Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, one of the official residences of the Queen, and represents 900 years of British history.
Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen of England.
The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 26 acres and contains, as well as a royal palace, a magnificent chapel and the homes and workplaces of a large number of people.
Multimedia tours & Precincts Tour are included in the ticket price!
The State Apartments
Windsor Castle has been the home of 39 monarchs, and the appearance of the State Apartments today reflects the changing tastes of the Castle’s royal occupants, particularly Charles II (r.1660-85) and George IV (r.1820-30).
The State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.
Many of the works of art are still in the historic settings for which they were first collected or commissioned by the Kings and Queens who have lived at Windsor.
Today Windsor's State Apartments are frequently used by members of the Royal Family for events in support of organisations of which they are patrons.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Among the highlights of a visit to Windsor is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the largest, most beautiful and most famous dolls’ house in the world.
Built for Queen Mary by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924, this most magical of residences is a perfect replica in miniature of an aristocratic home.
Precincts Tour of Windsor Castle
As the perfect start to your visit, you can join a free 30-minute tour of the Castle Precincts. The tours are led by the Wardens, dressed in their striking red and black Windsor livery, and depart at regular intervals throughout the day from the Courtyard at the start of the visit.
Precinct tour times are advertised on a poster adjacent to the building from which multimedia tours are issued.
The Precincts tour introduces the Castle’s 900-year history as a fortress and palace, and its role today as an official residence of The Queen.
It ends at the entrance to the State Apartments on Henry VIII’s North Terrace, from where spectacular views of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed.
The Semi-State Rooms
One of the best times of the year to visit Windsor Castle is between September and March, when the spectacular private apartments created for George IV are open.
These Semi-State Rooms are among the most richly decorated interiors in the Castle and are used by The Queen for official entertaining.
George IV had a well-developed love of fine objects and a taste for the theatrical.
With his architect, Sir Jeffry Wyatville, he completely remodelled the Castle’s exterior during the 1820s, giving it the romantic and picturesque appearance seen today.
He also decided to create a new suite of private rooms on the sunnier east and south sides of the Castle. This was George IV’s last and greatest commission, and one of the most lavish and costly interior decoration schemes ever carried out in England.
