Windsor Castle — About, History, Tours & Visitor Information (2025)

Discover the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. Explore the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, then plan your visit with practical tips and trusted ticket links.

About Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for more than 950 years and remains an active home of the British monarch. Set above the River Thames in Berkshire, the complex includes grand ceremonial rooms, working precincts, and a community within the Castle walls. Most visits focus on the State Apartments, the exquisite St George’s Chapel (resting place of many monarchs), and the celebrated Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.

What You’ll See

Tour richly decorated State Apartments filled with masterpieces; step inside St George’s Chapel—a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic (closed to visitors on most Sundays); and admire the intricate Dolls’ House with miniature art, books, and running utilities.

Why It’s Special

Windsor is a living palace—ceremonies, investitures, and daily chapel life still take place. It pairs outstanding architecture with one of the world’s finest royal art collections, all set in a historic market town an hour from London.

Brief History & Timeline

c.1070s — William the Conqueror establishes a timber motte-and-bailey at Windsor.
12th–13th c. — Stone fortifications rise; the Round Tower and curtain walls take shape.
14th–15th c. — Edward III rebuilds on a grand scale; Order of the Garter founded at Windsor (1348).
17th–18th c. — Baroque and Georgian refurbishments; State Apartments gain much of their current splendor.
1992 — Major fire; long restoration returns rooms to their historic appearance with modern conservation.
Today — Working royal residence and public attraction open most of the year, with occasional closures for state events.

Note: As an active royal site, areas can close at short notice for ceremonial or security reasons. Always check your ticket page before travel.

Tours & Ticket Options

Windsor Castle Admission Ticket

Timed entry to the State Apartments, access to St George’s Chapel (when open), and multimedia guide. Ideal for flexible, self-paced visits.

Half-Day from London (Castle Ticket Included)

Coach from central London with pre-booked entry. Great if you want a relaxed Castle visit without navigating trains.

Windsor + Stonehenge + Bath (Full Day)

See three icons in one day. Includes transport and entry options—perfect for short stays that still want breadth.

Afternoon Windsor from London

Later start with transport to Windsor and time inside the Castle. Good for travelers planning a relaxed morning in London.

Good to know: Most products use mobile e-tickets. Many offer free cancellation up to 24 hours—always confirm the exact policy on your chosen listing.

What You’ll Experience

Highlights Indoors

The State Apartments showcase period interiors, Gobelins tapestries, armor, and works by Van Dyck, Rubens, Holbein, and more. Don’t miss the Semi-State Rooms when open seasonally, and the astonishing Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with miniature electricity, plumbing, and library.

Use the multimedia guide for context on rooms and artworks.
Timed entry smooths crowds—arrive a little early for scanning.
Some rooms rotate access; staff can advise on the day’s route.

Highlights Around the Grounds

St George’s Chapel holds daily worship and royal tombs (visitor access usually closed on Sundays). Outside, enjoy views of the Round Tower, Lower Ward, and the historic town streets leading down to the Thames.

Photography: allowed in outdoor precincts; typically not permitted in the State Apartments or Chapel. Always follow on-site signage and staff instructions.

Insider Tips

Best Time

Weekdays outside school holidays are calmer. Morning slots are popular; late morning or mid-afternoon can feel steadier.

Families & Accessibility

Step-free routes and accessibility support are available (ask staff on arrival). Multimedia guides for children help keep younger visitors engaged.

Plan Ahead

Chapel access pauses during services and on most Sundays; State functions can close areas at short notice. Check your ticket page on the day and allow buffer time.

Visitor Cheatsheet

Location

Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ, UK — in the historic town center above the River Thames.

Getting There

From London: trains to Windsor & Eton Central (via Slough, from Paddington) or Windsor & Eton Riverside (direct from Waterloo). Both are a short walk uphill to the Castle.

Opening

Open most days year-round; St George’s Chapel usually closed to visitors on Sundays. Occasional closures for state events—check before travel.

Visit Duration

Typical visit: 2–3 hours for State Apartments + Chapel. Day trips with London transport: 5–7 hours.

Tickets

Mobile e-tickets accepted. Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours (verify on your product page).

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes for cobbles, light layers, water bottle, and a charged phone for e-tickets and maps.

Ready to Visit Windsor Castle?

Reserve your timed entry, add a half-day or full-day tour from London if you prefer seamless transport, and check the day’s chapel access before you go.