The Major Royal Palaces & Castles London
A Practical Introduction For The Visitor to London
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| Windsor Castle |
Royalty and the history associated with it is obviously one of the big draws for visitors to London.
There are many facets that a visitor could explore, but on this page we provide a practical introduction to the main blockbuster attractions.
We include Windsor Castle and Hampton Court on the outskirts of London but easily visited by everyone using London's public transport
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| Buckingham Palace |
| Kensington Palace |
| Tower of London |
| Hampton Court |
| Windsor Castle |
Tower of London
The Tower of London sits by the River Thames adjacent to Tower Bridge. Its probably one of the few times most visitors will be inside the original city walls of London, now the city's financial district.
At the seaward end of the city walls, the Tower guarded London from invaders coming along the river. Its one of the best preserved and historical castles in England. For the Norman's who brought Castles to England after they conquered England in 1066, this was 'base 1' castle in string of castles spread throughout England.
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| Tower of London |
Being one of the safest places in London it has acted as jail, refuse and fortress. With England's colourful and sometimes gruesome history a lot of history is associated with the Tower.
Today its one of the most popular attractions in London for people of all ages
Buckingham Palace
For the first time visitor to London, one of the 'must see' events is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
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| Buckingham Palace |
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Buckingham Palace is very much a working Palace so for the vast majority of visitors, Changing of the Guard is the only facet of Buckingham Palace they will see.
In the summer the State Rooms are opened on a limited basis and you can also visit the Royal Mews (the stables at Buckingham Palace).
You can visit the Staterooms at Windsor Castle daily, and there is also a Changing of the Guard there too.
More details about Buckingham Palace
Kensington Palace
Just a mile from Buckingham Palace and also in a Royal Park (Kensington Gardens) is Kensington Palace. Kensington Palace was the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760 when Buckingham Palace found favour.
Its popularity has greatly increased in recent years because of Princess Diana who lived here. Today you can visit Kensington Palace daily. There is a special Diana fashion and style exhibition featuring eighteen dresses amongst the attractions here.
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| Windsor Castle |
More details Kensington Palace
Windsor Castle
West of London, very close to London's main airport, Heathrow, is Windsor Castle. Its the first Norman Castle down the River Thames from the Tower of London.
Despite its Castle like features its very much evolved into a palace inside. Its where the Queen would call home. Its very easy to get to from Central London with a choice of rail and bus links.
You can easily take up a day in Windsor, some people take more, there is so much to see and do. Windsor Great Park, a remnant of the old royal hunting grounds stretches for miles in front of the Castle.
You can visit Windsor Castle daily, most people taking a couple of hours to view the castle.
More details of Windsor Castle
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| Hampton Court Palace |
Hampton Court Palace
Like Windsor Castle, Hampton Court sits besides the River Thames west of the capital.
Famous for its connections with Henry VIII, Hampton Court is a true palace built to impress with extensive grounds.
Again, there is much to see and do at Hampton Court and you could easily spend a day here.
There are direct frequent trains from Central London or you can even go by boat from Westminster, (though the trip takes several hours)
More details About Hampton Court
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