The Oldest and Largest Occupied Castle
Windsor Castle is a potent symbol of the British monarchy. Located in the county of Berkshire, just west of London, it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It has been a family home to 40 monarchs over nearly 1,000 years, from William the Conqueror to King Charles III. Unlike many historic castles which are essentially museums, Windsor is a working palace. The Royal Standard flag flies from the Round Tower when the King is in residence, signaling that the monarch is at home.
The castle covers an area of 13 acres (5 hectares) and contains a palace, a fortress, a town (in the form of the cloister residences), and a large church. Its skyline of towers and battlements is instantly recognizable and has been the backdrop for royal weddings, state visits, and national celebrations. It is often said that while Buckingham Palace is the office, Windsor is the home.
History: A Fortress and a Home
The castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of 1066. It was originally a timber motte-and-bailey castle designed to guard the western approach to London. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt in stone and expanded by successive kings. Henry II built the Round Tower and the outer walls; Edward III turned it into a gothic palace for his Order of the Garter; and George IV gave it its current romantic, turreted appearance in the 1820s, spending a colossal sum to heighten the towers and add machicolations.
The castle survived two sieges during the Baron's War and the English Civil War. More recently, it survived the devastating fire of 1992, which destroyed 115 rooms, including the State Dining Room and the private chapel. The restoration took five years and was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, blending modern techniques with traditional skills to return the castle to its former glory. The fire actually revealed hidden medieval features that had been covered up for centuries.
The State Apartments
The State Apartments are the grand sequence of rooms used by the King for ceremonial and official occasions. They are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. The rooms reflect the tastes of different monarchs:
- The King's Dining Room: A baroque masterpiece with a painted ceiling by Antonio Verrio.
- The Grand Reception Room: Once the main ballroom, decorated in a lavish French rococo style with huge chandeliers.
- The Waterloo Chamber: Created to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon, lined with portraits of the allied monarchs and commanders who fought in the battle.
- St George's Hall: The ceiling of this vast hall was completely destroyed in the 1992 fire. It was rebuilt using traditional green oak beams, creating a modern gothic masterpiece that honors the medieval original. The shields of every Knight of the Garter are displayed on the ceiling.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House
One of the most popular attractions within the castle is Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary (consort of George V), it is the most famous dolls' house in the world. It is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an aristocratic home, complete with working electricity, running water, and elevators. It even has a library filled with tiny books written specially by famous authors of the day, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and J.M. Barrie. The wine cellar is stocked with real wine, and the crown jewels are kept in a strongroom.
St George's Chapel
Within the castle walls lies St George's Chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world. The chapel has hosted many royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
It is also a royal mausoleum. Ten monarchs are buried here, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, Charles I (who was beheaded), and most recently, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The atmosphere in the chapel is one of solemn history. Visitors can see the simple ledger stone in the George VI Memorial Chapel where the late Queen rests.
Legends: Herne the Hunter
The Great Park surrounding the castle is said to be haunted by Herne the Hunter. According to legend, Herne was a keeper in the days of Richard II who saved the King from a stag but was mortally wounded. He was healed by a wizard but lost his ability to hunt. In despair, he hanged himself from an oak tree. His ghost, wearing antlers upon his head, is said to ride through the park on a phantom horse, rattling chains and bringing ill fortune to those who see him. This legend was famously immortalized by Shakespeare in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Windsor Castle is generally open daily throughout the year, but as a working royal palace, it can close at short notice for state events. It is usually closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Opening time is 10:00 AM, with last admission around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM depending on the season.
Getting There
Windsor is easily accessible from London. Trains run from London Paddington (changing at Slough) or direct from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. The trip takes under an hour. The castle is a short walk from both stations.
The Long Walk
For a free and spectacular view of the castle, walk down the Long Walk. This 2.6-mile tree-lined avenue runs from the castle gates through Windsor Great Park to the Copper Horse statue. It offers the classic, imposing view of the castle's south facade.
The Changing of the Guard and Ceremonial Traditions
No visit to Windsor Castle would be complete without witnessing the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. This historic ritual, which takes place on the Parade Ground just outside the Guard Room, is a lively display of British pageantry and military precision. Set to the rousing tunes of a military band, the ceremony involves the handover of duties between the old guard and the new guard, both typically dressed in their famous scarlet tunics and bearskin hats. The guards are handpicked from the five regiments of Foot Guards, continuing a tradition that underscores the castle's enduring role as a functioning royal fortress. Beyond this daily spectacle, Windsor's ceremonial life is punctuated by monumental events of state. The annual Garter Day procession in June sees the King and the Knights of the Garter walk through the castle precincts in glorious velvet robes and plumed hats, a vivid link to the medieval chivalry that shaped the castle's history. These enduring ceremonies ensure that Windsor never feels like a dusty relic, but rather a lively, living theater where the ancient customs of the monarchy are enthusiastically preserved and celebrated for the modern era.