Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and has played a central role in the history of England since it was built, nearly 1,000 years ago. One of The Queen's three official residences, it contains the Round Tower and Upper Ward, where successive monarchs have lived in private apartments since the fourteenth century.
The original Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror between 1070 and 1086 but the earliest surviving buildings date from 1154. You can visit five areas of the Castle: the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the Castle Exhibition, and the Drawings Gallery. The semi-state rooms are open to the public from October to March, and from June to August there are Sunday Band Concerts in the Jubilee Garden. You can also visit parts of the Home Park, Frogmore House, and the Farm Shop. There are a range of changing exhibits and activities for children and families. When the Queen is in residence at Windsor Castle the Royal Standard is flown from the Round Tower, while at other times you'll see the Union Flag. Opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice due to official engagements, so it's wise to check the website before you travel.
Windsor Castle is in Berkshire, linked to London by Green Line buses, which go to Windsor from London Victoria (the rail station or the Colonnades coach terminal), Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Kensington High Street, Olympia and Hammersmith. There is also a train from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside, which takes 55 minutes, and a train from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside which also takes 55 minutes.