Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs. Located in the county of Berkshire, England, it serves not only as a royal residence but also as a powerful symbol of British heritage.
A Royal Home for 1,000 Years
Construction began around 1070, and the castle has evolved from a timber fortress into a stone palace. It is one of the official residences of the British Monarch. The late Queen Elizabeth II spent most of her private weekends at the castle and used it as her official residence during Easter and Royal Ascot week in June.
St George's Chapel
Within the castle precincts lies St George's Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world, established in 1348. The chapel is also a royal mausoleum, containing the tombs of Henry VIII and Charles I, as well as the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House
A marvel of miniature engineering, Queen Mary's Dolls' House was built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, consort of King George V. Designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an aristocratic home, complete with working electricity, running water, and even tiny bottles of real wine in the cellar.
The Fire of 1992
On November 20, 1992—part of what the Queen famously called her "Annus Horribilis"—a massive fire broke out in the Queen's Private Chapel. A faulty spotlight ignited a curtain, and the blaze quickly spread, destroying 115 rooms, including the magnificent St George's Hall. The restoration took five years and cost £36.5 million. Today, the restored rooms blend the original designs with modern craftsmanship.
The State Apartments
Visitors can explore the State Apartments, which are used for ceremonial and state occasions. They are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. The Semi-State Rooms, the private apartments created for George IV, are particularly opulent, featuring rich decoration and gilding.
Visitor Tips
- The Long Walk: For a breathtaking view of the castle, take a stroll down the Long Walk, a 2.6-mile (4.2 km) tree-lined avenue that leads straight to the castle gates.
- Changing of the Guard: Similar to Buckingham Palace, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor, usually at 11:00 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (check schedule).
- Tickets: As a working royal palace, the castle can close at short notice. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance.