Windsor Castle

Visitor Attraction in rated 10 / 10 from 1 review
Windsor Castle image
Address
Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ
Telephone
01753 868762
Nearest Station
Slough
1.99 miles

Apart from being the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen, Windsor Castle is also the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle.

The origins of the town of Windsor go back to the 7th century Saxon settlement of Windlesora. Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror (who reigned from 1066 until 1087). The original castle was built from timber with earth fortifications and it stood on the site of the present Round Tower. From 1165 to 1179 (under the reign of Henry II), the wooden structure was rebuilt in stone at which time the prominent Round Tower was also constructed. After the English Civil War, the Castle has primarily been used as a royal palace. Since the early nineteenth century, the Castle has remained largely unchanged, apart from the much needed restoration work that followed the fire in November 1992, when over 100 rooms in the Castle were severely damaged or destroyed completely.

Set in about 13 acres of land, the castles floor area covers almost 45,000 square metres and there is so much to see- from the stunning State Apartments that are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection(including artworks by artists such as, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck), St George's Chapel (one of England’s most magnificient and beautiful ecclesiastical buildings and the burial place of 10 monarchs), to Queen Mary's Dolls House, an incredible dolls' house built on a scale of 1 to 12, that features working lifts, running water and electricity.

Windsor Castle Picture Gallery

Windsor Castle Picture

User Reviews

Debbylynley

Nov 16, 2010

Windsor is a very lovely small town. You can't miss the castle. Take your time for a visit, as there is lots to see. After a security check you can pick up an audioguide and then your tour begins. You can start at Queen Mary's doll house, but also at the St George chapel, where recently Prince Charles got married. The highlight for me was the staircase of the castle and the grand hall. It is very impressive and still in use. It is really one of my favorites, and in easy reach from London Paddington/Slough. Windsor castle is worth a visit, and while you are there, you can also visit the town. There are many shops and plenty of places to eat or have a drink. And you can see a play at the Royal Windsor Theatre to finish your day.