Windsor Castle
Home to royalty and 1,000 years of royal history.
![The Round Tower at Windsor Castle](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1600" height="625"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Today The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle.
Windsor Castle is open. Please see our FAQs for more details on our Covid-secure procedures in place.
You can also sign up to our e-mail updates to hear the latest news about the Castle and events taking place.
Highlights
Please check our Practical Information page for any changes to the highlights on offer at the time of your visit.
What's on
Shopping and eating
Royal Collection shops
Our online shops offer a wide range of exclusive gifts inspired by the royal palaces and the works of art in the Royal Collection.
Refreshments
Make time for tea and cake in the Undercroft Café at the Castle. The café is situated in one of the oldest surviving spaces in the 1,000 year old Castle.
Children and families
Try our online games
How much do you know about Henry VIII?
Download a family activity trail
Download one of our free trails for children aged 7 – 11 to learn more about the Castle.
Top five things to look out for
Find the place where 10 kings are buried, including Henry VIII and Charles I.
Things to do
Pick up a family multimedia guide and learn about the Castle with Scorch the dragon as your guide.
What's on for children and families
About the Castle
Who built the Castle
William the Conqueror chose the site for Windsor Castle, high above the river Thames.
Who lived at the Castle
Queen Victoria spent most of the year at Windsor.
Fire at the Castle
In 1992 fire destroyed many rooms at the Castle. The award-winning restoration took 5 years to complete.
The Castle today
The Queen uses the Castle for State occasions and official events. Her Majesty also spends her weekends here.
Timeline
Explore 1,000 years of history through the Castle's buildings.
Visitors over the centuries
Windsor Castle has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years.
Windsor Castle film
Watch a short film about visiting the Castle.
News
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee - special displays at the official residences
Monday, 15 November 2021
News
Official range of china to celebrate the 95th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen goes on sale
Saturday, 27 March 2021
Access and mobility
Windsor Castle is fully accessible. It is situated at the top of a steep hill, and long distances have to be covered on site. Concessionary rates are available for you if you have a disability and a companion is admitted free of charge. In line with government policy it is expected and recommended, if you are not exempt, that you wear a face covering whilst visiting our inside spaces. Accessible toilets and a Changing Places are available. Limited seating is available and registered assistance dogs are welcome. A BSL multimedia tour and an accessible café are available. A number of Wardens are Dementia Friends. For travel information see the section on our mobility page. More information on the changes to your visit due to COVID-19 is available on our Practical Information page. Download a photo journey (pdf) to help you plan your visit.
For detailed access information, please select one of the options below. For any other information, you can contact the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or via email.
Schools
Bring the curriculum to life with a visit to Windsor Castle. We offer a range of interactive workshops, tours, learning activities and resources for nursery, primary and secondary pupils. If you are a teacher or group organiser, our schools visit information will help you plan your day.
Groups
Group prices
We offer a groups discount for bookings of 15 people or more.
Group bookings
It is essential to pre-book your group visit. Buy your tickets online or over the telephone.
Coach parking
There's coach parking in Windsor town centre. Unfortunately coaches can't drop off or pick up directly outside the Castle.
Guiding
Windsor Castle-authorised Blue Badge Guides are welcome to guide within the Precincts, but not inside the Castle.
What's on for groups
Nearby
