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.
Note:
Tickets are sold at a reduced rate when the State Apartments are closed.
Tickets purchased through 365 Tickets cannot be upgraded to yearly passes
Why not combine your visit to Windsor Castle with Kensington Palace, Windsor River Cruise with Hampton Court Palace to save on entry to both attractions.
More Information
Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. 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.
What there is to see:
The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and the famous triple portrait of Charles I by Sir Anthony van Dyck. In 1992 fire destroyed or damaged more than 100 rooms at the Castle. By good fortune the rooms worst affected were empty at the time, and as a result, few of the Castle's artistic treasures were destroyed. The highly acclaimed restoration work, completed in 1997, is a testament to the extraordinary skills of some of the finest craftsmen in Europe. From October to March visitors can also enjoy George IV's private apartments (the Semi-State Rooms), among the most richly decorated interiors in the Castle.
St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. Within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I. Among the highlights of a visit to Windsor is Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the most famous dolls' house in the world.
Photographer Credits:
Image 1: Photographer: Mark Fiennes, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
Image 2: Photographer: Dennis Gilbert, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
Image 3: Photographer: Ian Jones, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
Image 4: Photographer: John Freeman, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
Dates & Times
Opening Hours:
| Mar - Oct |
09.30 - 17:15 (last entry 16.00) |
| Nov - Feb |
09.45 - 16.15 (last entry 15.00) |
| Closed: |
5 May Last admission 15:00, closes 16:30. 19 Jun, 25 - 26 Dec
|
State Apartments closed: NA
As a working royal palace, the Castle is used frequently by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining, and closures can occasionally occur at short notice. Please check opening arrangements by visiting this website or telephoning the Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)20 7766 7304.
Multimedia tours, Precincts Tours and guidebooks
Tours of Windsor Castle and St George's Chapel are self-guided. A multimedia tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours is included in the ticket price. A family multimedia tour and family activity trails are also available in English. The multimedia tour and Official Guidebook are available in the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese & Russian. Guided tours of the Castle Precincts are available at regular intervals throughout the day. Precinct tours last approximately 30 minutes and depart from the Courtyard. The tours are included in the ticket price.
Changing of the Guard
Changing the Guard takes place at 11.00 daily from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting. Changing of the Guard does not take place on Sundays.
The schedule is set by the British Army and we advise visitors to check the Army website before visiting: http://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-calendar
Ticket Terms
Print at Home
Unless stipulated in the booking process all bookings require customers to print their voucher off in order to be exchanged for entry to the attraction or tour. We cannot guarantee entry without a printed voucher and will not be able to cancel or refund customers who do not print the vouchers and therefore can't gain access to the venue or tour.
If you cannot print your voucher off for any reason please contact us 24 hours before arriving at the venue.
Cancellations
Please note that all vouchers and tickets sold by 365 Tickets Limited are non-refundable due to restrictions imposed by our individual suppliers, for full terms and conditions please click here.
Amendments
To request an amendment to your booking please contact 365Tickets for support.
Amendments to the date, the time and/or the number of tickets are permitted at the discretion of 365 Tickets Limited but subject to the terms and conditions of our individual suppliers and surcharges for amendments made may apply.
Kannika A
25 July 2017
Really worth money. Quick responses. Easy to book
Jan D
17 July 2017
Absolutely brilliant. Well worth a visit for any age.
ORLANDO O
13 July 2017
Great tour. Excellent value for money. Thanks a lot.
Katalina W
12 June 2017
Easy to use website. Received tickets via email in 2 minutes.
Lisa W
4 June 2017
Excellent day out. Castle and rooms are stunning.
Isabella M
30 April 2017
Every time a most enjoyable day
Lijie F
13 April 2017
it was good.
Brenda Y
10 March 2017
I travelled to Windsor by train - thankfully, it was a very smooth journey. The train station, Windsor and Eton Riverside is only a short work to Queen Victoria statue. There were a number of staff on the street to ask directions. My friend and I went in when the gates opened at 9.45. Staff were very friendly and helpful, greeting us and directing us through the gardens into the royal apartments. Inside was grand (as a palace should be!), and when we had any questions, staff were on hand to explain things to us. There were lots of paintings and descriptions about them, plus very ornate furniture - how the other half live! Afterwards we went to the Chapel, very nice and respectful considering that this is also a burial site. We saw the resting places of the Queens family and those of kings and queens in history. My friend and I were there in time for the communion service, which we attended...it was lovely spend a few moments in though to pray in the chapel. We spent about 4 hours in the grounds and castle, it wasn't crowded this time of year (early March) which was pleasant for me as a visitor. I didn't visit many shops, just a few. There were the tacky tourist shops around as well as the up-market shops like L'Occitane, Hotter, White Stuff (to name a few), but I didn't buy anything. My friend and I had coffee and cake before departing. I had a wonderful day out.
Martin R
2 March 2017
Don't forget your walking review we did so didn't get the real experience
Thomas C
4 September 2016
well worth purchasing ahead of visit saved lots of waiting at the entrance.
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