Windsor Castle, Berkshire, United Kingdom

4Florence 5:00 PM Oct 29, 2022

Windsor Castle 28/10/22
Visiting Windsor Castle had been on my do to list for a while but since the Queen’s passing I felt the need to visit to pay my respects. My son has also been learning about fortresses at school so the timing was perfect. The castle didn’t disappoint, it was busy, as to be expected but queues were well managed and didn’t last long. We were also very excited that the king was in residence. My grandad was a Grenadier Guard at Windsor a castle in the 50s so it was nice to see at bit of personal history for us too. The state rooms were amazing. My 7 year old was using the family audio headset and enjoyed being our personal tour guide, taking pride in relaying what he’d just heard. After state rooms we had drinks and cake in the cafe. It was £22 for 3 drinks and 3 cakes but the cakes were some of the best we’d had. We then made our way to the chapel, we were aware that it closed at 4pm but what we hadn’t anticipated was that they close the queue an hour earlier. The lady turning people away was very apologetic and I did feel sorry for the abuse she was getting. Had we had known this we would have visited here first but there were no notices to inform you about how to plan your time. Just a little heads up would have been nice. Luckily a member of staff told us about the chapel service at 5.15pm and that they will let you see the queen’s resting place afterwards. We had our own transport so stayed but I think those who were on day trips were rightly annoyed that they’d paid to see something they were not being allowed to see. However, I am very glad we stayed, I’m not a religious person but even I was moved to be part of a service in such an historic place. The only downside to this was other than the queen and her family we didn’t know what else we were looking at as the audio guides were obviously not allowed during the service. Overall we had a fantastic day and I’d recommend anyone that can, get your tickets stamped so you can return again for free within a year of your trip. We will certainly be back.

4clarerigby544 5:00 PM Jan 28, 2023

Be prepared to queue
A few pieces of advise. Buy the earliest entry ticket you can, head straight to the Chapel to see the Queen’s final resting place and then head to the queue for the Dolls House. It’s worth the wait. The queues will only get longer as the day goes on. The cafe haven’t quite got their system right with the food, hot drinks and payment causing a bottle neck at the till. Prices of cakes are RIDICULOUS - £6 for a slice of Victoria sponge cake. However our sandwiches and bagels were absolutely delicious! The staff couldn’t have been nicer, don’t be afraid to ask the members of staff around the castle about anything you are unsure of as they are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, particularly in the Chapel. And don’t forget to look out for Henry VIII burial place. The majority of people just walked straight past it without a second glance. Also remember to ask when you enter about when things might close, for example the Chapel. The gift shop which is located by the main entrance is much nicer IMO than the one further in. All in all we had a very lovely day. ,