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- 1 hr 30 min
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Why not see the best views in London while you tuck into tea, scones, and all the trimmings of a traditional afternoon tea on the Thames? Book online today.
Quick Details
The Oldest and Largest Occupied Castle in the World
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and Queen Elizabeth II loves to spend her weekends in this stunning fortress. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the castle is still a favorite residence of the royal family. The royal palace was once the residence of Hafiz Abdul Karim, along with his wives who used to walk arm in arm with Queen Victoria.
This sprawling grand home covers an area of 13 acres and overlooks charming Windsor town. Pay the castle a visit and find out why our royals have lived here for centuries!
Highlights
- Visit the State Apartments.
- See Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
- Changing of the Guard
- Multimedia guides available in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.
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The State Apartments
Take a look inside the heart of the working palace — the State Apartments. Regularly used for ceremonial and official occasions, the Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection.
Try and spot the paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Leonardo da Vinci that hang from the walls! During the winter months, the richly decorated Semi-State Rooms are added to the visitor route.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Specially built for Queen Mary by leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a magical miniature residence with extraordinary attention to detail.
Complete with working lights, running water, and a tiny garden, this dollhouse is a perfect replica of an aristocratic home. The library is even filled with original works by famous writers of the day!
St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel is an imposing Gothic building and the resting place for a number of British monarchs.
These include Edward IV, who built the Chapel, Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Services are held regularly, and this quiet church is a peaceful addition to a Windsor Castle visit.
The Changing of the Guard
This rousing, truly British ceremony takes place at 11:00 am weather permitting, from Monday to Saturday between April and the end of June.
The rest of the year it takes place on alternate days, with the exception of Sundays.
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- Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Entrance to the State Apartments closes 30 minutes after the last admission time.
- The entrance to the East Terrace Garden closes at 16:00.
- As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, sometimes the entire Castle or the State Apartments within the Castle need to be closed at short notice.
- 25-26 December 2020: Castle completely closed
Semi-State Rooms Closures
The Semi-State Rooms are currently closed, and usually open late autumn to spring. The Semi-State Rooms are not open on days when the State Apartments are closed.
St. George’s Chapel Schedule
St. George’s Chapel is open for visitors on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
St. George’s Chapel opening times will vary on the following dates.
- 23 December 2020 – St. George’s Chapel closed from 13:00
- 24 December 2020 – St. George’s Chapel closed from 13:00