A Castle under Seige | Windsor Castle

About

Following King John's rejection of the Magna Carta, rebel barons invited Prince Louis of France to take the English throne, leading to a French invasion in May 1216.

The 1216 siege of Windsor Castle was a pivotal two-month conflict during the First Barons' War, where combined rebel English and French forces failed to capture the fortress. Held by a royalist garrison of 60 knights, and despite severe damage, particularly to the lower ward, the Castle was successfully held against siege engines and mining tactics. This stalled the French advance.

Although the Castle was attacked in 1214 and again briefly in 1217, the 1216 siege was the most significant assault during the war. King John died in October 1216, shortly after the siege was lifted, leaving the Castle firmly in royalist hands.

This half-term take part in art activities which will remind us all of what it was like over 800 years ago when the Castle came under siege. If you know where to look, you can still see signs of the damage done whilst the Castle was under attack.

Families can also pick up a children's trail which will give more information about the Castle as you progress on your tour.

Image: Family Activities at Windsor Castle Learning Centre. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Included in Castle ticket or 1-Year Pass

Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible Lift - gives access to State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms.
All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop on audio tour.
Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
Facility for service dogs - water available on request
Guide Dogs Permitted
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Wheelchair user accessible

Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages

French audio guide
German audio guide
Italian audio guide
Japanese audio guide
Mandarin audio guide
Portuguese audio guide - Brazilian Portuguese
Russian audio guide
Spanish audio guide

Catering

Cafe
On-Site cafe/restaurant - Undercroft Café serving freshly prepared meals, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweet treats and an exclusive selection of teas
Refreshments Available
Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
Gift shop - Step into the Windsor Castle shops and experience a world of exclusive gifts and royal souvenirs, including commemorative chinaware, glittering jewellery, sumptuous homeware, delicious food and drink and charming gifts for children.
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
Toilets

Parking & Transport

Green Transport - Green Line from London. Buses and coaches from Slough, Staines, Heathrow and Bracknell.
Parking (charge) - No car parking on site but follow the signs for LONG STAY PARKING in Windsor town centre; these car parks are better value if you are visiting the castle.

Payment Methods

American Express accepted
Approx length of visit - A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
Blue Badge Guides admitted free
Delta accepted
Groups Accepted - Only Blue Bage Guides accredited to Windsor Castle are permitted to guide within the precincts of the Castle.
Maestro Accepted
MasterCard accepted
Max group size - 9999
Min group size - 15
Special group rates - Reduced admission charges apply to groups of 15 or more visitors
Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted
Visa accepted

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

French printed material
German printed material
Italian printed material
Japanese printed material
Mandarin printed material
Portuguese printed material - Brazilian Portuguese
Russian printed material
Spanish printed material

Provider Preferences

In town/city centre
No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

Family Fun - In addition to trails and a children's audio guide we now offer an exciting family programme every Saturday throughout the year, linked to the amazing history of Windsor Castle, the magnificent art works on display and the royal residents past and present who have lived here.

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

Group discounts available

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Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Opening Times

A Castle under Seige \| Windsor Castle (24 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026)
Day	Times
Monday	10:00	- 14:30
Tuesday - Wednesday	Closed
Thursday - Sunday	10:00	- 14:30

People visiting Windsor Castle © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: John Cairns.

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Windsor Castle Undercroft Café coffee and cakes. Credit: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

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