AS the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, a visit to Windsor Castle is the closest you can possibly get to a life of royalty.

And this autumn is the ideal time to pay a visit to the castle, as visitors have been granted permission to visit the iconic central round tower at the very heart of the castle, which is usually way off limits for guests.

Despite still being used regularly for royal duties, and the Queen taking up residence at Windsor over the course of most weekends in the summer, the castle is a popular attraction – so booking ahead is advised.

The castle’s high location above the River Thames was first chosen by William the Conqueror in around 1070, with the first, timber-walled, incarnation of the castle being completed 16 years later.

Since then it has played host to the Royal Family and proven a popular residence for many a reigning monarch.

The castle’s devastating fire in 1992 first saw the doors of the castle opened to the public as an extensive restoration project got under way.

Today the castle remains as popular as ever, with tourists from across the world making the journey to this royal seat of power.

Included in a standard entry ticket (£20.50 for adults/£12 for under 17s) are the awe-inspiring State Rooms, home to some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection; Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, which dates from 1923 and recreates an aristocratic home of the era in perfect miniature and St George’s Chapel – one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the realm.

The castle grounds cover an area of 5.3 hectares, spreading from the Lower Ward – home to the residences of the Military Knights – up through the Middle Ward, built around the original Norman motte and topped off by the striking Round Tower, right through to the Upper Ward, where the State Apartments and Royal Apartments can be found overlooking the Quadrangle.

But the best way of viewing the castle is definitely from above – or 65.5 metres above the River Thames to be precise. Until the end of the month, you can go behind the usually locked doors of the Round Tower and climb the 200 steps to the top of the tower where you will be rewarded with some simply stunning views out over the royal borough and beyond.

The tower, which is home to the royal archives, is open for tours until September 30.

From here you can also take in Charles II’s spectacular 5km Long Walk, the Berkshire countryside stretching out beyond – and on a clear day, even the City of London.

A combined visit to Windsor Castle and Conquer the Tower Tour is £29 for adults, or £25.90 for over 60s and students. Under 17s and the disabled can visit for £17.30, while there is also a family ticket (2 adults and 3 under 17s) for £75.60.

The castle is approximately 60 miles from Swindon (1 hour and 10 mins) via the M4.

For more details visit www.royalcollection.org.uk