Windsor Castle
Includes Admission
1 Days from just
£55.00
As early as the reign of Elizabeth I, senior courtiers, foreign envoys and noblemen are known to have been shown around the state apartments at Windsor Castle. Greenliners can become the next in this long line of esteemed visitors by exploring Windsor Castle; the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and still a fully working Royal residence that overlooks the beautiful town of Windsor.
Founded by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has been a Royal residence to over 40 monarchs ever since. The Castle has been a public tourist destination since the early Georgian era - when George I and II preferred to spend their time further down river.
One of the main highlights are the main State Apartment rooms used by the modern Royal Family. It is within these rooms that the monarch hosts official visits from Heads of State and investitures and awards ceremonies. The most striking room is the Grand Reception Room, which was once the main ballroom in the Castle (and retains its chandeliers and gilding). You won't miss the large malachite urn - a gift from Tsar Nicholas I to Queen Victoria in 1839 - which is one of the largest examples outside of Russia. Visitors can also see the historic State Apartments. Built for Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, these rooms set out to rival the achievements of Louis XIV at Versailles. Here you'll also find some of the finest art works in the Royal Collection with Holbein, Van Dyck and Rubens amongst others on show.
St. George's Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, Construction began in 1475 under Edward IV with the stunning stone ceiling added by Henry VII. The Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. It has gained fame in recent years as the wedding venue of The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It was also hosted the final elements of the funerals of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip; both of whose tombs are within the Chapel alongside George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I.
Visitors to the Castle also get access to the Semi-State Rooms - the private rooms of George IV that have been lovingly restored since the 1992 fire - Queen Mary's Doll's House, the world's largest doll house which took 3 years and has contributions from 1500 craftspeople to recreate the Castle in astonishing detail. It even includes electricity,. running water and a working lift!