Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
grandest in all of Windsor—are designed to celebrate and to honor the Order of the
Garter.
Evensong:
An evensong takes place in the chapel nightly at 17:15 (free for worship-
pers, line up at exit gate to be admitted).
Best View:
While you can get great views of the castle from any direction, the classic
views are from the long, wooded walkway called the Long Walk, which stretches south of
the palace and is open to the public.
Eating:
There are a few shops scattered around the premises, but none sell real food
(unless you count gifty boxes of chocolates)—though bottles of water are available. If
you'll want a snack during your long castle visit, plan ahead and pack one in from outside.
Self-Guided Tour:
After buying your ticket and going through the tight security
checkpoint, head into the castle grounds to pick up your audioguide.
The Grounds:
Turn right and head up the hill, enjoying the first of many fine castle
views you'll see today. The tower-topped, conical hill on your left represents the historic-
al core of the castle. William the Conqueror built this motte (artificial mound) and bailey
(fortified stockade around it) in 1080—his first castle in England. Among the later mon-
archs who spiffed up Windsor were Edward III (flush with French war booty, he made it
a palace fit for a 14th-century king), Charles II (determined to restore the monarchy prop-
erly in the 1660s), and George IV (Britain's “Bling King,” who financed many such van-
ity projects in the 1820s). On your right, the circular bandstand platform has a seal of the
Order of the Garter, which has important ties to Windsor (see sidebar).
Passing through the small gate, you approach the stately St. George's Gate. Peek
through here to the Upper Ward's
Quadrangle,
surrounded by the State Apartments
(across the field) and the Queen's private apartments (to the right).
Turn left and follow the wall. On your right-hand side, you enjoy great views of the
Round Tower
atop that original motte; running around the base of this artificial hill is
the delightful, peaceful garden of the castle governor. The unusual design of this castle
has not one “bailey” (castle yard), but three, which today make up Windsor's Upper Ward
(where the Queen lives, which we just saw), Middle Ward (the ecclesiastical heart of the
complex, with St. George's Chapel, which you'll soon pass on the left), and Lower Ward
(residences for castle workers).
