Royal London

Thursday 26 April 2018

London is home to the finest royal tailors, the Queen’s favourite grocery store and the makers of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring. Explore our interactive map to discover more about the royal institutions and suppliers in this majestic city.

Kensington Palace Gardens

The tranquil gardens of Kensington Palace are a perfect escape from the bustle of the city. With ornamental flowers beds and graceful fountains, the formal gardens were commissioned by Queen Mary and transformed into the grand park it is today by Queen Caroline.
 

Goring Hotel

Located around the corner from Buckingham Place, this luxurious hotel is one of the Queen’s favourite venues for entertaining. Its Royal Suit has walls lined with silk, elegant antique furniture and takes up the hotel’s entire top floor. The Goring is definitely fit for a king or queen!

 

Westminster Abbey

This ancient religious building has more than 1000 years of royal tradition. It’s the official coronation church and you can admire the coronation chair in St George’s Chapel. The abbey was the setting for 17 royal weddings including the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.

 

St James’s Park

This stunning 57-acre royal park is located in the heart of Westminster and is home to The Mall and Horse Guards Parade. Enjoy spectacular views of the park from the Blue Bridge or marvel at monuments like the Queen Victoria Memorial and the Duke of York statue.

 

Dean Street Townhouse

This Georgian residence was built in 1732 and became home to several aristocratic families as well as King Charles II’s mistress Nell Gwynne. It’s now an upscale boutique hotel (part of the exclusive Soho House Group) and provides traditional British style and comfort to its guests. 

 

Cleave & Co

Situated just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, this prestigious jewellers made Meghan Markle’s enormous diamond engagement ring. Cleave & Co’s craftsmen also create decorations and medals for palace offices, heads of state and military institutions around the world.

 

Horse Guards Parade

The iconic Queen’s Life Guard and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment change takes place every day at 11am (10am on Sundays). Visitors are welcome to watch the ceremony and the crowds here are usually smaller than at Buckingham Palace, making it perfect for photos!

 

Fortnum & Mason

Known as the Queen’s grocer, this store sells the finest foods and luxury hampers for all occasions. The establishment boasts an impressive variety of restaurants offering a royal afternoon tea experience at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and delectable desserts at the Parlour.

 

Lock & Co Hatters

Located on St James’s Street, Lock & Co Hatters is the oldest hat shop in the world. Known for its fine craftsmanship and innovative designs, this family-owned business has designed hats for Sir Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

 

Buckingham Palace

The largest of the royal palaces, this has been the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. The palace opens its gilt doors to the public every summer so you can enjoy its opulent state rooms.

 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Royal Horticultural Society hosts it world-famous annual 5-day event in May. Horticulturalists from around the globe exhibit their innovative garden designs and compete for various garden awards. With exotic palms, inspirational gardens and floral delights, you’ll find some great ideas to take home.

 

The Crown Jewels, Tower of London

Guarded inside the Jewel House the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels is a dazzling collection of 23,578 gemstones. Still used in royal ceremonies today, the collection contains crowns and ceremonial regalia that date back to the 1600s.

 

Gieves & Hawkes

This luxury brand has provided the Royal Family with the finest garments since 1809. It holds 3 Royal Warrants and also has a long history of crafting uniforms for the Royal Navy and the British Army. Its flagship store is located in the home of bespoke tailoring, Saville Row.

 

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Kensington Palace
The Bar at The Goring designed by Tim Gosling
Goring Exterior
The Goring Hotel, London
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Dean Street Townhouse High Tea
Horse Guards Parade, London, England
Fortnum & Mason Façade
The View from the Shard and Fortnum & Mason launch Sky High Tea packages
Fortnum & Mason Marmalade
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Gieves & Hawkes, Savile Row