London's Historic Royal Palaces

The Tower of London

In the heart of the city, The Tower of London brings a thousand years of history to life. William the Conqueror built the tower in the 1070s to impress his new subjects. You'll be impressed too.

Despite its grim reputation as a place of torture and death, within the Tower of London's walls you will also discover the history of a royal palace, an armoury and a powerful fortress. 

If you disagreed with Henry VIII or Elizabeth I, you might have found yourself imprisoned in the tower. Some unlucky historic figures were beheaded on Tower Green, including Anne Boleyn.

The Tower of London is home to the crown jewels, an eye-opening collection of bling which includes the coronation regalia and the most enormous diamonds.

Don't miss Royal Beasts! Learn about the wild and wondrous animals that have inhabited the Tower throughout its history.

There's loads of special events going on at the Tower of London. Today you could lay siege to the castle with a whopping great catapult; tomorrow you might meet Henry III or find out what it's like to wear armour. What will you see when you next visit?

Find out more about the events at the Tower of London and book your ticket to the Tower of London

Hampton Court Palace

This huge red-brick palace sprawls in lush green grounds and was Henry VIII's favourite. The grand rooms are fit for a king, decorated with paintings, velvet drapes and lashings of gold.

The royal kitchens were a big part of Tudor life at Hampton Court Palace. In any one day, up to 1,200 members of Henry's court might feast on wild boar and beer. Cooking for hundreds of people with no mod-cons can't have been easy; come and find out how they did it.

Hampton Court Palace is still bustling today. There are concerts and exhibitions; you can meet characters from Henry's court; or get lost in the famous maze. If that's not enough, the palace is home to the Royal School of Embroidery and hosts the Hampton Court Flower Show.

Find out more about the events at Hampton Court Palace and book your ticket to Hampton Court Palace. 

Banqueting House

Banqueting House was built for fun and frolics. Charles I liked his court to dance the night away at masques – theatrical fancy-dress balls. Banqueting House was designed by Inigo Jones as the perfect place for a Palladian party in 17th century London.

These days, Banqueting House is still used for functions and private parties but it's open to the public as well. You'll love the painted ceiling by Rubens, his only work which remains in the location for which it was designed.

Why not pick up a ticket to one of the many classical concerts and enjoy sophisticated entertainment in the perfect setting.

Find out more about the events at Banqueting House and book your ticket to Banqueting House.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a perfect palace for a princess. Behind the swirly golden gates, you'll find the former home of Princess Diana. Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria also lived at this gorgeous house, which was partly built by Sir Christopher Wren.

Kensington Palace is a tribute to fashion and style. You'll usually find a selection of Diana's designer frocks on display, as well as exhibitions inspired by other stylish royals and the palace's history.

This year, Kensington Palace has been enchanted! You can journey through the magical Enchanted Palace experience, weaving contemporary fashion, performance, dreamlike installations and tales of the palaces' princesses. 

Then enjoy a leisurely lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea in the tranquil Orangery, which offers one of the finest tea selections in London.

Find out more about the events at Kensington Palace and book your ticket to Kensington Palace.

Kew Palace

Kew Palace has recently been restored to its full glory. The palace presides over the picturesque grounds of Kew Gardens and was home to the Royal Family in the 1600s.

Kew Palace is most associated with King George III – it's where he went to recuperate from his "madness". It's home to an eclectic selection of royal treasures, including an early wooden jigsaw of the world and a dolls house made by George's children.

You'll also love Queen Charlotte's Cottage, a gorgeous little cottage nestled in the trees nearby. It was built for the royal family to take afternoon tea.

Find out more about the events at Kew Palace.