Windsor Castle - Windsor, Berkshire
England’s Oldest Castle
Windsor Castle is located about an hour’s drive outside of London. It is the oldest castle in England. It’s also the most famous castle in the world. Built by William the Conqueror, the castle looks out over the countryside and Windsor Great Park. Over the years, it’s been home to 39 monarchs. It was one of The Queen’s official residences, prior to her passing in September 2022. Its rooms are furnished with priceless works of art from the Royal Collection.
Royal Weddings at St. George’s Chapel
Royal Weddings have taken place at St. George’s Chapel over the years. These have included Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in October 2019 – and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018.
St. George’s Chapel
Queen Elizabeth II, after an historic 70-yr reign, is now reunited with her beloved husband Prince Philip – and with her parents and her sister Princess Margaret – in the Royal Vault, located beneath St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The public can view the Queen’s final resting place and see the ledger stone in the George VI Memorial Chapel which is inscribed with her name. The Chapel also houses tombs of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour, and Charles 1.
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”
– Queen Elizabeth II
Plan to spend at least a few hours at Windsor Castle. There’s a lot to see. Keep a look-out for any Royals. A few years ago, one of our cousins from New York visiting Windsor for the first time, caught a glimpse of the Queen as she was leaving the castle. We visited the castle the day after the Queen’s funeral. It was heartbreaking seeing all the memorial flowers and tributes surrounding the castle grounds.
Free Guided Tour
Take a free 30-minute tour of the Castle Precincts (outside areas of the castle). Tours are led by Wardens throughout the day from the Jubilee Bandstand. Tour ends at the entrance to the State Apartments.
What To See at Windsor Castle
Visit the castle’s State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, Semi-State Rooms, Moat Room, and St. George’s Chapel.
Changing the Guard
Changing the Guard ceremony is the handover of duties between two groups of guards. The ceremony takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am. Note: Days and hours are subject to change.
Quaint Town of Windsor
If you have time to spare, it’s worth spending an hour or two walking around the quaint town of Windsor. It’s packed with little antique shops, fun restaurants and historic pubs. Be sure to stop by Fudge Kitchen (on Thames Street) to taste free samples and watch how fudge is made. We bought several big slabs of fudge to take back home with us to San Francisco (highly recommend the Maple Walnut and Vanilla Coconut!) During our last visit to Windsor, we enjoyed a lovely pub lunch overlooking the water at The Boatman – Windsor’s only pub on the River Thames.
Nearest Train Station
Windsor & Eaton Central or Windsor & Eaton Riverside
More Info
Visit the castle’s website for more info on ticket prices, hours, directions and tours.