Windsor Castle Day Trip
Enjoy a day trip to Windsor Castle
A day trip to Windsor Castle will fill your day with an abundance of photo opportunities and a fascinating lesson in medieval history. There is so much history behind this castle that we can only touch the surface here.
Windsor Castle is the largest castle in the world today still occupied as a residence. An official residence to the Queen, this 900 plus year old castle continues as a full working palace and covers an area of 26 acres.
The castle was first built after the Norman invasion in order to maintain Norman dominance along the western outskirts of London. It also overlooked and protected a strategic part of the River Thames, having a mote and bailey. Originally constructed of wood by William the Conqueror, the castle later became a residence for King Henry l. During the later half of the 12th century his grandson, Henry II gradually rebuilt the castle with stone to improve its fortification. He also converted the inside of the castle into an elaborate palace. In the 13th century Henry lll made even more improvements followed by Edward III who rebuilt much of that same palace with even more extravagance. Over the following centuries subsequent Kings have each added their own interesting touches and improvements to the castle.
Windsor Castle has served as a home and fortress for Monarchs for nearly a millennium. It has stood up to invasions during the First Barons' War in the early 13th century and during the civil war in the 15th century it served as headquarters to Parliamentary military forces. As recently as the Second World War the castle provided protection to the Royal Family from bombing campaigns.
In spite of its resilience in times of war, Windsor Castle almost succumbed to a terrible fire that swept over the building in 1992 destroying all but the outer shell of a number of rooms. The fire started by a spotlight coming into contact with curtains inside the Queen's Private Chapel and quickly spread up into the roof of the palace. The damaged rooms were all painstakingly restored, a project that took five years to complete.
One of the amazing and very interesting highlights of a visit to Windsor Castle is Queen Mary's Doll house. This is definitely not your average doll house. It is the largest most elegant and famous doll house in the world. Built for Queen Mary by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921-1924 This scaled-down replica is an impeccable likeness to an aristocratic home, with features such as a fully stocked wine cellar a library a garden, electricity, running water both hot and cold, flushing toilets and elevators that work. In an adjacent display you will see two beautiful French dolls, France and Marianne with part of their wardrobe of clothes and adornments that were designed and made by Parisian fashion houses for Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret rose the daughters of King George Vl and Queen Elizabeth.
Windsor Castle is only a short distance from Legoland so you may want to combine the two into a single day trip, however, it is easy to spend a full day exploring either one.
Windsor Castle is open most days of the year for visitors and tours from 9:45am to 5:15pm except until 4:15pm from November to February.
For more information about Windsor Castle including hours and admission charges visit their official website linked above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes.Windsor Castle Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK
Phone: 0303 123 7304
Official Website: Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle Reviews
Rated out of 5
Absolutely gorgeous 😍. All the family loved it! Also it was very nice that the audio guide was included in the price ticket, we have learned so much and our children had fun spotting different parts of objects around the rooms.
We have visited on a Friday afternoon and it was crowded! Even so, plenty of room to move around and enjoy it.
It took us about 2 hours, but we skipped the Queen's Doll House, the queue for that was ridiculous.
Aisha Muda - in the last week
Close up, the castle looked truly awesome. It was a sunny winter day and the walls and turrets, despite their ruggedness looked compellingly aesthetic and beautiful the more one looked at them. A must-see in London.
The changing of the guards is iconic and on show every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The cobblestone alleys, quaint pubs, eateries, churches and shopping nearby provides for a memorable day-long outing.
Step inside the 200 year old Church of St John the Baptist if you can to marvel at some exquisite architecture, and possibly watch the organist play the historic pipe organ inside.
Isidore Walter Hawes - a week ago
Wonderful visit. Beautiful outdoor spaces and stunning staterooms. The Christmas decorations were superb. Enjoyed every minute, including the cafes, kiosks and stores. Accessibility was world class, with step free entry to everywhere if needed. The staff were so attentive and friendly. We will visit again when in the area.
Terry Mason - a month ago
Enjoyed my visit to Windsor Castle. This was my second visit, but first in over ten years. The staff were friendly and helpful. The stunning architecture and rich history are truly captivating. I chose the first time slot of the day, but it was still a bit crowded. The State Apartments are beautifully decorated for Christmas. Exploring the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is always a fav. Seeing all the tiny details, and learning about the maintenance is extraordinary. The Great Kitchen Tour was informative and enjoyable. The audio guide was very informative. I loved that it gave directions too.
C. K. - 2 weeks ago
This place is simply amazing. Just the history alone is incredible. The grounds are immaculately kept and everything along the self guided tour is easily laid out. Everyone is very kind and welcoming. I would recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time and being there during your entrance window as you do have to go through an airport-style security check, which moves quite quickly.
joe h - 2 weeks ago
Directions
| Tube and National Rail Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| District, Circle, Hammersmith and City, and Bakerloo Lines | Paddington Station | 4 MInutes |
How to get to Windsor Castle by Tube and National Rail
From Paddington Station Purchase a National Rail Ticket for the First Great Western Line to Windsor and Eton Central Station. There will be a transfer between trains at Slough Station. Total time on the train including the transfer varies between 26 and 50 minutes depending on which train you catch.
When you arrive at Windsor and Eton Central Station take the Windsor Castle (east) exit and walk south on Thames St. then left on Castle Hill to get to the visitor entrance.
Use the National Rail Journey Planner to get details and departure times for you trip.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Windsor Castle:
Photo Gallery
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700 year old stonework of Windsor Castle -
The long approach to Windsor Castle -
Saint George's Hall inside Windsor Castle is decorated with the shields and armor or over 1000 knights cc licensed photo by contemplicity -
Photo Credit: . Ray in Manila - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: conall.. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Robert.Pittman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: johnomason - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Robert.Pittman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JackPeasePhotography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Robert.Pittman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: conall.. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: conall.. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Robert.Pittman - cc license via Flickr
