About Windsor Castle

Our Windsor Castle Short Breaks offer a chance to experience the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world with its magnificent architecture and lavishly decorated interiors. Plus we have a great range of hotels near Windsor Castle for you to relax with your family and friends before or after your fantastic day out.

One of the official residences of Her Majesty the Queen, Windsor Castle has a history spanning almost 1000 years. On our Windsor Castle Short Breaks you can discover the magnificent State Apartments featuring treasures from the Royal Collection and stunning works of art by Rembrandt, Rubens and Gainsborough. Plus the Drawing Gallery features changing exhibitions of materials from the Royal Library. You can also visit the beautiful St George?s Chapel with its fine Gothic architecture and the tombs of ten monarchs including Charles I and Henry VIII.

Windsor Castle also houses Queen Mary?s Doll?s House, the most famous doll?s house in the world, which even has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and flushing toilets. During the winter months visitors can also take a look into the opulently decorated interiors of George IV?s private apartments (Semi-State Rooms). Plus you could also catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony which takes place at 11am every day in summer and every other day in winter (excl. Sundays and weather permitting). There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained, including the free family activity trails, an interactive audio tour, plus a programme of workshops.

With an average visit to Windsor Castle lasting between 2 and 3 hours, plus with all the other attractions that Windsor has to offer, our Windsor Castle Short Breaks are perfect. With an extensive range of hotels near Windsor Castle to choose from, you?ll have plenty of time on your visit to explore this historic castle and not worry about getting home afterwards.

Windsor Castle is open daily throughout the year, with a few exceptions when the Castle is in use for official functions; see complete closeout dates under the 'open dates' section.

STATE APARTMENTS CLOSED: 4, 18, 20 October and 3 November 2011.

SEMI STATE ROOMS CLOSED: During the winter months an additional five rooms, known collectively as the Semi-State Rooms, are included in the visitor route. These rooms re-open on 24 September 2011 and standard admission charges apply. Please note that when the State Apartments are closed the Semi-State Rooms will not be open.

ST GEORGE'S CHAPEL CLOSED: Every Sunday and 8 July (open from 10:30), 6 August (closed from 13:00), 18 December (open from 10:30), 23-24 December 2011.

Please note that St Georges Chapel is open only to worshippers on Sundays. Visitors are welcome to attend services but those wishing to tour inside the chapel should avoid visiting the Castle on Sundays to save disappointment.