Royal Britain
Be King or Queen for a day! Ever wanted to explore Her Majesty the Queen’s iconic residence, Buckingham Palace, or take part in the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony? Britain’s long and rich regal history means there’s a golden nugget of royal heritage to be discovered in every corner. Enjoy nature and splendorous wildlife in one of many Royal Parks, take the grand tour of William and Kate’s Kensington Palace and breach Henry VIII’s domain at Hampton Court. Mind your head!
Official Royal Residences
As the world’s eyes look towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, find out about all the royal residences you can visit around the UK. While most of us won’t be at the big day, there’s nothing to stop you from seeing the royals’ palatial homes and retreats. The best place to start is Buckingham Palace. The Queen’s official London residence opens its magnificent State Rooms to the public every summer. Windsor Castle is the official home of Queen Elizabeth, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, of course, is the chosen location for Harry and Meghan’s wedding. The Royals’ Sandringham Estate in Norfolk is the Queen’s country retreat and is open to the public to enjoy its Edwardian surroundings.
Royal Events
Swans, yachts, hats and a tattoo. We don’t mean ink under the skin, we mean the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is an exhilarating musical performance held on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle every summer. Experience something utterly English with an afternoon at Royal Ascot. The famous race day, which takes place every June, is a chance to put on your most fabulous dress and most feathery hat for some prime royalty spotting. A more frequent royal ceremony is the Changing of the Guard. This happens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Horse Guards on Whitehall. At Buckingham Palace, immaculately attired regiments, precision military drill and bands playing rousing music combine to create one of the most popular – and free – attractions in London. We recommend getting there early so you get the best views.
Royal Parks
The illusion of rural nature inside a city is more real than you might think. London’s 8 royal parks and Holyrood Park in Edinburgh offer a slower, greener adventure away from their lively urban streets. Catch brilliant views of London’s skyline atop Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park. The hill is a fabulous setting for picnics, romantic evenings and city gazing at sunset. The artistic neighbourhoods of Hampstead and Belsize Park are an easy walk from the park to enjoy dinner and evening drinks. See wildlife in abundance in London’s largest park, Richmond Park. The area is a protected National Nature Reserve with vast open spaces, ancient trees and roaming deer.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen. Every August and September the Queen opens her home to visitors, giving you the chance to tour the lavish State Rooms and garden, and see some great treasures from the Royal Collection along the way. And don’t forget to catch the spectacular Changing the Guard ceremony – daily from May to July, and on alternative days for the rest of the year.
