A practical introduction for the visitor to London
Iconic Royal Palaces and castles sometimes define what is British. 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.
This page explores Kensington Palace and the Tower of London in central London, as well as the iconic Buckingham Palace. Additionally, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, although not in the capital can be easily accessible using London’s public transport.
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of His Majesty The King
For the first time visitor to London, one of the ‘must see’ events is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace at 11am.
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.
During the last week in July, all of August and September, when no one is using the palace in its official capacity, visitors can enjoy the State Rooms.
These form the heart of the working palace – nineteen rooms in all, lavishly furnished with the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto and some of the finest English and French furniture.
Since 2021, visitors can now also enjoy time in the beautiful Palace Gardens, home to 30 different species of bird and over 350 different wild flowers. You will finish your wonderful day at Buckingham Palace with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake.
For more information visit our Buckingham Palace tours page.
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace
A permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, the wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the Nation. The Queen’s Gallery is open to the public for most of the year, with closures during selected months (see ticket options below).
The Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is the mews (or stables) of the British Royal Family, located in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Open to the public March – October (see ticket options below).
Tower of London
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Tower of London sits by the River Thames adjacent to Tower Bridge. It is 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.
Being one of the safest places in London it has acted as jail, refuse and fortress. With England’s colourful and sometimes gruesome history, many people associate a lot of history with the Tower.
Today its one of the most popular attractions in London for people of all ages and for many first time visitors comes under the “must see” category.
Kensington Palace – including entrance to Princess Diana Exhibition
The birthplace of Queen Victoria
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.
Following a major renovation project, the palace now unveils many secret stories of past royal figures, painting Kensington Palace as the setting for many noteworthy events and dramas in royal history. Make your way through the spectacular King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, adorned with paintings from the Royal Collection, and stroll through the Kensington Palace Gardens at your leisure.
Designing for a Princess – Princess Diana Exhibition
Enjoy the new fashion display showcasing the style of Princess Diana including the evening dress she wore to the 1988 state dinner in Bangkok. With such a vast expanse of beautiful outfits to display, the dresses will be rotated with other iconic outfits worn by the Princess. You’ll also get to see one of Diana’s favourite designers, David Sassoon’s exquisite selection of fashion sketches.
For more information visit our Kensington Palace page.
Windsor Castle
“The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.”
West of London, very close to London’s main airport, Heathrow, is Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is the first Norman Castle down the River Thames from the Tower of London.
Despite its castle like features it has very much evolved into a palace inside. Windsor Castle was the favourite residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is also more recently famous as the host of Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding in St George’s Chapel. It is 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. See more about Windsor Castle.
Hampton Court Palace
Discover the home of Henry VIII
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. See more about Hampton Court Palace.
There are direct frequent trains from central London or you can even go by boat from Westminster, (though the trip takes several hours).
Kew Palace & Gardens
“A Hidden Royal Home in Kew Gardens.”
Open from March – September, Kew Palace, once the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, requires a valid ticket for Kew Gardens to enter. See the Great Pagoda (which can be climbed with a separate ticket), Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and the Palace itself with Royal Kitchens.
In Queen Charlotte’s Cottage you’ll see Queen Charlotte’s bedroom and dressing room where the Queen spent her final months – now including the wig from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
The Royal Kitchens remain preserved as they were in the Georgian period 200 years ago, when they were last used. They are one of the few buildings surviving from the complex that served the now-demolished White House. The kitchen was left untouched for nearly 200 years.
The Great Pagoda has been through a major renovation recently and now you can climb the 253 steps to the top of the Great Pagoda and marvel at spectacular views across London (with a separate ticket). As you climb, learn why the Pagoda was built and how the royal family used this unique building in the 18th century.
See more about Kew Palace & Gardens.
UK Royal attractions
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – Northern Ireland
Hear stories of celebration, entertainment, diplomacy, and negotiation as you explore Hillsborough Castle’s fascinating history and stunning State Rooms. From grand family home to charming royal residence, Hillsborough Castle has welcomed the world and witnessed pivotal moments in history for over three hundred years.
Home to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland since the 1970s, Hillsborough Castle has played a central role in the peace-building process for 40 years.
Hillsborough Castle’s glorious gardens, developed from the 1760s onwards, are a joy to explore and include ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways and picturesque glens. Keep an eye out for specimen trees and rare plants as you explore the grounds.
Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Windsor Castle – all included with London Pass
The London Pass can save you £££’s on walk-up entry prices for over 80 of London’s top attractions.
Included in the pass are the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, Kew Palace & Gardens, The King’s Gallery, and Hampton Court Palace.
In addition other top attractions such as Tower Bridge, London Eye, London Bridge Experience, Madame Tussauds, Big Bus, Chessington World of Adventures, London Zoo, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s and View from the Shard are included.