Windsor Castle: The Oldest Occupied Castle in the World

The castle rises above the town on its chalk hill, a skyline of grey towers, battlements and flags. As you walk up the cobbled lane to the gate, a band strikes up, and a column of soldiers in red tunics and tall bearskin hats marches past. Inside the walls, a great round tower stands on its mound, a magnificent Gothic chapel glows in the sunlight, and the windows of royal apartments look out over a vast park stretching to the horizon. For nearly a thousand years, kings and queens have called this place home.

Windsor Castle, about 35 kilometres west of London, is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and a favourite residence of the British royal family. This guide explains its story and how to plan a visit.

The Conqueror's castle

After his conquest of England in 1066, William the Conqueror built a ring of castles around London, each about a day's march apart. Windsor, on a hill above the Thames, was one of them. It began as a wooden fortress and was gradually rebuilt in stone by later kings. Over the centuries, it was transformed from a fortress into a royal palace, while keeping its medieval character.

The State Apartments

The State Apartments, still used for state occasions and official entertaining, are some of the most magnificent rooms in the country. They're filled with treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Canaletto, fine furniture, armour and porcelain. St George's Hall, with its ceiling covered in the coats of arms of the Knights of the Garter, is used for state banquets.

The fire of 1992

On 20 November 1992, a fire broke out in the private chapel and spread through the castle, destroying or damaging more than a hundred rooms, including St George's Hall. Staff and volunteers rescued most of the treasures. The restoration took five years and was completed in 1997.

St George's Chapel

St George's Chapel, begun in the 15th century, is one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in England, with a stunning fan-vaulted ceiling. It's the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in England, founded by Edward III in the 14th century; the knights' banners hang above their stalls in the choir. Ten monarchs are buried in the chapel, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth II, alongside her husband Prince Philip, her parents and her sister, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel. Royal weddings have also been held here, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House

One of the castle's most delightful treasures is Queen Mary's Dolls' House, built in the 1920s by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It's a perfect miniature palace, with working lights, running water, tiny books written by famous authors and a wine cellar stocked with real wine.

The Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard takes place in the castle grounds on certain days, usually in the late morning, often with a military band. Check the schedule before you go.

Things not to miss

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  Explore the State Apartments.
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  Visit St George's Chapel and the royal tombs.
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  See Queen Mary's Dolls' House.
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  Watch the Changing of the Guard.
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  Walk the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park.
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  Cross the bridge to Eton and its famous college.

How to get there

Trains run to Windsor from London Waterloo, and from London Paddington with a change at Slough, taking about an hour. The castle is a short walk from both Windsor stations.

Tickets and opening hours

Tickets are best booked online. The castle is usually closed on certain days of the week and when the royal family is in residence for official events, and St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays for worship. Check current opening days, times and prices before you go.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are quieter. In June, the Garter Day procession is a colourful spectacle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Windsor Castle still lived in? Yes, it's a working royal residence.

Who is buried at St George's Chapel? Ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.

How long should I spend there? Half a day for the castle, longer with the town and park.

Walk down the Long Walk as the sun sets behind the castle, and you'll understand why so many monarchs over nearly a thousand years have chosen Windsor as their home.