Windsor Castle Sees Record 1.37 Million Visitors Surpassing Buckingham Palace

Windsor Castle has emerged as the most popular royal residence among visitors in 2024-2025, attracting over 1.36 million guests, more than double the 683,000 visitors at Buckingham Palace during the same period. This surge is attributed to Windsor Castle's proximity to the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, as well as King Charles' increased residence there, following his decision to spend more time at Windsor instead of Buckingham Palace. Despite Buckingham Palace's limited annual opening periods, it experienced a record-breaking summer in 2024 with the unveiling of the East Wing and special tours, drawing nearly 6,000 additional visitors. Both castles far outpaced other royal residences such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and the Royal Mews in visitor numbers. Separately, The Folly, a restored turreted retreat on the Sandringham Estate, is now available for overnight stays, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience a historic royal residence and its extensive grounds. Meanwhile, the Palace of Westminster is offering guided and self-guided tours throughout August, allowing visitors to explore iconic parliamentary sites and learn about the UK Parliament's history and operations.