There's more history in a single stone of
Windsor Castle than in the rest of London put together. OK, that's a slight exaggeration, but you get my drift. This castle has been around a while.
The magnificent structure is the largest inhabited castle on the planet of which the original was built by William the Conquerer soon after hotfooting over from the Continent – though what he erected nearly 1,000 years ago admittedly bears no resemblance to what stands before us today.
Back then it was more of a military base, whereas today this is where the Queen comes to stay at weekends, giving her a break from all the long corridors back in Buck House.
Other members of the royal family also come here to stay, weddings take place here and heads of state stay on official visits, so as you can see, Windsor Castle is very much a working royal palace. With this in mind, it's fortunate that visitors can get to see so much of the place – though this does of course vary according to the business of the day. Be sure to check ahead for
detailed information.
On a good day you'll be able to gaze in awe at the sheer splendour of the State Apartments, decorated with paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough.
Between the months of October and March you'll also be able to marvel at the magnificence of the private apartments of George IV, who reigned from 1820 to 1830.
St. George's Chapel, resting place for Henry VIII and Charles I to name but a few, is also open for viewing.
And be sure to take a look at one of the Windsor Castle's most popular attractions, Queen Mary's Dolls House, built in 1924 and possibly one of the most intricately designed dolls houses in the world.
Between August and October, unique tours of the
Great Kitchen are also available.
Admission prices vary depending on whether the State Apartments are open or closed.
There's so much to see at the castle that it's advisable to arrive reasonably early so that you're not rushing at the end. If you time it just right you might even catch the
changing of the guard.
