ACTIVITY
A Castle under Siege - Half term activities
Looking back at the 1216 siege of Windsor Castle, 810 years ago.
Family Activities at Windsor Castle Learning Centre ©
Windsor Castle
Pug Yard Learning Centre
- Next event: 24 Oct 2026
Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (24 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026) - 10:00 – 15:00
- Included in Castle ticket or 1-Year Pass
- Children / Families
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 and craft 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 under siege as you progress on your tour.
Children following a trail at Windsor CastleCopyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited
