Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest working castle in the world that is still occupied by monarchy. For over 900 years, since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here, this has been a royal home and fortress. Queen Elizabeth spends a month at Easter, a week in June and most weekends at Windsor. This is also where she often hosts State Dinners for international dignitaries and entertains those she has knighted into the Order of the Garter (that's Sir to you and I). St George's Chapel is a working chapel and many royal weddings and funerals have occurred here; the Queen Mother and Henry VIII are buried in the chapel.

Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public including the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Queen Mary's dolls' house and George VI's private apartments. You can also see the Great Kitchen on a guided tour and witness the real workaday life of the castle.

Practical Info

It's a good idea to check on the official website before you head to Windsor Castle - sometimes parts of the castle are closed for official royal business. When the Queen is in residence, you can see the Changing of the Guard (as you do at Buckingham Palace when she is there). Windsor is located less than an hour from London Waterloo (direct) or Paddington (one change) by train. From the station, the castle is an easy walk. Buses go to Windsor from Victoria.