The King’s royal residences

From exclusive private tours to accessing acres of royal gardens and parks – there’s a whole host of ways you can get your royal fix. Discover Buckingham Palace when it opens up its State Rooms to visitors for 10 weeks each summer, or wander through the Royal Parkland, gardens and house of the Sandringham Estate.

Some of the Royal British estates, castles and palaces you could explore include:

• Buckingham Palace: The official administrative headquarter of the monarch, located in London. 
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standing at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, this is one of the King’s Scottish residences.
• Kensington Palace: Tucked away in the beautiful Kensington Gardens in London, this elegant palace is still lived in by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
• Windsor Castle: Perched high above the River Thames in Berkshire, England, Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
• Balmoral: Found in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this private estate has been a favourite royal retreat for centuries.
• Sandringham Estate: Used as a retreat by various Royal family members at different times of the year, Sandringham Estate in Norfolk has hosted the Royal family since 1862.

Tour the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace

A particular highlight of Britain’s best known palace are the Buckingham Palace State Rooms. Opening their doors each summer from late July through to early October, you’ll see the rooms used by our royals through generations. 

At the Royal Mews, discover the Gold State Coach used at every coronation since George IV’s — open Thursday to Monday.

Observe the Changing of The Guard at Buckingham Palace

Occurring most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am, the Changing of The Guard at Buckingham Palace sees the King’s Guards march while followed by a band as they change places at the front entrance. The event also takes place at 10am on Sundays and a less formal version occurs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 3pm.

Due to the event’s deep history and cultural significance, it’s often a must-see for visitors planning a trip to London and is free to witness. 

The Trooping of the Colours at Buckingham Palace

An annual event, visitors can also observe part of the Trooping of The Colours at Buckingham Palace. The event is marked by a military parade and RAF jets flying over the palace itself, leaving trails of red, white and blue smoke.

Discover Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park

Windsor Castle is filled with regal experiences that’ll allow you to get insight into the lives and history of the royals. Explore the State Apartments, filled with golden grandeur, glistening chandeliers, paintings and carvings. Windsor Castle is open Thursday to Monday from 10am.

Don’t forget to explore the ancient woodlands at Windsor Great Park. For a unique way to tour the estate, hop on a horse-drawn carriage to glide through the greenery. The park is open year-round and free to enter.

Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

A Changing of the Guard ceremony can also be observed at Windsor Castle on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am. The section of the march that takes place on the High Street is free to watch, but to see the part that takes place inside the castle grounds you must purchase a castle ticket. 

Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle

The order of the Garter takes place at Windsor Castle in June. The special occasion sees the Royal family, accompanied by knights, showing gratitude to those who have made significant contributions to the nation or have served the Sovereign personally. Members of the public can purchase a ticket to watch the procession to St. George’s Chapel; however, these are limited and must be applied for between January – March.

See the glistening Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

Prepared to be dazzled: a colossal collection of over 23,000 gemstones awaits in the Jewel Tower in the Tower of London. Marvel at Queen Victoria’s sparkling Coronation Ring, the Sovereign’s Orb used at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, and St Edward’s Crown, used at every royal coronation since 1661. Opening times and days vary for the Tower of London and Jewel Tower.

Experience The Ceremony of the Keys at Tower of London

The Ceremony of the Keys is a 700-year-old event that takes place nightly at 9:52pm at the Tower of London. It involves the Chief Yeoman Warder, dressed in the classic uniform, carrying a lantern and the keys to lock the gates while followed by guards and requires a ticket to witness.

Explore Kensington Palace Gardens

Bursting with summertime blooms and dotted with graceful fountains, Kensington Palace Gardens is the perfect place to relax like a royal. But if you’re looking for an adventure, wander into Hyde Park to the Serpentine boating lake and hop aboard a pedalo or row boat. The Palace Gardens are open every day from 10am, Kensington Gardens are open every day from 6am with varying closing times, and Hyde Park is open from 5am to midnight all year round.

Step back in time at the Palace of Holyroodhouse 

Explore Queen Mary’s chambers, located up a winding staircase in the oldest part of the palace, or join a guided tour of Holyrood Abbey and spy the Royal Vault, the final resting place of James V of Scotland. You can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse year-round from 9.30am.

Experience more of Holyroodhouse during Holyrood Week

Usually taking place from late June to early July, Holyrood Week marks a time where the King visits Scotland. As part of the visit, a Ceremony of the Keys takes place toward the entrance of Holyroodhouse as the King is offered the keys to Edinburgh. The occasion is marked by a colourful parade which is free for onlookers to watch from the palace gates. 

Enjoy a range of activities at Sandringham Estate

Explore 60-acres of Sandringham’s gorgeous gardens, key rooms within the Royal estate and even feast on an Afternoon Tea or a Sunday Roast. Depending on when you visit, you may even have the opportunity to witness the Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving, a Game and Country Fair or live music. Entry to the Estate requires a ticket, so make sure to book in advance.

Uncover more about Royal life at Balmoral Castle

Located in Aberdeen, Balmoral Castle has been a residence of the Royal family since 1852 and is where various members often stay in late summer. Full of history, it opens its doors to the public seasonally from March to early August, with guided tours of key rooms available. The grounds also offer a gift shop, a restaurant and a Ballroom which hosts exhibits. A ticket is required for entry.

You are encouraged to always check individual attraction websites for the latest information, as events and details are subject to change.