Windsor Castle hosts A Castle under Seige from 24 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 03:17 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Windsor Castle hosts A Castle under Seige from 24 October 2026 to 1 November 2026, bringing half-term activities about the fortress’s 1216 siege to Windsor in the United Kingdom. The programme combines art activities with a children’s trail and is based at the Pug Yard Learning Centre and around the castle precincts.
A Castle under Seige brings the 1216 attack into view
The programme recalls the French invasion of May 1216, which followed King John’s rejection of Magna Carta and an invitation from rebel barons to Prince Louis of France. The siege became part of the First Barons’ War, as combined rebel English and French forces attempted to capture the fortress.
The official event listing says activities will use art to remind visitors what the castle experienced more than 800 years ago. A children’s trail adds information during the visit, while the programme points visitors towards surviving signs of damage from the attack. The event programme for A Castle under Seige places the activity at the Learning Centre and across the castle precincts.
The event runs during the autumn half-term period, with listed activity times from 10am to 2.30pm on Mondays and from Thursday to Sunday. Windsor Castle is closed to general visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so the programme does not run on those days.
Windsor Castle connects the event with its medieval fabric
Founded by William the Conqueror in the eleventh century, the castle is described by Visit Windsor as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It has been home to 40 monarchs and remains one of the official residences of the King.
The 1216 siege is linked particularly closely with the Lower Ward, which suffered severe damage during the assault. That history gives the half-term programme a direct connection with the surviving fortress rather than treating the conflict as a detached classroom subject. The castle’s State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms and St George’s Chapel remain part of the wider visitor experience, although the event itself is centred on the Learning Centre and castle precincts. Royal Collection event details also list the next activity for 24 October 2026.
Windsor Castle’s history includes later changes as well. The Semi-State Rooms were restored after the 1992 fire using original designs supplied to George IV, while Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was completed in 1924 and placed on display at the castle in 1925. These features sit alongside the medieval defensive remains that frame the new family activity.
Visiting Windsor Castle: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- A Castle under Seige takes place at Windsor Castle from 24 October 2026 to 1 November 2026, during the autumn half-term period.
- The programme offers art activities and a children’s trail at the Pug Yard Learning Centre and around the castle precincts. It is included in a castle ticket or a 1-Year Pass.
- Windsor Castle is in Windsor, Berkshire. The nearest railway stations are Windsor and Eton Central, with services via Slough, and Windsor and Eton Riverside, with services via London Waterloo.
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Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle
When does A Castle under Seige take place at Windsor Castle?
The programme runs from 24 October 2026 to 1 November 2026 at the Pug Yard Learning Centre and around the castle precincts.
What is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is an occupied royal castle founded by William the Conqueror in the eleventh century. It has been home to 40 monarchs and is an official royal residence.
Where is Windsor Castle and how do you get there?
The castle is in Windsor, Berkshire. Visitors can use Windsor and Eton Central via Slough or Windsor and Eton Riverside via London Waterloo.
