Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, a royal residence for more than 950 years and a symbol of continuity in British history. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, it began as a wooden motte‑and‑bailey fortress guarding the Thames Valley. Over centuries, monarchs transformed it into a grand palace, each leaving their mark—from Henry II’s stone fortifications to George IV’s lavish interiors. One of the castle’s most fascinating features is St George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter. It has hosted royal weddings, funerals, and generations of ceremonial pageantry. The castle also survived the devastating fire of 1992, after which a major restoration returned its state rooms to their former splendour. Windsor Castle remains a working royal residence, where state banquets, investitures, and official events continue to take place. Its sweeping lawns, round towers, and iconic Long Walk make it one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks, blending fortress strength with royal elegance.
Windsor United Kingdom
Windsor Castle stands in the town of Windsor, Berkshire, perched on a hill overlooking the River Thames. It’s about an hour west of central London and easily reached by train from London Waterloo or Paddington. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it has been a royal home for over 900 years and is still used by the British royal family. Visitors can explore the magnificent State Apartments, see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and visit St. George’s Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece and the burial place of monarchs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. The Changing of the Guard ceremony adds to the pageantry on select mornings. Right nearby, Windsor’s attractions are all within walking distance. Stroll down Castle Hill to Windsor Royal Shopping for boutiques and cafés, or walk across Windsor Bridge into Eton to see the famous Eton College. The Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue in Windsor Great Park, starts at the castle gates and offers sweeping views and deer sightings. Also close are the River Thames paths for boat trips, the Theatre Royal Windsor, and Legoland Windsor Resort a short drive away. The charming streets, pubs, and riverside setting make Windsor Castle the perfect centerpiece for a day exploring royal history and classic English scenery.
Museum