Windsor Castle

Welcome to your route to Windsor Castle. This route begins by passing The Berkshire Golf club and one of the most famous racecourses in the world, Royal Ascot. The drive continues through quaint villages before passing the 4,800 acres of Windsor Great Park, a historic parkland with lakes and walking paths. Finally, you arrive at your destination and one of the residences of the Royal Family, Windsor Castle. You'll first pass the Saxon Village of Bagshot, on your left. Please note Windsor Castle is often closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but you can still explore the castle grounds.

To the left you'll see the Royal Berkshire Golf Club. Founded in 1928, it's widely regarded as one of the best in the British Isles. The Berkshire features two courses designed by course architect Herbert Fowler and is a traditional members' club. Both courses are lined with pine and heather and are nestled in the Crown Estate heathland, an estate once used by Queen Anne for her hunting parties.

Now you're passing Ascot Racecourse on your right, one of the most famous racecourses in the United Kingdom. Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and has an enriched royal heritage. Every June, it hosts Royal Ascot, a weeklong festival that attracts over 300,000 visitors. The race days comprise a mixture of flat meetings between April and October, and jump meetings the rest of the year.

To your right is the stunning Windsor Great Park, a historic parkland of over 4,800 acres. It’s managed by the Crown Estate and features Virginia Water, the Valley Gardens and Deer Park. Virginia Water is a spectacular lake that was once a Royal pleasure ground. The Valley Gardens boast sweet-smelling flowers and twisting woodland trails. And at Deer Park begins the gateway to Windsor Castle. The smaller Cranbourne Park, on your left, is also part of Windsor Great Park.

On the right-hand side and beyond the trees is the King George III Statue, known as the Copper Horse, erected in 1831 to commemorate his contribution and work at Windsor Great Park. It's out of sight from the roadside but can be seen later from Windsor Castle itself. The statue has become an iconic image and dominates the well-photographed view down the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle. The tree-lined avenue cannot be missed and represents the grandeur and royal heritage of the park. Red deer can also be regularly spotted, with a population of 500 that roam free.

You're now approaching the historic market town of Windsor, home of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Monarchy. Did you know that the village of Old Windsor predates Windsor by around 300 years, and Windsor used to be referred to as New Windsor to differentiate between the two? Old Windsor was once the site of a palace of the Saxon Kings, and history suggests there have been royal connections here since the 9th century. Did you know Elizabeth I took refuge in Windsor during the plague to avoid contagion? Anyone who entered without permission was instantly executed.

As you travel along King’s Road you'll get your first true glimpse of the glorious and domineering Windsor Castle ahead and to your right. The road that runs parallel to you is the Long Walk, a beautiful 3-mile stroll if you have the time. Did you know Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago? It was one of nine defensive castles built around London. It's also the burial ground for 10 of England’s kings. Windsor Castle attracts over one million visitors every year and is one of the highlights of any historic tour of London and England.

As you follow the road around to the right, you'll arrive at the River Street Car Park for Windsor Castle via a narrow, one-way street. Please note that parking charges apply. As well as the magnificent Windsor Castle, you'll find the history-rich Saint George’s Chapel, a place of royal worship.
You have now reached the destination of this route. It is great that I was able to accompany you here. I hope you enjoyed the tour and wish you a pleasant stay and safe onward journey.