Windsor Castle Review: What to See Across Every Season

Windsor Castle Review 2025: Here are key questions to consider before your visit to Windsor Castle:
– Where is Windsor Castle in England?
– Is Windsor Castle worth a visit?
– What are the highlights for Windsor Castle and the town of Windsor throughout the year?

MAIN PHOTO courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III.

Few places capture history’s weight and the present’s charm quite like Windsor Castle. Perched above the Thames for nearly a thousand years, it’s been a fortress, a home, and the stage for royal events in the United Kingdom.

 

 

What is Windsor Castle? Where is it located?

Windsor Castle is famous for being the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Currently, it still serves as both an official residence of the British monarch and a working palace.

Located in the historic town of Windsor, Berkshire, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of London, it’s easily accessible by train, car, or even a boat ride from nearby towns.

How does Windsor Castle change with the seasons?

More than a landmark, Windsor is an experience—one that shifts with the seasons.

Whether you come for the festive glow of winter, the bloom of spring, the summer pageantry, or autumn’s golden hues—each visit reveals a new side of its enduring magic.

Windsor Castle Review

Here’s a look at the unique things to experience at Windsor Castle throughout the year:

 

🌸Spring:

The Castle in Bloom 

As the frost of winter thaws, Windsor Castle’s grounds explode into a painter’s palette of pastel blooms.

The Moat Garden, usually solemn in the colder months, takes on a softer air as the wildflowers, daffodils, roses and other spring flowers burst to life.

On Easter Sunday, visitors may also glimpse the British royal family attending their annual service, a regal tradition set against the castle’s springtime splendor.

Moreover, don’t miss the Long Walk and Windsor Great Park—a stroll here in the springtime feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, complete with delicate pink blossoms.

SPRING TRAVEL TIP: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to beat the picnic-loving crowds.

 

Windsor Castle Review:

Spring Highlights in and around Windsor Castle

• Gardens in Full Bloom: Wander through a sea of vivid flowers, awakening the castle’s gardens, particularly around the Moat Garden and Windsor Great Park.
• Easter Celebrations: Experience Holy Week at St. George’s Chapel, where special services bring history to life. Families can also enjoy Easter egg hunts and themed trails around town, providing fun for all ages.
• Royal Windsor Horse Show: Attend Britain’s largest outdoor equestrian event, typically held in May. It features top-level competitions, royal spectators, and spectacular displays.
• Cozy Afternoon Tea: Warm up with a classic British afternoon tea at the Undercroft Café on the ground floor of the Castle or at a charming café in Windsor Town.

 

 

☀️Summer:

Pageantry, Picnics, and Sunshine 

Summer at Windsor is a spectacle—of royal tradition, golden landscapes, and lively crowds.

The Changing of the Guard becomes more than just a ceremony—it’s a festival of pomp, precision, and just a touch of frenzied tourist excitement.

By June, the season is in full swing with the elegance of Royal Ascot and the grandeur of occasional knighting ceremonies in St. George’s Chapel.

SUMMER TRAVEL TIP: Bring a hat—not just for the sun, but to fit in with the fancy summer crowd. And don’t forget a picnic—there’s no better way to soak in the regal atmosphere than with a scotch egg and a view of the castle’s towers.

 

Windsor Castle Review:

Summer Highlights in and around Windsor Castle

• Garter Day Procession: Witness the annual procession of the Order of the Garter, featuring elaborate ceremonial attire and traditions.
• Royal Ascot: Experience the excitement of this prestigious horse racing event every summer. It’s a highlight of the British social calendar and only a 15-minute drive from Windsor Castle.
• Thames Boat Rides: Take a scenic boat cruise along the River Thames, offering stunning views of Windsor Castle and the surrounding countryside.
• Sunset Picnics in Windsor Great Park: Lounge under centuries-old oak and beech trees as the golden summer light washes over the landscape.

 

 

🍂 Autumn:

Golden Hues and a Quieter Majesty

If summer is for vibrant crowds, fall at Windsor Castle offers a peaceful retreat.

By September and October, the trees along the Long Walk transform into brilliant reds and oranges, making it one of the most picturesque strolls in England.

The air is crisp, the crowds thinner, and the soft afternoon light bathes the castle’s stone walls, casting a resplendent glow that feels like a scene from history.

The Great Park is particularly enchanting during this season, with deer roaming freely among the fall foliage, adding a touch of nature’s tranquility to the royal grounds. And with fewer tourists around, you can explore the State Apartments at your own pace, soaking in the grandeur without feeling rushed.

AUTUMN / FALL TRAVEL TIP: For the best experience, arrive late in the afternoon to see the castle during sunset, and in its most cinematic light—golden, moody, and timeless.

 

Windsor Castle Review:

Autumn Highlights in and around Windsor Castle

• Windsor Festival: This annual event often kicks off the autumn season, offering a diverse program of music, literature, and arts, celebrating the town’s cultural heritage.
• Autumnal Foliage in Windsor Great Park: Marvel at the rich tapestry of colors as the leaves change, providing a breathtaking backdrop for walks and photography.
• The Long Walk: Take a scenic stroll down this iconic tree-lined avenue, offering stunning views of the fall colors, the castle, and the surrounding landscape.
• Harvest Markets in Windsor Town: Browse seasonal stalls filled with warm pastries, cider, and fresh local produce.

 

 

❄️ Winter:

A Royal Christmas Wonderland

If you want to see Windsor Castle at its most enchanting, visit in December.

The halls are decked out in festive finery, with 20-foot Christmas trees in St. George’s Hall and twinkling lights illuminating centuries-old tapestries.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the scent of mulled wine drifting from nearby pubs, making the castle feel like a scene from a Dickens novel.

Winter is also the best time to witness the Changing of the Guard in its most dramatic form, with the deep red tunics set against a frosty landscape—a perfect picture waiting to happen.

And when the cold starts to set in, take refuge at The Duchess of Cambridge pub just outside the castle, where a pint by the fire will make the British winter feel a little warmer.

WINTER TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to book tickets in advance, as Christmas at Windsor is a popular event, and don’t forget to bundle up—it’s England, after all!

 

Windsor Castle Review:

Winter Highlights in and around Windsor Castle

• Festive Decorations: Experience the castle adorned with magnificent  decorations, including a towering 20-foot tree in St. George’s Hall, sourced from Windsor Great Park and will be replanted these after the holidays.
• Crimson Drawing Room: Admire a 15-foot Nordmann Fir tree decorated in red and purple hues, complementing the room’s rich decor.
• Waterloo Chamber and Grand Staircase: These areas are festooned with garlands and fairy lights, enhancing the castle’s festive ambiance.
• Local Festivities: Participate in Windsor’s seasonal events, such as the annual Christmas lights switch-on, Windsor on Ice, and numerous festive markets, bringing holiday cheer to the town.

 

PHOTO courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III.

 

👑Windsor Castle Review:

Why It’s a Year-Round Must-See

Few places in Britain evolve with the seasons as beautifully as Windsor Castle. Whether you’re drawn by the Christmas grandeur, springtime blooms, summer spectacle, or autumnal tranquility, the castle is always worth the visit.

Because here’s the thing: Windsor Castle isn’t just about history—it’s about continuity.

Kings and queens have walked its halls for centuries, yet the castle stands strong, its stones whispering stories of power, love, intrigue, and resilience.

So, pick a season, pack your curiosity, and step into Windsor Castle’s timeless story by visiting—and become part of its history, if only for a day.

Have you ever visited Windsor Castle?

Which season at Windsor Castle appeals to you the most, and why?

Share your favorite memory or what you’re most excited to see!

Hope you enjoyed our feature and Windsor Castle Review!

Disclaimer: We were hosted by the Royal Collection Trust team as media guests. Please note, we did not receive any compensation to write a positive review. All opinions shared in this guide reflect our genuine personal experiences.

Windsor Castle Review