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Windsor Castle
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · GB

Windsor Castle

Getting around: About 40-50 minutes from central London by direct train from Paddington (via Slough, with a change) or Waterloo (direct to Windsor & Eton Riverside), with the castle a short walk from either Windsor station.
Hours: Typically open daily 10am-5:15pm (last entry 4pm), closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays in winter (check ahead as this varies); the castle can close on short notice for state events, so verifying opening status before travelling is worth doing.

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the monarch's preferred weekend residence, with continuous royal occupation stretching back over 900 years since William the Conqueror built the original fortification. St George's Chapel, within the castle grounds, is where several royal weddings and funerals have taken place in recent years, including Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022 and Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, and it holds the tombs of ten monarchs including Henry VIII.

The State Apartments, when open (they close during royal residencies and state events), display artwork from the Royal Collection and lavishly furnished rooms used for state occasions, while Queen Mary's Dolls' House, an extraordinarily detailed 1920s miniature house, is a smaller but genuinely remarkable curiosity within the visit. The Changing of the Guard ceremony also takes place here on a set schedule, similar to Buckingham Palace's, giving visitors a second chance to see it if they miss the London version.

As a day trip from London it's straightforward given the direct train connections; budget about 2.5-3 hours on site plus travel time.

Windsor Castle FAQs

How do you get to Windsor Castle from London?

Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (about 55 minutes), or from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central via a change at Slough (about 40-50 minutes total); the castle is a short walk from either station.

Is Windsor Castle still used by the royal family?

Yes, it's the monarch's preferred weekend residence and remains in continuous royal use, which means it can close to visitors on short notice for state events.

What is Queen Mary's Dolls' House?

An extraordinarily detailed 1920s miniature house on display at Windsor Castle, built to 1:12 scale with working plumbing and tiny genuine works of art, a popular highlight of the visit.

Is St George's Chapel open to visitors at Windsor Castle?

Yes, it's included in castle admission (except during services) and holds the tombs of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII, as well as being the site of several recent royal weddings and funerals.

How long does a visit to Windsor Castle take?

About 2.5-3 hours on site to see the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, and the Dolls' House.

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