Windsor Castle

Windsor, England · United Kingdom · Tier A

Windsor Castle, a A-tier castle in United Kingdom

Windsor Castle, about 25 miles west of London in Berkshire, is the longest continuously occupied palace in Europe, in royal use since Henry I in the early 12th century. William the Conqueror established the original motte-and-bailey fortification shortly after 1066, and successive monarchs rebuilt it — most dramatically Edward III in the 14th century and George III and IV in the early 19th. It covers 13 acres and contains St George's Chapel, a masterpiece of English Perpendicular Gothic architecture and the burial place of twelve monarchs.

A major fire in 1992 damaged numerous state rooms, subsequently restored. The castle remains the principal residence of the British monarch, with the State Apartments open to the public when the sovereign is not in residence.

Official site · Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
Windsor, England
Country
United Kingdom
Tier
A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
Coordinates
51.4839, -0.6044
Official site
https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle

Frequently asked questions

Where is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is in Windsor, England, United Kingdom (approximately 51.4839, -0.6044).
Can you visit Windsor Castle?
Yes — Windsor Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle for hours and tickets.
What tier is Windsor Castle on the Castle Atlas?
Windsor Castle is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
What can you see at Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle, about 25 miles west of London in Berkshire, is the longest continuously occupied palace in Europe, in royal use since Henry I in the early 12th century. William the Conqueror established the original motte-and-bailey fortification shortly after 1066, and successive monarchs rebuilt it — most dramatically Edward III in the 14th century and George III and IV in the early 19th. It covers 13 acres and contains St George's Chapel, a masterpiece of English Perpendicular Gothic architecture and the burial place of twelve monarchs.

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A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.