Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is the home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and its magnificent State Rooms and works of art reflect the tastes of successive kings and queens.
In 1992 a devastating fire destroyed or damaged more than 100 rooms at the Castle. The highly acclaimed restoration work, completed in 1997, is a testament to the skills of some of the finest craftsmen in Europe. HM The Queen and her family spend most of their private weekends at Windsor Castle. The Queen is also officially in residence throughout April and June, when the annual Garter Service is held in St George's Chapel.
This sprawling grand home covers an area of 13 acres and overlooks charming Windsor town – pay the castle a visit and find out why our royals have lived here for centuries!
The State Apartments
Take a look inside the heart of the working palace – the State Apartments. Regularly used for ceremonial and official occasions, the Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection. Try and spot the paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci that hang from the walls! During the winter months the richly decorated Semi-State Rooms are added to the visitor route.
Queen Mary’s Dolls House
Specially built for Queen Mary by leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, Queen Mary’s Dolls House is a magical miniature residence with extraordinary attention to detail. Complete with working lights, running water and a tiny garden, this doll house is a perfect replica of an aristocratic home. The library is even filled with original works by famous writers of the day!
St. George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in England. It has been the setting for many royal weddings and is the burial place of ten sovereigns. The Chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of the Garter. Britain's highest Order of Chivalry. The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11.00 am, weather permitting, from Monday to Saturday between April and the end of June, and on alternate days for the rest of the year, with the exception of Sundays.
The Changing of the Guard
This rousing, truly British ceremony takes place at 11.00am, weather permitting, from Monday to Saturday between April and the end of June. The rest of the year it takes place on alternate days, with the exception of Sundays.