Reservations

Luxury Travel

Reservations

Luxury Travel

Five Royal Residences You Need To Visit

If you're still gripped by Platinum Jubilee fever, book a trip to check out one of these opulent royal residences.

This is a feature from Issue 11 of Charitable Traveller. Click here to read more from this issue.

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the Queen, though purportedly not her favourite place to be, Buckingham Palace is open to the public from the end of July to September. You can tour the lavish State Rooms, have a nose around the garden and see some treasures from the Royal Collection too. If you visit this summer you’ll find a special Platinum Jubilee exhibition, showcasing some of the Queen’s opulent jewellery and some iconic portraits. If you don’t make it inside, you can join the crowds to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony. It takes place daily from April to July, and on alternate days for the rest of the year.

Hampton Court Palace

The magnificent Hampton Court Palace in Surrey was the favoured royal residence of the notoriously dangerous-to-wed Henry VIII. You can immerse yourself in the public and private dramas of Tudor life in the grand rooms of this baroque building. Explore the magnificent Great Hall, learn about Tudor cooking in the fascinating kitchens, lose yourself in the famous Hampton Court Maze and discover a record-breaking grape vine in the beautiful gardens. If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you’ll find some of the filming locations here.

Palace of Holyrood House

Now the Queen’s official residence in Scotland but best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was married here. You can explore her bedchamber and see the Supper Room where she witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary by her jealous husband. You can also see where Bonnie Prince Charlie entertained in 1745. This summer there is a bonus exhibition of her Majesty’s iconic Jubilee outfits and some of her dazzling jewels.

Sandringham House & Estate

This Norfolk residence is where the Queen chooses to spend Christmas with her family. Since 1862 it has been the private home of four generations of monarchs and was once described as ‘the most comfortable house in England’. The stunning, dog-friendly Royal Parkland and the shop and eateries at the Courtyard are open all year. The house, its pretty gardens with sweeping lawns and lakes, and St. Mary Magdalene Church are open from April to October (but closed Fridays). You can also enjoy afternoon tea here, with much of the ingredients produced on the estate.

Windsor Castle

Not only is Windsor Castle the Queen’s favoured weekend residence, but it’s also the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Highlights inside include the State Apartments, with the grand ceremonial rooms where the Queen hosts heads of state from around the world; St George’s Chapel (the burial ground of 10 monarchs and the setting for many royal weddings) and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Don’t miss the chance to explore Windsor Great Park which has incredible views of the castle from its famous Long Walk, a dead straight tree-lined avenue stretching into the distance.

Five Royal Residences You Need To Visit

If you’re still gripped by Platinum Jubilee fever, book a trip to check out one these opulent royal residences.

This is a feature from Issue 11 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the Queen, though purportedly not her favourite place to be, Buckingham Palace is open to the public from the end of July to September. You can tour the lavish State Rooms, have a nose around the garden and see some treasures from the Royal Collection too. If you visit this summer you’ll find a special Platinum Jubilee exhibition, showcasing some of the Queen’s opulent jewellery and some iconic portraits. If you don’t make it inside, you can join the crowds to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony. It takes place daily from April to July, and on alternate days for the rest of the year.

Hampton Court Palace

The magnificent Hampton Court Palace in Surrey was the favoured royal residence of the notoriously dangerous-to-wed Henry VIII. You can immerse yourself in the public and private dramas of Tudor life in the grand rooms of this baroque building. Explore the magnificent Great Hall, learn about Tudor cooking in the fascinating kitchens, lose yourself in the famous Hampton Court Maze and discover a record-breaking grape vine in the beautiful gardens. If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you’ll find some of the filming locations here.

Palace of Holyrood House

Now the Queen’s official residence in Scotland but best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was married here. You can explore her bedchamber and see the Supper Room where she witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary by her jealous husband. You can also see where Bonnie Prince Charlie entertained in 1745. This summer there is a bonus exhibition of her Majesty’s iconic Jubilee outfits and some of her dazzling jewels.

Sandringham House & Estate

This Norfolk residence is where the Queen chooses to spend Christmas with her family. Since 1862 it has been the private home of four generations of monarchs and was once described as ‘the most comfortable house in England’. The stunning, dog-friendly Royal Parkland and the shop and eateries at the Courtyard are open all year. The house, it’s pretty gardens with sweeping lawns and lakes, and St. Mary Magdalene Church are open from April to October (but closed Fridays). You can also enjoy afternoon tea here, with much of the ingredients produced on the estate.

Windsor Castle

Not only is Windsor Castle the Queen’s favoured weekend residence, but it’s also the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Highlights inside include the State Apartments, with the grand ceremonial rooms where the Queen hosts heads of state from around the world; St George’s Chapel (the burial ground of 10 monarchs and the setting for many royal weddings) and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Don’t miss the chance to explore Windsor Great Park which has incredible views of the castle from its famous Long Walk, a dead straight tree-lined avenue stretching into the distance.