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Although Windsor Castle is outside London, visitors will find the 1,000-year-old official residence of the Queen a perfect complement to a tour of the capital’s royal sites. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor has been home to 39 monarchs and venue for numerous high-pomp state visits and banquets.
Getting There
Too far out to secure a stop on London’s sprawling underground network, Windsor connects to the capital via overland trains. Trains from London Waterloo run direct to Windsor and Eton Riverside, while those from London Paddington require a change at Slough en route to Windsor and Eton Central. From the town, it is an uphill walk to the castle, so comfortable shoes are a must. Alternatively, Green Line operates a daily coach service from London Victoria, along with the fleet of private tours that pick up from hotels around the capital. By car, Windsor is off Exit 6 on the M4 from West London, but bear in mind parking is scarce in the town, with no parking near the castle.
When to Go
The castle is open year-round, closing an hour later from March to October. Since many tours from London on their way to Stratford-upon-Avon or Bath incorporate an early stop at Windsor, lines to buy tickets at the admission center are significantly thinner after 11:30 a.m. On the other hand, holders of a London Pass are entitled to free admission to the castle and fast-track entry. The Changing of the Guard is at 11 a.m. daily from April to July -- although never on Sundays -- and every other day from August to March. Dating back to 1660, this slice of royal pageantry sees guards march to and from Victoria barracks accompanied by military bands. St. George’s Chapel also is closed on Sundays to the general public. In winter months, visitors may peruse an additional five Semi-State rooms, the opulent private apartments built for George IV.
Tour Basics
The admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour of the castle and 30-minute tour of the Castle Precincts, led by wardens in full Windsor livery. Tours typically last two to three hours to cover the State Apartments, decorated with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto; St. George’s Chapel, the burial place for 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII; and the Drawings Gallery, featuring works from the Royal Collection. Children inevitably hone in on the Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, completed in 1924, which is the world’s largest and features dolls swathed in designs by Cartier and Hermes, among others. Private tours for groups or individuals are available, and every Saturday is family Saturday, with themed events including storytelling and art and craft workshops.
Before and After
Windsor Castle is fully accessible to physically challenged visitors. As at Buckingham Palace, tours are in one direction only, for security reasons, and visitors need to clear airport-style security checks at the entrance. Visitors may not bring food or drink into the State Apartments or chapel, and must place them in closed bags. For those who want to go into town for refreshment, re-entry tickets are issued. No filming or photography is allowed within the castle, and visitor schedules or room openings are liable to change throughout the year depending on state events. For alternative perspectives on the castle, a 3-mile-long, tree-lined avenue called The Long Walk leads to Windsor Great Park, which is free. Alternatively, Eton College, arguably the world’s most famous private school after Hogwarts, is just half a mile from the castle and open to visitors.
Getting There
Too far out to secure a stop on London’s sprawling underground network, Windsor connects to the capital via overland trains. Trains from London Waterloo run direct to Windsor and Eton Riverside, while those from London Paddington require a change at Slough en route to Windsor and Eton Central. From the town, it is an uphill walk to the castle, so comfortable shoes are a must. Alternatively, Green Line operates a daily coach service from London Victoria, along with the fleet of private tours that pick up from hotels around the capital. By car, Windsor is off Exit 6 on the M4 from West London, but bear in mind parking is scarce in the town, with no parking near the castle.
When to Go
The castle is open year-round, closing an hour later from March to October. Since many tours from London on their way to Stratford-upon-Avon or Bath incorporate an early stop at Windsor, lines to buy tickets at the admission center are significantly thinner after 11:30 a.m. On the other hand, holders of a London Pass are entitled to free admission to the castle and fast-track entry. The Changing of the Guard is at 11 a.m. daily from April to July -- although never on Sundays -- and every other day from August to March. Dating back to 1660, this slice of royal pageantry sees guards march to and from Victoria barracks accompanied by military bands. St. George’s Chapel also is closed on Sundays to the general public. In winter months, visitors may peruse an additional five Semi-State rooms, the opulent private apartments built for George IV.
Tour Basics
The admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour of the castle and 30-minute tour of the Castle Precincts, led by wardens in full Windsor livery. Tours typically last two to three hours to cover the State Apartments, decorated with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto; St. George’s Chapel, the burial place for 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII; and the Drawings Gallery, featuring works from the Royal Collection. Children inevitably hone in on the Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, completed in 1924, which is the world’s largest and features dolls swathed in designs by Cartier and Hermes, among others. Private tours for groups or individuals are available, and every Saturday is family Saturday, with themed events including storytelling and art and craft workshops.
Before and After
Windsor Castle is fully accessible to physically challenged visitors. As at Buckingham Palace, tours are in one direction only, for security reasons, and visitors need to clear airport-style security checks at the entrance. Visitors may not bring food or drink into the State Apartments or chapel, and must place them in closed bags. For those who want to go into town for refreshment, re-entry tickets are issued. No filming or photography is allowed within the castle, and visitor schedules or room openings are liable to change throughout the year depending on state events. For alternative perspectives on the castle, a 3-mile-long, tree-lined avenue called The Long Walk leads to Windsor Great Park, which is free. Alternatively, Eton College, arguably the world’s most famous private school after Hogwarts, is just half a mile from the castle and open to visitors.
Posted in: Travel UK
