Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied palace in the world, home to English kings and queens for more than 1000 years. It was a favourite royal residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who spent most of her private weekends at Windsor Castle and took up official residence for a month in the spring for Easter Court, and for a week each June, when she attended Royal Ascot and the service of the Order of the Garter. Since King Charles has ascended the throne, he has reportedly begun to spend more time himself at Windsor, though his favourite country residence is still his own home at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. It is, nonetheless, an official residence of the King, and used for state occasions, such as this September's state visit from Donald and Melania Trump.
When it comes to royal residences, it's not all about the castle itself. The Windsor Estate covers a vast area of around 15,800 acres, and is also home to Adelaide Cottage, the four-bedroom house which has been home to Prince William and his family since 2022, Forest Lodge, the grander Georgian house they are currently renovating, Frogmore Cottage, formerly home to Harry and Meghan, and Royal Lodge, the home of Prince Andrew.
The castle is used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions, including state visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. Some of the greatest treasures in the Royal Collection can be seen in the Castle's magnificent State Apartments. It is also the setting for many important events within the royal family itself, including weddings – Prince Harry married Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in 2018, with the reception held at Frogmore House – and funerals. Queen Elizabeth II was buried at St George's Chapel in 2022, alongside her husband Prince Philip, as well as her mother Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, father King George VI and sister Princess Margaret. The family are all buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which Queen Elizabeth II commissioned in 1962 for that purpose.
Where is Windsor Castle?
The royal residence can found in Windsor, in the English county of Berkshire, a short distance outside London. The specific address is Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. The nearest train stations are Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside.
When was Windsor Castle built?
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. The castle was established by William the Conqueror (r.1066-1087) who began building at Windsor around 1070. It took 16 years to complete. It was the official residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II and is still very much a working royal palace today, home to around 150 people.
Can you visit Windsor Castle?
Yes, you can. Windsor Castle is open to tourists throughout the year, apart from Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when the castle is shut to visitors. The castle tour includes the State Apartments that are used today by the royal family, the historical rooms that were built for Charles II and private apartments created for George IV.
The East Terrace gardens opened to the public for the first time in decades a few years ago. The large formal garden features clipped yews, over 3,500 rose bushes and a lotus flower fountain, overlooking the Eastern facade of the castle. Designed for George IV by the architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville between 1824 and 1826, the East Terrace garden's purpose was to provide a pleasant view from the King’s new suite of royal apartments. Visitors can book to visit on weekends in August and September.
The Royal Archives, the Royal Photograph Collection, the Print Room, and the Royal Library are all based here, and we also highly recommend a visit to Queen Mary's Dolls' House in a room specially designed for it by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Windsor Castle is also home to St George's Chapel, the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter - the oldest order of chivalry in the world, founded by Edward III in 1348, and the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. St George’s Chapel is open to visitors on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week with a ticket into the grounds, but it is also possible to attend services there for free without buying a ticket.
The entire castle complex (Lower Ward, Middle Ward with Round Tower and Upper Ward) covers 13 acres, so give yourself plenty of time for wandering.
