Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, Windsor, United Kingdom
Yes, It’s Better Than Buckingham Palace
Plan Your Visit | Destinations | Beautiful Buildings
Any trip to London requires a day trip to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, a known favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Dating back to the 11th century, it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Unlike Buckingham Palace, which is only open to the public August-September, you can tour Windsor Castle all year.
Given its location outside of London (and despite the numbers of visitors), Windsor Castle is less hustle and bustle than the area around Buckingham Palace. The short walk from the Windsor-Eton Riverside train station is a great way to experience a slice of life outside of central London and visit Windsor Town’s shops and restaurants.
Getting There
I took the train from London Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. From the front of the station, you will see the castle peeking ahead. Enjoying the energy of royalty in the air, I turned right and walked through the City Centre following Thames Street (B3022). Wear comfortable shoes since there is a bit of a hill to climb; Windsor Castle and AccessAble provide mobility access information.
Windsor Castle is open throughout the year, though it can be closed if official events are scheduled. Check opening times to make sure the castle and St. George’s Chapel will be open before heading out.
St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel was closed during my first visit in 2019. It is only available for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so I scheduled my second Windsor Castle visit for Monday, 2 January 2023.
Queen Elizabeth II, who died a few months before my 2022 holiday visit, is buried there with her family and other monarchs. It is also the site of many royal weddings.
Tours are guided, and you are encouraged to keep moving if there is a line. You can attend a worship service if you have time; St. George’s Chapel is part of the Church of England,
Photographs are not allowed inside the chapel; however, a virtual tour allows you to experience the chapel from anywhere.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
My favorite part of Windsor Castle is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. I love dollhouses, and this one is the world’s largest. It was built for Queen Mary between 1921-1924 as a collaboration between hundreds of donors, artists, and craftspeople.
This true-to-life, detailed dollhouse has electricity, running water, and working elevators. It was designed to depict royal life at that time. As with any palace or mansion, you see the surface luxury and the machine that runs it underneath. The miniatures are crafted in luxury and detail money cannot buy.
The Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House Collection Story, courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust, provides the backstory, photos, and tours of the Dolls’ House rooms. A Dolls’ Eye View gives you a close-up view of the Dolls’ House not possible in person because it is encased in glass and kept at a distance.
State Apartments
The State Apartments at Windsor Castle are among the most magnificent rooms in any royal residence. Originally designed to rival the grandeur of Versailles, they showcase centuries of history and evolving royal taste. Visitors walk through a series of lavishly decorated chambers filled with treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by masters such as Van Dyck and Rubens, intricate tapestries, and priceless furniture.
Highlights include St. George’s Hall, used today for state banquets, and the Waterloo Chamber, which commemorates the defeat of Napoleon. Each room reflects both the ceremonial role of the monarchy and the personal touches of the sovereigns who shaped them.
Nine of the State Apartment rooms were heavily damaged during the devastating 1992 fire; the restoration faithfully preserved their splendor, ensuring the State Apartments remain a vibrant symbol of British heritage.
Upcoming Visits
Windsor Castle
As with much of my initial content for Annie All Around, at the time I made my visit to Windsor Castle, I did not know I would eventually do a travel website and realized during my research there were things I missed. However, it does give me an excuse to go back (not that I need one). Visiting Windsor Castle makes me happy, so I’m delighted to oblige.
There is a lot to do at Windsor Castle; I have left some things for a future visit because certain attractions are open at certain times, and it takes some time to arrive from central London.
Grounds: Windsor Castle’s grounds are extensive, and I will be walking them in a future visit. I am saving this for a summer visit when many attractions are open, it’s warmer, and the days are considerably longer.
Changing of the Guard: I also have not been able to see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, so I will prioritize this as well. On Thursdays and Saturdays, guards march through Windsor town to the Castle where the guard change takes place, so I will plan accordingly.
St. George’s Chapel: Due to the number of visitors, tours are guided, and you are encouraged to keep moving if there is a crowd. I will plan attendance to a worship service for a better chance to enjoy the chapel and a choir performance.
Eton
Eton is a short walk from the station north across the Thames. It is best known as home to Eton College, which has educated royalty, aristocracy, prime ministers, and other famous people since 1440.
Updates for Windsor and Eton visits will be announced in A3 News.
London Pass
Windsor Castle is an attraction covered by the London Pass, which provides access to over 100 London attractions; for convenience, you can use this pass through the Go City mobile app. I have used London Pass for all my trips and will continue this for future visits. Learn more about how it works.
