Windsor Castle

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Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years.

The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature.

During the winter months an additional five rooms, known collectively as the Semi-State Rooms, are included in the visitor route. Standard admission charges apply. The Semi-State Rooms close in March and re-open to the public in September.

What there is to see:

The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough. 

From October to March visitors can also enjoy George IV's private apartments (the Semi-State Rooms), among the most richly decorated interiors in the Castle.

St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. Within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I.

Among the highlights of a visit to Windsor is Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the most famous dolls' house in the world.

Guided Tours to the Great Kitchen:

For a special day at Windsor Castle, add a guided tour of the Great Kitchen to your visit.  The tour takes you to areas not normally open to the public and provides a fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes life of the Castle.

Changing of the Guard:

Changing the Guard takes place at 11:00 daily from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting.

Opening Times:

Open New Year

01/03/2010 - 31/10/2010
Day	Times
Monday	09:45	16:00
Tuesday	09:45	16:00
Wednesday	09:45	16:00
Thursday	09:45	16:00
Friday	09:45	16:00
Saturday	09:45	16:00
Sunday	09:45	16:00
BankHoliday	09:45	16:00

01/11/2010 - 28/02/2011
Day	Times
Monday	09:45	15:00
Tuesday	09:45	15:00
Wednesday	09:45	15:00
Thursday	09:45	15:00
Friday	09:45	15:00
Saturday	09:45	15:00
Sunday	09:45	15:00

Getting There:

Green Line from London. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell.

Parking (charge) - No car parking on site but follow the signs for LONG STAY PARKING in Windsor town centre; these car parks are better value if you are visiting the castle.