Windsor Castle

to help guard and protect the approach to London

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. There are regular buses from nearby Heathrow, and a train from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside which also takes 55 minutes.

The Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel

If you're looking for a hotel that's close to major attractions in the Greater London area, then Heathrow makes an excellent base for visiting Windsor Castle, Eton, and Legoland.

The Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel is an award-winning hotel in Hayes, close to Heathrow Airport. This luxury hotel is decorated with designer furniture and Oriental artefacts, and the rooms are furnished with traditional mahogany furniture, rich fabrics, and marble bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and fully equipped with complimentary wireless internet access. The hotel has a luxury health spa, business centre, jewellery shop, newsagent, restaurant and bar. If you're looking for a stylish hotel in London's Heathrow area that's accessible for central London but close to attractions outside the capital, the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel makes an excellent choice.

Save money on London visitor attractions

With our 'Let loose in London' scheme you get a discounted hotel package at a London Radisson Edwardian hotel of your choice, plus exclusive special offers and discounts at some of London's finest galleries, theatres, restaurants, and tourist attractions.