Windsor Castle 



Windsor is dominated by its castle, built on a chalk hill, which for more than 900 years has served as the Royal Family's summer home.
Windsor Castle is one of the world's most beautiful residences and is also its largest inhabited castle. The royal flag flutters from the top of the Round Tower whenever the Queen stays in Windsor. When she is not here the state apartments can be viewed.
About a dozen monarchs have either added to Windsor Castle or altered it. The founding of the present site dates from the time of Edward III, after William the Conqueror had had the first castle built in 1078. Henry I, Henry II and Henry III had the castle strengthened by the addition of stone constructions and defensive fortifications. In 1189 the English barons laid siege to the castle and beat the Welsh troops of Prince John, the later King "John Lackland", who had to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 in nearby Runnymede. Edward III, who was born in Windsor, had the old fortress torn down and through William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, had other fortifications and enlargements, including the Round Tower, carried out. Under Elizabeth I the north terrace was added. During the reign of Charles II the picturesque castle site was transformed into a comfortable castle home, which following rulers, however, used only seldom. Renewed restoration work using plans drawn up by the architect Sir Geoffrey Wyattville followed under George IV, William IV and Victoria.
The cost of repairing the damage caused by the great fire at the end of 1992 has been estimated at millions of pounds, with the work probably taking several years.
Windsor Castle is one of the world's most beautiful residences and is also its largest inhabited castle. The royal flag flutters from the top of the Round Tower whenever the Queen stays in Windsor. When she is not here the state apartments can be viewed.
About a dozen monarchs have either added to Windsor Castle or altered it. The founding of the present site dates from the time of Edward III, after William the Conqueror had had the first castle built in 1078. Henry I, Henry II and Henry III had the castle strengthened by the addition of stone constructions and defensive fortifications. In 1189 the English barons laid siege to the castle and beat the Welsh troops of Prince John, the later King "John Lackland", who had to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 in nearby Runnymede. Edward III, who was born in Windsor, had the old fortress torn down and through William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, had other fortifications and enlargements, including the Round Tower, carried out. Under Elizabeth I the north terrace was added. During the reign of Charles II the picturesque castle site was transformed into a comfortable castle home, which following rulers, however, used only seldom. Renewed restoration work using plans drawn up by the architect Sir Geoffrey Wyattville followed under George IV, William IV and Victoria.
The cost of repairing the damage caused by the great fire at the end of 1992 has been estimated at millions of pounds, with the work probably taking several years.
Attractions within Windsor Castle
Curfew Tower
Curfew Tower, built in 1227, which incorporates some of the oldest masonry in Windsor castle. The front and the roof were rebuilt in 1863. Within the tower is part of a 13th century dungeon, with
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Round Tower
The Round Tower, surrounded on three sides by a deep moat, was originally built by Henry II, and raised to twice its height by Wyattville in 1830. The climb up to a 79ft/24m-high viewing platform is rewarded by a marvelous panoramic view.St George's Chapel
The castle is built around two courtyards, the Upper Ward and the Lower Ward, with the Round Tower between them in the Middle Ward. Entrance to the site is through the monumental Henry VIII's
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State Apartments
On the north terrace, from which there are fine views, is the entrance to Winsor Castle's state apartments. The rooms were extensively restored by Wyattville; several of them, including the
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Albert Memorial Chapel
The Albert Memorial Chapel was built by Henry VII in 1500 to contain his own tomb, but was not used for this purpose (Henry VII is buried in Westminster Abbey in London). Since 1861 the chapel has
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Home Park & Great Park
Home Park encloses Windsor Castle to the north and east. Inside the park stand Frogmore House and Mausoleum, in which Queen Victoria is buried together with Prince Albert. Great Park extends along
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Savill Garden and Valley Gardens
The Savill Garden is located on the edge of Windsor Great Park. It contains a wide variety of plant material in a naturalistic setting. Shrubs, Alpine meadows and a formal garden of roses and
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Horseshoe Cloisters
On the south side of the Lower Ward are the houses of the Military Knights of Windsor, who belong to The Most Noble Order of the Garter. The Horseshoe Cloisters (named after their shape) were built
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Order of the Garter
Edward III established at Windsor Castle in 1348 The Most Noble Order of the Garter, the kingdom's highest order. Only 26 knights or ladies may belong to it, although their number can be added to
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Queen Mary's Dolls' House
A visit should also be paid to Queen Mary's Doll's House, a masterpiece of craftsmanship presented to Queen Mary in 1924.| March 1 to October 31 | ||||||||
| Open | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | |
| Closed | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | 17:15 | |
| November 1 to February 28 | ||||||||
| Open | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | 9:45 | |
| Closed | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | 16:15 | |
| Always closed on: | ||||||||
| Christmas - Christian (December 25) Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26) | ||||||||
| Adult | 12.50 |
| Senior over 60 | 10.50 |
| Students | 10.50 |
| Child 17 & under | 6.50 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
| Family | 31.50 |
Last admission one hour, 15 minutes before closing.
Group discount rate available. Family admission (2 adults, 3 children).
Group discount rate available. Family admission (2 adults, 3 children).
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Attractions Near Windsor Castle, Windsor
Hotels in Popular England Destinations

