Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature. During the winter months an additional five rooms, known collectively as the Semi-State Rooms, are included in the visitor route. Standard admission charges apply. The Semi-State Rooms open to the public on 27 September 2008.
Current exhibition in the Drawings Gallery: HRH The Prince of Wales - An exhibition to celebrate his Sixtieth Birthday. Selected from the Royal Collection and from His Royal Highness’s personal archive, the exhibition illustrates key moments in The Prince’s life and reflects his many interests, particularly music, theatre and the arts. Family photographs, favourite books and childhood memorabilia are shown alongside a small group of watercolours painted by His Royal Highness.
Band Concerts will take place every Sunday, weather permitting, in the Jubilee Garden at 2pm from 4th May to 31st August 2008.
The East End of the North Terrace will be open to the public from Monday 28 July until Sunday 28 September 2008.
The Moat Garden will be open each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during August, with all proceeds donated to charity. Normal Castle opening times apply.
Please note that the Castle closes 1 hour 15 minutes after last entry time (shown under Opening Times).
As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, opening arrangements may change at short notice. Please check before planning a visit.
Please note the following remaining provisional closure dates during 2008:
25th October 2008: St George's Chapel closed from 1pm.
10th November 2008: Semi State Rooms closed.
11th November 2008: CASTLE CLOSED
12th November 2008: State Apartments closed.
6th December 2008: St George's Chapel closed from 1pm.
12th December 2008: State Apartments closed.
23rd December 2008: St George’s Chapel closed from 1pm (other than to worshippers attending services).
24th December 2008: St George’s Chapel closed (other than to worshippers attending services).
25th-26th December 2008: CASTLE CLOSED (St George’s Chapel open to worshippers).