With our royal lineage spanning nearly 1,200 years and 63 monarchs, it will come as no surprise that we have an insatiable curiosity for all things royal. Luckily, Britain delivers – get to know the magnificent buildings that the Royal Family call home, as well as His Majesty’s favourite holiday spots.
For a unique insight into royal life, grab your map and discover grand palaces, historic castles and beautiful country retreats.
Want to explore inside the Royal Family’s iconic London home? On selected dates, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors. Take the chance to marvel at the lavish Throne Room, gaze over the gardens, and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony up close.
Welcome to the previous home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering guided tours, royal exhibitions and opulent afternoon teas. Its state rooms have been used by Britain’s kings and queens for hundreds of years, and it sits right on the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile – surrounded by pristine gardens.
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.
A particular highlight of Britain’s best known palace are the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You are encouraged to always check individual attraction websites for the latest information, as events and details are subject to change.
