For nearly a thousand years, Windsor Castle has been the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Monarchs have lived, ruled, and been buried here. William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on this site in the 1070s, choosing it for its defensive position overlooking the Thames—close enough to London to assert control, far enough to retreat if needed.
The castle began as a military stronghold. Its stone walls rose in the 12th century, and later monarchs like Edward III and George IV expanded it into a royal palace. The 19th-century restorations shaped its current silhouette, but its purpose never changed: it remains a working residence for the Crown.
The Round Tower stands at the castle’s heart, built on an artificial mound. From here, the castle divides into two sections: the Upper Ward, with the state apartments, and the Lower Ward, home to St. George’s Chapel.
The Upper Ward is where ceremonial life unfolds. The grand reception rooms display portraits of kings and queens, tapestries, and Henry VIII’s armor. The Waterloo Chamber, commemorating Napoleon’s defeat, features portraits of European allies. Nearby, the Throne Room of the Order of the Garter hosts the annual ceremony for Britain’s oldest order of chivalry, a tradition since the 14th century.
A 1992 fire destroyed over a hundred rooms and damaged treasures. The five-year restoration used traditional techniques to recreate the interiors, preserving the castle’s historic character.
The Lower Ward feels quieter. St. George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, dominates the space. Its fan-vaulted ceiling stretches overhead, and the chapel has hosted royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s. It is also a burial site for monarchs: Henry VIII, Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth II rest here.
The chapel’s stained glass, carved choir stalls, and the banners of the Knights of the Garter create a solemn atmosphere. History feels tangible in this space.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, built in the 1920s at a 1:12 scale, is one of the castle’s surprises. It features working lights, running water, and a wine cellar stocked with real champagne. The library includes miniature books written by Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling. The dolls’ house showcases British craftsmanship of the era.
When the King is in residence, the Royal Standard flies above the Round Tower. The Changing of the Guard, held several times a week, includes soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats marching to a brass band. The ceremony is less crowded than at Buckingham Palace but just as striking.
Book tickets in advance. The castle attracts visitors year-round, and queues can form even for those with reserved entry. Inside, you might spend hours exploring, though the state apartments sometimes close for official events.
The castle’s interiors are protected. Photography is banned, and sketching is discouraged in the chapel. This rule helps preserve the sense of stepping into a private world where furnishings and art feel untouched by time.
The 1992 fire revealed hidden layers of history, including medieval wall paintings. These were carefully restored, adding depth to the castle’s story.
Beyond the castle, Windsor’s streets are lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings. The River Thames flows nearby, and Eton College stands across its waters. The town contrasts with the castle’s grandeur, offering a quieter, everyday rhythm.
The last entry is an hour and a half before closing. In peak season, even ticket holders may wait up to half an hour. The wait is part of the experience—an approach to a place shaped by a thousand years of history.
