It goes without saying that fans of the British Royal Family have plenty to see and do in London and the UK. From castles and fortresses to key royal sites across the capital, there is a touch of regal opulence around every corner.
Make a day of it and tick these famous landmarks off your royal bucket list!
Windsor Castle
Famous for many reasons, Windsor Castle hosts more than 1,000 years of royal history. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, and Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite residence – as well as her final resting place – it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
At the heart of the castle are the State Apartments, which are still used for ceremonial and official occasions, and display some of the finest artworks from the Royal Collection. You can also explore St George’s Chapel, a striking Gothic chapel and the burial place for several monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, and the famous Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Add a little tradition to your outing by watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It takes place at 11am on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Buckingham Palace
No royal day out would be complete without a visit to the official residence of the British royal family. The iconic Buckingham Palace is pretty much on everyone’s London bucket list and for good reason!
Buckingham Palace has 19 State Rooms, and you can go inside the lavish rooms and see what it’s like to be a royal – if only for a day. The rooms are adorned with masterpieces and exquisite furniture and are filled to the brim with history. See the Ballroom, the Throne Room, the Green Drawing Room, the Picture Gallery, and so much more. Be amazed by the grandeur of the rooms and learn about their importance and history with the insightful audio guide. And be sure to spend some time in the Palace Gardens, which boasts lush grass, a rose garden, and a tennis court, best known for royal garden parties. Oh, how we can dream!
Tower of London
A castle in Central London? Now we’re talking! Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London has served multiple purposes over time, including a fortress, a royal residence, a prison and home of the Royal Mint. It even once housed exotic animals and has been the site of many public executions, including notorious Anne Boleyn. The imposing castle once frightened locals, but now it is a widely popular attraction where you can explore the grisly side of royalty and power, and even marvel at the famous Crown Jewels.
Yeoman Warder tours operate daily every 45 minutes and are the best way to see around the Tower of London. Not only do the Yeoman Warders have expert knowledge of the castle, but they are essential to its history.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey stands on Parliament Square beside the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben and has been the traditional site of British coronations for centuries. The Gothic church houses the Coronation Chair, created for King Edward I of England in 1296, which has been used to crown every monarch since 1308. How’s that for royal history?
It is also the burial place of 17 UK monarchs and eight former prime ministers, as well as the venue for the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Be sure to check out the Poets’ Corner, where celebrated writers such as Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy are buried, alongside memorials to figures such as William Shakespeare.
Royal London Walking Tour
Explore the heart of London with a professional guide and see some of the city’s most important royal landmarks on this in-depth walking tour. Hear intriguing stories about the British Royal Family and their connection to the capital. You will see places such as St James’s Palace – commissioned by Henry VIII and now the London residence of Princess Anne, as well as the iconic Buckingham Palace, Clarence House – the London residence of Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, and the historic St James’s district. The walking tour is interesting and inviting, but at a reasonable pace so that the whole family can enjoy it together.
When available, you will be able to watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, with your guide taking you to the perfect spot to capture great photos and videos as the guards pass by.
Want to see more of London and the UK? Golden Tours is ready to show you around.