Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Arts & Culture
  • Coca-Cola Foodmarks
  • Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

St George’s Chapel in Windsor

How to visit the Queen’s grave at St George’s Chapel in Windsor

Elizabeth II was laid to rest alongside her mother, father, sister and late husband Prince Philip

Huw Oliver

Getting a bit of déjà vu? Normal life in  London – and much of the UK – pretty much came to a standstill as the  Queen ’ s funeral  took place at Westminster Abbey last September. And today pretty much the same thing has happened. 

The King’s coronation is in full swing at Westminster, with central London now pretty much on lockdown as royalists and curious people come to have a gawp at the new monarch. The whole thing is a bit weird, but definitely interesting. And it also may have you got feeling a little misty-eyed about our previous sovereign, Elizabeth II. 

Her funeral last year culminated in a committal  service and private burial at the King George VI Memorial Chapel (part of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle) in the evening.  The Queen was buried  alongside her mother, father and sister. The body of her late husband Prince Philip was also removed from the Royal Vault to be laid next to Her Majesty. Now, a ledger stone has been laid and members of the public are able to visit her grave. Here’s everything you need to know if you want to pay your respects.

RECOMMENDED: Here’s the full schedule for the King’s coronation

Will you be able to visit the Queen’s grave at Windsor?

Windsor was said to be the Queen’s favourite home (even over Buckingham Palace) and is the longest-inhabited royal castle in the world. The property is estimated to be worth around £235 million.  But many have been wondering whether this means they will be able to visit Windsor to see the Queen’s t omb.

The general public are permitted to visit St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.  There are three services a day at the chapel, and worshippers can go to any of them. Outside of the services, visitors can visit on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but you have to pay. On Sundays, general visitors aren’t allowed but worshippers are welcome to attend the service. The chapel has a capacity of 800 people.  

You can book your trip to Windsor Castle on the Royal Collection Trust website .

Read more: here’s  everything you need to know about the King’s coronation .

And:   what time is King Charles’s coronation and how long is it?

Plus:  the coronation concert line-up has finally been revealed .

Oh, and: how much is the coronation actually going to cost?

  • Huw Oliver UK Editor
  • Ella Doyle Guides Editor

Share the story

An email you’ll actually love

More on the Queen

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising
  • Time Out Market

Time Out products

  • Time Out Worldwide

Katie Breathwick 1am - 4am

Now Playing

Symphony No.9 in E minor Opus 95 (2) Antonin Dvorak Download 'Symphony No.9 in E minor Opus 95 (2)' on iTunes

Discover Music

Which monarchs are buried at St George’s Chapel Windsor, and who lies in the memorial chapel?

16 September 2022, 14:13 | Updated: 5 February 2024, 17:23

St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, is shaped by the history of the British Monarchy

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Facebook share

Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, an annex of St George’s Chapel at Windsor. Here’s all you need to know about the historic building.

The exquisite St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is shaped by the British Monarchy, its hallowed walls radiating royal history and tradition.

Since the 19th century, it has been the chosen burial place for the Royal Family and has hosted manifold nuptials, including the wedding of Harry and Meghan , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in 2018.

Before that, from the 15th century, monarchs and their consorts were rarely interred at the castle, Westminster Abbey being the preferred royal resting place.

As we now hear that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at the Chapel, here’s all you need to know about the Grade I listed building.

Read more: Duke of Edinburgh funeral: all the music and hymns sung at St George’s Chapel

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Prince Philip: The Duke of Edinburgh Dies Aged 99

What’s the history of St George’s Chapel?

The spectacular late-medieval chapel took over 50 years to construct, dating from 1475 under Edward IV’s reign, to Henry VIII’s rule in 1528.

Today, it is considered one of the finest examples of the Perpendicular Gothic style in the country.

The chapel holds a great deal of royal history and tradition, both public and private. Situated within the walls of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip lived together, it has acted as a place of worship for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, and has hosted numerous royal weddings and memorials.

It is where The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, a private service for family and friends, was held, before he was laid to rest in the Royal Vault.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh will be transferred to King George VI Memorial Chapel, to lie beside his wife of over 73 years.

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Thomas Tallis ‘If Ye Love Me’, performed by The Queen's Six

Who has been married at St George’s Chapel?

From the reign of Queen Victoria onwards, many Royal couples have said their vows at St George’s, Windsor, including Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in October 2019, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999.

Perhaps most famously, it was the wedding venue for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, in May 2018.

The Gothic chapel has a capacity of 800, compared to 2,000 in Westminster Abbey, making it a popular choice for smaller-scale Royal weddings.

Can you visit St George’s Chapel Windsor?

St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle is open for visitors, but it is worth bearing in mind it is also a church for the local community.

Worshippers are welcome to attend any of the three services a day which take place in the chapel, and on Sundays the Chapel is closed to visitors but welcome to worshippers.

Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, wed at St George’s Chapel in 2018

How many monarchs are buried at St George’s Chapel?

St George’s Chapel is the site of many royal interments, including ten former monarchs.

Five, including Henry VIII and Charles I, are buried beneath the Choir, along with Henry VIII’s third wife, Jane Seymour.

Read more: Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife, wrote the words to this newly discovered piece of music

Who is buried in the Royal Vault of St George’s Chapel?

The Royal Vault at Windsor was constructed between 1804 and 1810 for George III, who died in 1820. He is one of three former Kings of the United Kingdom buried there, alongside George IV and Williams IV.

After his memorial in 2021, the Duke of Edinburgh, was laid to rest in the Royal Vault. He will now be moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Discover music

See more Discover music

10 beautiful pieces of classical music for Mother’s Day

11 hours ago

Who was Fanny Mendelssohn, the unsung composer whose music was published under her brother’s name?

5 famous melodies you didn’t realise were written by women... including ‘happy birthday’.

12 hours ago

Hélène de Montgeroult – the French composer who played piano to save herself from the guillotine

15 hours ago

Amy Beach’s stunning Romance, played by a rising star violinist for International Women’s Day

The 10 greatest pieces of music by fanny mendelssohn, ranked, best classical music.

See more Best classical music

The 15 most famous tunes in classical music

The 15 greatest symphonies of all time, the 4 eras of classical music: a quick guide, the 25 greatest conductors of all time, 30 of the greatest classical music composers of all time, the 25 best pianists of all time, classic fm live playlists.

See more Classic FM Live Playlists

Classic FM Hall of Fame

Classic fm relax, classic fm revision, classic fm pet classics, classic fm’s romantic classics, classic fm movie music hall of fame.

See more Browse by

Periods & genres

Instruments.

See more Mood

See more Occasions

Valentine’s Day

Latest on classic fm, 10 poignant quotations about music by great writers, classical musicians got stuck in traffic with their instruments, and there was only one thing to do, 7 of the best pieces of classical music for reading, footage emerges of boy soprano recording breathtaking vocals for ‘lord of the rings’ score, melodious dog joins star pianist angela hewitt in a howling brahms duet.

Angela Hewitt

Anna Lapwood and Malakai Bayoh among ‘Best Classical’ nominees in The Global Awards

Global Awards

‘It was very scary’ – what went through Maria João Pires’ mind in THAT viral wrong concerto

Maria João Pires

‘Smoke inhalation and lots of vodka’ – soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on working with Leonard Bernstein

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

‘Dune’ soundtracks: everything you need to know about Hans Zimmer’s futuristic scores

Nicola benedetti: who is the violinist’s family, what are her best recordings and what violin does she play.

Nicola Benedetti

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • UK Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Betting Sites
  • Online Casinos
  • Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Royal vault: Inside the burial chamber that houses 25 royals - who is buried there?

Prince philip is among royals buried in windsor, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Morning Headlines

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world

Sign up to our free morning headlines email, thanks for signing up to the morning headlines email.

Queen Elizabeth II is making the journey to her final resting place after a celebration of her life at her state funeral at Westminster Hall .

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who was on the throne for 70 years, will be laid to rest at the King George VI memorial chapel at Windsor Castle.

She will not be buried in the royal vault, which is currently home to 25 members of the royal family.

The late Duke of Edinburgh will soon be relocated from the royal vault to King George VI chapel to lie with the late Queen, as well as her mother and father, King George VI, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

The Queen’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey

The royal vault lies beneath St George’s Chapel in the Windsor grounds and has housed royals in their final place of rest since the 15th century.

Royals are traditionally lowered into the vault through an opening in the floor of St George’s Chapel.

The royal vault lies beneath St George’s Chapel in the Windsor ground

The late Queen will be buried in the George VI Memorial Chapel in St George's Chapel, Windsor

The royals who are still buried in the royal vault are:

  • Princess Amelia, daughter of George III (d.1810)
  • Princess Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, sister of George III (d.1813)
  • Stillborn son of Princess Charlotte (d. 1817)
  • Princess Charlotte (daughter of George IV) (d.1817)
  • Queen Charlotte, wife of George III (d.1818)
  • Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria (d.1820)
  • King George III (d.1820)
  • Prince Alfred, son of George III (d.1782, placed in vault 1820)
  • Prince Octavius, son of George III (d.1783, placed in vault 1820)
  • Princess Elizabeth, daughter of William IV (d.1821)
  • Prince Frederick, Duke of York (d.1827)
  • King George IV (d.1830)
  • Still-born daughter of Prince Ernest Augustus, son of George III (d.1818)
  • King William IV (d.1837)
  • Princess Sophia, daughter of George III (d.1840)
  • Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV (d.1849)
  • Prince Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein, son of Princess Christian (d.1876)
  • King George V of Hanover (d.1878)
  • Victoria von Pawel Rammingen, daughter of Princess Frederica of Hanover (d.1881)
  • Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck, mother of Queen Mary (d.1897)
  • Prince Francis, Duke of Teck, father of Queen Mary (d.1900)
  • Princess Frederika of Hanover (d.1926)
  • Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, grandfather of Queen Mary (d.1850, placed in vault 1930)
  • Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge, grandmother of Queen Mary (d.1889, placed in vault 1930).

Meanwhile, thousands of mourners lined the streets on Monday to bid farewell to the only Queen they have ever known following a service attended by 2,000 world leaders and members of royal families from across the world.

Members of the royal family pay their respects to the Queen.

King Charles III led members of the royal family in a procession behind the coffin before the funeral and then again afterwards as her coffin was led to Wellington Arch.

The route was lined by members of the armed forces from Westminster Abbey to the top of Constitution Hill at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates before the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery witnessed the departure of the coffin to Windsor.

The State Gun Carriage carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre, in the Ceremonial Procession following her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey, London.

A separate committal service will be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor at 4pm followed by a private burial, conducted by the Dean of Windsor, and attended by the royal family at 7.30pm.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre

Is The Public Allowed To Visit The Royal Vault?

King Charles III with queen's coffin

After the heartbreaking death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, Her Majesty has now been laid to rest at Windsor. Her arrival at Windsor followed a 10-day mourning period, including a period of lying in state, where the public could visit the queen's coffin. Hundreds of thousands of people reportedly visited, including famous faces like David Beckham and President Joe Biden, according to People . Fans and admirers from around the world also had the opportunity to witness the late monarch's state funeral. The funeral took place on September 19 in London but was televised all over the world, drawing in a record-breaking 4 billion viewers  (via Express ).

Many people are still reckoning with the loss of the queen, who reigned for the last 70 years. As The Washington Post points out, at least 90% of people alive today have never seen a world where Queen Elizabeth II wasn't the monarch. And to pay their respects to such a prominent, long-standing figure, thousands have gathered outside of Buckingham Palace, Windsor, and other locations that were significant to the queen (per Reuters ).

Now that Her Majesty will rest permanently at Windsor Castle, some members of the public may be wondering if they can visit the site to bid their farewells up close.

Visitors can soon visit the queen's final resting place

St. George's Chapel is the resting place of the late King George VI, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, and over 20 other members of the royal family, Time reports. Following Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, she, too, entered the chapel's Royal Vault, alongside Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in a televised ceremony. However, the queen's final resting place isn't the royal vault. On the evening of her public farewell, the queen and her husband were relocated, privately, to King George VI Memorial Chapel, a separate part of St. George's Chapel (via Express ).

Still, for a symbolic and somber moment, the Royal Vault became the queen's resting place. Members of the public looking to get close to the site will soon be given access to St. George's Chapel, according to The Mirror . However, Express notes that the public can't access the Royal Vault, and it's also unclear exactly how close visitors can get to the queen's grave located in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.

Once the period of mourning has concluded (the royal family will continue to honor a period of mourning for seven days following the funeral, meaning it's expected to last until September 26), visitors will be able to enter St. George's Chapel on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after purchasing tickets at the Windsor Castle ticket office. Worshippers are also generally welcome to attend Sunday services for free.

Visiting Windsor Castle: When does it reopen, what can I see and how much do tickets cost?

Millions tuned in to watch the funeral of Prince Philip take place at Windsor Castle

  • 05:00, 20 APR 2021

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

TV schedules were cleared and sporting fixtures moved so that as many people as possible would be free to watch the funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Queen’s husband of more than 70 years was laid to rest in the Royal Vaults below St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle , where the ceremony took place.

Members of the public will now no doubt be keen to visit the site of such a historic moment .

At present, the grounds are closed to the public because of lockdown restrictions, but are set to reopen later this year.

But when? How much will it cost to visit? And what will people be able to see?

Here is everything you need to know if you are thinking of visiting Windsor Castle .

When will Windsor Castle reopen?

Sites such as Windsor Castle are currently not allowed to reopen, as we have not reached the relevant stage of the Government’s roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions.

Indoor tourist attractions, however, will be allowed to welcome visitors once again from Monday, May 17 - the date the next set of restrictions will be lifted .

This is currently the earliest day that the public can book tickets for. At this point, groups of six or two households will be allowed to meet inside.

Windsor Castle

How much are tickets to Windsor Castle?

Based on the most recent prices, an adult ticket includes those aged 17 to 59 and will cost £23.50, while over 60s and students with a valid ID will be allowed in for £21.20.

Those under 17 or who have a disability can enter for £13.50 and those aged under four can go for free.

Family tickets, consisting of two adults and up to three under-17’s, are also on offer for £60.50. However, it is worth remembering that ticket prices are reduced when the castle's State Apartments - described as “lavishly decorated formal rooms still used for state and official functions” - are closed.

Can I visit the Royal Vault at Windsor Castle?

Prince Philip was buried in the Royal Vault of St. George’s Chapel and will be transferred to his final resting place in Windsor Castle when the Queen dies.

Three former kings have remained buried in the Royal Vaults below the chapel. They are George III, George IV and William IV. Henry VIII, Jane Seymour and Charles I were all buried beneath the Chapel before the construction of the vaults in 1810.

Visitors are welcome into St. George’s but the chapel remains an operational place of worship for members of the public, with three services taking place each day. It is closed to tourists on Sundays, however.

The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, covered with His Royal Highness's Personal Standard is carried into St George's Chapel

Other things to do in Windsor

If Windsor Castle doesn’t quite float your boat or ticket prices are a bit too steep, don’t fear. There is plenty more to do in Windsor .

Want to entertain your kids? Legoland recently opened its doors to the public again with day tickets available from £29.

Fancy a good walk and a spot of nature watching? Windsor Great Park is just for you, with red deer roaming the 4,800-acre green space.

  • Windsor Castle
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
  • Royal Family
  • Daybreakers
  • Most Recent

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

All About Queen Elizabeth II’s Burial Site and Its Significance

Q ueen Elizabeth II, who died last week at the age of 96 , is set to be buried at St. George’s Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle, one of the late Queen’s favorite homes and where many royals have been laid to rest before her.

After her funeral at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19, the Queen’s coffin will be transferred to Windsor Castle, which is about 20 miles outside of Central London. The Queen will be buried there as part of a long history of burials at the site, including 10 former sovereigns.

Read More : Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Is a Chance to Examine the Present-Day Effects of Britain’s Colonial Past

St. George’s chapel has several sections and nooks, including the King George VI Memorial Chapel, which the Queen commissioned after her father’s death. The Queen will be buried in the memorial chapel alongside her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and her sister, Princess Margaret. Twenty four members of the royal family are buried at St. George’s Chapel, including several members laid to rest in the Royal Vault.

St. George’s Chapel has a long history for the royal family, not just as a burial site, but as a location for weddings, christenings and funerals. Prince Philip’s funeral was held there in 2021, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married there in 2018 .

Read More: Watch Live: Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral

Construction of the chapel first began in 1475 under King Edward IV’s reign and was completed in 1528 under King Henry VIII. Today, the chapel is a designated place of worship for the royal family, as well as a church that serves the local community.

“Built by kings, shaped by the history of the Royal Family and still the location for both splendid Royal events and private family moments,” Buckingham Palace says about the significance of St. George’s Chapel.

Following the Queen’s funeral, a royal procession will transport the Queen’s coffin to the chapel. The procession will likely include King Charles III and other senior members of the royal family. The Queen’s late husband Prince Philip, who was buried in the Royal Vault after his death, is expected to be moved to the memorial chapel to lie next to the Queen, but royal officials have yet to confirm this.

Since her death at Balmoral Castle in Scotland , the longest-reigning British monarch’s remains have gone through a series of processions at Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace and Westminster, following royal custom.The Queen’s coffin will have journeyed more than 500 miles before finally reaching Windsor.

Read More: Queen Elizabeth II Is Being Laid to Rest at a State Funeral. Here’s What to Know

Later that evening, there will be a private burial service for family at the memorial chapel. King George VI’s remains were buried there in 1969, and he was later joined by Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret who both died in 2002.

St. George’s Chapel is open to the public for several days each week and anyone wishing to pay their respects to the Queen will be able to once her burial is concluded.

More Must-Reads From TIME

  • The Fight to Free Evan Gershkovich
  • Inside the White House Program to Share America's Secrets
  • Meet the 2024 Women of the Year
  • Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
  • Long COVID Doesn’t Always Look Like You Think It Does
  • Column: The New Antisemitism
  • The 13 Best New Books to Read in March
  • Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

You May Also Like

MailOnline US - news, sport, celebrity, science and health stories

  • Breaking News
  • University Guide
  • Meghan Markle
  • Prince Harry
  • King Charles III

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Everything you need to know about the Royal Vault, from where it is to who is buried there and why Princess Diana isn't among the people inside

  • The Queen's funeral: All the latest Royal Family news and coverage

By Maxine Shen For Dailymail.com

Published: 13:00 EST, 16 September 2022 | Updated: 06:37 EST, 22 September 2022

View comments

As the nation mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, preparations are underway for the ten-day mourning period to end with the monarch's burial and final resting place  in the King George VI Memorial Chapel , an annex of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle . Her mother and father are buried there, as are the ashes of her sister. Prince Philip 's coffin, which was interred in the nearby royal vault following his death last April, will also be moved and put next to the Queen's.  Here's everything you need to know about the resting places of the British royal family, and the somber ceremonies leading to their interment. 

Pictured: The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and scepter Lies in State on the catafalque as members of the public move past in Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, in London.

Pictured: The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and scepter Lies in State on the catafalque as members of the public move past in Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, in London.

  • The Queen and Prince Philip: Their 73-year-long romance in photos

What is the Royal Vault?

The Royal Vault is a burial chamber located 16 feet beneath St. George's Chapel on the Windsor Castle grounds in Berkshire.

The stone-lined vault measures 70 feet long and 28 feet wide. There is enough room inside it to hold 44 bodies – 32 coffins on shelves along the vault's two sides, with space for an additional 12 coffins in the center. Its entrance is closed off by an iron gate.

King George III ordered the excavation and building of the Royal Vault in 1804, with construction on it being completed in 1810. The vault was designated as the final resting place for both senior and minor members of the Royal Family following its completion.

The Royal Vault (pictured) under St. George's Chapel has enough room in it to house 44 members of the Royal Family. Prince Philip was the most recent Royal to have been interred in the vault, which is 16 feet below the chapel and secured by an iron gate.

The Royal Vault (pictured) under St. George's Chapel has enough room in it to house 44 members of the Royal Family. Prince Philip was the most recent Royal to have been interred in the vault, which is 16 feet below the chapel and secured by an iron gate. 

George III became the first British King to be interred in the Royal Vault following his death on January 29, 1820. His remains were placed in the vault on February 16, 1820, after his state funeral.

There are currently 25 senior and minor members of the Royal Family – including Prince Philip, who died in April 2021  - resting in the Royal Vault. Over the last 200 years, several Royal Family members have been uprooted from their original burial grounds to be moved into the Royal Vault, while others have only been housed inside it on a temporary basis, before their remains were moved to new, final resting grounds elsewhere.

Where is the Royal Vault located?

The Royal Vault is 16-feet under St. George's Chapel on the Windsor Castle grounds and is situated beneath the chapel's alter. 

During funerals, a slab of black-and-white, diamond-shaped  stone flooring is removed  to provide access to the vault. The coffin is then lowered through the hole in the floor into the Royal Vault by an electric lift.

Once the Royal Vault lift reaches the bottom of the shaft, the coffin is moved down a corridor and into the vault itself. The coffin is then interred in the vault, placed either on one of the shelves or on a plinth inside. 

Prince Philip's coffin, draped in his standard, Navy cap and sword given to him by the Queen's father when they married 73 years ago, is shown being carried inside St. George's Chapel during his funeral. He would be placed on the purple-velvet covered lift (left) and later lowered into the vault.

Prince Philip's coffin, draped in his standard, Navy cap and sword given to him by the Queen's father when they married 73 years ago, is shown being carried inside St. George's Chapel during his funeral. He would be placed on the purple-velvet covered lift (left) and later lowered into the vault. 

St. George's Chapel has been the burial place for British Royals since the 15th century. Included amongst the Royals who have been buried beneath the chapel's aisles are Henry VIII, Charles I and Edward VII. 

Before the chapel at Windsor became the go-to resting place for the British monarchy, members of the Royal Family were traditionally buried in London's Westminster Abbey. 

Can you visit the Royal Vault?

No, visitors aren't allowed inside the Royal Vault at Windsor Castle. However, the public can attend services - for free - at St. George's Chapel itself. 

Outside of church service times, the chapel is open to those who have purchased a visitor ticket to Windsor Castle.

Several British monarchs and their kin are buried under the aisles of St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle , so while visitors can't sneak a peek at the Royal Vault itself, it is possible to see memorial markers for King Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour, King Edward IV and King Charles I, among others.

The layout of St. George's Chapel reveals where British monarchs have been buried since the 15th century, when the chapel became the final resting place of the Royal Family. They had previously been buried in London's Westminster Abbey.

The layout of St. George's Chapel reveals where British monarchs have been buried since the 15th century, when the chapel became the final resting place of the Royal Family. They had previously been buried in London's Westminster Abbey. 

Does the Royal Vault smell?

Details about the Royal Vault's ventilation practices are unknown, but it's likely that there is at least some degree of natural, detectable odor inside it. Whether it's the scent of decay or just a general mustiness, is something only vault caretakers can reveal. 

The Royal Family does go the extra mile to preserve the bodies of their loved ones in an effort to prevent decay and - presumably - the buildup of odors over time.  

It's traditional for British Royals to be buried in lead-lined coffins because they are airtight and thus better at stopping moisture from seeping into the coffins, which in turns slows the rate - and smell - of decomposition. 

Princess Diana's airtight lead-lined coffin was said to have weighed a quarter of a ton – or 500 pounds – and it's believed that Prince Philip's coffin, made of English oak and lined with lead, weighed a similar amount.

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried into The Palace of Westminster by guardsmen from The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II.

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried into The Palace of Westminster by guardsmen from The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II.

The desire to keep the vault relatively smell-free serves a secondary purpose - it's not uncommon for members of the Royal Family to be only temporarily housed in the vault before being moved to a final resting place. As such, it is beneficial for all involved to preserve the bodies as long as possible, so that when the vault is opened and bodies are added or subtracted as needed, it remains a dignified, and not ghastly, experience.  

Among the most recent Royals to have been temporarily housed in the Royal Vault was Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice. She entered the vault following her death in December 1969. But, in August 1988, her remains were taken out of the vault so that they could be buried at Jerusalem's Church of Mary Magdalene, according to her wishes. 

Members of the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, are seen carrying Prince Philip's lead-lined, traditional English oak coffin on the day of his funeral at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family relies on lead-lined caskets for their airtight properties, which help preserve the bodies inside.

Members of the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, are seen carrying Prince Philip's lead-lined, traditional English oak coffin on the day of his funeral at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family relies on lead-lined caskets for their airtight properties, which help preserve the bodies inside. 

Prince Philip himself was placed in the Royal Vault following his April 2021 funeral, but he is expected to be moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel so that he can rest side-by-side with wife Queen Elizabeth II.

What's inside the Royal Vault?

The Royal Vault contains the coffins and remains of 25 members of the Royal Family. The coffins are generally arranged on shelves built into the vault walls. Some of the coffins are laid on stone tables in the center of the room. 

There is a plinth near the entrance to the vault, on which the newest coffins are first placed, before being moved to one of the shelves - which are gated off by Victorian ironwork - or another area within the vault. 

At the far end of the vault there is a small altar. 

Why wasn't Princess Diana buried in the Royal Vault?

Although Princess Diana was given a Royal funeral, she was not a princess by birth and – because she was divorced from Prince Charles – she wasn't technically a member of the Royal Family at the time of her 1997 death, either.

Queen Elizabeth II (left) and Princess Diana (right) are pictured traveling to the opening of Parliament in London in November 1982. Although she was the 'people's princess,' Diana was not a Royal at the time of her death and so she was not eligible to be buried in the Royal Vault.

Queen Elizabeth II (left) and Princess Diana (right) are pictured traveling to the opening of Parliament in London in November 1982. Although she was the 'people's princess,' Diana was not a Royal at the time of her death and so she was not eligible to be buried in the Royal Vault. 

Instead of being laid to rest in the Royal Vault, it was decided that Diana would be buried at Althorp House , the Spencer family home in Northamptonshire. The original plan had been for her to be buried in the Spencer family vault at a nearby church, but the idea was scrapped due to security concerns given the public's reaction to her untimely death.  

To allow Princes William and Harry unfettered, private and secure access to visit their mother's grave, Earl Charles Spencer decided that it would be better for his sister, Diana, to be buried on an island  in the center of an ornamental lake on the Althorp House grounds. 

In burying Diana on an island, it was said that it would also prevent members of the public from trying to vandalize her grave, stalk the site or victimize her further in death. 

Who is buried in the Royal Vault?

There are currently 25 members of the Royal Family in the Royal Vault under St. George's Chapel. Aside from British Kings, there are also Royal wives, children and even an exiled foreign king. 

The first to be placed in the Royal Vault was King George III's daughter, Princess Amelia, who died at age 27 in November 1810, the same year construction in the vault was completed. George III's sister, Princess Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, was interred in the vault in 1813.

King George IV's daughter, Princess Charlotte and her stillborn son were added to the vault in 1817. The princess had died in the immediate aftermath of delivering the child. George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, and a stillborn daughter of the king's son, Prince Ernest Augustus, were placed in the vault following their deaths in 1818.

In 1820, George III and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Queen Victoria's father, were interred in the vault. The bodies of George III's sons - Prince Alfred, who died in 1782, and Prince Octavius, who died in 1783 - were moved into the vault that same year so that they could rest alongside their father.

King George III (pictured) commissioned the excavation and building of the Royal Vault under St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. He, his wife, nearly all of their children and several of his grandchildren are interred inside the vault.

King George III (pictured) commissioned the excavation and building of the Royal Vault under St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. He, his wife, nearly all of their children and several of his grandchildren are interred inside the vault. 

Princess Elizabeth, daughter of William IV, was added to the vault upon her death in 1821, as was Prince Frederick, Duke of York and a son of George III, following his death in 1827.

Two other British Kings, George IV and William IV, were placed in the Royal Vault following their respective deaths in 1830 and 1837. Their sister, Princess Sophia, was added in 1840, as was William IV's wife, Queen Adelaide, in 1849.

Several foreign-born and bred extended Royal Family members were also given resting grounds in the Royal Vault over the years.

Queen Victoria's grandson, Prince Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein - son of Princess Christian aka Princess Helena - died in 1876 and was buried in the vault. Exiled King George V of Hanover, grandson of George III, was placed in the vault upon his death in 1878. And, George V's granddaughter, Victoria von Pawel Rammingen, was added in 1881, as was her mother, Princess Frederica of Hanover in 1927, the year after her 1926 death.

Prince Philip (left) was buried in the Royal Vault following his April 2021 death. His coffin will be removed from the vault so that he and Queen Elizabeth can rest side-by-side in another burial area in St. George's Chapel. The couple is pictured together in 2007.

Prince Philip (left) was buried in the Royal Vault following his April 2021 death. His coffin will be removed from the vault so that he and Queen Elizabeth can rest side-by-side in another burial area in St. George's Chapel. The couple is pictured together in 2007.   

The bodies of Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck and George III's granddaughter, and her husband, Prince Francis, Duke of Teck, were added to the vault in 1897 and 1900 respectively. They were Queen Mary's parents.

The most recent permanent Royal residents of the vault are Princess Mary Adelaide's father - and George III's son - Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife, Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge. Although they died in 1850 and 1889 respectively, they were moved from their original resting place into the vault in 1930.

Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, is the 25th and most recent member of the Royal Family to be housed in the Royal Vault. His body was put in the vault on April 17, 2021. Now his body will be moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, to join the Queen for eternity.

Where will Queen Elizabeth II be buried?

Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in the  King George VI Memorial Chapel , inside the St. George Chapel. Her husband, Prince Philip, will be removed from his current resting place in the Royal Vault, and placed beside the Queen beneath the memorial chapel. 

The memorial chapel was named for her father, King George VI and built between 1968 and 1969, next to the north quire aisle.

George VI, the Queen Mother and their daughter, Princess Margaret – Elizabeth II's sister – are the only people buried in the chapel now.

Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, alongside her parents, George VI and the Queen Mother (grave marker pictured), and her sister, Princess Margaret. Prince Philip's body will be moved to the chapel to join his wife for eternity.

Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, alongside her parents, George VI and the Queen Mother (grave marker pictured), and her sister, Princess Margaret. Prince Philip's body will be moved to the chapel to join his wife for eternity.

Share or comment on this article: Everything you need to know about the Royal Vault

Most watched news videos.

  • Pro-Palestine students surround others talking about antisemitism
  • BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan dies aged 32 amid short illness
  • Shocking moment mother pummels student after breaking up fight
  • Tom Parker-Bowles brands steak slice as Greggs 'crowning glory'
  • Horner: 'We need to move forward, time now to focus on Formula One'
  • 'Real' car thief shows how easy it is to break into a luxury car
  • Aerial view of fire that ripped through Forest Gate police station
  • Sex Pistol John Lydon blames immigration for 'division' in the UK
  • Inside the bizarre fake funeral staged by a convicted paedophile
  • Footage shows baby born at NHS hospital before tragically died
  • Woman tumbles into vehicle inspection pit during MOT check
  • Stunned diners wonder whether they should help 'drunk' Sheridan Smith

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Share what you think

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

  • Back to top

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group

Cookie regulation logo

  • Megaprojects
  • Expo City Dubai
  • UAE in Space
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Palestine-Israel
  • Arab Showcase
  • Australasia
  • The Americas
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Environment
  • Road to Net Zero
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Home & Garden
  • Things to do
  • Art & Design
  • Film & TV
  • Music & On-stage
  • Pop Culture
  • Combat Sports
  • Horse Racing
  • Beyond the Headlines
  • Trending Middle East
  • Business Extra
  • Culture Bites
  • Year of Elections
  • Pocketful of Dirhams
  • Books of My Life
  • Iraq: 20 Years On

How can I visit Queen Elizabeth II's grave? Windsor Castle set to reopen

Public will be able to see the ledger stone marking the tomb where she was interred at st george’s chapel.

The Royal State Hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Windsor Castle on Monday. AP

The Royal State Hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Windsor Castle on Monday. AP

Paul Carey author image

The public will be able to see the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II from next week.

A new ledger stone within the George VI Memorial Chapel, which sits within St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle , has been installed and bears the queen’s name.

The inscription on the ledger stone in the George VI Memorial Chapel also has the names of her parents and husband, Prince Philip, along with their years of birth and death.

The George VI Memorial Chapel in St George's Chapel, Windsor. Getty Images

The late monarch was laid to rest together with the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday evening in a private service attended by her son, King Charles III, and the royal family. This followed her state funeral at Westminster Abbey and committal service in Windsor.

The fresh stone now contains, in list form, “George VI 1895-1952” and “Elizabeth 1900-2002” followed by a metal Garter Star, and then “Elizabeth II 1926-2022” and “Philip 1921-2021”.

All four royals were members of the Order of the Garter, which has St George’s Chapel as its spiritual home.

When Prince Philip died 17 months ago, his coffin was interred in the Royal Vault of St George’s, ready to be moved to the memorial chapel when the queen died. The chapel is a pale stone annexe added on to the north side of the building behind the North Quire Aisle in 1969.

The queen's sister Princess Margaret, who died in February 2002, was cremated and her ashes were initially placed in the Royal Vault. These were moved to the George VI memorial chapel with her parents’ coffins when the Queen Mother died weeks later.

Windsor Castle is currently closed to the public and will reopen on September 29, giving the first opportunity to see the stone in person.

King Charles III follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre on top, as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her state funeral. Reuters

King Charles III follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre on top, as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her state funeral. Reuters

Before his premature death, George VI enjoyed a happy family life with his wife and two daughters, referring to the tight-knit foursome as "us four".

The death of the queen means that all four have finally been laid to rest together.

The Queen Mother, also called Elizabeth, was buried in the chapel on April 9, 2002, after her death aged 101.

A host of other royals are interred in the Royal Vault beneath the chapel.

Construction of the chapel, designed by George Pace, was completed in 1969.

It was commissioned by the queen as a permanent resting place for her father.

The king died aged 56 in February 1952 but his death had been unexpected and, as a result, no specific resting place had been allocated.

Members of the royal family watch as the bearer party place the coffin of Queen Elizabeth upon the catafalque at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Getty Images

At the time, the king's remains were interred in the Royal Vault.

The Royal Vault is the final resting place of a long list of mostly 18th and 19th-century royals, including George III, who died in 1820.

With no more space to accommodate a second vault at St George's, it was decided that another chantry chapel would be built — the first addition to St George's since it was consecrated in the 15th century.

The queen rejected the idea of the traditional marble chest tomb with life-size effigies favoured by earlier royals for her father.

Instead, the king's grave was marked with a simple stone of black Belgian marble inlaid into the floor with the inscription "George VI".

The dedication took place on March 31, 1969, in a ceremony attended by George's widow Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the queen, Prince Philip, Elizabeth's sister Princess Margaret and all four of the monarch's children.

The queen was finally laid to rest on Monday during a private evening burial service attended by close family only.

People wait in a queue near Tower Bridge in London to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters

People wait in a queue near Tower Bridge in London to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters

The family’s website said it was conducted by the Dean of Windsor. The website added: "The Queen was buried together with The Duke of Edinburgh, at The King George VI Memorial Chapel.”

It followed a simple committal service, which contrasted with the earlier state funeral. The queen's close staff were represented, including her senior dresser and personal adviser Angela Kelly, alongside people such as Earl Spencer, the brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

It was heavy with symbolism with the Camp Colour from the military unit personally commanded by the Queen ― Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards ― placed on her coffin by the King.

Baron Parker — the Lord Chamberlain and a former MI5 chief, and the most senior official in her royal household — “broke” his wand of office by dismantling it into two halves and placing them on her coffin.

Earlier in the day, the state funeral at Westminster Abbey was attended by dignitaries including hundreds of heads of state. London was full with mourners for the event, which involved the largest policing operation undertaken by the Metropolitan Police.

On the eve of her funeral, Buckingham Palace released this previously unseen portrait of Queen Elizabeth II smiling with joy. Here 'The National' takes a look back at previous portraits of the queen. PA

On the eve of her funeral, Buckingham Palace released this previously unseen portrait of Queen Elizabeth II smiling with joy. Here 'The National' takes a look back at previous portraits of the queen. PA

View from London

Your weekly update from the UK and Europe

View from London

The Geographical Cure

Guide To Windsor Castle, Day Trip From London

Windsor Castle is a striking 11th century castle that’s the official home of the royal family. The palace is the longest occupied royal residence in the world. It’s been the symbol of the monarchy for 1,000 years.

At the castle, you can see the sprawling grounds, take the “long walk,” admire lavish staterooms, and visit a magnificent Perpendicular Gothic chapel.

Grand Reception Room

Not only is Windsor an authentic medieval castle, it’s home to some of the finest and most famous paintings in the Royal Collection.

You’ll find master works from English portraitists, the Northern Renaissance, the Italian Renaissance, and the Baroque eras.

In this guide, I tell you everything to see at Windsor Castle and give you tips for visiting. Among other things, you can expect to see:

  • Queen Marys’ Dolls House
  • St. George’s Hall
  • State Room & Semi-State Rooms

Waterloo Chamber

Garter throne room, queen’s gallery.

  • St. George’s Chapel
  • The Long Walk

the exterior of Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle & Its Royal Residents

900 years ago, England’s first king William the Conqueror began work on Windsor Castle. The layout of the castle was a central tower or keep with two flanking baileys (fortified enclosures).

Both Henry I and Henry II expanded the castle. In 1225, the wooden keep was replaced with the stone Round Tower.

In the 14th century, the castle made its transition to a royal palace thanks to the castle building king Edward III. He added the Gothic lower ward and a suite of royal apartments in the upper ward. Edward also instituted the chivalric Order of the Garter.

pin for guide to Windsor Castle

In 1475, Edward IV began building the beautiful St. George’s Chapel. The next major period of development came after the bitter mid 17th century English Civil War between the Crown and Parliament.

After the Crown prevailed, Charles II and his architect wanted to make a statement after the power and authority of the crown. They altered the exterior of the castle and added some opulent Baroque state rooms.

Charles also acquired some valuable Leonardo da Vinci drawings. Unfortunately, you can’t see them because they’re under tight security in the Royal Library .

When George III inherited the throne, Windsor became his favorite residence. During George’s reign there was a renewed interest in Gothic architecture.

Thomas Lawrence portrait of George IV

George eliminated many of the castle’s 17th century Baroque features and began restoring the castle. He also added over 40 Canaletto paintings to the Royal Collection.

The next king, George IV, was a rakish lover of women and wine. But he also became the monarchy’s greatest art collector. George IV continued to transform Windsor in a Gothic revival style.

He chose not to use the traditional state apartments. Instead, he added a private suite of glittering rooms that are now called the “semi-state rooms.” Elizabeth II formerly used these rooms for formal entertaining.

Windsor was at is heyday during the reign of Queen Victoria. This is where she met her husband Albert. They chose to make Windsor their principal home.

the Long Walk to Windsor Castle

Victoria invented the tradition of “dine and sleep.” She would invite prominent society figures to dine and spend the night at Windsor Castle. She held small dances and musical events in the Crimson Drawing Room.

Since the time of George IV, very few changes have been made to the castle.

When Edward VII succeeded to the throne, Windsor was looking a bit tired and dreary after Queen Victoria’s long widowhood. He did some redecorating, modernizing, and smartening up.

When Edward VII abdicated to marry American Wallis Simpson, George VI took over. His two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret grew up and were educated at the Windsor Castle.

Nowadays, Windsor is owned by King Charles III. He inherited it from his mother Elizabeth II.

interior of the medieval St. George's Chapel

Order of the Garter

The Order of the Garter is the most prestigious order of chivalry in Britain. It was founded in 1348 by Edward III.

The order’s patron saint is St. George. The order’s motto is “Shame of he who thinks evil of it.”

Originally, the order consisted of the king himself, the Prince of Wales, and 24 senior members of the royal family and aristocracy. Today, knights are also chosen from men and women making significant contributions to the nation.

The Garter Day Procession takes place at Windsor Castle in June. Accompanied by marching band, members proceed from the state apartments to St. George’s Chapel.

They wear the velvet robes of the order and ostrich plumed hats, echoing the medieval costumes that were once worn.

view of Windsor Castle on the Thames River

Tickets & Tours For Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a popular place and one of the best day trips from London.

So you need to plan in advance. Ticket lines can be very long in the summer months.

Click here to book a skip the line admission ticket. Windsor Castle is also included in the London Pass , if you have that card.

Click here to book a guided day tour to Windsor from London. You can also book a private guided tour from London .

You can also visit Windsor on a guided day tour with Oxford and Stonehenge . Another lengthy (but awesome) day tour combines Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath along with lunch in the Cotswold village of Lacock .

aerial view of Windsor Castle

What To See At Windsor Castle, The Complete Guide

Here’s are the top things to see at Windsor Castle on a day trip from London.

1. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a 100 year old rendering of the royal household. It was designed by Britain’s leading architect of the time, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and presented to Mary in 1924.

It wasn’t intended to be played with. Rather, it was built to reflect the best in British craftsmanship. Everything in the house is designed perfectly to scale with an astonishing level of detail.

The dollhouse has electricity, running water, and working lifts.

ceiling of St. George's Hall

2. St. George’s Hall

This is the grand room where state banquets and functions are held, though there hasn’t been one since 2014.

When they do happen, the queen sits in front of the bust of Queen Victoria. Microphones are hidden in the floral arrangements.

The vaulted ceilings are covered with emblems of the Knights of the Garter. Some of them are blank.

Those are the naughty knights, who were convicted of high crimes or treason. This mostly took place during the Tudor era when they also stripped off their heads.

Above the two doors are portraits of Queens Mary and Anne. At the end of the hall, you enter the Queen’s Guard Chamber. There, you’ll find weapons and busts of British war heroes from Nelson to Churchill.

the North Terrace

3. State Rooms and Semi-State Rooms

You enter the state apartments from the North Terrace. You can’t take photos in here, so I only have a couple stock photos to show you.

As was traditional, the king and queen had a separate set of state apartments. Visitors would move through a succession of rooms. Each one was designed to limit access to the monarch, according to his or her rank.

The rooms are dripping with chandeliers, beautifully furnished, and strewn with art collected by a long line of kings and queens.

Major renovations to the state rooms were made in the 17th century by Charles II (trying to rival Versailles) and in the 19th century by George IV. 

In 1992, a fire devastated the castle. It destroyed much of the southern part of the State Apartments, which are now restored to their original splendor. 

There are so many rooms, one just can’t cover them all in a single blog post. So I’ll give you some of the must highlights.

Waterloo Room

The Waterloo Chamber is a magnificent wood-ceiling room. This is where some of the most famous paintings in the Royal Collection at Windsor are kept.

You’ll find a who’s who of popes, monarchs, statesmen, and commanders. The portraits celebrate the victory over Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo.

Many were painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence , who was the court painter of George IV.

This room is also where you’ll find Claude Whatham’s “Pantomime” pictures. They are murals he painted in the rooms of the young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret after their paintings were removed for safekeeping during the Blitz. 

The Garter Throne Room served as Queen Victoria’s principal Throne Room. It’s also the room where new Knights and Ladies of the Garter are invested by the Queen.

In this room, there’s a famous portrait of Elizabeth II in her coronation robes.

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Crimson Drawing Room

One of the most eye catching rooms in the palace is the Crimson Drawing Room. It features beautiful red damask walls and gold-leafed furnishings.

This part of the castle was severely damaged in the fire of 1992. Luckily, the valuable art was salvaged. The rooms have been fully restored according to the original plans.

You’ll find a portrait of George VI and a portrait of the Queen Mother.

Green Drawing Room

Originally designed as a library, the Green Drawing Room follows George IV’s favorite plan — a long room with a bay window in the center. The room has a magnificent carpet, which survived the fire in 1992.

The room is filled with Morel and Sedon designed furniture. The display cabinets contain one of the finest Sevres porcelain dining service ever made. 

This was ordered by Louis XVI of France for his own use at Versailles and later bought by the king.

Van Dyck, Charles in Three Positions, 1653 -- in the Queen's Drawing Room

This is one of the castle’s most important rooms. Until the creation of the Grand Reception Room and Waterloo Chamber in the 1830s, this was the principal ballroom of Windsor.

The room was redecorated by Queen Victoria. She hung it exclusively with portraits by Anthony van Dyck . 

There are usually 11 paintings hung, including a famous one of Charles I on horseback. You may recognize this painting because a copy of it it overlooks the dining room in Downton Abbey .

Anthony van Dyck, Charles I with M. de St. Antoine, 1633

Queen’s Drawing Room

This room is home to some of the finest Tudor and Stuart portraits in the Royal Collection. 

These include the famous  Charles I in Three Positions  by Van Dyck, a Holbein-esque portrait of Henry VIII, and William Scrots’ portrait of Elizabeth I as a princess.

The latter portrait is the finest painting of Elizabeth I before her succession. It was probably painted for her father Henry VIII.

King’s Closet

This room was Charles II’s dressing room. The ceilings were painted by Anthony Verrio, with mythological frescos glorifying the monarchy.

The room is also filled with paintings from the Netherlands, including works by Breugel and Cranach. You’ll find Cranach’s famous Apollo and Diana .

the king's bed

There’s also a rare and famous portrait of Richard III tugging at his ring. The painting was doctored to make him look like a hunchback and murderer of the Princes in the Tower. There’s also quite a few portraits of other monarchs.

King’s Bedchamber

The King’s bedchamber was a formal room where the king met with his advisers and discussed matters of state. Only the most powerful members of the court were allowed to enter the room.

The room features walls covered in red damask and a plaster ceiling decorated with the Stuart coat of arms.

The elaborate bed was part of the ritual of dressing and undressing the king in the presence of nobles. It was created by French woodworker Georges Jacob.

It’s draped with green and purple fabric similar to those used when French Emperor Napoleon III came for a State visit in 1855.

Bronzino, Portrait of a Lady in Green, 1528-32 -- in the King's Dressing Room

King’s Dressing Room

This room is where the king actually slept. It’s home to the important Northern Renaissance paintings in the Royal Collection. 

There are portraits by Hans Holbein the Younger, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Albrecht Durer. The most famous work in the room is Pieter Breughel the Elder’s  The Massacre of the Innocents .  

There are also famous Italian Renaissance paintings by Bellini, del Sarto, and more. I was riveted by Bronzino’s beautiful Portrait of a Lady in Green .

King’s Drawing Room

This room is also known as the “Rubens Room.” It’s full of paintings by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens. A painting of the Holy Family hangs above the fireplace.

Charles II used the room to receive guests and hold court assemblies.

changing of the guard

4. Changing of the Guard

The changing of the guard usually takes place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The famously stoic guards are clothed in the same red tunics and bearskin that they sport at Buckingham Palace.

The new guards are led by a marching band. They march from their barracks on Sheet Street up High Street into the castle’s parade ground on the lower ward (by the main exit).

After a half hour of music and photos, the old guards march back the way the new ones came.

If you want a front row seat to watch the ceremony, you should plan to arrive around 10:30 am.

the beautiful St. George's Chapel

5. St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel is a stunning medieval chapel. It’s in the Perpendicular Gothic style of architecture, just like the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey.

It was begun by Edward IV in 1474. More recently, this is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in 2018.

The nave has classic fan vaulting. Banners of the Most Noble Order of the Garter line the nave.

The banners honor living knights. The 800 golden panels on the choir seats honor departed knights.

Under the upper stained glass windows is a frieze of 250 angels carved in great detail.

The chapel holds a number of famous royal tombs. Heading up the left side of the nave, you’ll find the chapel dedicated to George VI. He’s buried there with the Queen Mother.

St. George's Chapel

Both Phillip and Elizabeth II will eventually be buried with them. Phillip rests in the Royal Vault right now. But when the queen dies, he will be transferred to the the chapel with the queen.

On the floor, you’ll find a plaque marking the burial spot of Mad King George III (of the American Revolutionary War era).

Henry VIII is buried with his third wife Jane Seymour in the chapel’s Royal Vault, which is behind the choir and underneath the Albert Memorial Chapel. This public cannot enter this area.

Henry VI, Edward IV, and Edward VII are also buried in the sacristy.

On your way out, stop to admire the Albert Memorial Chapel. It was dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, after his death in 1861. 

The interior is elaborately decorated with colored marble, mosaics, and sculptures. It contains the sarcophagus of the Duke of Clarence, the eldest and rather wayward son of Edward VII. 

Be sure to admire the decorative ironwork on the 13th century Gilbertus door in the east end of the chapel. It’s a stunning medieval work signed by the smith who created it.

the Long Walk

6. The Long Walk

If you want to stretch your legs after ogling the elegant castle interiors, take a stroll down the Long Walk. You can see it from the state entrance of Windsor Castle.

It’s a 2.6 mile tree-lined street created during Charles II’s reign. It’s part of the Windsor Great Park. Views of the castle from the walk of some of the most iconic shots of Windsor.

The Long Walk is especially beautiful in autumn when the oak and chestnut trees break into autumnal colors.

You access the Long Walk from the George IV Gate close to the south front of the castle.

pub in Windsor Village

George III loved the park. He commissioned a famous equestrian statue of George II on horseback. It stand on one end of the Long Walk on Snow Hill.

7. Windsor Village

A small village is built up around the castle.

It’s full of lovely shops, restaurants, and pubs. Be sure to wander down High Street, Thames Street, and the pedestrianized Peascod Street.

The Windsor Royal Shopping Center is near the railway station. There are over 40 shops.

me enjoying my tour of Windsor Castle

Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle

Here are some must know tips for visiting Windsor Castle. I also tell you other attractions you can visit in the area.

1. How To Get To Windsor Castle

Windsor is only 20 miles from London and takes about 45 minutes. The town is off the M-4 highway. It’s well signposted.

There are long stay car parks less than a 10 minute walk to the town center and castle. There are short stay car parks in the center of the town that cost a bit more.

London’s Paddington Station connects with the Windsor & Eton Central Station. It’s a high speed train that takes 30 minutes, but you have to change trains at Slough.

London’s Waterloo Station connects with Windsor’s other train station, Windsor & Eton Riverside. This train is slower and takes about 55 minutes.

From either train station, it’s a 5 minute walk to the castle.

You can also visit on a guided tour, which I explained above.

Queen Victoria statue outside Windsor Castle

2. Where To Stay Near Windsor Castle

You might consider staying overnight in Windsor after the daytime crowds have gone. You can better enjoy the village’s charm and perhaps even attend evensong in St. George’s Chapel.

The Castle Hotel Windsor is a luxury boutique hotel just .2 miles from the castle itself. You should also check out the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and the Fairmont Windsor Park , where you can get the royal treatment.

Windsor is a good place to overnight if you’re flying out of London the next day. The town is only 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport. You can book a private transfer to get you there from Windsor.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Massacre of the Innocents, 1565 (KIng's Dressing Room)

3. Is Windsor Castle Worth Visiting?

Windsor Castle is 100% worth visiting.

It’s an authentic medieval castle with a wow factor that’s an official residence of the royal family. I found it much more fascinating than Buckinghman Palace or Kensington Palace.

In fact, the art collection alone merits a visit. And St. George’s Chapel is stunning.

The real question is whether to visit on a combination tour or allot more time to visit the castle. I think Windsor really warrants a half day visit, so you’re not rushed. Come in the afternoon as most of the guided tours seem to arrive in the morning when the castle opens.

the Round Tower

Practical Guide & Tips For Visiting Windsor Castle

Address : Windsor SL4 1NJ

Hours : March to October 10:00 am to 5:15 pm, closing at 3:00 from November to February.

Ticket price : 28.00 pounds. The ticket comes with a complimentary audio guide, which is narrated by none other than King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales.

There is no photography permitted inside the castle or St. George’s Chapel, which is a tad disappointing. Photos of the interior above are stock photos.

The staff in the state rooms are incredibly knowledgeable. You can grill them for more information.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to visiting Windsor Castle. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

  • 3 Day Itinerary for London
  • 5 Day Itinerary for London
  • Harry Potter Places in London
  • Guide to the National Gallery of Art
  • Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Guide to the Tate Britain
  • Guide to Wesminster Abbey
  • London Tourist Traps To Avoid
  • Guide To Free Museums in London
  • Guide to the Tower of London
  • Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

If you’d need a guide for Windsor Castle, pin it for later.

pin for guide to Windsor Castle

1 thought on “Guide To Windsor Castle, Day Trip From London”

Hey there! Just finished reading your article on visiting Windsor Castle, and I couldn’t wait to drop you a line. First of all, kudos on this comprehensive guide; it’s evident that you poured your heart into it. Your writing made me feel like I was right there exploring the castle, from the stunning architecture to the rich history. Windsor Castle has been on my bucket list for a while, and after reading your article, I’m more determined than ever to make that trip a reality.

Your tips and recommendations are incredibly helpful, especially the part about booking tickets in advance to avoid those long lines – a real lifesaver! And the mention of St. George’s Chapel and the State Apartments got me all excited; they sound like must-see attractions. Plus, your personal anecdotes and insights added such a lovely touch to the article. It’s like I had a friend guiding me through the entire experience. Thanks for sharing this valuable information, and I can’t wait to read more of your travel adventures in the future! Keep up the fantastic work.

I also loved your photos; they’re simply breathtaking! They complement your words so well and give readers a real sense of what to expect. The details about the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House were fascinating. All in all, this article has made me even more eager to explore Windsor Castle, and I’ll definitely be referring back to your guide when I plan my trip. Thanks again for the great read, and I look forward to more travel inspiration from you soon. Cheers!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

St. George's Chapel at Windsor: The Complete Guide

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images

St George's Chapel

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor on May 19, 2018, has put this special church high on many a visitor's curiosity lists. Now that the prince and his American bride are moving to North America, there is even more interest in the places associated with them in the UK. Here is everything you need to know to plan a visit.

When he married in what is, in essence, the family chapel, Prince Harry walked down the aisle of the same church his mother, the late  Princess Diana , carried him to be christened. 

Some of the other famous recent events in the chapel dedicated to St George, the patron saint of England, include:

  • The blessing of the civil marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, now Duchess of Cornwall (a church wedding was ruled out because of their divorces, their very public adultery and public opinion at the time)
  • The wedding of Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth's youngest son, to Sophie Rhys-Jones, now the Countess of Wessex. Peter Philips, Princess Anne's son, married Autumn Kelly there.
  • The separate funerals of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (you may know them as Edward and Mrs. Simpson), both persona non-grata in Britain for more than 35 years (the Duchess for nearly 50 years) but accorded the rites of a former king and his consort (Edward's uncrowned reign lasted less than a year before he abdicated to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson).

Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, the mother of his only son, rest under the floor of St George's Chapel. So does the headless corpse of the doomed King Charles I. For more than 500 years, British Royals (and several of their German cousins) have been hatched, matched and dispatched at St George's, within the walls of  Windsor Castle .

A Quick History

The chapel is part of the College of St George, a religious community established by King Edward III in 1348, to worship together, offer prayers for the Sovereign and the Order of the Garter, to provide service to society and hospitality to visitors. The Order of the Garter, the oldest and highest British order of chivalry and the only one currently completely in the gift of the Queen, was founded in the same year. Apparently, Edward was inspired by tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to set up his own chivalric order of knights.

Today, the college buildings, which include a prep school and apartments for the Military Knights of Windsor (similar to the Chelsea Pensioners), occupy a quarter of the buildings at Windsor Castle .

The chapel, the centerpiece of the college, was built between 1475 and 1528. First commissioned by King Edward IV, it was King Henry VIII who ordered the creation of the chapel's breathtaking fan-vaulted ceiling. 

Processions and Weddings

Since its beginnings, St George's Chapel has been the home of the Order of the Garter. Its annual procession is held in June, when the knights (Companions of the Order of the Garter), parade in velvet robes and plumed hats, garlanded with glittering regalia and accompanied by all the rigmarole of medieval and royal pageantry. It is one of the highlights of the year at Windsor and fills the town with hundreds of spectators.

Crowds turn out for weddings of princes as well as secondary and minor royals and they've been doing that for decades. When Queen Victoria's eldest son, the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, married the Princess Alexandra of Denmark, Queen Victoria watched unobserved from the Catherine of Aragon Closet (more about that below). While still a Prince, King Gustav VI Adolph of Sweden married Margaret of Connaught, Queen Victoria's granddaughter and daughter of her third son, Prince Arthur. Most of Queen Victoria's children and grandchildren launched their married lives here.

Things to See Inside

St George's Chapel is considered a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic, a late medieval style of English architecture. If you're not a specialist, a certain been-there-done-that exhaustion can set in if you look at too many medieval churches (easy to do in the UK). Instead, save your energy for inside. That's where you'll find the chapel's real wow factor. Make sure you allow yourself enough time when you visit Windsor to explore it. You'll see:

  • The intricate fan-vaulted ceiling, best viewed from the central aisle of the nave. A pivoting mirror mounted on ball bearings in the aisle allows you to look at this amazing ceiling without getting a crick in your neck or imagining you're falling upward into it. The ceiling was Henry VIII's addition to the chapel.
  • The West Window is   believed to be the third largest stained glass window in England. (The Great West Window at York Minster is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.) The window's 75 lights (or panels) were removed in 1940 to protect them from German bombs. They remained in storage for the remainder of WWII. 
  • The Quire, where the carved wood paneling is medieval, houses the Garter Knights Stalls. Knights and Ladies who become Companions of the Order receive a stall in this chapel for life. Decorative stall plates are attached to the stall and a banner hangs above it. The stall plate remains after the member dies. So, even though there are only 24 members of the Order of the Garter at any one time, there are hundreds of colorful painted or enameled stall plates reflecting the order through hundreds of years. When he was installed, Prince William became the thousandth member.
  • The Oriel Window  aka the  Catherine of Aragon Closet is a secluded seat, shielded by a carved lattice, above the Quire. Henry VIII had it installed for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon​ so that she could watch the Order of the Garter service. When she was in mourning Queen Victoria often watched ceremonies - and even weddings - from here.
  • The Queen's Stall , an 18th century decorated box from which the Sovereign can observe services.

The Royal Tombs

Ten British Kings, along with their consorts are buried within St George's Chapel. Look out for:

  • The Tomb Henry VIII, Jane Seymour —his third wife—and Charles I , the king beheaded on the orders of Oliver Cromwell. Together with the infant child of Queen Anne, they are buried beneath a "Ledger Stone" in the central aisle of the Quire.
  • King George III,  who lost the American colonies in the American War of Independence, also buried in the Quire.
  • King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville . If you've followed the series The White Queen or read the book The White Queen by Philippa Gregory , you'll have heard of Elizabeth Woodville. She was the mother of the Princes in the Tower, who may have been murdered on the orders of the wicked King Richard III. Edward and Elizabeth Woodville are buried in the North Quire Aisle.
  • The King George VI Memorial Chapel is the last resting place of the current Queen's parents, Elizabeth The Queen Mother, King George VI (perhaps you've seen The King's Speech ?) and the ashes of Princess Margaret, the late sister of the Queen.

How to Visit

Unless you are attending a church service, you can only visit St. George's chapel as part of a visit to Windsor Castle, Monday through Saturday. It is closed to visitors on Sunday however you can freely attend church services there. Worship services on Sunday and throughout the week are freely open to all. To attend, check the St George's Chapel website for the schedule of services. Then simply tell a guardsman at the Castle exit gate, just down Castle Hill from the main entrance. He or she will hand you on to an usher who can escort you inside.

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

Buckingham Palace Annual Summer Opening

Guide to St Paul's Cathedral

15 Best Castles and Palaces in Germany

The History Behind the World's Most Iconic Hotel Bars

Polesden Lacey - The Complete Guide

Walking Tour of Historic Honolulu

Buckingham Palace: The Complete Guide

The World's Top 20 Celebrity-Favorite Hotels

Warkworth Castle: The Complete Guide

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

The Castles of William the Conqueror

10 Best Castles to Visit in England

Glasgow Cathedral: The Complete Guide

A Visitor's Guide to Hampton Court Palace in London

12 "Must-See" Places in England, Scotland and Wales

RELATED LINKS

On this page, royal london, windsor & eton, around windsor, how to get to windsor, windsor hotels, within 2 hours of london, most popular tours, special interest tours, tours from london, hop-on hop-off bus tours, central london tours.

London Toolkit

  • Guide to hotel areas
  • Bed & breakfast
  • Backpacker hostels
  • Airbnb London
  • Central London tours
  • Tours from London
  • Hop-on hop-off bus tours
  • Harry Potter tours
  • Stonehenge tours
  • Downton Abbey tours
  • Windsor tours
  • Cotswolds tours
  • Private tours
  • Ticket & pass offers
  • Central London attractions
  • Attractions outside London
  • Harry Potter attractions
  • Tower of London
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORT
  • London City
  • London Southend
  • Southampton

Rome Toolkit

Visiting Windsor Castle

What to see at windsor castle, how long to stay, best time to visit, tickets and tours.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of the Crown and has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years.

The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines.

What strikes many people used to visiting historic ruins or attractions with a 'preservation' or museum like atmosphere is that Windsor Castle is in pristine condition and fully working.

There are around 150 people for whom Windsor Castle is their home. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was often in residence many weekends in her lifetime.

On this page we discuss your ticket options as well as how long you will need and details of what you will see at Windsor Castle including the Changing of the Guard. Please note St George's Chapel is shut to visitors on Sundays.

BOOK TICKETS   Ticket information   Opening times   Location   Visit length & queues   Entry, exits and security   Audio guides   Changing of the Guard   State Apartments   St George's Chapel   Windsor Castle with an attraction pass/promotion   Windsor Castle tours   FAQ  

In May 2018, Windsor Castle became the focus of the world, with the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel. With their subsequent horse drawn carriage tour around Windsor and through Windsor Great Park, this Windsor Royal wedding made Windsor Castle a must see destination for a whole new generation.

Windsor Castle tours remain ever-popular and good value if you want to combine into a top day out with somewhere like Stonehenge or Bath . There are loads of options to choose from.

Want even more Royal days out in London? See our page Royal Palaces and Castles in London for highlights of the best.

Windsor Castle tickets

WINDSOR CASTLE TICKETS

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle entry tickets

• Multimedia guide included • See: Luxurious State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, burial place of Henry VIII, Queen Mary's ornate Dolls' House, Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer

Windsor Castle - tickets 2024

Cheapest windsor castle tickets.

To get yourself the cheapest Windsor Castle tickets you need to book online in advance. You will save yourself £2 per person this way.

There is a young person rate for 18-24 year olds, as well as a child price type for 5-17 year olds inclusive. Under 5s remain free and un-ticketed.

Families qualify for a family discount to bookings of at least 1 adult and 2 children.

You can save substantially if you are a group of 15 or more.

Book in advance Windsor Castle to save money and queuing time

Whilst you can buy tickets on the day for ultimate flexibility, you will save money of you book in advance an ensure a smoother entry.

Windsor Castle gets very busy, particularly at peak times so it is strongly recommended to book in advance.

Tickets like the ones from the banner above (through Visit Britain) give you an instant confirmation so you can then download the eTicket on your mobile.

We are not aware of any discounted tickets available to visitors priced below that of the prices of the advance tickets . However some providers are selling the tickets for more than others - so do check first. Where we can, we always try to offer the lowest possible ticket provider.

Windsor Castle - opening times and when to visit 2024

1 march - 31 october.

Open Thursday - Monday. Timed admission slots - every 30 mins First entry 10.00, last entry 16.00, closes 17.15

1 November to 28 February

Open Thursday - Monday. Timed admission slots - every 30 mins First entry 10.00, last entry 15.00, closes 16.15

Changing of the Guard and closures

Changing of the Guard happens between 11am and 11.30am also adding to the morning rush. Many of the coach tours will commonly stay until around midday departing after the Changing of the Guard.

On Sundays St George's is closed for religious services. Access to the Chapel may be limited after 13.30, particularly on Saturdays. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid missing out.

Lastly, the castle may close for state visits and special occasions so do consult the Windsor Castle official website . This also states the days during the winter when Changing of the Guard takes place and seasonable closing times.

It follows that if you're an independent visitor during the summer months, a good strategy is to visit the other attractions of Windsor & Eton during the morning and visit the castle after lunch. Visitor numbers are also much higher at weekends than during the week (and as such tickets for these peak times are now a little more expensive).

Windsor Castle location

Windsor Castle is very easy to find. Coming out from Windsor and Eton Central Station, or Windsor and Eton Riverside Station, the castle walls can be seen in front of you. The main entrance to Windsor Castle is at the top of Castle Hill, on the right. The address of Windsor Castle is Castle Hill, Windsor, SL4 1PD. Check Windsor Castle map location .

How long your visit will take and queues

During the winter months when there are no queues, the average visitor will take 90 minutes to two hours in the Castle, although the official Windsor Castle website suggest three hours or more.

At peak times during the summer there are often long queues to the entrance of the State Apartments.

Entrance, exits and security at Windsor Castle

Inside Windsor Castle

On paying your admission you pass through airline style security where bags are put through an x-ray machine and you empty your pockets and pass through a detector door. Once through the security you pick up your audio phone at the kiosk opposite.

There is an information desk, toilets and gift shop here too. By the audio kiosk is a sign that details the times of the guided tours that day. It is from here these tours start.

Please note, the exit is from the main Windsor Castle Henry VII Gate, not the entrance with the ticket desks.

Multimedia tours and photography at Windsor Castle

Multimedia guides.

A multimedia guide is part of the admission price, available in ten languages.

The tour is introduced by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and provides a lively commentary through the castle.

There is also a separate family multimedia guide for children aged 7-11, available in English.

You simply key in the number of the room or place you are in and a full commentary is given. There are many optional commentaries within some commentaries that go into great detail about individual items.

There are separate guides for those with hearing or sight loss.

In person guided tours

There are also classic guided tours that leave regularly from near the entrance on a schedule, and last around thirty minutes.

Photography

No photography or video recording is allowed within the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. Eating and drinking are not permitted in the State Apartments or St George's Chapel. You will be asked to place drinks and food in closed bags before being admitted to the castle. You can purchase bottled water at the Courtyard Shop at the beginning of your visit.

Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle Changing of the Guard

Many visitors like to time their visit so they can view the Changing of the Guard. This is very similar to that practiced in central London at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards.

Changing of the Guard at Windsor usually takes place at 11am within the Castle grounds Mondays to Saturdays from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting.

If you're not visiting the Castle you can still see the band marching through the town around 11am. The barracks is about 500m from the castle, the band passes the Guildhall and Old Town before turning into the castle at Queen Victoria's statue.

If you're in the Castle, congregate in the parade ground by the main exit in front of St George's Chapel.

The whole thing takes around thirty minutes here.

State Apartments, Windsor Castle

Most people after getting their introductions and briefings about the castle on their tour will make their way past the moat of the Round Tower (not open to the public) up to the north terrace. It is here that the entrance to the State Apartments is situated.

From the north terrace you gaze down to Windsor town below and get far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Windsor town looks much smaller from up here.

2019 restoration and opening of the State Entrance Hall

In 2019 Windsor Castle went through an extended period of restoration of the inner Hall, formerly closed to the public. The Inner Hall (closed by Queen Victoria) leads visitors to the State Entrance Hall, where guests of the Crown are welcomed to Windsor, a magnificent welcoming area.

From the Inner Hall Visitors can visit the State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. The Dolls' House is precisely what you'd expect, a single miniature dolls' house suitable for royalty complete with miniature crown jewels.

Much of the southern part of the State Apartments was destroyed by fire in 1992 and has been restored. Arguably your experience is much the better for it; some of the rooms that were beginning to look faded and antique now really do bring alive what the original rooms would have looked like on completion.

Such are the treasures that you can perhaps look at an obscure painting only to realise that your are inches from an original Rubens when looking at the information on it.

St George's Chapel

St George's Chapel Windsor Castle

St George's Chapel is a working church with services every day. St. George's Chapel is open daily but closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Worshipers are welcome to attend the services. The church also closes earlier than the rest of the castle to prepare for the evening service.

If you're entering the castle from early afternoon onwards it is worth making St George's your first port of call.

More recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding was held in St George's Chapel. Another Royal wedding at Windsor followed shortly afterwards when Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank tied the knot in St George's Chapel.

Also within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I. The Gothic architecture is particularly impressive, particularly the roof.

Perhaps most fascinating and differentiating the chapel from similar churches and abbeys is the Order of the Garter, the world's oldest national order of knighthood in continuous existence, with a history stretching back to King Edward III in medieval times.

Membership of the Order is extremely limited and includes the monarch of the United Kingdom, the Prince of Wales and not more than twenty-four companion members. St George's is home to the Order, as St. George is patron saint and also patron saint of soldiers and also of England. Members are each assigned a stall in the chapel choir above which his or her heraldic devices are displayed.

Windsor Castle & London's attraction passes and promotions

Included: The London Pass - Windsor Castle is supported by London's most popular attraction pass, (with over 80 top London attractions). Top attractions on the London Pass list include the London Zoo , Westminster Abbey , St, Paul's , View from the Shard and the Tower of London . The London Pass offers incredible savings over buying individual attraction tickets.

For full details follow the banner link below.

Not included: Railways 2 for 1 Promotion - The railways 2 for 1 entrance promotion is not valid at Windsor Castle.

The London Pass

LONDON PASS BY GO CITY

The Londpon Pass

The more you visit, the more you save

• Access 80+ London attractions including the Tower of London, London Zoo, Thames River Cruise, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, The View from Shard, Windsor Castle, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, and many more... • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 day passes available.

Windsor Castle tours

There are many different tours visiting Windsor Castle , just a couple of them are half day tours only to the castle, not including another attraction.

However, because Windsor is relatively close to London many tours have Windsor Castle as part of a day long tour, including other attractions such as The London Eye , Hampton Court , Buckingham Palace or further afield, Stonehenge .

FAQs on Windsor Castle

Q. where is windsor castle.

A. Windsor Castle is situated in Berkshire in the South of England. It is in the town of Windsor which is twinned with Eton by the River Thames . The average journey times from London are around 60-90 minutes by coach and around an hour by train.

Q. How to get to Windsor Castle?

A. You can use one of the many tour operators from London and have all your travel needs taken care of for you. You can also travel independently from London by train using either Paddington or Waterloo main line stations to Windsor.

Q. How old is Windsor Castle?

A. Windsor Castle can be traced back to the 11th century with building work starting on the Castle around 1070.

Q. Who lives in Windsor Castle?

A. Windsor Castle has always been a working palace. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II used Windsor Castle as her private home where she would usually spend the weekend and as an official Royal residence. There are also the staff living at Windsor Castle which includes the titular head of the Castle community, the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle; the Dean of Windsor, Military Knights of Windsor, housekeepers and soldiers. There are roughly 150 people living at the Castle itself.

Q. Who owns Windsor Castle?

A. Windsor Castle is owned by the state/crown and belongs to the reigning monarch by virtue of their position.

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath tour from London for £89

When will people be able to visit the Queen's final resting place at Windsor Castle?

  • Windsor Castle
  • Prince Philip
  • Wednesday 21 September 2022 at 12:55pm

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Mourners will be able to visit the Queen's final resting place in St George's Chapel from next week when Windsor Castle reopens to the public after the royal period of mourning comes to an end.

People wishing to pay their respects to the late monarch, who was buried alongside Prince Philip in a corner of the chapel on Monday, can do so from September 29.

The Queen’s name has been inscribed on the ledger stone, which replaces a black slab set into the floor, next to those of her parents , George VI and Elizabeth, and Philip, in the George VI Memorial Chapel.

The stone now lists “George VI 1895-1952” and “Elizabeth 1900-2002” followed by a metal Garter Star and then “Elizabeth II 1926-2022” and “Philip 1921-2021” in gold lettering.

All four royals were members of the Order of the Garter, which has St George’s Chapel as its spiritual home.

The Queen’s sister Princess Margaret, who died in 2002, was cremated and her ashes were initially placed in the Royal Vault, before being moved to the George VI memorial chapel with her parents’ coffins when the Queen Mother died weeks later.

The remarkable life of the Queen remembered in our latest episode of What You Need To Know

When Philip died 17 months ago, his coffin was interred in the Royal Vault of St George’s, ready to be moved to the memorial chapel – a pale stone annexe added on to the north side of the building behind the North Quire Aisle in 1969 – when the Queen died.

The Queen was laid to rest with the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday evening in a private service attended by the King and the royal family.

The intimate ceremony followed the splendour of her state funeral at Westminster Abbey and committal service in Windsor.

The chapel will reopen to visitors later next week on all days the castle is open to the public, excluding Sundays when it is only open for worshippers.

The royal family is continuing its period of mourning for the Queen until seven days after the funeral. Members of the royal family are not expected to carry out official engagements, and flags at royal residences will remain at half-mast until 8am after the final day of royal mourning.

King Charles had travelled extensively in the days after his mother’s death, as he toured the UK in his role as the nation’s new monarch but on Tuesday, he is believed to have flown to Balmoral, where the late Queen died peacefully on September 8, with the Queen Consort to grieve privately.

Skip To Main Content

Follow Us...

Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Meetings & Events
  • Travel Trade
  • Partnership

Site Logo

Already saved an Itinerary?

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • eNewsletter Sign-Up

Site Search Icon

  • Windsor Castle & St George's Chapel
  • Things to do when Windsor Castle is closed
  • Legoland Windsor Resort
  • Ascot Racecourse
  • The Savill Garden
  • Explore the River Thames
  • French Brothers Boat Trips
  • Windsor Great Park
  • Golden Tours Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours
  • Top tips for Winter
  • Book Attraction Tickets Online
  • Outdoor events and activities
  • Family Friendly
  • Group Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Horse Racing
  • Nightlife in the Royal Borough
  • Guided Tours
  • Heritage Trail
  • The Thames Trail
  • Special Offers
  • Attraction Offers

Changing the Guard

  • Farmers' Markets
  • Submit Event
  • The Castle Hotel Windsor
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott™ Heathrow Windsor
  • Fairmont Windsor Park
  • Goswell House
  • LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel Windsor
  • LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Hotel
  • Moxy Slough
  • Residence Inn Slough

The Runnymede on Thames

  • Village Hotel Bracknell

Buy vouchers now for enjoyment later

Guest accommodation.

  • Accommodation Windsor Limited
  • Entr Properties Limited
  • Sheephouse Manor Cottages
  • The Tapestries
  • Caravan, Touring & Holiday Parks
  • Pubs & Inns
  • Accommodation with swimming pools
  • Conference Accommodation
  • Accommodation Offers
  • Concierge Service: Hotel/Ticket Packages
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Côte Brasserie Windsor
  • PizzaExpress Windsor
  • Pubs & Bars
  • Vegan Dining
  • Top 12 cafés and coffee shops with outside seating
  • Independent food and retail
  • Local Produce
  • Celebrity Chefs
  • Markets & Events
  • Food & Drink Offers
  • Outdoor Dining in the Windsor Area

Windsor Royal Station

Windsor yards.

  • Independent Shops
  • Buy Tickets/Guidebooks Online
  • School Holidays
  • Top Tips for Spring
  • Top 12 Places to Propose
  • Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions
  • Top 10 Free Things to Do
  • Top 10 Things to Do
  • Top 12 Windsor Olympic Connections
  • Top 10 Ways to Live Like a Royal
  • Top Sculptures and Artefacts
  • Galleries and Contemporary Arts
  • Shopping Breaks
  • Culture Breaks
  • Romantic Breaks
  • Weekend Breaks

Blog/Latest News

  • Live like a King in Royal Windsor
  • Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
  • The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Borough Connection

Windsor Castle

  • 10 places from The Crown you can visit
  • Prince Harry - The Windsor Connection
  • St George's Chapel
  • How Queen Anne influenced Royal Windsor
  • The impact of George IV on Windsor
  • The House of Windsor
  • Evening Culture
  • Great Outdoors
  • Healthy Living
  • Living the Highlife
  • Windsor - London Heathrow Airport Layover
  • Film & TV Locations

Your Wedding with a Royal Twist

  • Windsor, The Wedding Town
  • Meetings and Events
  • Food and Drink in Maidenhead
  • Things to Do in Maidenhead
  • Shopping in Maidenhead
  • Events in Maidenhead
  • History of Maidenhead
  • Sir Nicholas Winton
  • Littlewick Green
  • Old Windsor
  • Shottesbrooke
  • Sunningdale
  • Sunninghill
  • Waltham St Lawrence
  • White Waltham
  • Great West Way®
  • Book Attractions and Events Tickets Online
  • Travelling with a Disability
  • Getting Here
  • Getting Around
  • Great Western Railway
  • South Western Railway
  • Royal Windsor Information Centre
  • Parking in Windsor
  • Parking in Maidenhead

Group Travel

  • Brochures & Guides
  • History of Windsor
  • About Windsor
  • Images & Videos
  • Itineraries
  • Media Visits
  • Story Ideas and Top 10s
  • Online Shop
  • Wi-Fi/Internet Access
  • Residents' Advantage Card
  • Facebook Competition
  • Become a VisitWindsor Partner
  • The VisitWindsor Partnership
  • Tourism recovery with TXGB
  • Burnham Beeches Hotel
  • Cliveden House
  • Coworth Park
  • Cumberland Lodge
  • De Vere Beaumont House
  • Ditton Manor
  • Easthampstead Park Hotel
  • Hedsor House
  • Hurley House Hotel
  • Macdonald Windsor Hotel
  • Richmond Hill Hotel
  • The Royal Adelaide Hotel
  • Royal Berkshire Hotel
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
  • Royal Windsor Racecourse
  • Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa
  • The Windsor Guildhall
  • Canoe & Kayak Adventures
  • Escape in 60 Escape Rooms Windsor
  • Sixth Sense Events
  • Destination Management Companies
  • Experiences
  • Weddings & Celebrations
  • Conference Contact Us Form
  • Accommodation
  • What's new in 2024
  • The benefits of exclusive use corporate venues
  • Teamwork makes the dream work!
  • Put yourself in the picture
  • Embracing Green
  • Windsor Wedding Inspiration
  • Come for business, stay for pleasure!
  • 48 hours in Windsor
  • Highlights of the British social season
  • Meetings and workspaces away from the office
  • When Bigger is Better!
  • Hidden Gems
  • Summer Party Season

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Windsor Castle

Type: Castle / Fort

Tripadvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Add Windsor Castle to your Itinerary

Call direct on:

Tel +44 030 3123 7304

Further Information

  • Click here for your AccessAble Access Guide

Check availability for Windsor Castle (opens in a new window)

Book Tickets Online

No trip to Windsor could be complete without a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs and is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.

Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday. We recommend allowing 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything.

Tickets for Royal Borough Advantage Card holders are available on the day (subject to availability) or can be prebooked by telephone only (transaction fee payable). Visit Windsor Castle's Practical Information page to find out more.

What to see and do at Windsor Castle (all included in your ticket price)

Visit the magnificent State Apartments to see ceremonial rooms that are used today by the Royal Family for official visits by Heads of State from other countries, investitures, and awards ceremonies, where people from all walks of life are recognised for their achievements. Explore historic rooms, built for Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, and view some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Rubens, fine French furniture, delicate tapestries and impressive armours.

During the winter months, enter the Semi-State Rooms , the richly decorated private apartments. Severely damaged by the fire of 1992, they were completely restored to their 19th-century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV.  Blending classical, gothic and rococo styles, they also contain some of the best 18th-century English and French works of art.

Celebrate 100 years of Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world! Completed in 1924, it's a perfect replica of an Edwardian residence, complete with electricity, working lifts and running water. Its scaled-down rooms range from a fully stocked wine cellar and ‘below-stairs’ spaces to grand entertaining salons, and feature contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers of the day. The house went on display at Windsor Castle in 1925 and has been delighting visitors ever since.  Read our blog here .

Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle , the burial place of 11 monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and Charles I and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.

St George’s Chapel is included as part of a ticketed visit to Windsor Castle. Please note, the chapel is closed to general visitors on Sundays but worshippers are welcome to attend services.

Watch Changing the Guard!  Weather permitting, the ceremony begins at 11am and lasts approximately 30 minutes. Please check the Royal Collection Trust website for latest information. There is a link to the British Army website from here too with confirmation of the full schedule.

Have a break in the Undercroft Café. Located in one of the oldest surviving spaces of the Castle, Edward III’s medieval Undercroft, which for centuries served as the Castle’s main wine cellar, is now a café open to visitors. Visit the Royal Collection Trust website to see the menu.

Family activities at Windsor Castle

Collect your handset and follow Scorch the dragon on a special tour of Windsor Castle, full of amazing stories. Try spotting mystery objects and other games as you go round.

Discover the Castle and its 1,000-year history with one of the free trails for children aged 5-11. Look out for battlements, towers, arrow loops and murder holes!

During local school holidays, join free activities for children and families including crafts, storytelling and ‘make and takes’.

If you’re looking for a quieter space, toddlers can take time in the Chill Out Zone, with toys, books and lots of bean bags. The Learning Centre is breastfeeding friendly, and has a designated family bathroom with changing table and a handy ‘caught short’ box.

Top Tips for visiting Windsor Castle

  • Book your tickets in advance, to avoid any disappointment.
  • Get your ticket converted into a one-year pass so you can visit again within 12 months. Speak to a member of staff on the day. Please note that only tickets booked on the Royal Collection Trust website can be converted into a one-year pass.
  • Check which flag is flying from Windsor Castle’s round tower – if it’s the Royal Standard then The King is in residence when you’re visiting.
  • Make sure to collect a multimedia guide to get the most out of your visit to Windsor Castle – it's available in many different languages.
  • Look out for special tours throughout the year including the Great Kitchen and Conquer the Tower tours (these must be booked in advance ).

Book Tickets

Guide prices.

Groups: Groups of 15 or more receive a 10% discount on ticket prices shown above.

Wednesday, 27th March 2024 - Wednesday, 27th March 2024

Wednesday, 24th april 2024 - wednesday, 24th april 2024, wednesday, 29th may 2024 - wednesday, 29th may 2024, wednesday, 26th june 2024 - wednesday, 26th june 2024, wednesday, 31st july 2024 - wednesday, 31st july 2024.

Painting of Windsor Castle

Saturday, 30th March 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

Queen Mary's Dolls' House

Saturday, 20th April 2024 - Saturday, 20th April 2024

Rare book conservation and history talks

Join in and share your images

Share your images on Instagram and your images could appear in our gallery like the images below!

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift - gives access to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Facility for service dogs - water available on request
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors
  • Wheelchair user accessible
  • Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
  • French audio guide
  • German audio guide
  • Italian audio guide
  • Japanese audio guide
  • Mandarin audio guide
  • Portuguese audio guide - Brazilian Portuguese
  • Russian audio guide
  • Spanish audio guide
  • On-Site cafe/restaurant - Undercroft Café serving freshly prepared meals, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats and an exclusive selection of teas
  • Refreshments Available
  • Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

  • Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

  • Gift shop - Step into the Windsor Castle shops and experience a world of exclusive gifts and royal souvenirs, including commemorative chinaware, glittering jewellery, sumptuous homeware, delicious food and drink and charming gifts for children.

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

Parking & transport.

  • Green Transport - Green Line from London. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell.
  • Parking (charge) - No car parking on site but follow the signs for LONG STAY PARKING in Windsor town centre; these car parks are better value if you are visiting the castle.

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Approx length of visit - A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted - Only Blue Bage Guides accredited to Windsor Castle are permitted to guide within the precincts of the Castle.
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Max group size - 9999
  • Min group size - 15
  • Special group rates - Reduced admission charges apply to groups of 15 or more visitors
  • Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
  • Visa accepted
  • French printed material
  • German printed material
  • Italian printed material
  • Japanese printed material
  • Mandarin printed material
  • Portuguese printed material - Brazilian Portuguese
  • Russian printed material
  • Spanish printed material

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre
  • No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun - In addition to trails and a children's audio guide we now offer an exciting family programme every Saturday throughout the year, linked to the amazing history of Windsor Castle, the magnificent art works on display and the royal residents past and present who have lived here.

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

  • Excellent 9909
  • Very Good 3186
  • Average 672
  • Terrible 139

Recent Reviews:

Map & directions.

WTTC Safe Travels

Opening Times

* Last admission 75 minutes before closing. Please check the 'provisional closure' dates listed on the Royal Collection website: rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

Loading..

What's Nearby

WE Tourist Guides | Debbie Keenan

WE Tourist Guides

WE Tourist Guides is a professional guiding company offering colourful tailor-made tours…

St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

St George's Chapel

Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, the burial place of 11 monarchs including…

Theatre Royal Windsor audience

Theatre Royal Windsor

The Theatre Royal Windsor is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestling between Windsor…

Windsor Duck Tours on River Thames with Windsor Castle in distance

Windsor Duck Tours

You haven’t seen Windsor until you’ve seen it by Duck! Laugh, learn and enjoy our 1 hour…

Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour of Windsor outside Eton College

Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour of Windsor

Explore the world famous town of Windsor and nearby Eton with a Golden Tours hop-on,…

LEGO® City Driving School at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.

2-day Family Windsor Itinerary

Lucky enough to have two days to get a taste of wonderful Windsor and Eton? Then read on…

Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory

Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory

Let's make chocolate in the heart of Royal Windsor! Visit Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate…

Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd logo

Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd

Windsor Tourist Guides Ltd - a multi-award winning company based in Royal Windsor…

The Queen's Walkway: marker in pavement

The Queen's Walkway

This walking route (in place since September 2015 to mark the occasion of Queen Elizabeth…

Walking Tours in Windsor, on The Long Walk

Walking Tours in Windsor

Walking Tours in Windsor provides local tour experiences with passionate, local guides. …

French Brothers Boats on the River Thames with Windsor Castle in the background

French Brothers Ltd

French Brothers run boat trips on the River Thames from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead…

Go Quest Adventures Windsor

Go Quest Adventures Windsor

Explore the streets of Windsor's town centre and unlock a hidden trail by finding clues,…

Windsor High Street

The Window Seat Guide: the app-based Windsor Walking Tour

Let your phone guide you through the streets of Windsor! The Window Seat Guide is the…

The Eton Walkway

The Eton Walkway

The Eton Walkway, a 2-mile/one-hour circular walk, connects 18 points of interest in the…

Changing the Guard in Windsor

The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually…

Windsor Escape Experience

Windsor Escape Experience

Windsor Escape Experience is a family run Escape Room company based in the centre of…

St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

Ratings & Reviews

tripadvisor

  • Attractions ,
  • Book Attraction Tickets Online ,
  • Family Friendly ,
  • Group Friendly ,
  • Pet Friendly ,
  • Parks & Gardens ,
  • Sports & Leisure ,
  • Entertainment ,
  • Tours & Sightseeing ,
  • Special Offers ,
  • Attraction Offers ,
  • Changing the Guard ,
  • Festivals ,
  • Submit Event ,
  • Guest Accommodation ,
  • Self Catering ,
  • Caravan, Touring & Holiday Parks ,
  • Pubs & Inns ,
  • Accessible ,
  • Luxury & Boutique ,
  • Conference Accommodation ,
  • Accommodation Offers ,
  • Concierge Service: Hotel/Ticket Packages ,
  • Afternoon Tea ,
  • Restaurants ,
  • Pubs & Bars ,
  • Cafés & Coffee Shops ,
  • Local Produce ,
  • Celebrity Chefs ,
  • Markets & Events ,
  • Food & Drink Offers ,
  • Windsor Royal Station ,
  • Independent Shops ,
  • Buy Tickets/Guidebooks Online ,
  • School Holidays ,
  • Top Ideas ,
  • Short Breaks ,
  • Royal Connections ,
  • Itineraries ,
  • Windsor - London Heathrow Airport Layover ,
  • Blog/Latest News ,
  • Film & TV Locations ,
  • Weddings & Celebrations ,
  • Meetings and Events ,
  • Maidenhead ,
  • Towns & Villages ,
  • Countryside ,
  • Great West Way® ,
  • The National Trust ,
  • Book Attractions and Events Tickets Online ,
  • Travelling with a Disability ,
  • Travel Information ,
  • Visitor Information Centre ,
  • Group Travel ,
  • Brochures & Guides ,
  • History of Windsor ,
  • Online Shop ,
  • Wi-Fi/Internet Access ,
  • Residents' Advantage Card ,
  • eNewsletter Sign-Up ,
  • Social Media ,
  • Contact Us ,
  • Statistics & Data ,
  • Experiences ,
  • Event Planning ,
  • Hospitality, Team Building & Incentives ,
  • Accommodation ,
  • Inspiration ,
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

In partnership with

Great Western Railway

© Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead 2024. All Rights Reserved

Don't Miss

Thumbnail for Buy vouchers now for enjoyment later

Self Catering

Thumbnail for Windsor Royal Station

Visitor Information Centre

Thumbnail for Group Travel

Want to receive Windsor tips, ideas and inspiration? Subscribe to our enewletter!

Want to hear more? Sign Up X

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

  • Firstpost Defence Summit
  • Entertainment
  • Web Stories
  • Health Supplement
  • First Sports
  • Fast and Factual
  • Between The Lines
  • Firstpost America

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Explained: What is the Royal Vault, where the Queen is laid to rest? Who else is buried there?

After a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, Queen Elizabeth II was carried to Windsor. This was the last glimpse of the monarch the world would see, as the coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, a 200-year-old burial chamber located 16 feet beneath St. George’s Chapel on the castle grounds

Explained: What is the Royal Vault, where the Queen is laid to rest? Who else is buried there?

The United Kingdom came to a standstill as the country said its final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II. The state funeral of its longest-reigning monarch took place at Westminster Abbey in London at 3.30 pm IST, with 2,000 people in attendance, among them foreign royals and world leaders.

Hundreds and millions across the globe watched the service, which was streamed live. After this, the Queen’s coffin was taken in a walking procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch at London’s Hyde Park Corner. Along this route, people who thronged the capital watched the procession from designated viewing areas.

Also read: Currency, national anthem, and more: All that will change in the UK after Queen Elizabeth II

The coffin travelled by hearse from London to Windsor Castle, where the walking procession took place up the palace’s Long Walk. King Charles III and senior members of the royal family joined the cortege in the Quadrangle in Windsor Castle, reports BBC .

A final family ceremony was held at the St George’s Chapel in the castle. This church is chosen by the royals for weddings – Prince Harry and Meghan got married here in 2018 – christening, and funerals.

The Queen was lowered into the royal vault in King George VI Memorial Chapel, an annexe of St. George’s Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

What is the Royal Vault?

The Royal Vault, which days back to the 15th Century, is a burial chamber located 16 feet beneath St. George’s Chapel. The excavation and building of the vault were ordered in 1804 by King George III; its construction was completed in 1810.

It was designed as the final resting place for members of the royal family.

What does the vault look like?

It is a stone-lined chamber, 70 feet long and 28 feet wide; the entrance is closed by an iron gate.

There is enough space in the vault to hold 44 bodies. Thirty-two coffins are arranged on shelves built into the stone walls, while the remaining 12 are in the centre of the vault.

How are coffins lowered into the vault?

During the final moments of the funeral, a black-and-while diamond-shaped stone flooring is removed, providing access to this chamber. It is then lowered through this opening into the vault by an electric lift.

Once the lift reaches the bottom of the shaft, the coffin is moved down the corridor and into the vault. It is placed on one of the shelves or a plinth inside, according to a report in Daily Mail .

Who is buried in the vault?

As of now, there are 25 members of the royal family resting in the chamber.

George III was the first British king to be interred in the Royal Vault after his funeral in February 1820. However, the first member of the family to be placed inside was George III’s daughter, Princess Amelia, who died at age 27 in November 1810.

Two other British Kings, George IV and William IV, were placed in the vault after they died in 1830 and 1837 respectively.

Queen Elizabeth II’s father King George and her mother were laid to rest inside the vault. The ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret, are also placed there. The monarch’s husband Prince Philip , who died in April 2021 was the last royal to be interred in the vault.

Why was Diana not buried in the vault?

Princess Diana was given a royal funeral but since she was not a princess at birth and was divorced from Charles at the time of her death in 1997 her body was not placed inside the vault.

She was buried at Althorp House, the Spencer family home in Northamptonshire.

Can people see the Queen’s burial?

The state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the committal service at Windsor Castle were both televised. Only the interment service at St. George’s Chapel was a private ceremony with no cameras allowed.

In a historic first, the lowering of the Queen’s coffin into the Royal Vault will be televised. The moment will be “poignant and “historic”, a royal expert told Daily Star before the funeral.

The casket carrying the monarch is made of English oak with brass fitments and lined with lead, similar to that of her husband. The royal family relies on lead-lined caskets which are airtight and this helps preserve the bodies inside.

The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, will be removed from his current resting place in the Royal Vault and placed beside the Queen.

After the cameras are switched off, both the caskets will be hoisted back for a private interment, reports The Sun . They will be moved to the church’s King George VI Memorial Chapel to be reunited with the Queen’s parents, George VI and the Queen Mother, and the ashes of Princess Margaret.

Can people visit the vault?

While no visitors are allowed inside the Royal Vault people can attend services for free at St. George’s Chapel on a regular day. It is also open to those who have purchased tickets to Windsor Castle.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News , Trending News ,  Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

Latest News

Find us on YouTube

Vantage

Related Stories

The Crown Final Season Part I review | From the Elizabethan Era to the Camillan Age

The Crown Final Season Part I review | From the Elizabethan Era to the Camillan Age

Who is Jaswant Singh Chail, who has been jailed for trying to kill Queen Elizabeth?

Who is Jaswant Singh Chail, who has been jailed for trying to kill Queen Elizabeth?

Harry, Meghan Latest: Why Prince was DENIED room at Windsor Castle and has to give notice to meet King Charles?

Harry, Meghan Latest: Why Prince was DENIED room at Windsor Castle and has to give notice to meet King Charles?

Who was Noor Inayat Khan, the British-Indian spy whose portrait was unveiled by Queen Camilla?

Who was Noor Inayat Khan, the British-Indian spy whose portrait was unveiled by Queen Camilla?

The Crown Final Season Part I review | From the Elizabethan Era to the Camillan Age

Who is buried in the Royal Vault? Where is the Royal Vault?

The royal vault lies beneath st george's chapel.

st georges chapel

Following the Queen's death on September 8 aged 96  many royal fans have been left wondering who is buried in the Royal Vault.

RELATED:  Why royal ladies will wear pearls at the Queen's funeral

Located beneath St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the Royal Vault has long been a final resting place for members of the Royal Family.  Built between 1810 and 1814, under the orders of King George III, there are reportedly 25 royals currently buried in the Royal Vault, including – temporarily – Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh . 

royal vault sketch

The Royal Vault is a gothic-style mausoleum

Rarely seen, the Royal Vault sits at the end of a 15-metre long underground passageway. In sketches, the gothic-style mausoleum is depicted with carved stone walls and grand high ceilings. Here's everything you need to know about the Royal Vault…

MORE:  Prince William makes significant decision ahead of the Queen's funeral

READ:  Queen Elizabeth II's royal wedding dress - who will inherit it?

Where is the Royal Vault?

st georges chapel interior

St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

The Royal Vault is located beneath St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. 

Who is buried in the Royal Vault? 

In April 2022, The Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest in the Royal Vault, however, it is not set to be his final resting place. It was decided that upon the Queen's death, he would eventually be transferred to the gothic church's King George VI memorial chapel, where he would lie alongside his beloved wife.

DISCOVER:  The Queen's brooch in her final portrait has huge sentimental value

King George IV, Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, Princess Frederika of Hanover and King George V of Hanover are among some of the many royals currently buried in the Royal Vault. 

Prior to Prince Philip's temporary burial, the last known royal to be permanently buried in the Royal Vault was Princess Augusta of Cambridge who was moved there in 1930. She was Queen Elizabeth II's maternal great-great-grandmother. 

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity and royal news delivered directly to your inbox.

  • Prince Philip

More Royalty

King Charles 'really upset' the late Queen with criticism of her parenting skills

Podcast Article King Charles 'really upset' the late Queen with criticism of her parenting skills

The real reason reason the royals gift each other novelty presents

The real reason reason the royals gift each other novelty presents

Host a Christmas dinner party just like the Princess of Wales according to a royal party planner

Host a Christmas dinner party just like the Princess of Wales according to a royal party planner

Why King Charles and the royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve

Why King Charles and the royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve

The time a guard failed to recognise the Queen: 19 hilarious anecdotes from the royal family

Gallery The time a guard failed to recognise the Queen: 19 hilarious anecdotes from the royal family

Prince William and Princess Kate's love story mirrors this royal couple - and you might be surprised

Podcast Article Prince William and Princess Kate's love story mirrors this royal couple - and you might be surprised

What Prince Harry really thought of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed's relationship

What Prince Harry really thought of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed's relationship

12 rare photos of the royals in fancy dress costumes

12 rare photos of the royals in fancy dress costumes

Why the queen was advised not to marry prince philip, queen elizabeth ii and prince philip's touching reunion following funeral – details, the queen's fine romance: finding her prince and their long and happy marriage, what happened at the previous royal funerals.

Viral NBA Fan Bombarded With Luxury Girlfriend Inquiries, Charging $1.5k An Hour

Viral NBA Fan Bombarded With Luxury Girlfriend Inquiries, Charging $1.5k An Hour

Demi Rose's Hot Shots In Brazil

Demi Rose Being A Total Baddie In Brazil ... Check Out Her Hot Shots!

Patrick Mahomes Goes Shirtless on Mexico Vacation With Family

Patrick Mahomes Goes Shirtless on Mexico Vacation With Family

'Survivor' Star Erik Huffman Arrested For Domestic Violence Against Wife Jaime

'Survivor' Star Erik Huffman Arrested For Domestic Violence Against Wife Jaime

Mark Wahlberg's Shredded Shots

Guess Which A-Lister Has Been Up In The Gym Workin' On His Fitness!

Kate middleton seen in public for first time since mystery hospitalization, kate middleton spotted in public for first time ... since hospitalization, breaking news 2.2k 3/4/2024 10:23 am pt.

Kate Middleton has surfaced for the first time since her hospitalization earlier this year that sidelined her for a good while -- and she's maintaining a low profile ... or trying to anyway.

The Princess of Wales was seen riding passenger Monday in a vehicle that was being driven by her mother, Carole , near Windsor Castle in the UK ... and like we said, this sighting is a big deal considering we haven't seen her whatsoever since December.

Kate was wearing shades, and appeared to be rocking somewhat of a smile here -- there didn't appear to be any other relatives with them for this outing ... and ditto for security.

It's interesting that she's popping up like this right now ... frankly, the internet has been rife with speculation these past couple weeks over her whereabouts -- and there's been a lot of jokes made at her expense.

Point is though ... people have been wondering where the heck she was and how she was doing -- especially since the condition she's been dealing with has been kept under tight wraps ... with Royal officials only saying she underwent abdominal surgery and nothing else.

Buckingham Palace only said at the time that she would remain hospitalized for about 2 weeks -- and after that, she wouldn't be able to resume her duties until about Easter time.

They also reassured the public that she was making progress in her recovery -- something they reiterated last week when they finally responded to all the viral conjecture going on.

We know Prince William has been coming to her side throughout all this -- he was seen going to the hospital while she was in there ... but since then, he's continued on with his work solo.

Her father-in-law, King Charles , has also been dealing with health issues -- due to his recent cancer diagnosis -- but he's been able to carry on just fine ... already being seen out and about.

Good to see Kate here ... now we all know, she's alive and well!

  • Share on Facebook

related articles

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Prince Harry's Cagey Answers Reflecting on King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis

can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Kids Arrive at Coronation Rehearsal

Old news is old news be first.

  • Skip to Main Content
  • Skip to Footer

Find Your Polling Place

This site is updated daily. please check back for additional updates..

To see additional locations you may visit your county elections official’s website or visit CaEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov .

Any registered voter can go to a  county elections office  in person to request and receive a vote-by-mail ballot.

If you are not currently registered or you registered to vote after the close of registration, please see our Same Day Voter Registration  page.  Same Day Voter Registration  is available at county election offices and polling locations.

To find same day voter registration location(s) in your county, early voting locations, or ballot drop-off locations, please visit our Early Voting and Vote-by-Mail Drop-Off Locations page.

Not sure what county you live in? Simply enter your zip code at www.unitedstateszipcodes.org or call our Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE.

Alameda (01)

1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1 Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 272-6973 Vote Center Location Look-up

Alpine (02)

P.O. Box 158 99 Water Street Markleeville, CA 96120 (530) 694-2281 All Mail Ballot Election. No Polling Place Look-up Available

Amador (03)

810 Court Street Jackson, CA 95642 (209) 223-6465 Vote Center and Drop-off Locations

155 Nelson Avenue Oroville, CA 95965 (530) 538-7761 (800) 894-7761 Vote Center and Drop-off Locations

Calaveras (05)

891 Mountain Ranch Road San Andreas, CA 95249 (209) 754-6376 Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Colusa (06)

546 Jay Street, Suite 200 Colusa, CA 95932 (530) 458-0500

Contra Costa (07)

555 Escobar Street P.O. Box 271 Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 335-7800 Toll Free (Domestic) (877) 335-7802 Polling Place Look-up

Del Norte (08)

981 H Street, Room 160 Crescent City, CA 95531 (707) 465-0383 (707) 464-7216 Polling Place Look-up

El Dorado (09)

3883 Ponderosa Road Shingle Springs, CA 95682 (530) 621-7480 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Fresno (10)

2221 Kern Street Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 600-8683 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

516 W. Sycamore Street, 2nd Floor Willows, CA 95988 (530) 934-6414 Polling Place and Drop Box Locations

Humboldt (12)

2426 6th Street Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 445-7481 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Imperial (13)

940 Main Street, Suite 206 El Centro, CA 92243 (442) 265-1060

168 N. Edwards Street Independence, CA 93526 (760) 878-0224 Polling Place Look-up

1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 868-3590 (800) 452-8683 Polling Place Look-up

1400 W. Lacey Blvd. Bldg. #7 Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 852-4401 Vote Center Locations Look-up

325 N. Forbes Street Lakeport, CA 95453 (707) 263-2372 Polling Places and Drop Box Locations (PDF)

Lassen (18)

220 S. Lassen Street, Suite 5 Susanville, CA 96130 (530) 251-8217 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Los Angeles (19)

12400 Imperial Hwy. Norwalk, CA 90650-8350 (800) 815-2666  Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Madera (20)

200 W. 4th Street Madera, CA 93637 (559) 675-7720 Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

P.O. Box E San Rafael, CA 94913-3904 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 121 San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 499-6456 Vote Center Locations Look-up

Mariposa (22)

4982 10th Street P.O. Box 247 Mariposa, CA 95338 (209) 966-2007 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Mendocino (23)

501 Low Gap Rd., Rm. 1020 Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 234-6819 Polling Place Look-up

Merced (24)

2222 "M" Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 385-7541 Vote Center Locations Look-up

108 E. Modoc Street Alturas, CA 96101-0131 (530) 233-6200

(Library Building) 74 School Street, Annex I P.O. Box 237 Bridgeport, CA 93517 (760) 932-5537 (760) 932-5531 FAX Email: [email protected] Polling Place Look-up Sample Ballot Look-up

Monterey (27)

1441 Schilling Place - North Bldg Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 796-1499 Polling Place Look-up

1127 First St. Ste. E Napa, CA 94559-2946 (707) 253-4321 Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Nevada (29)

950 Maidu Ave. Suite 210 Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-1298   Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Orange (30)

1300 South Grand Ave., Bldg. C Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 567-7600 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Placer (31)

3715 Atherton Road Suite #2 Rocklin, CA 95765 (530) 886-5650 Vote Center Locations Look-up

Plumas (32)

520 Main Street, Room 102, Courthouse Quincy, CA 95971 (530) 283-6256 All Mail Ballot Election. No Polling Place Look-up Available

Riverside (33)

2724 Gateway Drive Riverside, CA 92507-0918 (951) 486-7200 Vote Center Locations Look-up

Sacramento (34)

7000 65th Street, Suite A Sacramento, CA 95823-2315 (916) 875-6451 Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

San Benito (35)

1601 Lana Way Hollister, CA 95023 (831) 636-4016 Vote Center Locations Look-up

San Bernardino (36)

777 E. Rialto Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92415 (909) 387-8300 Polling Place Look-up

San Diego (37)

5600 Overland Avenue San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-5800 (800) 696-0136 Vote Center Locations Look-up

San Francisco (38)

1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place, City Hall, Room 48 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 554-4375 Polling Place Look-up

San Joaquin (39)

44 N. San Joaquin Street, Third Floor, Suite 350 Stockton, CA 95202 (209) 468-8683 Polling Place Look-up

San Luis Obispo (40)

1055 Monterey Street, Suite D-120 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 (805) 781-5228 Polling Place Look-up

San Mateo (41)

40 Tower Road San Mateo, California 94402 (650) 312-5222 Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Santa Barbara (42)

4440-A Calle Real Santa Barbara, CA 93110 (805) 568-2200 (800) 722-8683 Sample Ballot and Polling Place Look-up

Santa Clara (43)

1555 Berger Drive, Bldg. 2 San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 299-8683 (866) 430-8683 Sample Ballot and Vote Center Locations Look-up Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Santa Cruz (44)

701 Ocean Street, Room 310 Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4076 (831) 454-2060 (866) 282-5900 Vote Center Locations Look-up

Shasta (45)

1643 Market Street Redding, CA 96001 (530) 225-5730 Polling Place Look-up

Sierra (46)

100 Courthouse Square, Room 11 P.O. Drawer D Downieville, CA 95936-0398 (530) 289-3295 All Mail Ballot Election. No Polling Place Look-up Available

Siskiyou (47)

311 Fourth Street, Room 201 Yreka, CA 96097 (530) 842-8084 Polling place locations not currently available

Solano (48)

675 Texas Street, Suite 2600 Fairfield, CA 94533 (707) 784-6675  Sample Ballot and Polling Place Look-up

Sonoma (49)

435 Fiscal Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707) 565-6800 Vote Center Locations

Stanislaus (50)

1021 I Street, Suite 101 Modesto, CA 95354-2331 (209) 525-5200 Voting Locations

Sutter (51)

1435 Veterans Memorial Circle Yuba City, CA 95993 (530) 822-7122 Polling Place Look-up

Tehama (52)

633 Washington Street, Room 17 Red Bluff, CA 96080 (530) 527-8190 Polling Place Look-up

Trinity (53)

11 Court Street Weaverville, CA 96093 (530) 623-1220 No Polling Place Look-up Available

Tulare (54)

5300 West Tulare Avenue, Suite 105 Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 839-2100 Polling Place Look-up

Tuolumne (55)

Elections Department 2 S. Green Street Sonora, CA 95370-4618 (209) 533-5570 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

Ventura (56)

800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1200 Ventura, CA 93009-1200 (805) 654-2664 Vote Center Locations Look-up

625 Court Street, Room B-05 Woodland, CA 95695 (530) 666-8133 Vote Center Locations Look-up and Sample Ballot Look-up

915 8th Street, Suite 107 Marysville, CA 95901 (530) 749-7855 Polling Place Look-up

Receive Updates

IMAGES

  1. Royal Vault St George's Chapel Windsor Castle : The Lothians: The

    can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

  2. Royal Vault Windsor Castle Images

    can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

  3. Royal Vault Windsor Castle Images

    can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

  4. Inside the Royal Vault at Windsor where the Queen will be buried

    can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

  5. What does the Royal Vault look like inside? Final resting place explored

    can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

  6. royal vault st george's chapel windsor

    can you visit the vaults at windsor castle

COMMENTS

  1. How to visit the Queen's grave at St George's Chapel in Windsor

    The general public are permitted to visit St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. There are three services a day at the chapel, and worshippers can go to any of them. Outside of the services ...

  2. St George's Chapel

    A visit to St George's Chapel is included in your Windsor Castle ticket or you are most welcome to attend services at St George's Chapel, which are free to all. In St George's Chapel, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II can be seen by visitors on all days the Castle is open to the public, excluding Sundays.

  3. Which British monarchs are buried at St George's Chapel Windsor?

    The Royal Vault at Windsor was constructed between 1804 and 1810 for George III, who died in 1820. He is one of three former Kings of the United Kingdom buried there, alongside George IV and Williams IV. After his memorial in 2021, the Duke of Edinburgh, was laid to rest in the Royal Vault. He will now be moved to the King George VI Memorial ...

  4. Royal vault Windsor: Inside the burial chamber that houses 25 royals

    A separate committal service will be held at St George's Chapel in Windsor at 4pm followed by a private burial, conducted by the Dean of Windsor, and attended by the royal family at 7.30pm. More ...

  5. Is The Public Allowed To Visit The Royal Vault?

    Still, for a symbolic and somber moment, the Royal Vault became the queen's resting place. Members of the public looking to get close to the site will soon be given access to St. George's Chapel, according to The Mirror. However, Express notes that the public can't access the Royal Vault, and it's also unclear exactly how close visitors can get ...

  6. Visiting Windsor Castle: When does it reopen, what can I see and how

    Can I visit the Royal Vault at Windsor Castle? Prince Philip was buried in the Royal Vault of St. George's Chapel and will be transferred to his final resting place in Windsor Castle when the ...

  7. Royal Burials in the Chapel by location

    Royal Vault: Princess Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, sister of George III (d.1813) Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria (d.1820) Prince Alfred, son of George III (d.1782, placed in vault 1820) Prince Octavius, son of George III (d.1783, placed in vault 1820) Still-born daughter of Prince Ernest Augustus, son of George III (d.1818)

  8. St George's Chapel

    St George's is the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. In June there is usually a special service attended by The Queen and the other Knights and Ladies of the Order, who include other members of the Royal Family. On each side of the choir are the beautifully carved stalls of the Knights and Ladies of the Garter, constructed between 1478 and 1495.

  9. Practical Information for visiting Windsor Castle

    Visitor Information. There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, so please allow enough time to make the most of your visit. We suggest between 1½ and 2 hours. As you approach the Castle, please be aware there are roadworks taking place to improve pedestrian safety on Castle Hill. We are working hard to ensure that this does not impact ...

  10. All About Queen Elizabeth II's Burial Site and Its Significance

    September 17, 2022 2:15 PM EDT. Q ueen Elizabeth II, who died last week at the age of 96, is set to be buried at St. George's Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle, one of the late Queen ...

  11. Everything you need to know about the Royal Vault

    The Royal Vault is a burial chamber located 16 feet beneath St. George's Chapel on the Windsor Castle grounds in Berkshire. The stone-lined vault measures 70 feet long and 28 feet wide.

  12. How can I visit Queen Elizabeth II's grave? Windsor Castle set to reopen

    The Queen Mother, also called Elizabeth, was buried in the chapel on April 9, 2002, after her death aged 101. A host of other royals are interred in the Royal Vault beneath the chapel. Construction of the chapel, designed by George Pace, was completed in 1969. It was commissioned by the queen as a permanent resting place for her father.

  13. Why the Royal Vault isn't the Queen's final resting place

    Queen Elizabeth's coffin came to its final resting place at Windsor on Monday. This completed its long journey from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh, then from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall ...

  14. Guide To Windsor Castle, Day Trip From London

    Here's are the top things to see at Windsor Castle on a day trip from London. 1. Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Queen Mary's Dolls' House is a 100 year old rendering of the royal household. It was designed by Britain's leading architect of the time, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and presented to Mary in 1924.

  15. St. George's Chapel at Windsor: The Complete Guide

    Windsor Castle Parking Lots, 2 The Cloisters, Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK. Phone +44 1753 848888. Web Visit website. The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor on May 19, 2018, has put this special church high on many a visitor's curiosity lists. Now that the prince and his American bride are moving to North America ...

  16. Visiting Windsor Castle

    Windsor Castle is very easy to find. Coming out from Windsor and Eton Central Station, or Windsor and Eton Riverside Station, the castle walls can be seen in front of you. The main entrance to Windsor Castle is at the top of Castle Hill, on the right. The address of Windsor Castle is Castle Hill, Windsor, SL4 1PD.

  17. Can you visit the Royal Vault? Queen to lie in rest alongside royals

    Royal Family members will lay Queen Elizabeth II to rest alongside Prince Philip at St George's Chapel, Windsor, after removing the late Duke of Edinburgh from the Royal Vault, which houses more ...

  18. Visit Windsor Castle

    Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs. You can sign up to our email updates to hear the latest news about the Castle and events taking place. Book tickets.

  19. Can I visit the Queen's final resting place at Windsor Castle?

    Mourners will be able to visit the Queen's final resting place in St George's Chapel from next week when Windsor Castle reopens to the public after the royal period of mourning comes to an end ...

  20. Windsor Castle

    Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday. We recommend allowing 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything. Tickets for Royal Borough Advantage Card holders are available on the day (subject to availability) or can be prebooked by telephone only (transaction fee payable).

  21. Explained: What is the Royal Vault, where the Queen is laid to rest

    After a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, Queen Elizabeth II was carried to Windsor. This was the last glimpse of the monarch the world would see, as the coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, a 200-year-old burial chamber located 16 feet beneath St. George's Chapel on the castle grounds

  22. Queen Elizabeth II's final resting place revealed in new Windsor Castle

    Royal residences, including Windsor Castle, have been closed since the monarch's death on September 8. But the general public will be able to visit the Queen's resting place when the castle ...

  23. Who is buried in the Royal Vault? Where is the Royal Vault?

    Located beneath St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the Royal Vault has long been a final resting place for members of the Royal Family. Built between 1810 and 1814, under the orders of King ...

  24. Kate Middleton Seen in Public for First Time Since Mystery ...

    The Princess of Wales was seen riding passenger Monday in a vehicle that was being driven by her mother, Carole, near Windsor Castle in the UK ... and like we said, this sighting is a big deal ...

  25. Find Your Polling Place :: California Secretary of State

    If you are not currently registered or you registered to vote after the close of registration, please see our Same Day Voter Registration page. Same Day Voter Registration is available at county election offices and polling locations.. To find same day voter registration location(s) in your county, early voting locations, or ballot drop-off locations, please visit our Early Voting and Vote-by ...