Windsor Castle, in the town of Windsor west of London, is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, in continuous use for over 900 years. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it remains an official residence of the British monarch and a working royal palace where State visits and ceremonies are still held. The highlights are the lavish State Apartments filled with Royal Collection masterpieces, St George's Chapel — the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II — and the Changing of the Guard. It is open to visitors in 2026, though parts can close at short notice for royal engagements, so check before you travel.
The State Apartments, with Royal Collection paintings by Van Dyck and Rubens and the grand St George's Hall
St George's Chapel, home of the Order of the Garter and burial place of many monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II (closed to visitors on Sundays for worship)
The Changing of the Guard, usually Tue/Thu/Sat around 11am (varies with season and weather)
Queen Mary's Dolls' House, an exquisite large-scale miniature residence
The Long Walk and Windsor town, plus the Semi-State Rooms which open in autumn and winter
Good to know
RulesBook timed tickets in advance on the official site (rct.uk); it sells out in peak season. Prices and hours change, so confirm the latest before you go.
RulesThe State Apartments and St George's Chapel can close at short notice for official/royal events, and the Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays for worship.
SafetyThere is airport-style security screening at the entrance; large suitcases and luggage aren't allowed and there's no cloakroom for them, and photography is not permitted inside the State Apartments or the Chapel.
SeasonNov–Feb has shorter hours and earlier last admission, and the Changing of the Guard runs on fewer days and can be cancelled in bad weather. In Jul–Sep the castle also opens on Tuesdays, and in 2026 the Venus Garden opens 16 Jul–13 Sep (included with admission).
MannersSt George's Chapel is a living place of worship — stay quiet, dress appropriately and don't take photos inside.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official website. Avoid street touts, 'skip-the-line' scams and inflated third-party resellers.
SafetyCrowds gather for the guard change and in peak season, so watch for pickpockets and keep bags in front of you. Expect cobblestones and a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Practical info
Reach it from London by direct train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (about 55 min, 5-minute walk) or from Paddington changing at Slough for Windsor & Eton Central (about 35–40 min, 10-minute walk). It generally opens at 10:00, closing at 17:15 (Mar–Oct) or 16:15 (Nov–Feb) with last admission about an hour before, Thursday–Monday (closed Tue/Wed, though also open Tuesdays in Jul–Sep); confirm current prices and hours on the official site.
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