The Traveling Taylors

When we first started planning our trip, we too typed “Windsor Palace” into Google. If you’ve done the same, you’re not alone! But here’s the truth: Windsor Palace doesn’t exist. What most people are trying to find is actually Windsor Castle—and it’s one of the most iconic royal residences in the UK. In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion, explain what makes Windsor Castle so special, and help you plan an unforgettable visit.

🏰 Windsor Palace vs Windsor Castle: What’s the Difference?

Spoiler: There is no “Windsor Palace.” The correct name is Windsor Castle—and it’s not just a castle by name.

• Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, with over 900 years of history.
• It serves as an official royal residence, used by the monarch for state events and weekend stays.

Why the mix-up? Likely because other royal homes like Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace are called palaces, while Windsor’s grandeur gives off palace vibes—but technically, it’s a castle.

Many travelers love bringing an instant camera like this one to capture fun memories at famous landmarks and print photos on the spot.

👑 Why Windsor Castle Is a Must-Visit Royal Site

Even with the name confusion, Windsor Castle more than lives up to the hype. Here’s why we think it deserves a top spot on your itinerary:

• It’s still a working palace. The King stays here regularly, and the Royal Standard flag flies when he’s in residence.
• St. George’s Chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
• The State Apartments are dripping with opulence—think gold trim, chandeliers, and centuries of royal art.
• The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the River Thames and Windsor town, offering postcard-perfect views. For travelers who want high-quality photos and videos during their trip, a lightweight mirrorless camera like this one is a popular choice among content creators and travel photographers.

🚉 How to Visit Windsor Castle (a.k.a. “Windsor Palace”)

It’s super easy to visit Windsor Castle from London or elsewhere in the UK:

• From London Paddington: Take a train to Slough, then transfer to Windsor & Eton Central (total ~30–40 minutes).
• From London Waterloo: A direct train takes around 55 minutes.

🎟️ Admission Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the ticket line and secure your preferred time slot.

📸 Don’t-Miss Spots Inside Windsor Castle

Make the most of your visit with these must-sees:

1. St. George’s Chapel – Go early; it closes mid-afternoon.
2. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House – A mini royal residence, full of surprises.
3. State Apartments – The heart of the castle, showcasing art, armor, and royal history.
4. The North Terrace – Offers panoramic views and is often less crowded.

👜 What You Can’t Bring into Windsor Castle

Heads up: Windsor Castle has strict security, and there’s no luggage storage on-site.

• No large bags or suitcases allowed ao many travelers like carrying a lightweight backpack like this one so they can comfortably store essentials like chargers, water bottles, and jackets while exploring.
  
• Small backpacks and handbags are fine but will be screened.

If you’re visiting mid-transit, use a luggage storage service in Windsor town to stash your bags while you explore.

🍴 Where to Eat Near “Windsor Palace”

While the castle has a cozy café inside (The Undercroft), some of the best bites are just outside the gates:

• The Duchess of Cambridge Pub – A royal-themed spot with hearty British fare.
• Côte Brasserie – French classics with a view of the castle.
• Windsor Royal Station Market – A great area for quick bites and coffee.

👑 Windsor “Palace” Is Totally Worth the Trip

Even though Windsor Palace isn’t a real place, Windsor Castle is every bit the royal experience you’re looking for. With grand architecture, deep history, and real-life royal connections, it’s one of the UK’s most impressive attractions. If you’re spending time outdoors visiting parks, gardens, or waterfront areas, many travelers like carrying insect repellent towelettes like these to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away during long sightseeing days.