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Plan your visit to Windsor Castle with our complete 2026 guide. Discover tickets, opening times, top attractions, and insider tips to make the most of your trip.
Introduction
Visiting Windsor Castle is one of the most unforgettable experiences in England. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it offers a rare glimpse into over 1,000 years of royal historyโwhile still serving as a residence for King Charles III.
Whether youโre planning your first visit or returning for another look, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Makes Windsor Castle Special?
Windsor Castle is not just a historic landmarkโitโs a living, working royal palace. Built in the 11th century, it has been home to 40 monarchs and continues to host official events today.
Visitors can explore:
โข Lavish State Apartments
โข Historic chapels
โข Royal art collections
โข Beautiful castle grounds
Top Things to See at Windsor Castle
1. State Apartments
The State Apartments are among the most impressive interiors in Britain, filled with priceless artworks and grand rooms used for official ceremonies.
2. St Georgeโs Chapel
This stunning Gothic chapel is one of the most important religious buildings in the UK. It is the final resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII.
3. The Round Tower
A defining feature of the castleโs skyline, the Round Tower sits at its highest point and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
How Long Should You Spend at Windsor Castle?
Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the castle. If you want to fully enjoy the experienceโincluding the audio guide and quieter areasโallow extra time.
Opening Times & Best Days to Visit
Windsor Castle is typically:
โข Open: Thursday to Monday
โข Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
Best time to visit:
โข Early morning (right when it opens)
โข Weekdays for fewer crowds
Insider Tips for Visiting
โข Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues
โข Arrive early to experience the castle before peak crowds
โข Check the Royal Standard flagโif itโs flying, the King is in residence
โข Use the free multimedia guide to enrich your visit
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
Even frequent visitors often overlook these highlights:
โข Semi-State Rooms (open seasonally)
โข The Moat Garden
โข Family activity trails for children
โข Quiet corners of the castle grounds for photography
How to Get to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is easily accessible from London:
โข Train from London Paddington or Waterloo
โข Around 45โ60 minutes travel time
Final Thoughts
A visit to Windsor Castle is more than just sightseeingโitโs a journey through British history and royal tradition. With the right planning, you can avoid crowds, discover hidden gems, and truly appreciate everything this iconic landmark has to offer.
Internal Linking Suggestions
โข Link to: โThe History of Windsor Castleโ (second blog below)
โข Future post idea: โBest Things to Do in Windsor Townโ
Blog Post 2
The 1,000-Year History of Windsor Castle: From William the Conqueror to Today
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Discover the fascinating 1,000-year history of Windsor Castle, from William the Conqueror to King Charles III. Explore key events, monarchs, and transformations.
Introduction
For over a millennium, Windsor Castle has stood as a symbol of British monarchy, power, and continuity. From its origins under William the Conqueror to its role today under King Charles III, the castle has evolved alongside the nation itself.
The Origins: William the Conqueror (11th Century)
Windsor Castle was originally built around 1070 by William the Conqueror. Its purpose was defensiveโto guard the western approach to London and assert Norman control.
The early structure was a wooden motte-and-bailey castle, strategically positioned above the River Thames.
Medieval Expansion and Royal Transformation
Henry II and the Stone Castle
In the 12th century, Henry II replaced the wooden structure with stone walls, transforming Windsor into a more permanent fortress.
Edward IIIโs Vision
In the 14th century, Edward IIIโwho was born at Windsorโrebuilt much of the castle as a grand royal residence. He also founded the Order of the Garter, closely associated with St Georgeโs Chapel.
St Georgeโs Chapel: A Royal Landmark
One of the most significant additions to the castle is St Georgeโs Chapel. Built in the late 15th century, it remains:
โข A masterpiece of Gothic architecture
โข A site for royal ceremonies
โข The burial place of many monarchs
Tudor and Stuart Periods
During the Tudor era, Windsor Castle became a favorite residence of Henry VIII. Later, during the English Civil War, it was used by parliamentary forces and even served as a prison.
Georgian and Victorian Enhancements
The 18th and 19th centuries saw major aesthetic changes:
โข George IV modernized the interiors
โข Queen Victoria made Windsor a central royal residence
The castle became both a home and a symbol of empire.
The 1992 Fire and Restoration
In 1992, a devastating fire broke out, damaging large parts of the castle. Over the next five years, extensive restoration work returned Windsor Castle to its former gloryโblending historic preservation with modern techniques.
Windsor Castle Today
Today, Windsor Castle remains:
โข An official residence of the monarch
โข A venue for state visits and ceremonies
โข One of the UKโs most popular tourist attractions
It continues to balance its dual role as both a historic monument and a working royal palace.
Why Windsor Castle Still Matters
Windsor Castle represents continuity through centuries of change. Few places in the world offer such an unbroken connection between past and present.
Conclusion
From a Norman fortress to a modern royal residence, Windsor Castleโs story is one of transformation, resilience, and enduring significance. Whether you visit in person or explore its history, it remains one of Britainโs most remarkable landmarks
1. Best Time to Visit Windsor Castle
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Discover the best time to visit Windsor Castle, including crowd levels, weather, and seasonal highlights.
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Visiting Windsor Castle at the right time can make a huge difference to your experience.
Best Time of Day
Arrive early (opening time) for the quietest experience.
Best Days
Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Best Months
โข Spring (MarchโMay): Mild weather, fewer crowds
โข Autumn (SeptemberโOctober): Ideal balance
When to Avoid
โข School holidays
โข Midday peak hours
๐ For full planning tips, see our Visitor Guide.
2. Windsor Castle Tickets Explained
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Learn everything about Windsor Castle tickets, including prices, booking tips, and whatโs included.
Content
Tickets to Windsor Castle include access to:
โข State Apartments
โข St Georgeโs Chapel
โข Multimedia guide
Booking Tips
โข Book online in advance
โข Consider flexible tickets
๐ Book official Windsor Castle tickets
This is the Royal Collection Trust website (the official provider), so itโs the safest place to buy.
Quick tips before you book:
๐ฐ Your ticket includes State Apartments, St Georgeโs Chapel, and more
๐๏ธ Itโs best to book in advance to guarantee entry
โฐ Tickets are usually timed entry slots
๐ท Typical prices are around ยฃ32 for adults (advance)
๐ Read more in our Visitor Guide.
3. Top 10 Facts About Windsor Castle
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Discover 10 fascinating facts about Windsor Castle, from royal history to surprising secrets.
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Here are 10 fascinating facts about Windsor Castle:
1. Itโs over 1,000 years old
2. Built by William the Conqueror
3. Largest occupied castle in the world
4. Home to 40 monarchs
5. Contains priceless art
6. Survived a major fire in 1992
7. Has its own chapel
8. Used for state visits
9. Covers 13 acres
10. Still in active use today
๐ Learn more in our History guide.
4. Who Lives in Windsor Castle Today?
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Find out who lives in Windsor Castle today and how it is used by the royal family.
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Windsor Castle remains an official residence of King Charles III.
While not always occupied full-time, it is regularly used for:
โข State events
โข Official meetings
โข Ceremonial occasions
When the Royal Standard flag is flying, the King is in residence.
5. Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace
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Compare Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace to decide which royal attraction to visit.
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Both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are iconicโbut very different.
Windsor Castle
โข Older (1,000+ years)
โข Larger
โข Open most of the year
Buckingham Palace
โข London location
โข Limited opening
โข More ceremonial
๐ For most visitors, Windsor offers a richer experience.
6. Things to Do Near Windsor Castle
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Explore the best things to do near Windsor Castle, from historic sites to family attractions.
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After visiting Windsor Castle, explore nearby attractions:
โข Windsor Great Park
โข Eton College
โข River Thames walks
โข Local shops and cafes
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Windsor Castle Visitor Guide (2026): Tickets, Tips & Hidden Gems

Visiting Windsor Castle is one of the most unforgettable experiences in England. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it offers a rare glimpse into over 1,000 years of royal historyโwhile still serving as a residence for King Charles III. Whether youโre planning your first visit or returning for another look, this…
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How to Buy Windsor Castle Tickets Online (Official Guide)

Visiting Windsor Castle is one of the most popular royal attractions in the United Kingdom. As the worldโs oldest and largest inhabited castle, it welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Buying your tickets online is the easiest way to guarantee entry and avoid long queues at the entrance. This guide explains how to…
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What Windsor is Like

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Food & Drinks

Here are some good places to eat in Windsor, including proper kebab spots + other tasty restaurants so youโve got options ๐ Located in Berkshire, England, Windsor is best known worldwide for its royal heritage โ but beyond the iconic castle lies a town full of amenities, green spaces, eateries, culture, and everyday services for…


























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