Top 7 Castles around Old Windsor

The most prominent historical site is Windsor Castle, which has been a royal residence for nearly a millennium. Within its grounds, you'll find St George's Chapel, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and a site for royal ceremonies and burials. Additionally, Caesar's Camp offers a glimpse into the Iron Age as an ancient fortified hillfort, and the Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water are a unique collection of Roman stones.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Windsor Castle is a popular choice, offering a rich royal history and attractions like Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water and Caesar's Camp are also listed as family-friendly, providing historical exploration in an outdoor setting.

The area around Old Windsor offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including moderate trails like 'The Jurors at Runnymede – Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede loop' or 'Windsor Bridge – View of Windsor Castle loop'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Old Windsor guide. There are also easy hikes available, such as 'Primrose Hill – Albert Plantation loop', detailed in the Easy hikes around Old Windsor guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can check out the MTB Trails around Old Windsor guide for routes like the 'Jubilee River Weir – Windsor Castle loop'.

Yes, St George's Chapel is located within the grounds of Windsor Castle. It is a significant 15th-century chapel known for its Gothic architecture and as a site for royal ceremonies, weddings, and burials, including Queen Elizabeth II. While the chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, services are held daily.

Windsor Castle is generally open from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 4 pm. Tickets typically cost £23.50. For the most current information on opening times and to book tickets, it's advisable to check the official Royal Collection Trust website.

Yes, the area offers scenic natural features. The back gates of Windsor Castle open directly onto Windsor Great Park and the start of The Long Walk, a vast 4,992-acre estate. The Long Walk itself is a three-mile avenue offering phenomenal views of the castle. Caesar's Camp also functions as a viewpoint, offering elevated perspectives over the surrounding landscape.

The Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water are a unique man-made historical site. They were constructed from genuine Roman stones, including columns, pedestals, and slabs, recovered from the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna in modern-day Libya. These stones were gifted to George IV in 1816 and assembled into the ruins you see today, offering a fascinating, if controversial, piece of history.

Caesar's Camp is an archaeological site and an ancient fortified camp dating back to the Iron Age, approximately 2500 to 2700 years ago. Beyond its defensive purpose, it is believed to have served as a market, religious, or political center. Interpretive panels are available on-site to explain Iron Age society.

Yes, there are options for refreshments near Windsor Castle. Visitors often recommend Cinnamon Cafe or other eateries located directly opposite the castle. These spots are convenient for a break before or after exploring the castle and its grounds.

Visitors frequently praise the deep royal connection and nearly 1,000-year history offered by Windsor Castle, along with its stunning architecture and diverse attractions like St George's Chapel. The scenic surroundings, particularly Windsor Great Park and The Long Walk, are also highly appreciated for their beauty and views of the castle. The unique historical insights provided by sites like Caesar's Camp and the Leptis Magna Ruins also contribute to a rich visitor experience.

Absolutely. The Long Walk begins directly from the back gates of Windsor Castle and stretches three miles into Windsor Great Park. It offers an iconic, uninterrupted view of the castle and is a popular spot for walking and enjoying the royal estate's beautiful landscapes.