Windsor Castle
Castle Royal residence and ancient fortress near London
An active royal residence in Berkshire, Windsor Castle contains lavish State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and centuries of royal collections; tours focus on architecture and royal history.
Windsor Castle is a medieval royal castle in Berkshire, England, originally founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and continuously adapted as a royal residence. It is one of the principal homes of the British monarch and a major historic complex.
Visitors can tour formal State Apartments containing paintings, furniture and tapestries, walk the castle precincts and view the Round Tower and Lower Ward. The Gothic-style chapel within the castle is a prominent feature and a royal burial place, while exterior terraces offer views over Windsor Great Park and the town.
The castle is also the setting for ceremonial occasions and occasional state visits, which can affect public access to parts of the site.
Founded as a Norman motte-and-bailey in the 11th century, the castle was expanded and rebuilt across medieval and later centuries into the large stone fortress and palace complex visible today. It has undergone restorations following damage in various periods, including a major fire in the late 20th century.
Located in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, the castle sits above the River Thames and is roughly 30 to 40 kilometres west of central London, within easy rail access from the capital.
- Royal Residence: The castle is an official residence of the British monarch and one of the largest continuously inhabited castles in the world; parts are used for state ceremonies and royal events.
- Chapel Access: The chapel contains significant royal tombs and is also the site of major state services; access may be restricted during events and services.
What to See #
- State Apartments: A suite of lavishly furnished State Apartments used for official ceremonies and open to the public during seasonal openings, containing historic furniture, paintings and tapestries.
- St George's Chapel: A late-medieval chapel in Gothic style that serves as a royal mausoleum and contains the tombs of monarchs and royals from the House of Windsor and earlier dynasties.
- Round Tower and Castle Grounds: The central Round Tower and its grounds which provide views across the Windsor Great Park and form the historic heart of the castle complex.
How to Get to Windsor Castle #
From central London take Great Western Railway from London Paddington to Slough (about 20 minutes) and change for the local branch to Windsor & Eton Central; alternatively Southern/South Western Railway runs direct services from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (around 55 minutes). Windsor Castle sits a short walk from both stations - roughly 5-10 minutes from Windsor & Eton Central and about 15 minutes from Windsor & Eton Riverside. By car it is west of London: follow the M4 west to Junction 6 then the A355/A332 into Windsor (roughly 25-30 miles / ~40-50 km depending on your start point in London).
Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle #
- Pre-book a timed ticket and arrive at opening to see the State Apartments before the midday coach groups and school parties arrive.
- Approach on foot from Windsor town centre (Windsor & Eton Central/Riverside area) rather than waiting at the coach/taxi rank immediately outside the castle to avoid congested arrival flows.
- Check St George's Chapel opening/closure times before you go - services and royal events can restrict access, so visiting the chapel early or late gives the best chance to see its interior without interruption.
Best Time to Visit Windsor Castle #
Best visited in spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Weather & Climate near Windsor Castle #
Windsor Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (621 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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