Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle
Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Windsor Castleon this page. For your convenience, we’ve organized them into different categories, covering everything from general questions to logistics and history.
Check out quick and comprehensive answers to ensure your Windsor Castle experience is seamless and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle: Logistics and Planning
The duration of a visit to Windsor Castle can vary, typically taking around 2 to 3 hours for a self-guided tour. Guided tours may have predefined durations, which can range from 2 to 4 hours or more, depending on the specific tour package you choose. Your visit’s length depends on your interests and whether you explore on your own or with a guided tour.
>> Check out the most recommended Windsor Castle tickets and tours to book here.
Windsor Castle is located in the county of Berkshire, England. It is situated in the town of Windsor, which is in the southeastern part of England, near the River Thames.
To reach Windsor Castle from London, you have three options:
- By Train: The quickest method is to take a train from Paddington or Waterloo station to Windsor & Eton station, which is just a 22-minute ride. From there, it’s a short ten-minute walk to Windsor Castle.
- By Bus: While it takes longer than the train, taking the bus is a cost-effective option. You can catch the Green Line 702 from various locations in London, including Victoria Station, Hyde Park Corner, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington High Street, Hammersmith Bridge Road, Langley, or Slough. The bus drops you off just 200 steps away from the castle.
- By Car: If you’re traveling with your own car or a rental car, follow the A4 and M4 from London to the castle’s signposted parking areas. This journey typically takes about one hour.
However, if you prefer the most convenient and hassle-free option, consider taking a guided tour from London. This allows you to relax and enjoy the journey while an experienced guide takes care of all the logistics.
>> Check out the most popular Windsor Castle tickets and tours to book here.
Windsor itself has no subway station; London Paddington station is the closest to the area. However, if you want to travel to Windsor Castle by public transport, you can take a train that runs from London Paddington Station to Windsor & Eton Central Station.
There are two train stations in Windsor, each just a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle. One is Windsor & Eton Riverside, just outside the city center on the River Thames. The other is Windsor & Eton Central downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions about the interior of Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a vast and expansive royal residence, boasting over 1,000 rooms. These rooms serve various purposes, from state apartments and living quarters to historic spaces and visitor areas. The castle’s immense size and diverse functions make it a truly remarkable and versatile architectural masterpiece, and it is often considered the largest inhabited castle globally. While not all of its rooms are open to the public, visitors can explore many of its historic and beautifully decorated spaces, including the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, during guided tours.
>> Find the most popular Windsor Castle tours and tickets here.
Windsor Castle is home to a diverse community of residents and staff. This includes the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle, who serves as the head of the Castle community. The Dean of Windsor, along with Canons and College of St George staff, play key roles in the castle’s daily operations. The Military Knights of Windsor are an integral part of the community, as are the Superintendent and administrative staff responsible for the castle’s day-to-day affairs. The Housekeeper and her team oversee the maintenance of the castle, ensuring its impeccable condition. Additionally, a permanent military guard is mounted within the castle, underscoring its historical and ceremonial significance.
After Queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey, a committal service took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, led by the Dean of Windsor. Subsequently, later that evening, Queen Elizabeth was interred alongside her husband, Prince Philip, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel within Windsor Castle’s Royal Vault. This burial and service remained a private and intimate event, attended solely by King Charles and other close members of the royal family.
Yes, you can. Queen Elizabeth II’s burial site inside St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is accessible to the public throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle History and Architecture
Windsor Castle is over a thousand years old. It was originally built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, making it one of the oldest and largest continuously inhabited castles in the world. The castle has undergone numerous expansions, renovations, and additions over the centuries, reflecting various architectural styles and historical periods. Today, it continues to serve as an official residence of the British monarch and stands as a symbol of enduring British heritage and history.
The fire at Windsor Castle in 1992 was caused by an electrical fault in the castle’s private chapel. The fire started on the evening of November 20, and quickly spread to other parts of the castle, fueled by strong winds. It became a massive blaze that raged for about 15 hours, causing extensive damage to several areas of the castle. The fire at Windsor Castle was a significant event in British history, as it led to extensive restoration efforts and a public debate on funding the repairs.
The restoration of Windsor Castle following the fire in 1992 was a massive undertaking, and it took approximately five years to complete. The project involved repairing and restoring numerous parts of the castle, including the State Apartments, St. George’s Hall, and the Private Chapel, which were severely damaged in the fire. The restoration work aimed to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the castle while modernizing some aspects for safety and functionality. Windsor Castle was officially reopened to the public in 1997, marking the successful completion of the restoration project and the restoration of this iconic royal residence.
Windsor Castle is larger in terms of land area compared to Buckingham Palace. Windsor Castle covers approximately 13 acres of land, making it the largest inhabited castle in the world. In contrast, Buckingham Palace covers around 39 acres, but a significant portion of this space includes gardens and open areas.