British Medieval Castles: Windsor Castle. Image courtesy of Flickr commons and Kevin Spencer.
11th Century
Open to Visitors

Windsor Castle is a royal residence in Berkshire. The castle embodies almost 1,000 years of architectural history and is strongly associated with the British royal family. It is also the longest-occupied palace in Europe.

The original Windsor castle was built in the 11th century, right after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror, to oversee a strategically important part of the River Thames. 

The castle was originally built as a motte-and-bailey with three wards surrounding a central mound. This structure was gradually replaced with stone fortifications. Henry III built a luxurious royal palace within the castle during the middle of the century, and Edward III rebuilt the palace to an even grander set of buildings, “the most expensive secular building project of the entire Middle Ages in England“. Henry VIII and Elizabeth I also made increasing use of the castle as a royal court and centre for diplomatic entertainment.

Visit Windsor Castle

Facilities

Assistance Dogs Allowed
Giftshops
Fully Accessible
Restrooms
Pinic Area
Exhibitions
Cafe
Neaby Carpark (Paid)
The walls of Windsor Castle. Image courtesy of Flickr commons and Craigr.
The walls of Windsor Castle. Image courtesy of Flickr commons and Craigr.

Hours

Summer: 10:00 – 16:00

Winter: 10:00 – 15:00

Address

Windsor SL4 1NJ

Phone

+44 (0)303 123 7304

Prices

Adult£23.50
Child (5-16 years) / Disabled£13.50
Over 60 / Student£21.20
Under 5Free
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£60.50
Groups (15 people or more)Check

 

Location

Similar Castles

Medieval Britain: Newark Castle. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

Newark Castle

Newark Castle is a 12th century castle by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln.

British Castles: Corfe Castle.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a ruined castle on the route between Wareham and Swanage.

More to see in Greater London

Books about Medieval Times