To mark the coronation of King Charles III, we’re sharing with you five experiences that’ll immerse you in the world of the British royalty in London.
On 6 May the new King of England, Charles III, together with his queen, Camilla, will officially be crowned. The ceremony is a historic event that attracts the attention of media and newspapers from all over the world. And if you, like us, are getting caught up in all that royal excitement, why not head to London and immerse yourself in the history and life of the British royalty. It’s an essential part of British culture and also includes some truly majestic attractions.
Read on to discover 5 five royal experiences in London.
1. Visit the Royal Palaces
No trip to London can be said to be complete without at least a look at Buckingham Palace. The official royal residence, it’s only open for visits during the summer and most of September. Tickets run out quickly, so we suggest booking in advance. The good news is that the other royal palaces in the country can be visited all year round.
If you want to imagine what the life of the English royal family is like, then head to one of their royal mansions. The Tower of London today preserves the Crown Jewels, but in the Middle Ages it was used as a sumptuous royal palace and a terrible prison.
Hampton Court also has centuries of royal history to delve through. But if you really want to get closer to the English royals, in London the best place is Kensington Palace, where William and Kate (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) live along with other young royals. Or visit Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the setting for the royal wedding of William and Kate and and where, as per tradition, Charles III will be crowned.
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2. Visit some of the lesser-known royal attractions
Avoid the crowds and head to some of London’s lesser-known British royal attractions, such as the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Built between 1616 and 1635, the house was built for Queen Anne of Denmark and King James I. The building now houses a beautiful art collection, where you can admire works of art by great English masters, such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Hogarth.
For those interested in military history, a visit to the Household Cavalry Museum is a must. A living museum, belonging to the famous Whitehall horse guards, it still functions as the headquarters of the family division. Visitors will have the chance to see horses in 18th-century stables, as well as helmets and uniforms that are rarely exhibited to the public.
Then stop at Kew Palace, in the lush Kew Gardens, where you can access the royal kitchens and the cottage of Queen Charlotte. And if you’re in London in August, head to Clarence House, which has housed many English royals over the years. Today it’s the official home of Prince Charles and Camilla, with five rooms on the ground floor open for visitors.
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3. Enjoy afternoon tea like a royal
Afternoon tea has been part of British culture for two centuries, becoming one of the most English ways to spend the afternoon. Enjoy your well-deserved five-o’clock tea at Fortnum & Mason. Holders of royal warrants, they’re official food suppliers to the royal family so you know you’re in good hands. Check out our post on where to go for afternoon tea in London for more inspiration. You can enjoy small delicate sandwiches without crust, cakes and typical sweets with cream and jam. Accompany everything with a good cup of tea or, if you’re in the mood, with a glass of sparkling wine.
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4. Go on a day trip to Windsor Castle
Leave the city, and go on a day trip from London to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest uninhabited castle in the world! Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it was the home of 39 regents. Its magnificent garden will also be the setting for a grand concert, to be held in honor of the new king and queen on the evening of 7 May. Windsor Castle is just an hour away from Central London, so it can be easily reached on an organized tour or by train.
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5. Head north for your royal fix
Continuing on the royal trail, head north to Scotland. In Edinburgh visit Holyrood Palace. Located at the end of the Royal Mile, the palace has been an important royal residence for centuries. The historic 16th-century apartment of Queen Mary of Scotland and the state apartments are open to the public during the year, of course except when members of the royal family are staying here.
Or go even further to Balmoral Castle, one of the two private residences owned by the royal family, as opposed to the palaces that belong to the Crown. It’s been a royal favorite since its purchase in 1852. The castle is open to the public every year from April to August.
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Ready for your journey on the trail of the English royals? Take a look at our travel experiences: