Royal Palaces Scotland and Wales

We’re loving our coronation month making “royal progress” around the boundaries of our kingdom!! So, where’s next on the list? Having proved last week the royal red carpet rolls well out of London and all around the UK, this week we’ve stayed out of England altogether, choosing a trio of dramatic royal residences with a difference in Scotland and Wales.

From imposing stone fortresses to cosy (inside, at least!) favourite family retreats, and even leaving dry land altogether, these are residences with extremely strong and personal links to the royal family. Some go back centuries, one encapsulates the height of the Queen’s fame and reach around the world across the twentieth century. Intrigue, succession, war, treachery, bloodshed, grandeur, and some very personal peeks into home comforts. So swap your “HRH” slippers for your travelling cloak, and get ready to knock on some very impressive doors!

HMY Britannia, Edinburgh

If you fancy taking to the high seas on your royal residence tour, head for Edinburgh & anchors away! Well, not quite: you’ll stay safely docked on this intriguing vessel, so no need for the seasickness tablets! The Queen’s beloved former private yacht, for over 40 years the Royal Yacht Britannia carried the royal family millions of miles in style, hosting glittering state visits, official receptions, royal honeymoons and relaxing family holidays, and becoming one of the most famous ships in the world. Now firmly moored, and heralded as one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, spending time on this historic vessel guarantees a deeper peek into the off-duty life of the royal family.

Starting in the Royal Yacht Museum Visitor Centre, learn the history of royal yachts through exhibits, photos and models. Then grab an audio guide and walk the gangplank to explore the five decks of Britannia herself. Stroll through the sun lounge, imagine yourself joining the royals for a cuppa in the royal deck tea room, and see behind the scenes in the engine room. You can also peek into the State Apartments, arranged as if guests like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill have just stepped out, and see the gleaming Rolls-Royce Phantom V which used to transport the Royals shoreside (took the shine off getting back into our Nissan Micra, we admit!)

Castle & Gardens of Mey

Open to the public through a trust, the Castle of Mey was the beloved property of the Queen Mother for nearly half a century. It sits dramatically on rising ground overlooking the Pentland Firth and Orkney Islands on the north coast of Caithness, about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O'Groats. Built between 1566 and 1572, from your very first glimpse you’re rewarded with a “real” Scottish castle! Rising towers with arched doorways, jutting turrets adorned with numerous gun slits; this is a fortress to thrill.

Inside, a relaxed guided tour fits the feel of the castle itself. For all its imposing grandeur, this was very much a loved family retreat, largely left just as it was in the Queen Mother’s day- keep an eye out for her old blue walking coat and boots just inside the front door. A surprise for many is the beautiful walled garden, so far north. The secret is the 12 foot high Great Wall of Mey, giving protection from the gales and salt spray- the prefect sheltered spot to sit and reflect. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s acres of parkland, and little ones will love visiting Alice the donkey in the animal centre, where the chance to feed many rare breeds of sheep, poultry and rabbits will make you very popular!

Caernarfon Castle

Historically, Wales and the English royal family have had an admittedly turbulent history. However, centuries of conflict and warfare helped create some of the most stunning fortifications across the whole British Isles. Built over 47 years by the (presumably not attention-deficit) King Edward I, Caernarfon Castle’s immense strength remains undimmed, its appearance unashamedly intimidating. Recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, for sheer scale and architectural drama this fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont stands alone.

A castle of dreams, a legend brought to life after 700 years, the castle is presented as a fascinating example of living history. From contemporary accommodation and surprisingly luxurious apartments and state rooms, step back through turbulent times, fascinating history, bloody battles, right back to the bare bones of how the castle was constructed. With winding passageways, wall-top views, and hundreds of steps (and accessible alternatives), allow plenty of time for this fascinating castle, especially if you want to squeeze in the military museum and welcoming café!