London Royal Palaces & Gardens

With the countdown to the coronation gathering pace, airports and hotels are reporting a significant rise in overseas visitors, as tourists flock to be part of something historic.

From Buckingham Palace to Balmoral, William the Conqueror through Henry the Eighth to Charles III, Britain overflows with centuries of royal history and heritage, mayhem, machinations, and marriages. So head out and enjoy, especially when so many destinations are marking coronation year with more special access, exhibitions and talks than you can curtsey at!

Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

Royal magnificence, excess, intrigue, drama and skullduggery come thrillingly to life in this spectacular baroque palace. The tapestried Great Hall and state apartments embody the public dramas and private lives of the Tudor court. Meet mysterious beasts, storm the battlements, and discover the secret grotto in the Magic Garden.

Follow in the steps of Henry VII and Anne Boleyn through the famous hedge maze, Tudor knot garden, and 60 acres of sublime gardens. Perfect for spring visiting, see over 110,000 tulip bulbs erupting in breath-taking colour in the UK’s biggest display of planted tulips April – May, then don’t forget to reward your Royal Progress with delicious hand-crafted coffee and indulgent cake at Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

Kensington Palace

London residence of William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, and many other family members, there’s a good chance of Royal-spotting at Kensington Palace! Home to young royals for over 300 years, explore the stunning public rooms and lavish historic King's and Queen’s State Apartments, each one grander than the last.

Born and raised at Kensington Palace, exhibition “A Royal Childhood” illustrates the story of Princess Victoria, the young girl destined to become a great Queen. Enter the glittering world of the Georgian court with 2023 blockbuster exhibition “Crown to Couture” to discover how the trailblazing fashion of 18th-century nobility has inspired today’s red carpet, with many historic costumes on public display for the first time.

St James Palace

St James Palace has been described as a “hidden gem” for a behind-the-scenes insight into the working life of the Royal family. Containing the homes and offices of several members of the Royal Family, including Princess Anne, this residence hosts up to 100 royal receptions every year- so there’s usually something going on!

Closely connected to the Royal family’s love of horses, the official entrance to St James is through Horse Guards Parade, where you can watch the daily mounted Changing of the Guard, and visit the stables. Look for the mysterious footprint on the wall of the arch leading into the Colour Court; legend has it that Henry VIII had the outline of his foot etched there, to help him find his footing when dismounting his horse!

Clarence House

Built by John Nash in 1825-27, and one of the last remaining aristocratic townhouses in London, Clarence House is a distinctly different Royal residence. It is such a beloved home to King Charles that he and Queen Camilla have retained it as their official London residence, using Buckingham Palace for official business and functions only.

Due to this, visiting Clarence House is by strictly limited pre-booked and small-party guided tours, making it feel very special. Starting in the private formal garden, the tour then moves into the official engagement rooms, including the morning room, the dining room, and garden room. The library, used by the Queen Mother for intimate dinners over five decades, contains many pieces from her personal collection, including Chinese porcelain and works by Landseer.

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Home to royalty and 1,000 years of royal history, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and was said to be the Queen’s favourite royal residence. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home to an incredible 39 monarchs. Start your visit with a free 30-minute historical tour of the Castle Precincts led by Wardens, then tour the State Apartments, replete with world-famous artefacts and artworks, including the priceless Queen Mary’s dolls’ house.

Picture yourself at a state banquet in the grand Great Hall, or attending a Royal Wedding in St George’s Chapel, before enjoying spectacular views of the 4,800 acre Great Park and surrounding countryside from Henry VIII’s North Terrace. Don’t forget to make time for tea and cake in the Undercroft Café, situated in one of the oldest surviving parts of the castle: history and hot chocolate!