Windsor Castle — the millennium-old royal palace built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, and the official residence of the British monarch. Covering 13 acres and expanded by 39 monarchs, the State Apartments are hung with Baroque masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, Queen Mary's Dolls' House miniaturises the entire palace at 1:12 scale, and St George's Chapel is the final resting place of Henry VIII and Charles I. For 900 years, royal coronations, weddings and funerals have alternated here, making it a living fossil of British history. A half-day in-depth tour explores the State Apartments, the Chapel and the Changing of the Guard.
From the Baroque masterpieces in the State Apartments to the royal tombs in St George's Chapel, from the military band at the Changing of the Guard to the Round Tower overlooking the Thames Valley — step into the millennium-old heart of the British monarchy
Take a 40-minute train from London Paddington to Windsor, walk 5 minutes to the castle's main entrance. We recommend entering at 10:00 when gates open, first visiting the State Apartments to see Baroque masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens, then marvelling at Queen Mary's Dolls' House — a 1:12 scale miniature palace miracle. At 11:00 catch the Changing of the Guard, watching the guard march along the High Street to military music. In the afternoon, explore St George's Chapel, pause before the tombs of Henry VIII and Charles I, and gaze up at the fan-vaulted Gothic glory. In the evening, climb the Round Tower for a panoramic view of the Thames Valley, ending the perfect day with a local Windsor craft ale.
On a cobbled street just two minutes' walk from Windsor Castle, this classic tea room serves a three-tier silver stand of finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and delicate cakes, accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed English tea. The perfect spot for a rest during your tour, soaking up full English ritual. Average £15-£30 per person.
Located in an upscale riverside hotel, this modern European restaurant offers an innovative menu with picture-perfect Thames views. The two-person afternoon tea set includes delicious sandwiches, warm scones and delicate petits fours, served with tea or coffee. Vintage furniture and tableware evoke a 1990s British film setting. Average £25-£45 per person.
Revived Windsor's century-old brewing tradition in 2010, winning over 70 national and international awards, granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. Offers 90-minute brewery tours (£25/person) every Saturday at 12:30 and 15:00, tasting beer at every stage from raw ingredients to finished product. TripAdvisor rating 4.9 — a must-experience local taste in Windsor. Average £15-£25 per person.
Located in the heart of Windsor High Street, bold wallpaper and unique stamp decorations create a distinctive dining atmosphere. From whisky-smoked salmon to warm scones, from steak to fish and chips, serving refined British and modern fusion cuisine all day. Open for 14 hours — the perfect stop after visiting the Castle. Average £20-£40 per person.
Windsor Castle is far more than the State Apartments and the Chapel — if you have time to explore deeper, these experiences will bring this millennium-old royal palace fully to life. Round Tower Summit (requires advance booking, £8 supplementary ticket) puts you 66 metres high atop the Norman tower for a 360° view of Windsor Great Park, The Long Walk and the Thames Valley — on clear days you can even see the London skyline. Order of the Garter Service takes place every June in St George's Chapel, with knights in blue velvet mantles and ostrich-feather hats — one of Britain's most magnificent ceremonies. Castle Secret Tunnel tours reveal the underground passage network from Henry II to WWII.