when William the Conqueror established a fortress here after the Norman Conquest. The site developed from a strategic stronghold into a royal palace and has been associated with 40 monarchs.
Over the centuries, kings and queens changed, enlarged and restored the castle. Medieval fortifications were strengthened in stone, royal apartments were developed and later monarchs transformed parts of the complex to suit changing tastes and royal ceremony.
The State Apartments
The State Apartments are among the great highlights of a visit. These richly decorated rooms are used for ceremonial and official occasions and contain important works from the Royal Collection, giving visitors a glimpse into the artistic and ceremonial life of the monarchy.
St George’s Chapel
St George’s Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England and has a special place in royal history. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter and contains the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, George VI and Henry VIII.
The chapel has also hosted major royal weddings, adding another chapter to its long history.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
One of the castle’s most fascinating treasures is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary to designs by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the remarkable 1:12-scale house contains extraordinary miniature craftsmanship, including working electricity, running water and lifts.
Exploring Windsor Castle
A visit combines history, architecture, royal ceremony and views across Windsor. The castle stands at the top of a steep hill and the visitor route involves considerable walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Allow around 1½ to 2 hours for a visit, although history lovers may wish to spend longer exploring the rooms, chapel and displays.
Planning Your Visit
Windsor Castle is open to visitors during much of the year, but it remains a working royal palace and arrangements can change. Before travelling, check the latest opening times, closures, ticket information and visitor guidance with the Royal Collection Trust.
Windsor Castle Today
Few places bring together British royal history and living tradition quite like Windsor Castle. From William the Conqueror’s original fortress to the magnificent State Apartments and the Gothic splendour of St George’s Chapel, the castle offers visitors a journey through centuries of British history.
Picture Credit
The featured photograph is used from Unsplash and is credited to E Mens. View the photographer’s Unsplash profile. The photograph is not claimed as original WindsorCastle.info content.
Author: Simon Ben Gemmill
Written with ChatGPT assistance.
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