Almost a million people visited Windsor Castle in 2010, new figures show.

A VisitBritain report has revealed that 30 million tourists attended an attraction linked to the Royal Family last year, with 987,000 people choosing to take a Windsor tour.

According to VisitBritian chief executive Sandie Dawe, the findings of the study reveal the appeal of Britain's monarchic heritage.

With this in mind, she expects overseas visitors to flock to the UK in 2012 to take part in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

"The Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, a feat last accomplished back in 1897 by Queen Victoria," she commented.

"This report suggests that year she is going to generate a bonanza for British tourism."

Windsor Castle has been in continuous occupation since it was first built by William the Conqueror more than 900 years ago.

It is one of the Queen's three official residences and used for both state and private entertaining.