Windsor Castle, the official residence of King Charles III and the largest inhabited castle in the world, represents over 900 years of British royal history. Situated in the picturesque town of Windsor, in Berkshire, this magnificent architectural complex stands on a hill overlooking the Thames, offering a breathtaking spectacle that attracts visitors from around the globe.
This Norman fortress, transformed over the centuries into one of Europe’s most sumptuous royal residences, continues to play a fundamental role in the life of the British royal family. The castle is not merely a museum or historical monument, but a fully functioning royal palace where state ceremonies, official receptions and significant royal events take place.
With its impressive 45,000 square metres of space, Windsor Castle houses magnificent state rooms, a spectacular Gothic chapel – St George’s Chapel – and art collections of immeasurable value. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through British history, admiring the royal apartments, the architectural changes made by successive monarchs, and the grandeur of interiors decorated with artworks from the Royal Collection.
Windsor Castle encompasses centuries of British royal history within its walls, offering visitors an unforgettable experience through magnificent rooms and priceless treasures. The heart of any visit are the State Apartments, true masterpieces of architecture and decoration that represent the finest of British art and design across the centuries.

Within the State Apartments, the majestic Grand Reception Room immediately captures visitors’ attention with its richly gilded ceilings and imposing crystal chandeliers. The walls, adorned with precious tapestries from the royal collection and gilt rococo-style furniture, tell stories of splendour and royal celebrations.
Continuing the tour, visitors are greeted by the impressive St George’s Hall, a 55-metre-long room that still hosts the most important state banquets today. The ceiling, decorated with the coats of arms of the Knights of the Garter, overlooks an extraordinary collection of historic armour and weapons that testify to centuries of British military history.

Another area of particular interest is the Waterloo Chamber, created specifically to celebrate victory over France in 1815. This monumental room houses an extraordinary gallery of portraits commemorating the political and military leaders of the era, including the celebrated Duke of Wellington.
The walls of the State Apartments are further enriched by masterpieces from the Royal Collection, one of the world’s most important art collections, where you can admire works by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto and Gainsborough.

St George’s Chapel represents one of the finest examples of 15th-century English Gothic architecture. Its fan-vaulted ceiling is considered one of the most beautiful in England, whilst medieval stained glass windows filter the light creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality.
The chapel is not only an architectural masterpiece but also the resting place of numerous British monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Elizabeth II. The finely carved wooden stalls of the Knights of the Order of the Garter add further prestige to this sacred space, which in recent years has hosted significant royal events such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

A unique attraction is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a miniature masterpiece completed in 1924 by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. This extraordinary dollhouse is far more than a simple toy: it is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an Edwardian-era aristocratic residence.
Every detail has been crafted with meticulous precision: from the cellar, where tiny bottles contain genuine wine, to the library housing over 700 miniature books, written specifically by famous authors of the period. The house even features a fully functional electrical and plumbing system, whilst the miniature silverware was created by the same royal jewellers.

A visit to the castle also offers the opportunity to witness the spectacular Changing of the Guard, a traditional ceremony that takes place in the lower quadrangle. During this 30-minute ritual, visitors can admire the precise movements of the Household Division as a new guard replaces the previous one, accompanied by the military band. The spectacle, generally held at 11:00, is a fascinating demonstration of British military precision and pageantry.

From October to March, visitors have the unique opportunity to access the Semi-State Rooms, private apartments created for George IV. These spaces exemplify the finest English Rococo style, with the sumptuous Crimson Drawing Room featuring walls lined with crimson damask silk, the refined Green Drawing Room with its green silk panels and gilt furniture, and the prestigious Garter Throne Room, where Garter ceremonies take place.
During the festive season, these rooms take on an even more magical atmosphere, adorned with traditional decorations and magnificent Christmas trees.

The Round Tower is impossible to miss – the castle’s most iconic feature that dominates Windsor’s skyline. Built at the command of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this imposing tower today houses the royal archives and a precious photographic collection.
When open to the public, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Windsor area.
During rare special openings, fortunate visitors can access the Moat Garden, a private garden situated in the moat surrounding the Round Tower. This hidden green space offers a unique perspective of the castle’s medieval walls and the Round Tower, whilst rare plant beds and seasonal flowers surround an elegant 19th-century fountain, creating an oasis of peace at the heart of the castle complex.

Tickets to Windsor Castle are available both online and at the box offices on site, but advance online purchase is strongly recommended to avoid queues and ensure entry, especially during peak season. The standard ticket includes access to the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Prices vary according to age and ticket type. Reduced rates are available for students, over 60s and children. Children under 5 enter free of charge.
Afternoon entry to Windsor Castle is included in the London Pass, a city card offering entry to over 90 of London’s top attractions for periods ranging from 1 to 10 days.
Windsor Castle welcomes visitors year-round, with opening hours varying by season. From March to October, the castle is open from 10:00 to 17:15 (last admission 16:00), whilst from November to February closing time is brought forward to 16:15 (last admission 15:00).
It is important to note that the castle may close early or completely for royal events or state visits. It is advisable to always check opening hours on the official website before your visit. St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, as it remains an active place of worship.

The charming village of Windsor offers far more than its famous castle. The cobbled streets of the historic centre host a variety of shops, restaurants and traditional pubs worth exploring. High Street is the commercial heart of the town, where you’ll find luxury boutiques, souvenir shops and welcoming cafés.
A must-see attraction is Windsor Great Park, an enormous royal park extending over 2,000 hectares south of the castle. The Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue nearly 5 km long, offers one of the most photographed views of the castle and makes for a pleasant stroll. The park is also home to Savill Garden, a 35-acre ornamental garden featuring spectacular botanical collections in every season.
For shopping enthusiasts, Windsor Royal Shopping Centre, located in the Victorian-era railway station building, offers a unique shopping experience in a historic setting. You’ll find international brands and local boutiques, along with numerous restaurants and cafés.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a Thames boat cruise. Several companies offer boat tours allowing you to admire the castle and town from a different perspective. These cruises are particularly enjoyable on summer days and provide interesting commentary on local history.

Legoland Windsor is one of the most beloved theme parks in the United Kingdom. Located on the former Windsor estate, a short distance from the famous royal castle, the park extends across 150 acres of rolling grounds offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The heart of the park is the spectacular Miniland, a miniature reproduction of Europe’s most famous monuments and landscapes, built with over 40 million LEGO bricks. Here visitors can admire an incredibly detailed miniature London, with Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye that come to life at the touch of special buttons. The scenes are enriched by moving trains, boats navigating real waterways and countless small details that make the experience engaging for both adults and children.
The park is divided into twelve themed areas offering attractions suited to different age groups. LEGO City allows children to earn their first driving licence at the LEGO City Driving School, whilst Kingdom of the Pharaohs hosts thrilling indoor roller coasters. In the recently opened LEGO Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures, visitors can meet mythological creatures built from LEGO and experience Flight of the Sky Lion, the world’s first attraction combining virtual reality with 360-degree motion.
Reaching Windsor is extremely easy thanks to its excellent connections with London and the rest of the United Kingdom. The town has two railway stations: Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside, both less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Castle.
From London Paddington, you can take a train to Slough and then change for Windsor & Eton Central, with a total journey time of approximately 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, from London Waterloo there is a direct service to Windsor & Eton Riverside, with a journey of around 55 minutes.
The Windsor Express buses run regular services to Windsor town centre, with route 702 departing near Victoria Station in central London and route 703 departing from Heathrow Terminal 5.
For those arriving by car, Windsor is easily accessible from the M4 motorway (junction 6) or the M3 (junction 3). The castle is well signposted once in town. There is no official car park, but several public car parks are available, with the most convenient being Windsor Coach Park, located just a few minutes’ walk from the castle.
From London airports, Heathrow is certainly the most convenient option, just 20 minutes’ drive away.
For those staying in London, numerous operators offer guided day trips to Windsor Castle. These tours are a convenient option for visiting the castle without worrying about transport and often include other popular destinations such as Stonehenge, Oxford and Bath.
Tours typically depart from central London early in the morning and last approximately 5-6 hours if dedicated solely to Windsor, or a full day if combined with other attractions. Prices vary depending on the itinerary and services included.
The historic town centre of Windsor offers an unbeatable location for those wishing to stay just steps from the castle. This area, characterised by period buildings and cobbled streets, is home to numerous high-quality accommodation options, from boutique hotels to charming bed & breakfasts, many of which offer stunning views of the castle.
For those seeking a quieter setting, the Eton area on the other side of the Thames is an excellent alternative. The residential neighbourhood offers more affordable accommodation whilst maintaining typical British charm.