Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most significant historic sites in the UK and the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Sitting high above the town of Windsor, it has been a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years and continues to play an active role in the life of the monarchy today.

A visit usually begins within the castle’s outer wards, where thick stone walls, towers and sweeping views immediately establish its scale. From the battlements, customers can look out across Windsor, the Thames Valley and the Long Walk, understanding why this location was strategically important following the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror chose the site to control movement along the river and protect routes in and out of London.

Inside the castle, the State Apartments are a major highlight. These richly decorated rooms are still used for official ceremonies and contain paintings, furniture and decorative arts collected by generations of monarchs. Moving through them gives a sense of how the castle has adapted over centuries, with medieval foundations supporting Baroque and Georgian interiors shaped by changing royal tastes.

St George’s Chapel sits at the heart of the Lower Ward and is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. It has been the setting for royal weddings, funerals and ceremonies for hundreds of years, including recent events that connect the castle firmly to modern history. The chapel is also the resting place of several monarchs, adding a quieter, reflective dimension to the visit.

Beyond the buildings themselves, the castle grounds offer space to pause and observe. Watching the Changing of the Guard or walking along the walls reveals how the castle functions as both a working royal residence and a public historic site. The contrast between ceremony and everyday maintenance is part of its character.

Windsor Castle is not just about grandeur. Its long history of continuous use makes it feel layered rather than frozen in time. Visiting offers insight into how power, architecture and daily life have intersected here for nearly a millennium, making it one of the most compelling historic experiences in the country.