The Royal Family continues to be a huge draw for tourists in Britain, with royal destinations like Windsor Castle continuing to be popular with visitors. There's plenty of places to go Royal spotting in Britain though, and they're not all in London!
1. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Queen, and has become an iconic British landmark. 19 state rooms in the palace are open for public viewing each summer, from late July through early October, with complimentary audio tours.
Visitors to the palace should be sure to keep their eyes peeled; Her Majesty has been spotted strolling through the gardens with her Corgi dogs and is known to enjoy a sneaky peek at visitors admiring her home.
2. Windsor Castle
Just 50 minutes from London by train, Windsor Castle is one of the Queen’s official residences and where she spends most weekends. Open year-round, visitors have been able to spot the Queen through the windows overlooking her garden. Locals have also said they often see Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh departing down the long driveway in Windsor Great Park.
Windsor Castle is also a popular choice for royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's marriage ceremony in 2018. This is the ultimate destination for royal fans, especially during a wedding, when the whole town comes to life with colour and celebration as the royal couple pass through by carriage.
3. Balmoral Castle
One of the Royals' favourite summertime retreats is Balmoral, set amongst the magnificent scenery of Cairngorms National Park. Book a cottage on the estate, and if you're lucky, you could be the Queen's neighbour while she's staying in the Castle!
The grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public from 1 April to 31 July.
4. Trooping The Colour
Trooping the Colour is an annual event to mark the Queen’s official birthday. Held every June in central London, Trooping the Colour is the biggest royal event of the year, and Her Majesty the Queen is always in attendance.
Tickets for the parade are in short supply but if you don’t manage to snag one for yourself, just stand along The Mall (which runs from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch) for a great chance of spotting the Queen.
5. Royal Ascot
Attend the horse races at Royal Ascot and there is a good chance of spotting multiple members of the Royal Family. Dating back to 1711, these prestigious races are held annually in the third week of June and always feature a Royal Precession through the racecourse. Get in early for a good spot to wave at the Queen!
Her Majesty is known to take a keen interest in the historic Royal Ascot races and she has owned more than 20 winners during the prestigious event since since her coronation.
6. The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Positioned at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is used by the Queen for one week at the beginning of each summer when she carries out a range of official engagements and ceremonies. Steeped in history and perhaps best known as the former home of Mary, Queen of Scots, Holyrood Palace has become a key feature of Edinburgh.
Her Majesty can often be spotted coming and going from Holyrood via car, while other royals can also be seen in and around the Palace.
7. Chelsea Flower Show
As Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, the Queen regularly attends the opening of the Chelsea Flower Show. This event is a regular fixture in the Royal calendar and Her Majesty is often accompanied by other members of the Royal Family. If you are in Britain in late May, this is a great opportunity to possibly catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II.
And of course, it's also a top opportunity to see some of the world's most innovative gardens. In fact, 1 garden in 2019 will already have the royal seal of approval; The Duchess of Cambridge will make her show debut with a garden that she helped co-design!
8. Braemar Highland Gathering
The patron of Scotland’s best-known Highland Games is none other than Queen Elizabeth II herself and this celebration of traditional Scottish sport and culture is always attended by various members of the Royal Family.
The gathering is held on the first Saturday in September and is the place to see traditional Scottish sports and performing arts, including tossing the caber, country dancing, pipe bands and more.
9. Madame Tussauds
If all else fails, there is always one place you are guaranteed to meet the Queen – she'll even pose with you for a selfie!
Madame Tussauds is a top London visitor attraction and just a stone's throw away from Regent’s Park and the bright lights of the West End. Her Majesty can be found there (well, a waxwork version of her anyway) as part of a display with Prince Phillip, William, Kate, Harry and Meghan.
It might not be the real deal but it could be the closest you’ll get, so don’t forget your camera!