Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest continuously occupied palace in Europe which was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror.

TravelCurious Tip

Don’t forget to admire the 15th century St. George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world. It has been an official residence of the English Royal Family for nearly 1,000 years, and the Queen stays here most weekends, and for a month during Easter. Even when she is not in residence, nearly 500 people live or work in the castle, a testament to its classic medieval combination of palace, fortress and small town. As an international symbol of British heritage, and one of the country’s most evocative and recognisable historic landmarks, Windsor Castle rarely fails to impress.


Military Beginnings

The castle was built by William the Conqueror shortly after his 1066 invasion, in an effort to consolidate his territorial gains and assert his rule over the land. Originally a simple motte and bailey construction, over the years its strategic proximity to the Thames led to several rounds of addition and reinforcement, notably by Henry II, King John and Edward III.


Onward and Upward

Visiting the castle today, the great walls loom above you from atop their 15m chalk outcrop. In the very centre of the motte stands the keep, the Round Tower, a colossal fortification in which the medieval garrison would once have been able to make their last stand. Around the tower are three “Wards”, or sections, which you can visit. Particularly impressive are the sumptuous state apartments in the Upper Ward. They were mostly designed by Jeffry Wyatville, who wanted each room to reflect a different school of design. The result is a kaleidoscope of opulence which both showcases the wealth of the generations of royals who have lived here, and also illustrates the changing styles of the times.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London
St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Built in the fourteenth century, St George's Chapel at Windsor has played host to numerous royal weddings and funerals and is one of England's most visited sites.
The State Apartments
Inside Windsor Castle are three wards of state apartments - the upper ward rivals the grand decor of Versailles.
Windsor Long Walk
This impressive 3 miles long tree-lined avenue begins at the George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle and ends at the magnificent Copper Horse statue.
Queen Mary's Doll House at Windsor
Queen Mary's Dolls' House is the largest dolls' house in the world. Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, consort of George V, by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it includes contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists, craftsmen and manufacturers of the early twentieth century.
Eton College
An iconic British public school founded in the 15th century, alma mater to 19 former prime ministers.
Traditional college uniform tailor shop
Learn the inside of the classic British tailoring practices.

Related Tours

Hampton Court & Windsor Castle: Private Trip from London
Just outside of London, two Royal treasures and England's most notable places await you: Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. You will explore the home of Henry VII & the Tudor dynasty, and the world's oldest & largest occupied castle and the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II with your private tour guide who will share the stories and the history behind these two British landmarks.

On your private day trip from London, you will:

  • Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London Taxi;
  • Visit the stunning Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's residence famous for its beautiful gardens;
  • See Hampton Court's sixteenth-century astronomical clock which is still functioning;
  • Explore The Maze, commissioned in the 18th century is now the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze;
  • Travel to Windsor Castle after a lunch break, and discover the grounds of the Queen’s favourite weekend residence;
  • See the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel, the resting place of many English Kings and Queens, and the wedding venue of Harry and Meghan;
  • Stop along the way at Runnymede Field where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215;
  • Enjoy a relaxing drive back to your centrally located London hotel. 
Your day begins with a day trip to Hampton Court Palace, where lies the spectacular favourite residence of Henry VIII built in 1514, where you will explore the impressive maze and beautiful gardens, see the astronomical clock and visit Henry VIII’s tennis court.

Afterwards, you will visit Her Majesty’s favourite weekend residence, the beautiful Windsor Castle. You will be able to walk through the exquisite State Apartments, which display artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci. 

You will see magnificent rooms, including St. George’s Hall where larger-than-life banquets are held, stunning suits of armour as well as flawless grounds and gardens. Another highlight will be St George’s Chapel - where numerous weddings within the Royal family have taken place and where famous monarchs, including the infamously beheaded Charles I, are buried.

With your guide providing insight along the way, this is the perfect day trip from London to discover two amazing Royal Treasures.
Royal Windsor: Private Day Trip from London including Windsor Castle
Visit Her Majesty Elizabeth II's favourite home of Windsor Castle with St George’s Chapel, dating back to 1070, and explore the historic town of Eton and the famous Eton College, an ancient school of princes and prime ministers for centuries, including Princes William and Harry and the former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. 

On your private day trip from London, you will:

  • Travel by private transport from London to Windsor in an iconic London Black Cab with your private driver;
  • Enjoy a fully guided tour of Eton, see Eton College from the outside and learn about the fascinating history, uniforms, habits, and language of England’s most famous all-boys public school and its illustrious alumni;
  • Visit the famous school outfitters and learn how to tie a Windsor knot;
  • Head to Windsor Castle – a magnificent 11th Century castle built by William the Conqueror in 1070 and reportedly Her Majesty’s favourite royal home;
  • Enjoy a fully guided tour of the state apartments (with your qualified private guide and audio guide provided by the royal family). 
  • Admire the banqueting hall and impressive medieval suits of armour;
  • Learn about the working life of the Royal Family;
  • Step inside St George’s Chapel as your guide gives you an in-depth tour of this historic building beloved of the royals;
  • See the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle (mornings only) and learn about the tradition of England’s military pomp and pageantry;
  • Enjoy an easy transfer back to London. 

Experience the pomp and pageantry, royal splendour, and traditions of Royal Windsor and Eton on this lovely half-day guided private tour. You’ll walk in and around Windsor Castle – the Queen’s favourite residence, where she and His Royal Highness the late Prince Philip were quarantined during the pandemic. It was known affectionately as HMS Bubble!

Windsor is a working royal castle, and you’ll visit the state apartments, where Her Majesty receives visiting dignitaries and heads of state. You’ll see Queen Mary's exquisite dollhouse - inclusive of a library, globe, and leatherback chairs, which took over three years to complete and learn about working royal life. 

Your expert guide will show you around the magnificent St George’s Chapel – another favourite of the Royal Family as a more intimate setting than Westminster Abbey in London. His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales was married to Ms Meghan Markle here, as was HRH Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank. 

Most recently it was the chosen venue for the regal yet incredibly moving funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip was the Queen’s husband of 73 years – and the longest-serving royal consort of all time. 

The chapel is also the burial place of several famous British monarchs and their consorts, including Henry VIII and Charles I.

Coming down the hill and over the river, you will leave Windsor and enter the impossibly quaint town of Eton. See the exterior of Eton College (not open to the public), where you will find yourself walking in the footsteps of 20 of the country’s prime ministers, Oscar winners such as Eddie Redmayne, writers such as Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels and Princes William and Harry.

 Step into one of the country's most famous tailors, where the college's uniforms are made, and perhaps learn to tie to the illustrious 'Windsor knot'. Enjoy popping your head into the array of different antique, art and quirky independent shops, and enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive back to London. 

Please note: As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, sometimes the entire Castle or the State Apartments within the Castle need to be closed at short notice. We will endeavour to be in touch with you as soon as we have this information.
Build Your Own 10-hour Private Tour in a London
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up and drop-off are only included from Central London
Build Your Own 7-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off  is only included from Central London
Build Your Own 8-hour Private Tour in a London Taxi
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.
We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note
  • No entrance fees are included
  • Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off  is only included from Central London
Windsor Castle & Eton: Private Day Trip from London by Train
The British monarchy is perhaps the most famous family in the world. They have majestic palaces, castles and stately homes all over the United Kingdom, but it is said the favourite residence of the House of Windsor, is the medieval Windsor Castle itself. It is also where the late Queen and Prince Philip stayed during the Covid pandemic (known as HMS Bubble), and nearby Eton College is where princes William and Harry went to school.

On your private full-day tour of Windsor and Eton you will:

  • Meet your private guide at London Paddington train station and travel together to Windsor;
  • Walk through the historic and picturesque town of royal Windsor;
  • Explore the magnificent Windsor Castle and grounds with your guide;
  • Enjoy a fully guided tour of St George's Chapel where many monarchs such as Henry VIII and most recently Queen Elizabeth II - are buried, and where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle;
  • See Queen Mary's exquisite dollhouse - inclusive of a library, globe, and leatherback chairs, which took over three years to complete;
  • Visit the majestic State Apartments with an Audioguide (tour guides cannot guide inside these rooms);  
  • Break for lunch in Windsor. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations. (Lunch is not included);
  • Walk across Thomas Telford’s bridge and visit Eton town;
  • See Eton College, and learn of its many famous former students from Prime Ministers to princes, and its archaic traditions;
  • Pop into one of the country's most famous tailors, where the college's uniforms are made, and perhaps learn to tie to the illustrious 'Windsor knot';
  • Return to London Waterloo train station with your guide, or opt to stay in Windsor and return at your leisure. 

After a scenic train ride from London to Windsor, your day begins with a guided walking tour through the pretty and historic royal town of Windsor towards the castle.  You'll learn about the 1000-year history of the town and its royal connections over the centuries. 

Windsor Castle dates back to the 11th century when it was first built by William the Conqueror, and is the oldest and largest inhabited, working castle in the world.  It is said to be the late Queen's favourite residence, and it is where she and Prince Philip isolated during the pandemic. It was expertly and carefully restored after a mighty fire in 1992. 

Upon entering the castle walls, first enjoy a tour of St. George's Chapel, a 15th-century church that has played host to numerous royal weddings including those of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. It is also a place of royal burial: monarchs both famous and infamous are buried there including Henry VIII (with all the wives), Charles I (who was beheaded) and most recently her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II alongside her beloved husband Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.

After a guided tour around the exquisite castle grounds and gardens, you will explore the majestic State Apartments with an audio guide. (Tour guides are not permitted to tour inside, the audioguide is included). 

Stand in St. George’s Hall, where royal and state banquets are held. Learn about the various ceremonies that take place here like the procession of the Order of the Garter. Admire the intricately decorated staterooms, polished suits of armour and weaponry, famous portraits and medieval heraldry. Learn the many stories and legends associated with the castle over the last thousand years. 

After your tour of the castle, have your lunch break in Windsor before crossing the bridge for a guided stroll around the quaint town of Eton. See the exterior of Eton College (not open to the public), and walk in the footsteps of more than twenty of the country’s prime ministers, Oscar winners such as Eddie Redmayne, writers such as Ian Fleming, and Princes William and Harry. 

Pop into one of the country's most famous tailors, where the college's uniforms are made, and perhaps learn to tie to the illustrious 'Windsor knot'.

Return to London Waterloo with your guide, or opt to stay and explore more of Eton and Windsor and the Great Park at your leisure. 

Please note: 
- As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, sometimes the entire Castle or the State Apartments within the Castle need to be closed at short notice. We will endeavour to be in touch with you as soon as we have this information. 
- The Tailor shop will only be visited on tours running on weekdays (not on weekends or bank holidays) as the shops are closed.
From/To London To/From Southampton: Private Transfer including Windsor
Embark on a 6-hour transfer from London to Southampton Cruise Terminal (or in reverse) in a classic black cab, stopping at the popular Windsor Castle.

Your journey begins greeted by your friendly and knowledgeable driver who will be your guide for the day. Settle into the comfortable cab and relax as you leave the city behind and venture into Windsor for a self-guided tour. 

- Luggage capacity: up to 4 large suitcases 
- Max pax: 4 people 
- Type of vehicle: London Black Cab

Please note: Your visit to Windsor Castle will be self-guided and your guide won't be able to provide commentary inside.
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