Windsor Castle, fit for a Queen!
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the home of British kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years. It’s an official residence of Her Majesty the Queen- and her favourite weekend retreat! Lying just 25 miles from central London, it’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city into the quiet, rural (and very green) Berkshire. As a favourite address of the Queen, she spends most of her private weekends at Windsor Castle and also likes to stay there during Easter and for a week’s holiday in June, when she attends Royal Ascot. So if it’s good enough for the monarchy, it’s good enough for us... As one of the oldest royal landmarks in Britain, and largest inhabited castles in the world, it’s used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions and often hosts state visits from other monarchs and presidents. Covering a site of over thirteen acres, Windsor Castle sprawls a huge expanse and is a prominent feature on the hilltop of Windsor. From State Apartments to the Round Tower there’s so much to explore and discover in the lavish rooms to the portrait-lined hallways. Ever wondered how the royals live? Well don’t miss the State Apartments, which reflect the changing tastes of the Castle’s royal occupants, especially Charles II (r.1660-85) and George IV (r.1820-30). It’s lavish, up a notch! Another of the major highlights is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, arguably the largest, most exquisite and most famous dolls’ house in the world. It was created for Queen Mary by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924 and is a true testament to intricate design and architecture. Travel back in time and picture the royal weddings of the 18th and 19th centuries in St George’s Chapel. It’s one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England and is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter: the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. If you want something a bit more interactive, why not take one of the many expert-led tours by to discover the palace and learn about it’s rich past, including an audio tour with an introduction by the Prince of Wales, and special audio tours for children, too. Make sure you remember your camera – it’s a picture perfect landmark! Check out our infographic to learn about the riveting history about Windsor Castle from the past to present. Plus, with a London Pass you can even visit without any further payment! It’s not to be missed...