Royal sites in London give visitors the chance to feel like Kings and Queens for a day.
With an abundance of history and culture, London has several Royal attractions that are open to the general public and ready to be explored. Below are the top seven Royal places that deserve to be seen on your next trip to London.
No 1: Buckingham Palace
Buckingham palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. It is the official home of the queen, and is often the gathering place for the British at times of national celebration.
The palace is open to the general public during August and September, a wonderful time to explore its vast 775 rooms.
Be sure to allot time in your itinerary to watch the famous Change of the Guard, taking place at 11:30am almost every morning.
No 2. Kensington Palace
Home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – better known as Will and Kate – along with the lovely Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kensington Palace is set in the beautiful Kensington Gardens.
With one wing open to the public, you can feel like royalty for a day while exploring the exhibitions.
No 3: St. James Palace
What used to be the official home of the Queen is now the primary residence of certain Senior Royalty.
The Palace houses not only several members, but also their – and the Queen’s – household offices.
Due to this, the palace is not open to the general public. However, it is known to be a better view for watching the previously mentioned Changing of the Guard ceremony.
No 4. Clarence House
Clarence House has been home to many members of the Royal Family over the years.
Currently, it is the official residence of Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Guided tours are available to the general public every August. These small one or two hour group tours take you through four or five rooms with an educated, top-rated tour guide.
No 5. Tower Of London
The Tower of London has served many purposes in its time.
For nearly 900 years it served as an infamous prison, eventually becoming a treasury, the home of the Royal Mint, and a public records office, among many others.
The Tower is now home to the Crown Jewels of England and open to the general public to view the 23,578 gems.
Actors dressed as knights make you feel like you stepped into a different time period, truly making the tower come alive.
No 6. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has been the location of crowning every Monarch since the 11th century. Since 1550, however, the building has a new status: Church of England.
It has become the premier location for Royal Weddings – including Will and Kate’s in 2011 – having had 16 wedding ceremonies over the years.
Currently open to the general public; the guided tours are highly recommended. You may even get to go in restricted areas, opposed to the self guided tour.
No. 7: Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the official residencies of the Queen. She uses the castle as her weekend home, and as a meeting place for royal duties.
Some of those who work and live in the castle include: the Dean of Windsor, the Military Knights of Windsor, and the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle.
Open to the general public, the castle provides unique attractions, such as Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and St. George’s Chapel, where many Royal weddings have been celebrated.
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