Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is not just a landmark, but a living symbol of history and the oldest inhabited royal residence in the UK. Located about 30 kilometers from London, on a picturesque hill in the Thames Valley, this castle has served as home to 39 monarchs over the centuries.

The architectural appearance of the castle reflects its rich, nearly thousand-year history. Its distinctive layout, preserved since the 11th century, includes two large courtyards—the Upper Ward and the Lower Ward—with the famous Round Tower rising in the center. Originally built as a wooden fortress by order of William the Conqueror, it was eventually rebuilt as an impregnable stone castle and later acquired the features of a luxurious Baroque palace.

Today, Windsor Castle is not only an outstanding historical monument but also one of the official residences of the British Royal Family, making it a truly unique place. Visiting the castle is an opportunity to experience centuries-old traditions, see the magnificent State Apartments, and witness living history.

It is a place where the past meets the present, inviting travelers from all over the world to become part of its majestic heritage.

To plan your visit, check current opening hours, or purchase tickets, it is recommended to consult official sources. All necessary visitor information is generally available on the castle's website, which is managed by the Royal Collection Trust.

Visiting Windsor Castle is an immersion into the world of royal life and history. Guests can explore the opulent State Apartments, which are still used today for official ceremonies and receptions. Walking through these halls offers a unique opportunity to see priceless works of art from the Royal Collection, including pieces by Rembrandt and Van Dyck. Another jewel of the castle is St George's Chapel, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. It is not only a venue for royal weddings but also the burial place of many British monarchs, which gives the visit a particularly solemn feel.

Special attention should be given to the castle's unique exhibits and traditions. One of the most charming objects is Queen Mary's Dolls' House—a miniature masterpiece created in the early 1920s with incredible attention to detail. Don't miss the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony—a colorful and spectacular event that regularly takes place on the castle grounds and attracts crowds of spectators. This vibrant performance allows you to feel like part of centuries-old British traditions.

In addition to the interior rooms and the chapel, Windsor Castle offers guests the chance to enjoy nature and picturesque views. Visitors can stroll through the extensive gardens and well-kept parklands surrounding the castle. From here, beautiful panoramas of the River Thames and the surrounding town of Windsor open up, making a walk the perfect end to your visit.

Windsor Castle is located outside of London, in the town of Windsor, approximately 30–40 kilometers west of the capital's center. Thanks to an excellent transport system, reaching it from within the UK is easy. The most popular and convenient methods are train and bus, though you can also drive or take a taxi.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Windsor is by train. Trains depart from two main stations in London. Trains from Paddington (London Paddington) run to Windsor & Eton Central with one short change at Slough. The entire journey takes about 30–45 minutes. An alternative route is a direct train from Waterloo (London Waterloo) to Windsor & Eton Riverside. This route takes slightly longer, about an hour, but requires no changes. Both stations in Windsor are just a few minutes' walk from the castle.

A more budget-friendly but longer option is taking the bus. For instance, Green Line buses depart from Victoria Coach Station in London and go directly to Windsor. Driving or taking a taxi takes about an hour, but travel time depends heavily on traffic leaving the city. Additionally, for those who prefer all-in-one solutions, there are many organized bus tours from London that often include visits to Windsor Castle and other iconic sites.

The history of Windsor Castle began in 1070, when William the Conqueror established it as part of a defensive ring of nine watchtowers around London. Originally a wooden fortress built on an artificial mound, the castle owes its special status to its strategically advantageous location: it was closer to the River Thames than other fortifications and adjacent to the royal hunting grounds in Windsor Forest.

Henry I became the first monarch to make the castle his permanent residence starting in 1110. It was here in 1121 that he celebrated his marriage to Adela. It was under his reign that the stone reconstruction of the fortress began after parts of the wooden structures started to decay. Strengthening work continued under Henry II, who replaced the wooden palisade of the Upper Ward with a stone wall and built a new keep. The castle proved its exceptional reliability during the baronial revolts, successfully withstanding sieges in 1214 and 1216.

Subsequent centuries brought more changes. In the 13th century, the walls of the Lower Ward were significantly reinforced, and new towers were built, including the Curfew Tower and the Garter Tower. However, the castle acquired its modern, more palatial appearance in the 17th century. Under the direction of architect Hugh May, a massive reconstruction was completed by 1683, transforming the medieval fortress into an elegant Baroque residence.

When planning a visit to London and its surroundings, it is important to accurately estimate the time needed to see large sites like Windsor Castle. To fully enjoy its atmosphere and explore the main sights without rushing, it is recommended to set aside 2.5 to 3 hours. This is generally enough for a self-guided tour of the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, and Queen Mary's famous Dolls' House. The audio guide, included in the ticket price, will help you find your way and ensure you don't miss the highlights.

If you want a more comprehensive visit, you should plan for about 4–5 hours or even half a day. This amount of time will allow you not only to view all the exhibits in detail but also to catch the spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on specific days and times. Additionally, you will have the chance to take a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, enjoy the views, and perhaps visit the gift shop. Keep in mind that during peak tourist seasons, extra time may be needed for security checks at the entrance.

Windsor Castle is open to visitors year-round, but its opening hours depend on the season. Typically, from March 1 to October 31, the castle is open from 10:00 to 17:15, and from November 1 to the end of February, it is open from 10:00 to 16:15. Last admission is one hour and 15 minutes before closing. It is important to know that the castle is usually closed to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There may also be additional closing days related to state events or holidays.

As Windsor Castle is a working royal residence, its opening hours can change at short notice, and some parts may be temporarily closed. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to check the latest information on the official Royal Collection Trust website before your visit. To ensure entry and avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season, it is best to book tickets online in advance. Also, keep in mind that St George's Chapel, located on the castle grounds, has its own schedule: it is closed to tourists on Sundays as services are held there.

Visiting Windsor Castle is an unforgettable experience, but you shouldn't stop there. Exploring the surrounding area will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of this historic corner of the UK and make your trip even more rewarding. There are many interesting places around the castle—from picturesque parks and traditional pubs to entertainment centers for the whole family.

Just a few kilometers from the majestic walls of the castle, you will find both quiet spots for peaceful walks and places for active recreation. Getting to know these attractions will allow you to form a more complete picture of the region's life and culture.