Windsor Castle in England: Is it worth a visit?

March 25, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

Windsor Castle in England is not just another historic building; it is the oldest and largest still-inhabited castle in the world. Located a short distance from London it attracts millions of visitors each year who are curious about the splendor of the British monarchy. But is a visit to Windsor Castle really worth it? In this blog, we’ll take you through the rich history, impressive halls and unique sights of this iconic castle – so you can decide for yourself if Windsor Castle belongs on your bucket list.

What is Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is an ancient royal castle in England and is still used as one of the official residences of the British royal family. The castle is known for its impressive architecture, rich history and beautiful location on a hill overlooking the River Thames.

The history of Windsor Castle in England

Windsor Castle in England has an impressive history dating back more than 900 years. The castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror shortly after he became king of England. Over the years, the castle has been continually expanded and rebuilt by various kings and queens.

Windsor Castle played an important role in English history and was often the scene of important events. It served not only as a defensive structure, but also as a royal residence and place for state visits. Today, it is still a favorite residence of the British royal family and regularly hosts official receptions.

This rich history makes a visit to Windsor Castle in England extra special – you are literally walking through the ages.

Sights at Windsor Castle in England

During your visit to Windsor Castle in England, there are several highlights you really shouldn’t miss. Below is an overview of the most beautiful and impressive sights:

1. St. George’s Chapel

An impressive Gothic chapel, known from royal weddings and funerals.

2. State Apartments

Magnificent halls full of art, antiques and royal splendor still used for official receptions.

3. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

An extraordinary dollhouse with working details and miniature books of famous writers.

4. The Semi-State Rooms

Luxury private quarters of King George IV, open to the public in the winter months.

5. Changing of the Guard

The famous changing of the guard, a traditional and impressive ritual.

6. Castle gardens and courtyards

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the views of the Thames and the English countryside.

With these attractions, Windsor Castle in England offers a complete and unforgettable visit full of history and royal charm.

1. St. George's Chapel

One of the most impressive sites within Windsor Castle in England is undoubtedly St. George’s Chapel. This Gothic chapel from the 15th century is not only beautiful to see, but also plays an important role in British royal history. Famous royal weddings took place here, such as that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In addition, it is the final resting place of famous monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and King George VI.

The chapel is richly decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, high vaults and sculptures that take you to another time. A visit to St. George’s Chapel is highly recommended for anyone interested in history and royal traditions.

2. State Apartments

During your visit to Windsor Castle in England, the State Apartments should not be missed. These impressive rooms are still used by the royal family for official receptions and state visits.

As a visitor, you walk through richly decorated rooms with magnificent ceilings, luxurious furniture and works of art by famous painters such as Rembrandt and Rubens. Each room tells its own story about English history and the grandeur of royal life. You really feast your eyes here and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the British court.

3. Queen Mary's Dolls' House

A surprising and unique attraction at Windsor Castle in England is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. This is not just any dolls’ house, but a true work of art in itself. It was specially built in the 1920s for Queen Mary and is perfectly recreated in every detail.

The dollhouse has working elevators, running water, electricity and even tiny books by real famous writers. You will be amazed at the craftsmanship and precision with which everything is made. For both adults and children, this is a fascinating stop during the visit.

4. The Semi-State Rooms

Want to experience the real luxury life of British royals? Then be sure to visit the Semi-State Rooms at Windsor Castle in England. These magnificent private quarters of King George IV are only open to the public during the winter months, but well worth the wait.

The rooms are sumptuously decorated with beautiful carvings, luxurious fabrics and glittering chandeliers. Here you can see how grand and stylish the royal family lived throughout the centuries. The Semi-State Rooms give an exclusive and unique insight into royal life, making this tour extra special.

5. Changing of the Guard

A visit to Windsor Castle in England is not complete without experiencing the famous Changing of the Guard. This traditional changing of the guard is an impressive spectacle and attracts many visitors daily.

The ceremony usually begins around 11:00 a.m. and is accompanied by a military marching band. It is a perfect opportunity to see British royal protocol up close and take some great photos. Be sure to be on time because you really don’t want to miss this during your visit.

6. Castle gardens and courtyards

Finally, don’t miss the beautiful castle gardens and courtyards of Windsor Castle in England. As you walk through the castle, you will pass by impressive squares and courtyards, each of which breathes a rich history.

Outside, enjoy views of the Thames River and the surrounding English countryside. The gardens are perfectly maintained and offer a moment of tranquility during your visit. This is where you really feel how big and impressive Windsor Castle is.

Visiting Windsor Castle from London

Windsor Castle is easily accessible from London, and the train is the fastest and most popular way to get there. From London, you have several options for taking the train to Windsor, with most trains departing from London Paddington or London Waterloo.

From London Paddington, you can take a direct train to Windsor & Eton Central Station, which takes about 30-40 minutes. This is the fastest route, and from the station it is only a 10-minute walk to Windsor Castle.

If you depart from London Waterloo, you can take a train to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which takes about 50 minutes. From this station, it is a 15-minute walk to the castle.

The train ride from London is comfortable and offers beautiful views of the English countryside along the way.

Admission tickets for Windsor Castle

It is advisable to order your admission tickets to Windsor Castle in advance. This saves time and ensures that you are guaranteed entry on the desired day, especially during busy periods. Tickets can easily be purchased online so that you can immediately enjoy your visit to this iconic royal castle.

How long does a visit to Windsor Castle in England take?

A visit to Windsor Castle in England itself usually takes between 2 and 3 hours. This gives you enough time to leisurely explore the main attractions, such as the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel. Keep in mind that travel time from London to Windsor (about 30-50 minutes by train) is not included in this time frame, so plan some extra time for that as well.

Where is Windsor Castle located in England?

Windsor Castle in England is located in the town of Windsor, about 30 kilometers west of London. The address is:

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ
United Kingdom

The castle is easily accessible by train from London and is a short distance from the train station.

Walking through Windsor after your visit

After your visit to Windsor Castle in England, take a stroll through the pleasant town of Windsor. Explore the charming streets, discover quaint stores and cafes, or take a leisurely stroll along the River Thames. You can also cross the bridge to Eton, a small town known for Eton College, where Prince William and Prince Harry, among others, studied. Eton has a quiet atmosphere and is a nice place to stroll around after your visit to the castle.

Our experience after visiting Windsor Castle

During a city break to London, we decided to visit Windsor Castle. We left from London Paddington and after about 30-40 minutes we arrived at Windsor & Eton Central Station. The castle was only a 10-minute walk from the station.

Upon arrival at the castle, we began by exploring the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, which were well worth the visit. The rich history and beautiful details made the visit interesting.

We also strolled briefly through the gardens and castle square. In addition, we went by Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, which we liked, although it was smaller than we expected.

The only downside was the crowds at the entrance, which made us wait for a while. But everything else was well organized and we really enjoyed the visit.

Our tips for visiting Windsor Castle

Visiting Windsor Castle is a great experience. Here are five helpful tips to get the most out of your visit:

1. Order your tickets in advance – This avoids long waits and ensures quick access.

2. Arrive early – This way you can explore the castle in peace before it gets busier.

3. Wear comfortable shoes – The grounds are large, so make sure you can walk well, especially if you want to explore the gardens.

4. Take your time at the State Apartments – The history and details are impressive, so plan some extra time for this.

5. Explore Windsor itself – After the castle, explore the charming town and enjoy the local stores and cafes.

With these tips, you’ll be well prepared for a relaxing and fun day!

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