From live music in the bandstand and a tour to the top of the Round Tower to a travelling circus fit for a Queen, there’s something for all ages to enjoy at Windsor Castle this summer. And if you want more castles in your life, we have a break down of what’s on at all the London Palaces.
Stars and banners: Windsor’s Knights and Ladies of the Garter
Meet a mail armour expert and try on some shining replica armour as you explore the home of Britain’s oldest and most senior band of knights. Make a sparkling Garter star to wear and design your own heraldic shield. You may even receive a knighthood!
When: 1 til 31 August, 11:00–16:00
How much: £22.50 for an adult, £13 for under 17s and under 5s are free. Book here.
Band concerts at Windsor Castle
Over the summer enjoy afternoon musical performances on the bandstand in Windsor Castle’s Jubilee Garden, which was created to mark The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. For a full set of dates and performers visit the Royal Collection Trust website.
When: 2 August; 8, 14, 15, 29 September 12pm til 1pm and 2pm til 3pm
How much: £22.50 for an adult, £13 for under 17s and under 5s are free. Book here.
Queen Victoria’s crown jewels
Choose from a range of art and craft projects, including the chance to make your own version of Queen Victoria’s diamond crown.
When: 7, 21, 28 September, 11am til 4pm
How much: £22.50 for an adult, £13 for under 17s and under 5s are free. Book here.
Family Festival: Queen Victoria’s circus
Go back in time to Victorian England at Windsor Castle’s biggest-ever Family Festival. Enjoy falconry and horse-riding displays, storytelling, musical performances and dressing-up opportunities, as well as the thrilling centrepiece: a Victorian circus troupe, inspired by the travelling menagerie that visited Windsor Castle in 1847.
When: Saturday, 14 September, 10am til 4pm
How much: £22.50 for an adult, £13 for under 17s and under 5s are free. Book here.
Exclusive tours
Visitors to Windsor Castle can go behind the ropes on two tours running throughout August. Every Friday in August, Exclusive Evening Tours offer an after-hours experience in the State Apartments. Visitors will discover how William the Conqueror’s wooden fortress was rebuilt by Edward III, how George IV gave the Castle its famous skyline and much more. Tours include a glass of champagne, a copy of the official guidebook and 20% discount in the shop.
Adventurous visitors can take on the challenge and conquer the Castle’s famous Round Tower. These daily tours during August will see visitors climb the 200 steps to the top of the 65.5-metre tower, from which they can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views across the historic Windsor parkland, the Thames Valley and the London skyline.