Royal London

The most famous resident of Hampton Court Palace was King Henry VIII. Each of his six wives stayed here; indeed, this is where he proposed to Jane Seymour (wife No 3). Inside, costumed guides bring the palace's 500 years of Royal history to life. Outside in the formal gardens, you can have fun getting lost in the magnificent maze.

Kensington Palace was Diana, Princess of Wales' official home in London. Today, you can explore the State Apartment and marvel at the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. To get a feel for some of the palace's other royal residents, don't miss the current Enchanted Palace exhibition, on until 2012.

Located in the lush botanical gardens, Kew Palace was the residence of George II's daughters, then family home of George III. Inside the most intimate of the royal palaces, everything is just as it was during George's reign; the riot of colour in the authentically re-created rooms give you a real feel for the life of this royal family.

Dedicated to works of art from the Royal Collection, The Queen's Gallery was constructed 40 years ago at Buckingham Palace, out of the bomb-damaged ruins of a chapel. In addition to gems from the Royal Collection (which is held in trust by the Queen for the nation), there's a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is a working stable, and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, as well as the cars used for state occasions. The most dazzling of all the coaches on display is the Gold State Coach, used as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.

Take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous buildings. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo! Gaze up at the White Tower, tiptoe through a medieval king's bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels.