18 Royal Palaces in London

Step inside the official London residence of the British monarch and explore the opulent State Rooms, adorned with priceless art and furniture. You can also wander through the beautiful palace gardens and enjoy a refreshment at the Garden Café.

Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially for summer openings. Consider a small group tour for a more intimate experience.

Experience a quintessential British tradition with the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. Watch as the King's Guard, in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats, hand over their duties with a display of precision and pageantry.

Tip: Arrive by 11:00 AM for the best viewing spots at the Victoria Memorial or along The Mall. Check the official schedule as it doesn't happen daily.

Immerse yourself in centuries of royal history at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's former residence. Explore the Tudor kitchens, Baroque state apartments, and stunning gardens, gaining insight into the lives of monarchs past.

Tip: Dedicate a full day to explore the palace and its extensive grounds. Consider taking the riverboat for a scenic arrival.

Delve into the Tower of London's rich and often dark history as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. See the dazzling Crown Jewels, meet the iconic Beefeaters, and explore centuries of British heritage.

Tip: Arrive early and head to the Jewel House first to avoid long queues. Allow at least half a day to explore thoroughly.

Explore the historic home of many royals, including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Discover the stories of its inhabitants through beautifully curated exhibitions and elegant rooms.

Tip: Combine your visit with nearby museums like the Natural History Museum or the V&A.

Stand before the magnificent Victoria Memorial, a grand gilded monument located directly in front of Buckingham Palace. It's a perfect spot for photos and to soak in the regal atmosphere.

Tip: This is a prime viewing location for the Changing of the Guard.

Discover the historic Royal Mews, home to the State Coach and other magnificent carriages used by the Royal Family for centuries. It's a fascinating glimpse into royal transport and ceremonial occasions.

Tip: Often visited in conjunction with Buckingham Palace tours.

See rotating exhibitions of works from the Royal Collection at The Queen's Gallery. It's a chance to view masterpieces of art and historical artifacts usually housed within the royal palaces.

Tip: Check the current exhibition schedule before your visit.

While not a palace itself, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, were once a royal estate and offer stunning landscapes and historic glasshouses. It's a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy nature.

Tip: Allow ample time to explore the vast gardens and diverse plant collections.

Experience the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the traditional place of coronation and burial for British monarchs. Its stunning Gothic architecture is awe-inspiring.

Tip: Visit in the morning to potentially avoid the largest crowds.

Journey to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of the King. Explore its rich history, magnificent State Apartments, and St. George's Chapel.

Tip: It's a popular day trip from London, so plan your travel accordingly.

Discover Eltham Palace, a historic royal residence with a fascinating Art Deco interior. While much of the original Tudor palace is gone, it holds significant childhood memories for Henry VIII.

Tip: This palace offers a different architectural style compared to others.

Step into Banqueting House, the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall. Admire the magnificent Rubens ceiling and learn about its history as a site for royal celebrations and events.

Tip: It's a compact but historically significant site.

Take a trip to Brighton to see the exotic Royal Pavilion, a stunning former seaside pleasure palace built for King George IV. Its unique Indo-Saracenic architecture is a sight to behold.

Tip: This is a day trip from London, offering a different royal experience.

Explore Arundel Castle, a magnificent medieval castle with a thousand years of history. While not directly owned by a reigning monarch, it's steeped in royal connections and offers stunning architecture and gardens.

Tip: Located in West Sussex, it's a worthwhile day trip for history enthusiasts.

Visit Hever Castle in Kent, a beautiful moated castle that was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Explore its historic rooms, award-winning gardens, and learn about its Tudor past.

Tip: Another excellent day trip option for those interested in Tudor history.

Even if you don't go inside, simply walking around the exterior of Buckingham Palace is an experience. Admire its grand facade and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic royal landmark.

Tip: Great for a quick visit or as part of a broader London exploration.

For the first time, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace is opening its doors to the public. This area has been private for 175 years, offering a unique glimpse into a rarely seen part of the palace.

Tip: Check for specific opening dates and times as this is a new offering.