Visiting Windsor Castle has been on my bucket list for years. Whether it’s my interest in royalty, or simply my fascination with history, I’ve always wanted to visit this royal home, and finally, I got to tour this impressive palace, bringing the family along with me.
Originally built by William the Conqueror from 1070 to 1086, the Castle has evolved from a fortress to a grand palace, shaped and embellished by the forty monarchs who called it home. As we wandered through the State Apartments, I overheard a conversation between a fellow visitor and one of the attendants that struck a chord with me.
When the visitor inquired why not all the objects in the Castle were labelled, the attendant responded with a simple yet profound question: ‘Do you label everything in your home?’ Taken aback, the visitor admitted, ‘No, of course not.’ The attendant’s response was poignant: ‘Exactly. This is someone’s home.’ It was a gentle reminder that amidst the grandeur and history, Windsor Castle remains a cherished residence for the current monarch, King Charles III, and his family, a fact that adds a unique layer of intimacy to the visitor experience.
What Does A ticket To Windsor Castle Include?
1) Parts of the Castle Grounds
The walkways and gardens throughout the Castle grounds provide relaxed areas to wander around and absorb the atmosphere. While thousands of people may visit the Castle at any given time, you never get the feeling of being overcrowded. Visitors are permitted to explore the outdoor area around the State Apartments but are not allowed anywhere near the royal residences.
2) State Apartments
While you can take as many photographs as you like outside the Castle, inside the State Apartments is strictly a no-photo zone! This is actually a blessing as it gives you more time to appreciate your surroundings instead of worrying about capturing the next perfect picture.
The rooms are divided into Ceremonial Rooms, where official functions still take place today, Historic Rooms, built for Charles II and his queen, and the Semi-State Rooms, the private apartment rooms created for George IV. The walls of the State Apartments are covered with beautiful art pieces by Rubens, Van Dyke and Holbein, and the ceilings are decorated spectacularly, some with ornate designs and others with intricate artwork. Sparkling chandeliers are suspended from the ceilings. I have never seen anything like it.
My favourite rooms were the Grand Reception Room and St George’s Hall. Once serving as the Castle’s main ballroom, the Grand Reception Room boasts glittering chandeliers and lavish gilding and is used these days for investitures. The day we visited it was set up for some investitures still to be held. Amidst the splendour, one object steals the spotlight: the magnificent malachite urn. Presented to Queen Victoria by Tsar Nicholas I in 1839, it stands as one of the largest examples of its kind outside Russia.
Stepping into St George’s Hall, the grandeur of the space immediately commands attention. Despite its colossal size, the room’s proportions somehow manage to make the 50-metre-long dining table, flanked by 160 chairs, appear almost intimate. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight, made even more remarkable by the Hall’s tumultuous history. Devastated by fire in 1992, the painstaking restoration efforts have resurrected this historic space to its former glory. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but be transported back in time, imagining the illustrious state banquets presided over by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
3) Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. This detailed dolls’ house shows every part of the royal household, from the nursery and King and Queen’s bedrooms to the kitchen and maids and men’s quarters. Gary loved the car collection!
4) St George’s Chapel
We visited Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel a week after Easter, so the biblical tomb scene and beautiful flowers were all still in place, and we felt as if we were a part of this parish community.
Eleven monarchs are buried in the Chapel, and it was a privilege to be able to view the burial tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, together with George VI, her father, and Elizabeth, her mother.
Again, no photos were permitted, but the stained glass windows were magnificent.
5) Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard at Windsor occurs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00. It’s best to check the website for any changes to the schedule if this is something you specifically want to see. We visited the Castle on a Friday, so did not witness the Changing of the Guard.
Where Can I Buy Tickets For Windsor Castle?
Buying the tickets online is the easiest and cheapest way to buy standard or annual tickets. Adult tickets cost £30 while children pay half price. When you pay for your ticket you will be able to book an entrance slot.
Buying tickets ahead of time enables you to be speed-tracked through the gates. You will still undergo a thorough security check, including removing belts and coats, but the wait is not long. It reminded me of the level of security we encountered entering the country at Heathrow Airport!
Opening Times
Windsor Castle is open from Thursdays to Mondays from 10:00 until 16:15 in Winter and 17:15 in Spring and Summer. Again, check the website for special days when the Castle is closed. St George’s Chapel is closed to the public for most of Sunday.
Where Can I Eat In Windsor?
Eateries are abundant in this little town, so you will not have a problem finding somewhere to suit your taste. There is even a coffee shop in the Castle grounds. We decided to leave the Windsor Castle grounds to visit a delightful place called Cup of Rosie Coffee House.
This pretty little coffee shop serves locally roasted beans by Coopers Trading Company from nearby Marlow, and our cappuccinos were tasty and strong in flavour. The owners bake their own selection of cakes daily. I had a fantastic lemon curd cake, Gary enjoyed a fresh and spicy carrot cake, while Hannah demolished a rich chocolate brownie, decorated with mini Easter eggs.
Cup of Rosie also has a breakfast and lunch menu.
Other Activities In Windsor
A visit to the Windsor Museum is worth it if you can fit it into your schedule. The Museum is not far from Windsor Castle. Some enjoy a trip to Eton College, a short twenty-minute walk away. A leisurely walk up and down the High Street, window shopping is also to be recommended.
Lastly, don’t forget to take the Long Walk from the Deer Park to the Castle. The tree-lined walk is almost 5km long and presents you with this iconic view of Windsor Castle.
Windsor is a mere one-hour train ride from Waterloo Station in London. Alternatively, you can travel by taxi or bus.
From Reading, it is a 40-minute car ride or a 50-minute train ride.
