From regal robes and crown jewels to sumptuous state apartments and ceremonial carriages, here's where to go in the capital for an insight into royal London throughout the ages.
Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors during the summer, but the other palaces, castles and venues below can be visited year round. To save money, book your London royal tours and royal attraction tickets in advance or buy a London Pass (which includes access to many of the venues).
Best royal tours in London
London, SW1A 1AA
From £32.00
London, SW1A 1AA
From £15.00
Best royal places to visit in London
3. Royal Mews
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.
London, SW1W 0QH
From £17.00
Tower Hill, City of London, London, EC3N 4AB
From £35.80
Take a day trip to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, just half an hour from London by train. Visit the State Apartments and admire wonderful works of art from the Royal Collection. Don’t miss Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the largest dolls’ house in the world.
Windsor, SL4 1NJ
From £31.00
Join the one million people visiting Westminster Abbey each year, admire the gothic architecture and step back in time to discover 700 years of turbulent history. As the coronation Church of England, Westminster Abbey also witnessed the weddings of Queen Elizabeth II to Prince Phillip and of Prince William to Kate Middleton.
Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, SW1P 3PA
From £30.00
Kensington Palace State Apartments, Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX
From £24.70
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. Follow the costumed guides as they bring the palace's 500 years of royal history to life. Then head outside to the formal gardens and have fun getting lost in the magnificent maze of one of the most beautiful royal places in London.
East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
From £30.90
You've seen Changing the Guard, now look behind the scenes at the work that goes into the ceremonial duties and operational roles of the Household Cavalry. Watch troopers working with their horses in the original 18th-century stables and browse a collection representing more than 300 years of military history.
London, SW1A 2AX
From £11.00
Dedicated to works of art from the Royal Collection, The King's Gallery (formerly The Queen's Gallery) was constructed in 1962 at Buckingham Palace, out of the bomb-damaged ruins of a chapel. In addition to gems from the Royal Collection, there's a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.
London, SW1A 1AA
From £19.00
11. Kew Palace
Located within lush botanical gardens, Kew Palace was the residence of George II's daughters, then family home of George III. Peek inside the most intimate of the royal palaces, where everything is just as it was during George's reign; the riot of colour in the authentically recreated rooms gives you a real feel for the life of this royal family.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AB
What royal places can you visit in London?
London is a city rich with royal history and attractions showcasing the grandeur of the British monarchy. Many royal attractions provide a fascinating insight into the lives of British royals, both past and present. There are many royal places to visit in London, including:
- Buckingham Palace: During select dates in the summer, explore the official residence of King Charles III. Tour the lavishly furnished State Rooms, discover fine art and marvel at the Grand Staircase.
- Tower of London: Explore nearly 1,000 years of history at the Tower of London, which has served as a mighty fortress, royal palace and infamous prison.
- Kensington Palace: Visit the former home of Princess Diana, now the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and see seasonal exhibitions and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens.
- Westminster Abbey: Admire the iconic church that has hosted many royal weddings and coronations, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
- Hampton Court Palace: Marvel at the former home of King Henry VIII and take a glimpse into Tudor life. Explore the beautiful gardens and experience the historic Hampton Court Maze.
- Windsor Castle: Journey out of London and visit the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle.
- Royal Mews: See the extensive royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, including the dazzling Gold State Coach at the Royal Mews.
- Household Cavalry Museum: Learn about the ceremonial duties and operational roles of the Household Cavalry and explore more than 300 years of military history.
- Kew Palace: Experience a peaceful escape from the city at Kew Palace, the former retreat house for King George III and his family, nestled within the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Explore more of royal London, from royal events such as the annual Trooping the Colour parade to the best royal tours and day trips – including royal walking tours, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace day trips and the Buckingham Palace tour with afternoon tea.
