Discover Windsor Castle Opening Times: Your key to exploring history! Plan your visit with essential info on Windsor Castle Opening Times.
The Daily English
Windsor Castle is the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Open to the public five days a week, Windsor Castle offers visitors a chance to explore its rich history and culture.
I. When is Windsor Castle open?
Windsor Castle is open to the public from Thursday to Monday, from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM from 1st March to 31st October, and from 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM from 1st November to 28th February. While Windsor Castle is actually closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
A. Windsor Castle opening and closing times on festivals
Windsor Castle is closed on the following festivals:
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- Good Friday
Easter Monday and New Year’s Day:
While Windsor Castle is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it is open on both Easter Monday and New Year’s Day.
The opening hours for these days are the same as the regular season in which they fall:
- 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM (if Easter Monday or New Year’s Day falls between March 1st and October 31st)
- 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM (if Easter Monday or New Year’s Day falls between November 1st and February 28th)
B. Is Windsor Castle open all year round?
Yes, Windsor Castle is open all year round, except for the three festivals listed above.
C. Windsor Castle contact number and opening times
Windsor Castle contact number: +44 (0)300 123 7301
1. Windsor Castle opening times:
- Thursday to Monday: 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM (March to October)
- Thursday to Monday: 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM (November to February)
Please note that the castle may be closed on certain days due to official events or maintenance. It is always best to check the website before you visit.
D. Additional Information
- Visitors cannot bring large bags or suitcases into the castle.
- St George’s Chapel may be closed for services, so it’s best to check the website before you visit.
II. What parts of the castle can I visit?
Visitors to Windsor Castle can explore the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, St George’s Chapel, and the East Terrace Garden.
A. State Apartments
The State Apartments are lavishly decorated rooms for official state events. Visitors can see the Queen’s Gallery, the Grand Reception Room, and the Crimson Drawing Room, among others.
- Charles II and Christopher Wren originally designed the State Apartments in the 17th century.
- George IV extensively redecorated the apartments in the 19th century to create an opulent and comfortable palace.
- The State Apartments are used today by the Queen for official state events, such as banquets, receptions, and inaugurations.
- Visitors to the State Apartments can see many treasures, including paintings, furniture, and porcelain.
- The Grand Reception Room is the largest in the State Apartments and is used for banquets and other large gatherings. The room is decorated with red velvet wallpaper, gold leaf, and crystal chandeliers.
- The Queen’s Gallery houses a collection of paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and other famous artists.
- The Crimson Drawing Room is used for smaller receptions and meetings. The room is decorated with crimson velvet wallpaper, furniture, and several portraits of British monarchs.
- The Semi-State Rooms are a series of rooms used for less formal events than the State Apartments.
- The Grand Staircase is a magnificent staircase that leads up to the State Apartments.
Here are some additional facts about the State Apartments:
- The Grand Reception Room is so large that it can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
- The Crimson Drawing Room is where Queen Victoria received her wedding guests in 1840.
B. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a miniature house that was built for Queen Mary in the early 1920s. It’s considered one of the most exquisite doll houses ever built.
- The dolls’ house is over 20 feet long and 10 feet high.
- It has 2,000 miniature objects, including furniture, paintings, and books.
- The library has over 1,000 miniature books, some written by famous authors such as A.A. Milne and Beatrix Potter.
- The wine cellar has over 1,000 miniature bottles of wine.
- The garage has over 100 miniature cars.
The dolls’ house also has many working features, such as electricity and plumbing. The lifts work, the lights turn on, and the baths fill with water.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. It’s a testament to the skill and creativity of the hundreds of people who worked on it. It’s also a fascinating glimpse into the life of a royal family in the early 1920s.
Did you know Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House has a working miniature Rolls-Royce? It’s even equipped with a spare tire and a jack!
The Daily English
C. St George’s Chapel
St George’s Chapel is a Gothic chapel located within the grounds of Windsor Castle. It’s the burial place of many British monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I.
- St George’s Chapel is one of England’s most important royal chapels. It has been the site of many royal weddings and funerals, including the weddings of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
- The chapel is also the burial place of 10 British monarchs, including Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Charles I, and George VI.
- St George’s Chapel is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It was built in the 15th century by King Edward IV, and it features stunning stained glass windows, elaborate carvings, and a magnificent choir.
- The chapel is also home to several important historical artefacts, including the Albert Memorial Chapel, built in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.
- St George’s Chapel is a popular tourist attraction that is open to the public for tours and services.
- The chapel is also home to England’s largest stained-glass window. The window, known as the East Window, depicts scenes from the life of Christ.
- St George’s Chapel is a popular wedding venue for members of the British royal family. In addition to Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank were also married in the chapel.
- The chapel is also a popular place for royal baptisms. Prince William and Prince Harry were both baptized in St George’s Chapel.
D. East Terrace Gardens
The East Terrace Gardens are a beautiful set of gardens that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also see the Changing of the Guard ceremony from the gardens.
- Charles II originally laid out the gardens in the 17th century, and they have been enjoyed by British monarchs and their guests ever since.
- The gardens contain various plants and flowers, including roses, lilies, and tulips. They also have several fountains and sculptures.
- The East Terrace Gardens are popular for weddings and other special events.
The gardens are home to a unique plant called the “Windsor Castle Rose.” This rose was created in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The rose is a deep pink colour and has a strong fragrance.
E. Other Parts of Windsor Castle
- Round Tower: The Round Tower is the oldest part of Windsor Castle, dating back to the 11th century. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Moat Room: The Moat Room is located beneath the State Apartments. It is used for banquets and other special events.
- Changing of the Guard: The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a traditional daily ceremony at Windsor Castle.
III. How to get to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is located in the town of Windsor, Berkshire, England. It’s about a 40-minute train journey from London Waterloo.
A. Additional Information on How to Get to Windsor Castle
- By train: The closest train station to Windsor Castle is Windsor & Eton Riverside. Trains from London Waterloo take about 40 minutes to reach the station.
- By bus: Several bus companies operate services to Windsor Castle—the Green Line 702 bus runs from London Victoria Coach Station to Windsor town centre. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- By car: Windsor Castle is about 25 miles west of London. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey takes about 45 minutes. While 45 minutes is achievable under ideal conditions, the traffic can significantly increase travel time by car. Consider using a traffic monitoring app for the most up-to-date information.
If you are driving to Windsor Castle, several car parks are nearby. However, parking can be expensive, especially during peak times.
B. Tips for visiting Windsor Castle
- Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s much walking involved.
- Some parts of the castle may be closed for official events or maintenance.
- Check the website before you visit for the latest information on opening hours and closures.
- Large bags/suitcases are not allowed in the Windsor Castle.
- Limited access to St George’s Chapel possible due to services.
IV. Conclusion
Windsor Castle is a fascinating and historic place to visit, and it’s well worth a trip. Following the tips above, you can make the most of your visit and ensure a memorable time.
The Daily English
V. FAQs
What are the best times to visit Windsor Castle to avoid the crowds?
The best times to visit Windsor Castle to avoid the crowds are early morning, after lunch, or on weekdays. The castle is busiest on weekends and during school holidays.
Are there any special events at Windsor Castle that affect the opening times?
Several special events occur at Windsor Castle each year, such as the Royal Ascot horse race and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. These events can affect the opening times of the castle, so it is best to check the website before you visit.
Are any parts of Windsor Castle not open to the public?
Yes, several parts of Windsor Castle are not open to the public, such as the private apartments of the Queen and the Royal Family. However, several tours allow visitors to see various parts of the castle.
What is the best way to get to Windsor Castle from London?
The best way to get to Windsor Castle from London is by train. The train journey takes about 40 minutes from London Waterloo station. Many bus companies also operate services to Windsor Castle from London.
Are there any special discounts available for tickets to Windsor Castle?
Yes, several special discounts are available for tickets to Windsor Castle, such as discounts for children, seniors, and groups. Several combined tickets are available, including admission to the castle and transportation from London.
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