Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world — a continuous royal residence since 1066. When the Round Tower displays the Royal Standard flag, the king is at home (Windsor is the weekend residence). Queen Elizabeth II spent her last years here and is buried in St George's Chapel.
Highlights
- State Apartments: Opulent reception rooms with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Canaletto, a golden weapon collection, and the vast Waterloo Chamber (built to celebrate Napoleon's defeat).
- St George's Chapel: One of the most beautiful Gothic churches in England — home of the Order of the Garter (since 1348), resting place of Henry VIII, Charles I, George III, and Queen Elizabeth II. Harry and Meghan married here (2018).
- Queen Mary's Dolls' House: The most elaborate dollhouse in the world (1920s) — with working electricity, running water, and tiny books that are actually readable.
- Changing of the Guard: Windsor also has a Changing of the Guard — smaller and more intimate than in London, but just as pompous. Schedule: changingguard.com.
Practical: Admission: £30. Trains from London Paddington (change at Slough, 30 min) or from London Waterloo (direct, 55 min). The town of Windsor itself is charming: half-timbered houses, the Long Walk (a 4 km long straight path through the Great Park), and Eton College (the most famous school in the world, on the other side of the bridge).
