Castle, Historical place, Historical landmark, Tourist attraction
Windsor Castle
William the Conqueror chose this site above the River Thames, and Windsor Castle is now the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with State Apartments, St George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls' House.
The story
Building began on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground, where a wooden fortress first stood. Nearly a thousand years on, the castle remains an official residence of the monarch and a working royal home. Walking around the curtain wall shows just how vast it is, and the scenic Long Walk stretches away from its gates. The Changing of the Guard takes place here too. Inside, the State Apartments are filled with paintings, china, antiques and a remarkable collection of arms and armour. Queen Mary's Dolls' House, built from 1921, is the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world. St George's Chapel holds royal burials, among them Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. A free audio guide covers the castle's past and its ceremonial life today, including the investiture of knights.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Book timed tickets online in advance and arrive at or just before opening to avoid the longest entry queues.
- ✦Head to Queen Mary's Dolls' House first, as its line grows long; a separate queue skips it and goes straight to the rooms.
- ✦Pick up the free audio guide at the shop on the way in, and note that photography is not allowed inside.