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Tour the Castle Where the Queen Is Self-quarantined From Your Couch (Video)

No crown required.

Are you going stir-crazy yet? Losing track of the days? Refreshing the news at a rapid-fire pace? Engaging in a daily self-debate about whether or not to get dressed?

There’s no doubt about it: These are unfamiliar, unprecedented times. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to take the edge off: finally visit that museum or national park that’s been sitting on your bucket list, tune in to an opera or Broadway musical , ooh and aww at adorable wildlife , walk over 825 miles of beach in Florida , or even vacation in Japan – all without leaving home.

Now, you can escape your cooped-up space once again — even if for a brief moment — with a virtual tour of Windsor Castle in England. You may recognize its stunning exterior if you stayed up all night to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding , but here’s your chance to get an inside peek behind the curtains.

This digital tour brings viewers inside the State Banquet in St. George’s Hall, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Crimson Drawing Room — each one more opulent than the next, with chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and rich tapestries and paintings. Zoom in and out of each space to make yourself at home, then click on information icons for even more details.

At more than 900 years old, the 11th-century fortress serves as the Queen’s private home (usually on weekends) as well as a royal residence where she performs many formal duties. It’s also the place where Her Majesty hosts visiting monarchs and presidents — and where she and Prince Philip are presently self-isolating amid the coronavirus outbreak.

And Windsor Castle isn’t the only place where you can walk in the footsteps of royalty without getting off your couch — a number of famous European castles , from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Versailles, are offering virtual tours fit for a king or queen, too.

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Don't Miss These Insider Tours of the Royal Family's Palaces

Wander Buckingham Palace without leaving your couch.

Tired of being cooped up at home? Perhaps you'd like to imagine life someplace a bit bigger, a bit grander, and a bit more, well, royal? You're in luck, because many of the British royal family's palaces and castles now offer extensive virtual tours. Whether you want to traipse around Buckingham Palace or peek down the corridors of Windsor Castle, you can get a bit closer to achieving your dreams through these interactive online resources. Test them out and remember that there's nothing wrong with a bit of escapism.

Buckingham Palace

The Palace's virtual tour includes the opulent Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the vibrant red Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room.

Windsor Castle

While you may not have been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding , you can imagine being there while touring the venue. Windsor Castle has been a royal home and fortress for more than 900 years. When royal weddings are not occurring, the castle acts as the Queen's home—where she usually spends the weekend—and as a royal residence where she performs certain official duties.

With this virtual tour , you can start by going inside a traditional State Banquet in St. George's Hall. Then visit the Waterloo Chamber and the Crimson Drawing Room. Make sure to click on the "i" icons for even more information about each space.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you want something with a bit of Scottish flair, take a look at the Queen's official residence in Scotland: The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located in Edinburgh, the Palace was the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots starting from the 16th century. This Palace hosts visitors throughout the year, and is available for your own personal viewing online through this virtual tour .

The Tower of London

While no one currently lives in the Tower of London, the building is technically a castle and is officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Founded in the eleventh century by William the Conquerer, the Tower has been used as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, a public record office, the home of the Crown Jewels of England, and, most commonly, a prison. The Tower is now mostly a tourist attraction and a place to display the Crown Jewels.

Take a virtual tour, which includes photos of many of these precious jewels, here .

10 Downing Street

If you're in the mood for something more castle-adjacent (i.e. a MASSIVE house), Google Arts & Culture offers a virtual tour of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Casually referred to as Number 10, the home is over 300 years old and has approximately 100 rooms. Number 10 was first used when King George II offered it to Sir Robert Walpole, the de facto first British Prime Minister, in 1732, so it certainly has royal ties.

On your virtual tour , you can explore the Cabinet Room, the Study, and the Grand Staircase. Each area also has accompanying informational videos, so you can really brush up on your British political history as you peruse.

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12 dreamy castles and palaces you can tour remotely

Brighten up your lockdown view with these castles you can explore from home

Unless you’re lucky enough to actually own a castle, chances are your lockdown situation is a little cramped. Millions of people around the world, including us, are stuck inside tiny apartments and flats. But that doesn’t mean we can’t daydream about grander abodes – and why not try one of these grand castles around the world on for size? They’re all closed to the public now, but, thanks to the magic of virtual tours, you can explore them from your very own living room/home office/fitness studio. (We shotgun a few of Versailles ’ 2,300 rooms – that’s more than enough to go around.)

RECOMMENDED: The best castles in the UK

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Virtual tours of castles and palaces

Windsor Castle, England

The oldest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth II is spending lockdown, and it’s where she recently recorded a message for the UK and the Commonwealth from the White Drawing Room. Have a poke around the place yourself with this virtual tour . 

Buckingham Palace, England

A grand palace in the middle of the British capital’s (usually buzzing) centre, Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official London residence. It’s usually open for a few weeks each summer when her Maj goes on her summer holidays, but you can also have a sneak peek inside with this virtual tour , which takes you from the grand staircase to the actual throne room. 

Holyroodhouse Palace, Scotland

Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh is in the shadow of the city’s famous peak Arthur’s Seat. Both are closed for the time being, but you can take a look inside the Queen’s official Scottish residence on this online tour  of the sixteenth-century palace. 

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh’s ancient castle dominates the skyline in the city centre, looming over Grassmarket and the cobbled streets below. While you can’t visit right now you can take a virtual trip to the grand palace to have a wander around. 

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Okay, so you can’t virtually kiss the Blarney Stone, a legendary stone found at the top of Blarney Castle’s tower which promises to impart life-long eloquence on whoever touches it. But – good news – you can still explore the gardens and ruins on this virtual tour . 

Palace of Versailles, France

One of the world’s most impressive buildings, Versailles is an enormous (2,300 rooms!) former royal palace and World Heritage Site. It’s out of bounds for visits IRL, but thanks to extensive documentation from Google you can still explore its grand interiors . 

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Built in the ninth century, the grand castle on the west bank of River Vltava is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. Thanks to this detailed  online tour , you can have a nosey inside the walls, from the Cathedral of St Vitus to the castle’s sunny terraces and the petite homes along sixteenth-century Golden Lane. 

Schönbrunn Palace, Austria

An enormous Rococco palace once home to the Austrian royal family, the Schönbrunn is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Just not right now, obviously. You can still check out this sizeable castle’s gilded rooms and prized artworks though on this virtual tour . 

National Palace of Sintra, Portugal

High in the hills above the city of Lisbon, Sintra is one stunning spot. It was once a royal retreat and is studded with elaborate and beautiful buildings as a result. You can get a taste of one of the loveliest, the National Palace of Sintra, with this online tour . Just look at that tiling. 

Akasaka Palace, Japan

This grand palace in Tokoyo was built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince. T oday, Akasaka Palace, or The State Guest House, is both a tourist attraction and accommodation for visiting state dignitaries. Take a look inside with this virtual tour . 

Palace of Vira Harihara, India

Thought to date back to the fourteenth-century, this ancient palace no longer stands. You can usually explore the ruins of the ruined royal abode, but we’ll have to make do with visiting virtually. This online tour takes you around the ruins and the ornate base of the former palace. 

The White House, USA

This one technically isn’t a castle. But it is pretty much the closest you can get to an ancient royal palace in the US. You can walk around the exterior and interior of The White House, the official residence of the president of the United States, online thanks to this extensive virtual tour . 

Keep exploring

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Virtual Tour of Windsor Castle

Are you feeling cooped up or going stir crazy? Now, you can quarantine with Queen Elizabeth, via a virtual tour of the UNESCO-listed Windsor Castle. Or relive the wedding of retired royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Windsor Castle has been a royal residence and fortress for almost 1000 years. The castle has seen countless royal births, deaths, and marriages. It’s withstood battles and sieges.

History of Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle was originally a fortress for Saxon kings. In the 11th century, William the Conqueror used it to form a defensive ring outside of London, along with 8 other castles. It was conveniently just a day’s march from the Tower of London .

Henry I was the first king began to occupy Windsor Castle. Henry II later built it into a proper royal fortress with formidable stone walls. Edward III completed its transformation into a Gothic royal palace.

Royal Chapel

Queen Elizabeth I got busy too. She added what is now the Royal Library. George IV renovated the entire palace. And Queen Victoria added a private chapel and rebuilt the Grand Staircase.

Windsor Castle is also home to one of the most beautiful Gothic chapels in the world, St. George’s Chapel. Edward IV began construction and Henry VIII finished it in 1528. The chapel has been the scene of many royal weddings. It’s also a royal mausoleum, with 10 monarchs buried there, including Henry VIII.

Art Collection

Windsor Castle has an impressive art collection too, with works by Rembrandt, Canaletto, Holbein, and Rubens.

It even owns drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, which are the sole extant evidence that da Vinci painted the controversial Salvator Mundi , the world’s most expensive painting ($450 million).

Windsor Castle has been the site of many historic events. It’s where the Magna Carta was signed, where Edward VIII abdicated the throne, and where Queen Victoria fell in love with Albert.

Today, Windsor Castle is the largest occupied working castle in the world. The Queen uses Windsor Castle as a private home. She often weekends there and hosts visiting monarchs and presidents at “dine and sleep” events. Now, the queen is self-isolating at Windsor Castle.

You can quarantine with the queen via the Windsor Castle virtual tour . The tour takes viewers inside the State Banquet Hall, the Waterloo Chamber, the Crimson Drawing Room, and St. George’s Chapel. The opulent rooms feature chandeliers, gilded ceilings, rich tapestries, and paintings.

On the virtual tour, you can make yourself at home in each room. You can zoom in or click on information icons for more details.

If you want to really get to know Queen Elizabeth, you can delve into her life story, with over 3,000 entries on Google Arts & Culture .

You can also take a virtual 360 tour by the BBC on YouTube, and discover some of the royals’ most valuable treasures.

Or listen to the queen herself talk about the coronavirus crisis here . If you’d need more virtual tours, here’s my guide to virtual tours of famous royal palaces in Europe .

You may enjoy these other London guides:

5 Day Itinerary for London

Tourist Traps To Skip in London

Free Museums in London

Virtual Tours of London

Guide to the Tower of London

Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

If you liked to virtually tour Windsor Castle, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by Aamir Faiz

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Palacevirtualtours.com brings you virtual tours and screensavers of the greatest palaces, including buckingham palace, windsor castle and versailles..

Versailles, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are the world's most stunning buildings. With our Virtual Tours, explore Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Versailles from your own computer!

Tours Walk through and explore the contents of some of the world's greatest palaces from the comfort of your own computer.  Our tours give you extensive coverage and photos of each room as well as details and photos on furniture and paintings, ensuring the most complete possible learning experience.

Resta Download our FREE Screensaver to display your own images when your computer is resting.  You can also purchase one or more of our amazing screensavers.

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Take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and more while in self-isolation

By heather cichowski.

When it's not safe to travel physically, we can still "travel" digitally to some iconic royal palaces , including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , thanks to modern technology!

The coronavirus pandemic has led to the cancellation and/or postponement of countless events, shutdowns and has people practising self-isolation and social distancing. Those who are at home might find they still have their sense of wanderlust and are looking for ways their families can pass the time while helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve.

We can fulfill our senses of wonder, learn new things and get a behind-the-scenes view of royal palaces (without crowds!) thanks to virtual tours offered online. There are many iconic historical sights from British royals and European royals that we can view without stepping foot outside.

MORE: The Queen remains in good health as Prince Charles is diagnosed with COVID-19

• Buckingham Palace

For many, no trip to London is complete without seeing Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the United Kingdom's sovereigns since 1837, including Queen Elizabeth II . It's possible to take a virtual tour of the palace no matter where you are in the world via the official royal website . It's a special treat, considering the palace is typically only open in the summer and a select few times in December, January and over Easter when the Monarch departs London for her other estates.

Given there are 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms and 92 offices, the virtual tour saves us a lot of walking (and sore feet!). Some of the highlights include seeing the Throne Room and the White Drawing Room.

• Windsor Castle

The Royal Standard is seen flying from a turret at Windsor Castle on March 19, indicating the Queen is in residence. Photo: © Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images

Windsor Castle also serves as the Queen's private residence. Presently, it is where she and Prince Philip are self-isolating , having started their Easter break a week earlier than scheduled. Take a virtual tour of the castle on the royal website to see the Crimson Drawing Room and the Waterloo Chamber.

The Queen hosts a garden party at the Scottish palace every year, though that will not happen in 2020 due to COVID-19

Palace of Holyroodhouse

We can also take a virtual tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, on the royal website. The Edinburgh palace is brimming with history. It has links to Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie , as well as more modern royals. Virtual tours allow viewers to see the King Bedchamber and the Morning Drawing Room.

Palace of Versailles

One of the most iconic palaces in the world, it was once the principal royal residence of France, under Louis XIV , after he moved the court there in 1682. It's possible to take in the splendour of the palace thanks to a virtual tour created in partnership between the Palace of Versailles and Google Arts & Culture. Viewers can get a one-of-a-kind tour of the palace for free in English, French or Chinese, using their own VR equipment. Admire the famous Hall of Mirrors and take in the King's and Queen's State Apartments, the Royal Chapel and more.

The Royal Palace is seen in the normally bustling Dam Square in Amsterdam, which is empty of people during the coronavirus outbreak. Photo: © Paulo Amorim/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is one of three palaces in the Netherlands, and is the traditional senior palace for Dutch royals . It is located in Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam. The palace has a rich history, including serving as Amsterdam's Town Hall for 150 years, plus, it was the French Royal and Imperial Palace for five years, and it has been the Palace of the House of Orange for the past two centuries.

Typically, virtual tours are available when the palace is closed for royal events. Given unprecedented times with the coronavirus, virtual tours are currently available so viewers can admire the dramatic architecture.

Historic Royal Palaces

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Instagram users can also follow the @historicroyalpalaces account for further insight and information on a variety of historic British palaces and buildings. The independent charity looks after Kensington Palace , Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Kew Palace, Banqueting House and Hillsborough Castle. It frequently posts interesting tidbits and behind-the-scenes photos!

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3 | 12 | 24 | All --> Moscow Kremlin

Kremlin Grounds and Cathedrals

Moscow Kremlin tour with personal guide offers you a real insight into the most astonishing world heritage sites, including Cathedral Square with its elaborately ornamented churches and gorgeous sprawling palaces. You are bound to experience unforgettable emotions from visiting the cathedrals and then strolling through Tainitsky Garden. You will be delighted to see President's Helipad as well as other attractions, such the Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell, the Residence of the President of Russia, the Arsenal, and the State Kremlin building. If we are lucky, we will make our time to attend Patriarchy Palace, along with the small museum of 17th century where you will see a splendid collection of silverware. Plus, you will also see beautifully carved wooden icons of 16-17th centuries in the church of Deposition of Our Lady of the Robe.

Armory Chamber (Museum)

Armory Chamber  is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established at the beginning of 19 th  century and located in the Moscow Kremlin. The private tour can be arranged at the time that best suits to your sightseeing itinerary. Duration 1,5-2 hours.

Diamond Fund of Russia

Russia’s Diamond Depository is an assemblage of precious stones, jewelry, rare gold and platinum nuggets of tremendous historical and monetary value and creative merit. Besides the decorations for gala robes of Russian empresses, Crown Jewels, State Regalia (symbols of power and glory of the Russian Empire) and the Imperial orders, the collection in Historical or Small Room features seven gems, known as “historic,” that have no match anywhere else in the world.

Grand Kremlin Palace

Special tour to the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Official Residence of the President of Russian Federation which is not open to the general public. Duration: 1-1,5 hours. Must be booked in advance.

About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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Lights of Nikolskaya Street in Winter Twilight

People walking up and down Nikolskaya street in winter twilight decorated with LED creating a festive atmosphere in any season. The picture is taken near GUM building (at the right) and Red Square.

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Red Square & Moscow City Tour

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Description

Highlights:.

• Experience medieval Kitay Gorod (China town).
• Wander picturesque Red Square and Alexander Garden.
• Explore grand Christ the Savior Cathedral on our Red Square tour.
• Breathtaking panoramic views from Patriarch bridge.
• Enjoy a hearty lunch on the large open verandah and marvel at the stunning views of the Kremlin.
• Learn about Russian culture from the local through relaxed cultural discussions.

Tour Itinerary:

Red square:.

Russia and Moscow are synonymous with Red Square and the Kremlin and that's hardly surprising as you'll find these places absolutely stunning!

• - Walk-through the Resurrection Gate and don’t forget to flip a coin so you’ll be sure to come back one day!
• - Visit the world's famous Kazan Cathedral .
• - See the State Department Store (GUM), once the Upper Trading Stalls, which were built over a century ago and still operating!
• - Admire the lovely St. Basil's Cathedral! The French diplomat Marquis de Custine commented that it combined "the scales of a golden fish, the enamelled skin of a serpent, the changeful hues of the lizard, the glossy rose and azure of the pigeon's neck" and wondered at "the men who go to worship God in this box of confectionery work".
• - Walk by Lobnoye Mesto (literally meaning "Execution Place", or "Place of Skulls"), once Ivan the Terrible's stage for religious ceremonies, speeches, and important events.
• - Entering the Alexander Garden , you’ll take in spectacular views of Russian architecture from ancient to Soviet times, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame. Watch Changing of the Guard Ceremony every hour in summer and every half an hour in winter.

Kitai-gorod:

Stroll along medieval Kitai-gorod with its strong ancient Russia feel, known for its bohemian lifestyle, markets and arts.

• - Nikolskaya Street. Here you will find the Russia's first publishing house, the second oldest monastery, and Ferryn Pharmacy, known as the number one pharmacy back in Soviet times and famous for its Empire-style architecture.
• - Ilinka Street. The financial street of the Kitaigorod (China Town) district, where you’ll find the Gostiny Dvor (Merchant’s Yard), which is now a showroom for Ferraris and Maseratis. The street was designed in the 1790s by Catherine the Great.
• - Varvarka street. The oldest street in Moscow, which dates back to the 14th century, and still has remnants of early Muscovite architecture, such as the Old English Court and the Palace of the Romanov’s.
• - Kamergersky Lane. Only a small road of about 250 meters, it is home to some of the oldest artifacts of the city, as each building holds a fascinating story. Some of Russia's most famous writers, poets, and composers from as far back as the Golden Age of Russian culture, have lived or worked on this lane.

Historic City Center

Walk the historical old center of Moscow with its cool local vibe, including the main Tverskaya street , and indulge in desserts in the first grocery “Eliseev's store” , housed in an 18th century neoclassical building, famous for its baroque interior and decoration.

From our tour. Impressions of our American tourist:

At 3:30, as energy flagged, lunch was on the agenda at a Ukrainian restaurant.  Just in time!  We asked our guide to order for us.  We all had the same thing....borscht (the Ukrainian version has beans and more tomatoes than the Russian version, which has more beets and includes beef). 

The special high bread served is called galushki.  Our main course was golubtsy...a dish of minced meat rolled in braised cabbage leaves.  Both dishes called for optional sour cream as a topping....of course, yes, please....I recommend it. 

Full, satisfied, and completely refreshed, it was off to Red Square and St. Basil's and GUM department store.  Red Square is not so named because of the color of the brick walls of the Kremlin.  Rather the word for 'red' and the word for 'beautiful' are similar in pronunciation....and, there you have it. 

As we made the turn by the National Museum in front of which is the mounted sculpture of the "Marshall of Victory," Giorgy Zhukov from WWII and caught our first view of St. Basil's, my friend and I simultaneously emitted "Oooohhhhh!"  There it was....the iconic onion domes of St. Basil's!  Hooray....it was open until 7....we had about 30 minutes and were allowed in, AND we could take photos with no flash. 

Now, I can give you a taste of what we saw in the other cathedrals in Cathedral Square.  What we learned is that St. Vasily and St. Basil are one in the same....Russian/English.  He was a common man who wandered Moscow unclothed and barefoot.  But, all, even Ivan the Terrible, heeded his opinions derived from his visions.  Ivan had this cathedral built over his tomb. 

As we exited and took photos up close of the onion domes, Inna presented us with chocolate (how did she know we were ready for another energy boost, and we each got a big piece of chocolate.  The baby's name pictured on the wrapper of this famous Russian chocolate is Alyonka....the Russian Gerber baby, don't you think? 

One could wear out the credit card in GUM's (capitalized because it is actually a government abbreviation), but the 'kitty' and my credit card stayed in my pocket as we strolled through the glass-topped arcade. 

We then strolled through some of Moscow's lovely pedestrian streets; paused to listen as a wonderful quartet performed Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" in an underground passage to cross the busy street (hooray!....we DID have our 'classical concert' experience after all; a request Alina tried in vain to fill because none was scheduled those days), saw the Bolshoi, which means 'big' (my friend has yet to recover that their performance schedule did not coincide with our cruise), saw the Central Telegraph Building, dating from the 1930's, and made our way to the Ritz-Carlton to see the night view of Moscow from the rooftop bar, called O2. 

There were fleece blankets to wrap yourself in....yes, it got that cold when the sun set.  We each ordered something hot to drink...the ginger, mint, lemon tea served to me in a parfait glass (for 600 rubles...about $9....you pay for the view here!) was delightful and hit the spot perfectly.  It was time to call it a night....

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting city tour, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time.

*This Moscow city tour can be modified to meet your requirements.

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