Are you a fan of the British royal family? Does the lifestyle of kings and queens fascinate you? Have you always wanted to visit beautiful castles and UK royal family homes? If you nod your head in a “yes,” this guide is for you! Here is the complete guide to exploring Britain’s palaces and royal family homes.
The British monarchy is one of the oldest monarchies in the world and the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom. The family owns charming homes that testify to their prestige and power. From grand palaces to quaint country estates, many of these royal homes are open to visitors and offer a glimpse into the lives of the monarchy
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Five enchanting British royal homes and estates that are worth visiting
1. Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace is the official royal residence in London. It is one of the most famous buildings in history and the most visited royal palace in the UK.
Since 1873, Buckingham Palace has remained the official residence of the current monarch of the United Kingdom. It is a stunning building that boasts marvelous architecture. It has 775 rooms and almost every luxury and amenity in the world.
The Palace’s State Rooms are open to visitors every summer, and you can also view the Palace from the outside for free. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a world-famous tourist attraction that has occurred almost daily for more than 400 years.
2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Nestled amidst dense trees and plenty of natural beauty, The Palace of Holyroodhouse is known as the official Scottish home of the British monarch. The palace is built in the classical style and has many elegant apartments and rooms. The vibrant gardens are a treat to the eyes.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse’s State Apartments is open to visitors. You can even have a glimpse at the elegant Throne Room. The Palace is about a 400-mile drive from London. You can also take the train.
3. Windsor Castle, Windsor
Windsor Castle is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited British royalty home. It has been home to 40 monarchs and has witnessed over 1,000 years of royal history.
Windsor Castle was the preferred weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II. It is also famous for its elaborate State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Royal Collection of prestigious art, jewels, and antiques.
Fun fact: Locals and many visitors claim that the ghost of King Henry VIII haunts the castle’s Round Tower.
4. Kensington Palace, London
If you have been a fan of Princess Diana – one of the British royal family’s most iconic and glamorous members, you shouldn’t miss visiting Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace was originally a mansion converted into a palace in 1689. It has been the residence of many members of the Royal Family, including Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and the former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The palace is open to the public and houses a fabulous collection of fashion, clothing, royal jewels, and tiaras. There are exhibitions about the life of Princess Diana as well.
5. Sandringham House, Sandringham, Norfolk
If you want to visit a royal family’s country estate, check out Sandringham House. It is a famous private UK royal family home in the Norfolk region of England.
The house was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1862 and has been a favorite residence of the monarchs ever since. The House grounds are surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland with many trees and flowers. Sandringham House is open to the public during the summer months.
Things to know before visiting British royal family homes
Now that you know about Britain’s most famous palaces and royal homes, here are some essential things you must remember before planning your trip to these palaces.
- Plan in time: British royalty homes attract many visitors from all across the globe. If you want to have a smooth experience, make sure to do all the research and make bookings.
- Respect the palaces and dress appropriately: Follow the rules and respect the heritage these royal homes represent. While there are no formal dress codes to visit these castles and royal homes, dress respectfully. Bright casual attires can be a great choice.
- Check the official website for more information: Due to Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III’s upcoming coronation, many British royalty homes are closed to visitors. Make sure to check the official websites of the palaces for information on opening times, admission fees, and booking information.
Conclusion
Visiting the homes of the British Royal Family is a unique and fascinating experience. So, the next time you are in England, visit them!