Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture. The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year.
Accessibility
Windsor Castle is fully accessible. It is situated at the top of a steep hill, and long distances have to be covered on site. Concessionary rates are available for you if you have a disability, and an accompanying companion is admitted free of charge.
Wheelchairs and lift
Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first come, first served basis for the duration of your visit. Mobility scooters can be used in the precinct areas, and are permitted inside the Castle provided they are compatible with the lifts.
The lift measures 95cm in depth by 114cm in width and has a weight limit of 272kg.
Access
The Castle is situated at the top of a steep hill.
There are two stepped entrances into the Castle. There are 17 stone steps into Queen Mary's Dolls' House from the North Terrace.
Alternatively there are 9 stone steps and then 11 carpeted steps into the main building.
There are 28 steps in the Grand Staircase which leads to the State Apartments.
Alternative ramped access is available by entering the building via the Access Entrance in Engine Court, and lift access is available for access to the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
St George's Chapel
There are 3 stone steps into St George’s Chapel.
An alternative entrance without steps is available, please ring the bell at the main Chapel entrance. Inside the Chapel there are six sets of steps (minimum 1 step, maximum 3 steps) all of which have access ramps.
Flooring and surfaces
Most rooms are carpeted with thick pile carpet or polished wooden floors.
St George's Chapel has stone floors. In some outside areas the ground is cobbled and uneven. As Windsor Castle is an historic building, the floors may be uneven and you should take care.
Respite seating
Benches are provided at regular intervals throughout the Castle Precincts; in the State Apartments in the Queen's Drawing Room and St George's Hall; and within St George’s Chapel. Additional seating is also available in the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms on request.
Visitors are welcome to use walking sticks or folding stools with seat attachments, provided that they have rubber stoppers.
Assistance animals
Assistance animals are welcome and water is available on request.
Shops
There are four shops at Windsor Castle, they are located in the Courtyard, Middle Ward, Engine Court and Lower Ward. All shops are on one level and accessible, with stone flooring. Middle Ward shop is the largest shop with easy access and plenty of room to manoeuvre. In St George's Chapel, the Cloister shop is on a level with stone flooring and both till points have low sections for wheelchair users.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located at the Admission Centre, on the North Terrace and in Engine Court and are locked with a RADAR key. Please ask a Warden to unlock them if you do not have your own key.
Parking and transport
There is no parking available at Windsor Castle. The nearest disabled parking bays are located on the High Street. The Castle Admission Centre is a short, uphill, walk away.
