Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle at a Glance
As the world's biggest occupied castle, Windsor Castle remains today as a royal residence at Windsor, England. It's not only connected with the succeeding royal family but also represents nearly a millennium of architecture.
Since on your visit here, there's so much to see and discover and not enough time, you'll be literally lost at where to start looking. So, to make the task much easier, use my list of must-see attractions.
14 Must-See Attractions in Windsor Castle
1. St. George's Chapel
Edward IV began the chapel in 1474 in dedication to St. George. It's regarded as one of the best examples of the English Perpendicular Gothic style.
The facades are adorned with heraldic symbols of the ruling houses of York and Lancaster.
The fan vaulting in the choir and nave is stunning, as is the west window's-stained glass. Behind and over the stalls you'll spot ornamental plumes of some 700 knights, banners, and coats of arms.
The chapel is home to many royal tombs such as George V, Queen Mary, and others.
The chapel is open to the public except Sunday.
2. Albert Memorial Chapel
Initially called the Lady Chapel and erected to house Henry Vll's tomb in 1500, the chapel was dedicated to memorializing Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert in 1861.
The interior is richly adorned with sculptures, mosaics, and marble, and hosts the sarcophagus of the Duke of Clarence. The marble figure standing on the west door represents the Duke of Albany.
3. The State Apartments
Only available for visiting the times when the Queen is not here. The State Apartments have seen many changes over the centuries to mirror the present monarch's preferences.
Though a destructive fire in 1992 destroyed a lot of the southern portion of the State Apartments, they have been restored fully to their original grandeur.
Do not overlook the Queen's Gallery as well as the Dining Hall. Both have a beautifully painted ceiling plus wood carvings.
4. The Semi-State Rooms
The luxurious private apartments built for George IV are now open to the public from September to March. These are the most elaborately adorned interiors of Windsor Castle, and the Queen uses them for official entertaining.
Do not miss the stunning Crimson Drawing Room, boasting gold-leafed furnishings and damask walls.
5. Queen Mary's Dolls' House
It's a popular thing to see Queen Mary's Dolls' House while visiting Windsor Castle. It's a wonderful work of craftsmanship given to Queen Mary back in 1924. The leading architect of the time, Sir Edwin Lutyens designed it; it's furnished in functioning miniatures built by the era's best designers, craftspeople, and artists.
It's an amazing replica featuring thousands of items, several of which truly work. Automobiles stored in the garage boast engines that run, water flows from little faucets, and even the library houses miniature books.
6. Changing the Guard
The ceremony is basically the same as the daily guard change at Buckingham Palace.
This British tradition occurs in the Castle Precincts from Monday through Saturday mornings at 11:00 AM, April through July.
7. The Horseshoe Cloisters
On the south side of the Lower Ward, you'll find the homes of the Military Knights of Windsor. Called Horseshoe Cloisters, they were constructed to house clergy in 1479. The structure is made of timber frame and brick, with uncommon diagonal brickwork and curving timbers.
8. Windsor Castle Gardens
Due to the castle's hilltop location, its gardens are rather small and sit in terraces which stretch east from the Upper Ward.
Visitors can catch a great view above the East Terrace Garden when the North Terrace is available to the public between late July to late September.
9. Curfew Tower
Constructed back in 1227, the Curfew Tower consists of Windsor Castle's oldest masonry. Inside the tower you'll see part of a 13th-century dungeon that shows the start of a tunneling which the thick walls thwarted. The cone-shaped tower was erected in the 1800s.
10. Round Tower
The Round Tower, surrounded on 3 sides by a moat, was constructed by Henry ll. A guided tour known as "Conquer the Tower" leads visitors inside to begin climbing the 200 steps to enjoy a lovely vista from 65 meters over the Thames River.
From up here, you'll get a good look of the sheer massiveness of the castle complex, together with its 5-kilometer Long Walk and parklands.
11. Great Park
Great Park which stretches along the castle's south side for almost 6 miles, is home to a fine herd of red deer.
12. Home Park
Home Park is utilized for playing sports such as tennis, archery, cricket, and rugby. This is where you'll spot the most fantastic views of Windsor Castle, particularly at night.
13. Frogmore House
Frogmore House sits inside the park. Here is where different royal personalities have resided over the centuries.
14. Mausoleum
The Mausoleum contains the final remains of both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
In the nearby gardens, there are many structures.
