Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, set in the town of Windsor in Berkshire some 22 miles west of London, is the largest occupied castle in the world and has served as a royal residence for nearly a thousand years. William the Conqueror established the first fortification around 1070; successive monarchs transformed it into the current sprawling complex of towers, state apartments, and the late-Gothic St George's Chapel — built in the Perpendicular Style from the late 15th century and the burial place of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. During World War II the royal family chose to remain at Windsor rather than evacuate, a deliberate signal of solidarity with the British public. Today visitors explore the lavishly furnished State Apartments, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and walk the extensive grounds. Entry is ticketed; opening hours run Thursday to Monday with shorter winter hours from November through February.