In this article, I present Windsor Castle (Windsor Castle), a sublime medieval fortress occasionally visited by the royal family.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Windsor Castle
- What you can see at Windsor Castle
- How to discover it easily with a complete excursion
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on Windsor Castleyou'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Windsor Castle: article summary
Windsor Castle: the second home of the British royal family
Visit Windsor Castle was the favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and still serves as a second home to English royalty.
This is a majestic castlein Windsor, Berkshire, to the west of London. A marvel of Gothic and Baroque architecture, this medieval fortress carries with it centuries of history to be discovered on a fascinating excursion!
Introducing Windsor Castle
Construction of Windsor Castle has begun in the 11th centuryAfter the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, it underwent a series of transformations before reaching its current form in the 19th century.
Its interior is baroque styleits exterior is a superb example of English Gothic. Inside, Baroque, Gothic and Rococo apartments bear witness to British refinement in all its splendor.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
In turn medieval fortress, royal residence for Queen Victoria, refuge for the Royal Family during the Second World War, and second home under the reign of Elizabeth II, who was particularly fond of the castle, Windsor Castle is a special monument in the history of the United Kingdom.
Facts and figures about this medieval castle
- It covers an area of 52 000 m2
- There are more than 1,000 pieces at Windsor Castle!
- About 500 people work at the château on a permanent basis
- On November 20, 1992, a serious fire damaged the château. To finance renovation work, it was decided to open the château to the public. Buckingham Palace to sightseeing!
What can you see at Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is one of the most beautiful excursions from London. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world, and to this day, the oldest royal residence.
Here's what you can see when you explore the Windsor Castle !
The central courtyard
This courtyard, bounded by state and private apartmentsis located in the Upper Ward of the castle.
From the outside, you can admire the motte castrale and its keep (in the easternmost part). It is on the round tower of the latter that the the royal standard when the sovereign is present. If you see the Union Jack, the King is not there!
The Windsor Castle apartments
Whether it's the state apartments or the private apartments you'll discover within the castle walls, luxury and splendor will be on hand.
You'll come across paintings by some of the world's greatest painters, furniture specific to each architectural style, which differs for each room, a large reception hall (30 m long and 12 m high), carved wooden panels, spoils of war, imposing frescoes and breathtaking decoration.
The Château garden
If the interiors are impressive, Windsor Castle gardens have nothing to envy them. Take a stroll along the wide avenues to enjoy the view - the château dominates the city, providing a strategic defense at the time - and the manicured grounds.
Saint Georges chapel
Saint George is the patron saint of England, and this 15th-century chapel is a fitting tribute. From its long nave to its fan-shaped vault, the building is sensational.
Fans of social events will be delighted to learn that it's here that Harry and Meghan were married in 2018; it was also in this chapel that the current King Charles III married Camilla in 2005.
The Saint Georges chapel is also home to royal tombs Queen Elizabeth II was buried in the King George VI Memorial in 2022, alongside her ancestors.
Queen Mary's doll's house
Don't miss the doll's house of Queen Mary (Elizabeth II's grandmother), a unique piece offering a true visual testimony - in miniature - to aristocratic life and refinement.
For the meticulousness of the work and the impression of a life organized on the 3 floors of the miniature building, this is an unmissable discovery.
Changing of the guard
If you can, attend the changing the guardto discover this atypical parade and its synchronized guards. It's all part of British folklore and it's less crowded than Buckingham Palace.
It usually takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am.
What does the Windsor Castle excursion include?
The best way to visit this Windsor Castle is to take part in a complete excursion, departing from London.
This is a combined tour that allows you to discover :
- Windsor Castle with a French audio guide
- St Georges chapel
- The changing of the guard
But that's not all, as this tour, which spans a full daycontinues with :
- Stonehengeone of the world's most mysterious monuments, with its 5,000-year-old stones of unknown origin.
- Visit City of Bathfounded by the Romans, with its superb abbey and, above all, its thermal baths!
You'll travel in a comfortable busin the company of a professional guide who'll tell you all about the wonders you'll see. Wifi is included, and you'll be given headphones to enjoy the experience to the full!
How do I get to Windsor Castle?
Windsor is approximately 40 km in London.
You can get there via the organized tour, or on your own with :
- Visit bus 702 from Greenline Coach Station (1h/1h 30)
- By trainfrom Waterloo station to Windsor & Eton Riverside stop (approx. 50 minutes)
- By carvia the M3 (exit 3) or M4 (exit 6) (approx. 1 hr)
Windsor Castle: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's everything you need to know before visiting Windsor Castle.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: from £28
- Ticket 18-24 years: from £18
- Children's ticket (5 to 17 years): from £15.50
- Free for children under 5
- Full excursion :Â 162 euros for adults / 150 euros for 5-16 year-olds
Book online to choose your visit dates and receive your tickets immediately, on your mobile devices.
Opening hours
Windsor Castle is open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5.15pm between March and October / 10am to 4.15pm between November and February.
The tour begins at 7:30 a.m. (for boarding) departing at 8am from Victoria station.
Practical information
Windsor Castle may be closed for royal/diplomatic events.
We can't take photos or film interiors.
Last but not least, you can enjoy a meal in the Undercroft Cafélocated on the first floor of the castle beneath St George's Hall. This is one of the oldest areas of the castle!
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