- Home /
- Visit /
- Windsor Castle /
- Top... /
Windsor Castle
Reading time: 5 minutes
Enjoy the ultimate royal experience at the historic home of the British monarchy. The Castle is open to the public all year round and we can’t wait to welcome you in and make some magical memories together.
Book tickets
The Castle includes the State Apartmentsthat are used today by the Royal Family,the historical rooms that were built for Charles II and private apartments created for George IV. There are many famous, must-see moments within these spectacular rooms, like thecolossal Waterloo Chamber,magnificentCrimson Drawing Room and impressive GrandStaircase. With so much royal history and splendour it is possible to walk straight past some amazing treasures, so here are a few to look out for.
1. Gaze at the gold
The Grand Reception Room©
Well it wouldn't be a royalresidencewithout some gold!The magnificent ceremonial rooms whichwere usedbyQueen Elizabeth IIto entertain guests are luxurious. The most striking is theGrand Reception Room, decorated with real gold and chandeliers. It was onceused as the main ballroom in the Castle. Perhaps the most striking piece on display is the largeurn, presented to Queen Victoria by Tsar Nicholas I in 1839, and one of the largest examples outside Russia.
2. Say hello to Henry VIII
Henry VIII's armour
This impressive armour was worn by Henry VIII, one of the most iconic and famous Kings of England, and was used in jousting tournaments. The armour could be adjusted to fit the changing waist of the king. You can see it in the Lantern Lobby on your visit to the Castle.
3. View a Van Dyck
Portrait of Charles I by Anthony van Dyck on display in Windsor Castle. Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2022. Photographer: Paul Highnam
Come for the majesty, stay for the masters.A visit to the Castle is a chance to see among the world’s greatest collection of paintings including artists such as Hans Holbein, Van Dyck and Rubens.A highlight has to bethe remarkableportrait of King Charles Iby Anthony Van Dyck. This huge painting of Charles I on horseback portrays as him as ruler, warrior and knight. The Castle is packed with other extraordinary treasures including incredible furniture, vases, and sculpture.
Find out more about the Royal Collection
4. Marvel at mythical paintings
Ceiling painting by Antonio Verrio©
What's grander than kings and queens? Gods of course.Make your way through the historic rooms built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza. If you look up you will seewonderful mythical ceiling paintings by Antonio Verrio. With kings,queens, chariots, cherubs, and a banquet of the gods they are a sight to behold.
5. Be delighted by a dolls' house
Curator with Queen Mary's Dolls' House©
Don’t miss the chance to experience life in miniature with the famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House which is on permanent display at Windsor Castle.An unexpected find at the Castle, the Dolls' house was designed for Queen Mary in 1924 bySir Edwin Lutyens to showcase the finestartists andcraftspeopleof the time.You can peek inside the rooms filled with tiny furniture, art, and books, and even electricity and running water. What a childhood dream!
Throughout 2024, we are celebratingthe 100th anniversary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. As well as the chance to see theHouse, you can also enjoy a special centenary display in the Waterloo Chamber included as part of your visit to Windsor Castle.
Due to a technical issue, the internal lighting in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is not working.This will affect your viewing experience, for which we apologise. We are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Find out more about Queen Mary's Dolls' House
Discover 100 years of Queen Mary's Dolls' House
6. Keep the kids keen
Child enjoying a visit to Windsor Castle©
What would a castle be without a dragon?! Our free multimedia guides have a children’s version, where Scorch the dragon helps to guide you around the Castle. However that'snot the only helping hand for parents, be sure tovisit the Moat Room to learn about the Castle's history, andthe Pug Yard Learning Centrein the castle grounds.The Centre is open for families during UK school holidays. The Centre is a great base for families to use during their visit:-
- Achanging programme of freeactivities for children and families to enjoy including crafts, storytelling and 'make and takes'. Trails are also available during the holidays.
- Families canpicnicwithin the yard itself or, if the weather isinclement, in the indoor lunch hall.No need to change your plans if the weather changes!
- The Learning Centre isbreastfeeding friendly, and has a designated family bathroom with changing table.
- Toddlers can take time in theChill Out Zone,with train set, Duplo, books and lots of beanbags.Take time and reconnect.
- ACaught Short Boxfor families - a spares box with nappies, wipes, cutlery and clothes etc in case you’re 'caught short' during your visit.
Plan your family visit
7. Savour something sweet
©
Need to recharge after an exciting day at the Castle? Relax with a refreshing drink or treat at the Undercroft Café. You can enjoy fresh salads and home-made soups, barista-made coffee andfreshly-baked cakes. Our sandwich range varies from bloomers, baguettes, open sandwiches and wraps, all filled with fresh locally sourced ingredients.
More about the café
8. Relive a royal wedding
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank outside St George's Chapel©
Have you ever wantedto attend a royal wedding? In the grounds of Windsor Castle you can findSt George’s Chapel, a 500-year-old medieval marvel. Step inside the Chapeland you can glimpsewhere many royal weddings have taken placeincluding HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank.
It is also where many monarchs are buried including Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Elizabeth II.
St George’s Chapel is open for visitors onMonday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday,and for worshippers only on Sundays. More details areavailable onthe Chapel's website.
9. Greet the guards
The guards at Windsor Castle©
Grab your chance to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony where the new guard replaces the old in a colourful spectacle. The ceremony can be watched by Castle visitors on Thursdays and Saturdays. The guards arrive at the Castle just before 11:00, but the schedule can change, so please check theBritish Army websitefor details.
So what are you waiting for......
Book tickets now
You may also like
Visit
Highlights of Windsor Castle
Visit
Who built Windsor Castle?
Collection story
George IV’s bed
Uncover this magnificent bed at Windsor Castle.
Special visit
100 years of Queen Mary's Dolls' House
- Windsor Castle
- Next event: 4 Jul 2024
- Every Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Book in advance for best value<strong>Advance price:</strong>Adult £30.00Young Person (18-24) £19.50Child (5-17) £15.00Disabled £15.00Access companion FreeUnder 5 Free<strong>On-the-day price:</strong>Adult £33.00Young Person (18-24) £21.50Child (5-17) £16.50Disabled £16.50Access companion FreeUnder 5 Free
Adults, Children / Families
View Event
Plan your visit
Click or tap the icons below for more details on what to see and how to book tickets
Residence
Windsor Castle
Residence
Buckingham Palace
Residence
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
Residence
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Residence
