Windsor Castle

I went to visit Windsor Castle on a weekday in July. Had a lovely time and definately want to go again.

I went as part of a tour group and we were unfortunately given a very short amount of time there. We arrived at 10:30 and had to be back on the bus by 12:00. This seemed like a lot of time, but once you go there, you will see.

The bus dropped us off in the car park area and we had to walk up a flight of stairs, through an arcade and into town to get to the castle. Once we go to the entrance area, we had prebooked tickets but still waited in line for about 15 minutes. We went through metal detectors and had our bags x-rayed. In other words, getting into the place takes time, so prepare to be patient.

The cost of admission was included in the price of our tour, so cannot comment on the value for the price.

Once you are inside, the grounds are lovely. The gardens are so beautiful and the pictures you can get are wonderful. Since we only had about an hour at this point, our group made a beeline for the state apartments.

A note, if someone has mobility issues or is elderly, the walking here could be a problem. I didn't see anyone in wheelchairs and there was stairs to climb. Also, there aren't many bathrooms around, so if you find some, take advantage of that.

We were lucky that there was no major line up for the doll room and state apartments. They let people in only a few at a time, and it looked like there could be huge lines sometimes.

The doll room wasn't too bad. The house in the middle was so intricate and detailed. The state apartments were the thing to go see. They were so over the top and one could spend hours going over very detail in the rooms. Unfortunately, having limited time, we couldn't spend all the time we wanted there. But seeing those rooms was definately worth the visit.

The chapel was also very lovely. Missed the changing of the guard, but they did do that before noon. The gift store was also good, however they had similar stuff to what was at the Buckingham Palace one. So if you go to one, can skip the other. Same product lines.

Overall, I had a great time at the castle. Anyone who loves royality will have a good time there. Even someone who isn't a fan should love the state apartments. Not sure how little kids would find the castle though. Aside from being really rushed, had a good time and would go back again.

Easy to get to - take the train from Waterloo station - about 55 minutes. No refreshments sold on the train so take some with you. We got into Windsor about 1 pm and walked around the market stalls which had nuts, candy, spices, brick a brack and just plain junk. The way to the castle is plainly marked - just walk up the hill! This little side-trip did not leave us enough time. Get there earlier, rather than later!

The worst part was the line to get in. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Mid-May we waited almost 30 minutes just to get around the bend to the gatehouse then we had to wait inside to actually purchase tix. The adult admission for 2008 is L14.50, I used my student discount card and received L1.50 off. This is a popular attraction with both locals and tourists. Of course there was absolutely no one in the prebooked line!

Make sure you purchase your tix in advance! Our hotel had tix with the Concierge that were no more expensive than what you would pay at the gate! Of course we forgot to get them ahead which almost seriously ruined our day as we ran out of time to see everything.

The price of the audio tour is included, try to to break from the pack so you're not clomping around stepping on each other's toes.

Be aware that the lines to get into the Doll's House can take up to an hour. There are actually signs that say 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes etc so you can judge for yourself.

There aren't that many toilets so if you have to go...don't wait thinking there's a lav just around the corner, there isn't. Ice creams and waters are sold in the little shops. I bought a wee bank with chocolate coins in for a souvenir for a family member and the chocolate was quite good!

Seating for those who are tired is not that plentiful, hardly any inside and a few benches scattered around outside. This is a big area in terms of walking and those with mobility issues might want to plan their trip accordingly. There are free wheelchairs you can use and it might enhance your visit if you're not overly tired. Everyone, wear comfortable shoes, my dogs were barking!

The roses were blooming, bees were buzzing and the castle walls were at once forbidding and yet sheltering. We looked up at the Queen's flag flying and wondered what she was doing on this fine Sunday afternoon. It was a pleasant way to combine a bit of education with gawking at other's people's treasures. I did feel I came away with a better understanding of the Empire mindset. If you enjoy fashions and fabrics then you must see the two French dolls and their lovely outfits.

An enjoyable day out but leave enough time to see everything. We purchased a bit of restorative fudge at the Fudge Kitchen on the way down the hill and it was a perfect way to end the day!

We visited Windsor Castle as part of an all-day tour from London to Stonehenge to Windsor to Bath. It was one of the best tours we did while we were in London. Windsor Castle was a beautiful piece of history with gorgeous gardens!! We were there in early April and all of the flowers were in bloom. We felt a little rushed as we toured Windsor Castle, but that was because we were with a tour that required us to meet back at a certain time. If at all possible, try not to rush through this fabulous living piece of history.