Windsor Castle
The world's oldest and largest occupied castle — State Apartments, St George's Chapel and the Changing of the Guard in royal Berkshire
The world's oldest and largest occupied castle — State Apartments, St George's Chapel and the Changing of the Guard in royal Berkshire
Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world — a royal residence since William the Conqueror founded it in the 1070s and still a working palace for state occasions.
The castle dominates its Thames-side town, the Round Tower visible for miles. Inside, the State Apartments hold masterworks by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, while St George's Chapel — burial place of Henry VIII and setting for the 2018 royal wedding — ranks among the finest Gothic architecture in England.
William the Conqueror chose this site above the Thames in the 1070s as part of a ring of fortifications around London. Every monarch since has added to the castle, from Henry II's stone Round Tower to George IV's Gothic remodelling in the 1820s. Medieval walls, Tudor brickwork and Regency grandeur stand side by side.
The castle has seen drama too. Charles I was held prisoner here before his execution. In 1992, a fire tore through 115 rooms in the State Apartments. The painstaking five-year restoration, completed in 1997, is considered one of the finest pieces of heritage craftsmanship of the twentieth century.
The State Apartments are the centrepiece. The Grand Reception Room glitters with gold and crystal, St George's Hall seats 160 for state banquets, and the Waterloo Chamber celebrates Napoleon's defeat with portraits by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Paintings from the Royal Collection line every corridor — look for Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck and Canaletto.
St George's Chapel, reached through the Lower Ward, was built between 1475 and 1528. Its fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass rival any English cathedral. The Quire stalls carry the banners of the Knights of the Garter, and beneath the floor lie the tombs of Henry VIII, Charles I and ten other monarchs. Nearby, Queen Mary's Dolls' House enchants with its miniature perfection.
Windsor is easy to reach by train. The Paddington route via Slough takes 35 minutes; the Waterloo direct service takes 55 minutes but avoids a change. Both stations are a short walk from the castle entrance.
Allow at least three hours inside. The audio guide, included with your ticket, covers every room. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, time your arrival for the Changing of the Guard at 11am — watching the band march up the High Street and through the castle gates is a highlight. The town has good pubs and riverside restaurants for lunch afterwards.
Tickets include a Gift Aid option that converts your purchase into an annual pass — ask at the ticket desk and keep your receipt
Queues build quickly after 10am, especially in summer. Being at the entrance for opening gives you the State Apartments almost to yourself for the first 30 minutes.
The Changing of the Guard happens at 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (daily in summer). Arrive by 10:30am and stand near the Henry VIII Gate for the best view.
If you are a UK taxpayer, adding Gift Aid at the ticket desk converts your purchase into an annual pass at no extra cost. Keep your receipt for return visits.
The chapel sometimes closes early for services or private events. Head there first to be sure of entry, then work your way through the State Apartments afterwards.
Cross the pedestrian bridge from Windsor to Eton for a stroll past Eton College's historic buildings, independent bookshops and riverside pubs. It takes five minutes and feels like a different world.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: February 28, 2026
