Since those early days, Windsor Castle has been inhabited continuously and improved and restored by successive monarchs according to their taste and style. Some were great builders, strenghtening the Castle against uprising and rebellion, others, living in more peaceful times, created a palace within the apartments of their ancestors. Today nine centuries after its foundation, the Castle continues to perform its prime role as an official residence of The Queen, whose personal standard flies when Her Majesty is in residence.
The State Apartments are the formal rooms used for Ceremonial, State and Official occasions. They range from the smaller, intimate rooms of Charles II's apartments to the vast scale of the Waterloo Chamber, build to commemorate the famous victory over Napoleon in 1815. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art in the country including masterpieces by Holbein, Rembrandt and Van Dyck as well as magnificent French and English furniture and porcelain.
The Gallery
The Gallery hosts themed exhibitions based on the Royal Collection, one of the finest art collections in the world.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House was created by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Queen Mary, consort of King George V. Built on a scale of 1:12, the house took three years to complete (1921-24) and involved the skills of more than a thousand artists and craftsmen. Every item is perfectly manufactured to scale and each room is exquisitely furnished. The hundreds of books in the library include many specially written by authors of the day. Working lifts stop at every floor and all five bathfooms have running water.
St. George's Chapel, a most revered Royal shrine, bears the name of the patron saint of the Most Nobel Order of the Garter, Britain's highest Order of Chivalry, and is the resting place of then sovereigns. The Chapel, founded by King Edward IV in 1475 and completed in 1528 by Henry VIII, ranks among the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic, the late medieval style of English architecture.
Open daily throughout the year.
November - March 10.00-16.00 last admission 15.00.
April - October 10.00-17.00 last admission 16.00.
Windsor Castle is a Royal Palace and opening arrangement are subject to change at short notice. For the latest information please telephone our 24 hour information line INT'L +44 1753 831118
Disabled Facilities - The majority of the Castle is accessible for disabled visitors, with special lavatory facilites available at various locations. Please telephone INT'L +44 1753 868286 ext 2235 before your visit for details and to discuss arrangements.
Groups - Group rates are available. Please telephone INT'L +44 1753 868286 ext 2235 for details.
How to Get There
Situated 20 miles west of London, Windsor Castle is reached easily by train, car and coach.
By train - London Waterloo Station every 20 minutes, Monday to Saturday and every hour on Sunday.
Telephone INT'L +44 171 928 51000 for details.
By coach - Victoria Coach Station every 20 minutes. Telephone INT'L +44 181 668 7261 for details.
Admission Charges
All Areas including Queen Mary's Dolls' House:
Adult - ú9; Over 60s - ú6.50; Under 17s - ú5; Family Ticket - ú20.
[Sunday] Adult - ú6.50; Over 60s - ú5; Under 17s - ú4; Family Ticket - ú16.
All Areas excluding Queen Mary's Dolls' House:
Adult - ú8; Over 60s - ú5.50; Under 17s - ú4; Family Ticket - ú18.
[Sunday] Adult - ú5.50; Over 60s - ú4; Under 17s - ú3; Family Ticket - ú13.
Family Ticket - two adults and two children (children over 5 and under 17)
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