The whole United Kingdom has always been seen as a land of royalty and on its surface we can found remains of around 1500 castles. So it comes as no surprise finding out that the largest occupied castle in the world and the oldest one in continuous occupation is located in England.
Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years. Seeing the diversity hidden between walls of the castle there is no surprise that The Queen herself chose Windsor as her private home, where she spends her weekends, and as an official Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties.
Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror it went through a lot of changes; under the command of some of the greatest “monarch-builders” it underwent strengthening while the others, who lived in more peaceful times, created a real palatial residence. One of the latter was Edward III who rebuilt the luxurious palace within the walls of the castle created by his predecessor Henry III and thus constructing one of “the most expensive secular building project of the entire Middle Ages in England”. Windsor Castle passed through the period of the English Civil War when used as a military headquarters, the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 when Baroque interiors were created and a period of neglect during the 18th century after which the current design of State Apartments was produced to rival the rooms of Versailles in France. The Castle served as a refuge for the royal family during bombing campaigns in the Second World War and is still standing after the fire in 1992.
Staying in London for couple of days, Windsor Castle is a must visit place only an hour away from the capital. Unravelling the history of the Castle and Britain, you can enjoy the sweeping landscaped gardens as well. In the nearby you can also find Stonehenge, mysterious prehistoric monument of standing stones; Oxford and the city of Bath, known for its healing waters all the way back to the ancient Romans; all in the maximum of two-hour drive from Windsor.