While visiting England, the castle in Windsor has to be on top of the list. Constructed in the 11^th century, this is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It is the residence of the Royal Family till date for 100 years. Look for the royal flag flying above the Round Tower, which indicates the Royals are at home or else you will see the Union Flag.

A trip to this British Castle can be easy and fun if you are aware of certain things. Read on to know them.

Buy tickets in advance

Ensure to book your entry tickets in advance for Windsor Castle as the queue can be very long, especially if it is the peak times during summer. They can be bought online from StonehengeVisit.co.uk, the site that helps you to visit Stonehenge for free and offer discount tickets for visiting London attractions. You get a 24-hour cancellation service with a full refund.

Best time to visit

The Castle in Windsor is open throughout the year, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, there can be possible aspects that it might be closed for private occasions of the Royal Family.

• Winters are the best time to visit as you can expect long queues in summer.
• In summer, your tickets allow you to enter the State Apartments and St. George Chapel.
• In winter, you can have access to the private apartments that were created by King George IV.
• George’s Chapel is open on all days except Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 4.15 pm.
• Avoid visiting the Castle on Sundays as it remains very crowded and also you will not be able to visit the St. George’s Chapel as it remains closed for regular services.
• If you wish to see the interesting changing of guards then plan to be inside the Castle by 11 am.
• Note that entry to the State Apartments closes half an hour before the last entry time.

What to expect on entering the Castle?

Be prepared to go through security the same as in the airport which means no sharp objects, luggage, or backpacks, and no food and open water bottles are allowed. You may buy water and light beverages from a small café on the Castle ground. The State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Semi-State Rooms do not allow photography with mobile phones to be turned off but you are allowed to click photos outside on the premises.

Things to See in the Castle

Head to the beautiful St. George’s Chapel near the exit and then to Queen Mary’s Doll House to view the replica of items belonging to a 1920s aristocratic home. Admire the collection of Royal armour and paintings by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt in the State Apartments. A free audio tour comes with your entry ticket which provides commentary and takes you through all these attractions.

Make a trip to Windsor from London during the weekend and spend at least 2.5 hours visiting the attractions and enjoying the enigmatic views of the Royal Castle grounds. It can be wonderful to spend a day in Windsor, especially the Royal Castle.