Windsor Castle is, of course, one of the most iconic royal landmarks in the UK. In fact, it remains an official residence of the British Royal Family. I’ve been a couple of times myself – if you’re really into your British heritage, it’s everything you want from a day trip. Plus, Legoland being close by doesn’t hurt!
It’s become a hugely popular site of interest for tourists visiting the Windsor area, and has a remarkable history behind it, from different royal influences, to a great fire that nearly brought it crumbling down!
Of course, you will learn more about its history if you plan a visit – but let’s get you started with a stack of fun facts about Windsor Castle and what you can expect to find here.
1. It’s been a part of the English landscape for a long time!
Windsor Castle has stood for more than a millennium, as it was built as a fortress for William the Conqueror, who of course triumphed at the Battle of Hastings. Construction on the castle began around 1070 and took 16 years to complete!
Fascinatingly, it has endured centuries of sieges and attacks, making it one of the most successful fortified strongholds in England. No wonder royals enjoy staying here so much!
2. The town of Windsor is close to London.
You can find this world-famous castle deep in the pretty town of Windsor, in the county of Berkshire in England. It is only about 20 miles west of London, so it’s pretty easy to locate!
Windsor is also famous for its Great Park, Eton College, and the Theatre Royal. Oh, and did I mention Legoland? Pretty sure I might have…
3. There are hundreds of rooms in Windsor Castle.
Windsor’s majestic castle covers a total of 13 acres and has over 1,000 rooms! And, to keep all of these rooms warm, there are also over 300 fireplaces!
Windsor Castle is, in fact, thought to be the biggest castle on the planet that’s still inhabited. However, that really depends on what you call a castle – there’s still some disputes over what constitutes the world record!
4. Is the King home?
King Charles will always let you know when he’s in – as the Royal Standard will be flying. You can see it flying from the mast at the very top of the Round Tower at Windsor Castle.
However, when the King isn’t in residence, you’ll normally see a Union Jack flying above the tower instead.
It is important to note that while Windsor Castle does serve as a residence for members of the Royal Family and their guests, the current King does not reside there full-time. In fact, he is not there on most days. Nevertheless, there is still plenty to see and lots of royal treasures inside!
5. Many people come to see Mary’s dollhouse.
You’ll find that Queen Mary’s dollhouse is a popular fixture here. It is considered one of the biggest of its kind, offering a full wine cellar, running water, and energy supplies. There’s even a library you can actually read from, too! There are also about 1,000 tiny works of art within the house!
The doll’s house was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and made for Queen Mary as a gift from the entire nation.
6. Monarchs are laid to rest here.
Beyond being something of a retreat for sitting royals, Windsor Castle has actually been a popular burial site for monarchs over the years. It’s thought that at least ten former kings were buried here, including Henry VIII, who lies in St George’s Chapel.
Other famous monarchs buried here include Edward IV, Henry VI, Charles I, George III, George IV, William IV, Edward VII, George V, George VI, and, the only female monarch to be buried here, Elizabeth II.
7. Windsor Castle is very popular with art lovers.
The castle is a fantastic employer for fans of art, litreature, and culture. There are many people who work in the castle to help curate and look after its extensive libraries, as well as to help welcome guests on guided tours.
Some of the most famous works of art at Windsor Castle include the Portrait of Andrea Odoni, The Copper Horse, the portrait of Elizabeth I when a Princess, Pope Pius VII, Charles I in Three Positions, the Five Eldest Children of Charles I, and many more!
Of course, the famous doll’s house mentioned above is yet another famous and celebrated work of art in Windsor Castle, so if you do ever visit, don’t miss it on the tour!
8. The castle has its own special security.
Sorry, any would-be jewel thieves – there is zero chance you’re breaking into Windsor Castle and getting away scot-free! Windsor Castle is fully guarded due to its establishment as a royal place of residence. It is here where you can watch the “changing of the guard,” a ceremony which takes place daily throughout spring and summer.
The guards in question are referred to as the Household Troops. They have been present on the grounds since 1660! In some cases, other regiments of the British Army are also on duty at Windsor Castle.
9. Guards who patrol Windsor Castle are fully trained soldiers.
Believe it or not, all the guards employed at Windsor Castle are trained, regimented soldiers. Their roles at the castle are purely temporary. However, it will likely be one of the most precise jobs they will ever take. It is also a great honour!
As guards of the Royal Family, the guards have many strict rules to follow. For example, you will never see any of them slouch! They must stand very tall and straight in order to perform at their respective posts – no laziness will be tolerated.
Of course, when on duty, they must be fully focused on their work. Therefore, they cannot eat, drink, or do any other activity, however simple, that could distract them from their work. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it!
10. Windsor Castle is a major employer in the local area.
Windsor Castle is also home to 150 attending staff who wait on the royal family when in attendance. They have homes at the castle to ensure they can be on hand at all times.
In fact, hundreds more work at the castle but don’t live there! It is really a huge employer in the area.
11. It’s withstood all manner of attacks.
Windsor Castle, as stated, is a pretty mighty fortress. It saw off attacks through the 1200s and 1400s and operated as a defensive keep throughout the ages. In enlightened times, it is, of course, now a residence and a fascinating place to tour.
Shockingly, the most recent attack was on Queen Elizabeth II! In 2021, on Christmas Day, the Queen was in Windsor Castle when a 21-year-old man named Jaswant Singh Chail broke into the castle grounds and just reached the sight of the Queen’s private apartments. The man was reportedly wearing a mask and carrying an armed crossbow!
Thankfully, he was apprehended and sentenced to nine years in prison.
12. Windsor Castle has been a home for a long, long time.
No other palace or castle in Europe has been occupied for as long as Windsor Castle. It’s been a royal residence for centuries, dating back to the reign of King Henry I.
In fact, it’s been home at one point or another to around 40 different monarchs, past and present. King Charles doesn’t live there period, but it’s been a haunt for royals for centuries. Long may that continue!
13. It’s a holiday home to end them all.
Henry VIII, of course, used Windsor Castle as a lavish residence to host entertainments and to create stunning renaissance works of art across the walls. The King was thought to have spent millions on the opulent designs.
Even today, the King still uses the castle to host events, guests, and for his own pleasure. Therefore, one could say that it is still a holiday home of sorts!
14. King George used it as a vantage point.
King George III was fascinated by nearby Windsor, and while staying at the castle, would often head out to explore the countryside. He was well-known with the locals, who he would check in on and show great interest in.
Sadly, today, the Royal Family isn’t exactly known for taking leisurely walks around Windsor, or indeed anywhere without serious security, and with good reason!
That being said, they are known for attending charity events and traveling around the country to meet and greet people, so you may come across them somewhere!
15. The castle actually named the family!
The Royal Family’s elusive last name comes from the castle. “Windsor” is their official surname; however, their official name was “Saxe-Coburg-Gotha” leading up to the First World War.
As much of a mouthful as that sounds like, even today, the Royal Family members have very long names! For example, King Charles III’s full name is Charles Philip Arthur George Mountbatten-Windsor!
16. Elizabeth II was taxed at Windsor Castle.
Queen Elizabeth II voluntarily paid taxes on Windsor Castle. This came following a fire at the fortress in 1992 when the funding for repair fell to the taxpayer.
However, the tax the Queen actually paid on the property was likely to be less than you might think. She was thought, for example, to only need to pay out up to £2,400 (just over $3,000) per year on council tax on the property. However, don’t think it’s cheap to move in there just yet – there’s also capital gains and income tax to take into account, too!
17. It was almost destroyed by a fire.
For all Windsor Castle has survived attacks and barrages over the years, it very nearly fell due to the Fire of 1992. The fire was said to have been started by a defective spotlight which lit a curtain next to the altar. However small that may seem, it only took minutes for the fire to be completely ablaze.
Restoration of the castle following the fire was only completed in 1997 – true works of art take time to bring back to former glory.
18. Windsor Castle has its own chapel.
As mentioned above, many monarchs have been buried at Windsor Castle, more specifically at St. George’s Chapel. The Royal Family members who have been buried there are in the Royal Vault, which is one of the most important parts of Windsor Castle and has stunning Gothic architecture.
The chapel has served as more than just a burial site for the Royal Family. In fact, many royal weddings have also taken place here! For example, the current King Charles III married Queen Camilla in this very chapel all the way back in 2005.
19. There is a magnificent library.
As you might imagine, Windsor Castle is also home to a pretty impressive library. In fact, the library holds thousands of books, prints, and manuscripts!
Believe it or not, you can actually visit the Royal Archives! However, you must book your visit in advance, and remember to be on time and respectful. No tardiness, please!
20. It is an important tourist attraction.
Windsor Castle serves as more than just a home for the Royal Family. It is also a very important tourist attraction for the UK!
In fact, more than one million people come to visit the castle alone every year! Then, of course, they make their way through Windsor town, visiting local shops, cafés, and restaurants. Therefore, the castle is very important for local business people, too.
21. Home Park is the castle’s official grounds.
One of the most popular parts of Windsor Castle is the grounds, of course. The surrounding area, known as Home Park, covers around 655 acres of land!
The park is used as farmland, a leisure area, and even a golf and cricketing spot. On sunny days, you’ll usually find it covered with people having picnics and playing with their pets. Like I said – it’s a fantastic day out if you can make it!
22. It’s been featured on TV many, many times.
As you can imagine, such an iconic building has been featured multiple times on television and in films!
Some of its most popular appearances on screen have been in The Crown, The Young Victoria, Around the World in 80 Days (1956), and many more!
23. It has played many ceremonial roles over the decades.
Windsor Castle is used as the location for many ceremonies. For example, it has been used for the location of the Investiture of the Knights of Garter.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III and is the most senior order of knighthood in Britain!
24. It was once home to an intrepid explorer.
Fascinatingly, Windsor Castle has more than purely royal connections. It’s said that, back in the 1800s, an explorer by the name of James Holman, a travel-hungry Knight of Windsor.
Holman was fascinating not only because of his spectacular lodgings, but also because he explored the world blind! He traveled across the globe without ever seeing it – now that’s determination.
25. The kitchen at Windsor Castle is the oldest in Britain.
Just because the kitchen’s old, doesn’t mean the food isn’t fresh! Windsor Castle’s kitchen was first established all the way back in the mid-14th century, at the behest of-then King Edward III. That makes it the oldest kitchen in Britain that’s fully functional (partly thanks to residents such as Prince Albert bringing gas cooking into the suite in the 1800s)!
26. Elizabeth II slept here to escape the ravages of war.
Believe it or not, Queen Elizabeth II once slept in the dungeons of Windsor Castle at the height of World War II. It’s thought that the Royals chose to hide out at the castle not just because of its fortification and majesty, but because they knew Adolf Hitler wouldn’t bomb it – he had designs on Windsor Castle becoming his home residence should Germany have won the war. Thankfully, those plans never came to fruition.
FAQs about Windsor Castle
Who lives in Windsor Castle now?
Windsor Castle is occasionally home to the reigning monarch, though their main residence remains Buckingham Palace in London. However, as mentioned above, about 150 staff live in the castle full-time.
Is it free to visit Windsor Castle?
You can tour some of the outside grounds for free, but otherwise, you need to pay a fee to explore Windsor Castle’s main grounds.
How much is Windsor Castle actually worth?
Windsor Castle is worth a staggering $600 million - better start digging deep if you want to make an offer!
Further reading
https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-castle-p43983
https://www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-windsor-castle
https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Do you know any fun facts about Windsor Castle? Share them in the comments below!