Windsor Castle
Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature. During the winter months an additional five rooms, known collectively as the Semi-State Rooms, are included in the visitor route. Standard admission charges apply. The Semi-State Rooms open to the public on 27 September 2008.
Current exhibition in the Drawings Gallery: HRH The Prince of Wales - An exhibition to celebrate his Sixtieth Birthday. Selected from the Royal Collection and from His Royal Highness’s personal archive, the exhibition illustrates key moments in The Prince’s life and reflects his many interests, particularly music, theatre and the arts. Family photographs, favourite books and childhood memorabilia are shown alongside a small group of watercolours painted by His Royal Highness.
The East End of the North Terrace will be open to the public from Monday 28 July until Sunday 28 September 2008.
Please note that the Castle closes 1 hour 15 minutes after last entry time (shown under Opening Times).
As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, opening arrangements may change at short notice. Please check before planning a visit.
Please note the following remaining provisional closure dates during 2008:
25th October 2008: St George's Chapel closed from 1pm.
11th November 2008: CASTLE CLOSED
12th November 2008: State Apartments closed.
6th December 2008: St George's Chapel closed from 1pm.
12th December 2008: State Apartments closed.
23rd December 2008: St George’s Chapel closed from 1pm (other than to worshippers attending services).
24th December 2008: St George’s Chapel closed (other than to worshippers attending services).
25th-26th December 2008: CASTLE CLOSED (St George’s Chapel open to worshippers).
Opening Times
Open New Year
| 01/03/2008 - 30/10/2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Friday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Saturday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Sunday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| Bank Holiday | 09:45 | 16:00 |
| 01/11/2008 - 31/12/2008 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Thursday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Friday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Saturday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Sunday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
| Bank Holiday | 09:45 | 15:00 |
Ticket Information
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff* |
|---|---|
| Family (valid until 31/12/08) | £38.10 |
| Family (during closures of the State Apartments) | £21.00 |
| Adult (valid until 31/12/08) | £14.80 |
| Concession (valid until 31/12/08) | £13.30 |
| Child (valid until 31/12/08) | £8.50 |
| Adult (during closures of the State Apartments | £8.00 |
| Concession (during closures of the State Apartments) | £7.00 |
| Child (during closures of the State Apartments) | £5.00 |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Road Directions
Nearest major road is M4. Alternatively M3 jct 3 or A4. Signposted.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest station is Windsor and Eton Riverside and Windsor and Eton Central.
Facilities
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Payment Methods
- American Express accepted
- Delta accepted
- Groups Accepted - Only Blue Bage Guides accredited to Windsor Castle are permitted to guide within the precincts of the Castle.
- Maestro Accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Max group size - 9999
- Min group size - 15
- Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
- Visa accepted
Establishment Features
- Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
- Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- Toilets
Specialist Features
- Family Fun - Family activities will be running in the Moat Education Room from 28 October to 2 November from 11am to 4pm. Children will follow an inspirational trail around the Castle and look at weapons on display in the State Apartments. Back in the Education Room they will help to create a large mural of Windsor Castle under seige as part of the national Big Draw event.
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Guided Family Tours, focussing on castle defences, every weekend during August; two tours will run each day at 12pm and 2pm.
Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
- French audio guide
- German audio guide
- Italian audio guide
- Japanese audio guide
- Spanish audio guide
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- French printed material
- German printed material
- Italian printed material
- Japanese printed material
- Mandarin printed material
- Russian printed material
- Spanish printed material