Some 900 years ago Windsor Castle, originally made of wood, was built for William the Conqueror to guard the approach to London. The site is above the River Thames, on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground and one day's march from the Tower of London. Since this time it has been a Royal Palace.

North and slightly west of Hastings is the glorious Windsor Castle, current official residence of the modern royal family, the Windsors. The castle towers above the town of Windsor on steep chalky cliffs. William the Conqueror first built it as a wooden fortress, and Henry II rebuilt it in stone.

Much of the extensive improvements of Windsor over the years were destroyed by fire in 1992. Modestly restored since the fire, many areas of the Castle are still most impressive to visit and should not be missed. Much of the State Apartments except when the Queen is in residence, at Easter, in June and December. Highlights to see include VanDyck’s triptych of Charles I in the King’s Dressing Room, the Queen’s Ballroom, dominated by an enormous silver mirror, and the Queen’s Audience Room, decorated with fine Gobelin tapestries. In the Queen’s Guard Chamber, heraldic and military mementos such as Prince Hal’s etched gold suit, amaze.

Today, Windsor Castle remains a working palace and the Queen's official residence. The State Apartments contain some of the finest works of art, armour, paintings in the world. There are masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Holbein and Van Dyck as well as magnificent French and English furniture and porcelain. When the Queen is in residence and on special days the flag flies above the Castle. Those areas which were damaged by fire in November 1992 have been beautifully restored by some of the finest british craftsmen.

In the galleries, one can see one-of-a kind art works, such as Leonardo daVinci’s notebooks and drawings, and Queen Mary’s Dollhouses. Don’t miss a visit to St. George’s Chapel, a glorious perpendicular structure that contains the tombs of numerous kings and queens.

Visitors should note that opening times are subject to alteration at short notice.