The UK is known around the world for its Royal Family. The reign of Queen Elizabeth II is officially the world’s longest, and the Royal Family is one of the main reasons why millions of tourists choose to come to Britain each year – under normal circumstances.
When we think of the castles of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace is usually the first place that springs to mind. It is, after all, the Queen’s official residence, but for lovers of the Royal Family, there are plenty more places where they live or love to visit. From Windsor Castle to Balmoral, the Royal Family’s favourite castles are found all over the country.
Buckingham Palace
The first and most obvious of Royal favourites must be Buckingham Palace. Located at the end of The Mall in London’s Borough of the City of Westminster, the palace started out in 1703 as a large townhouse that was built for the Duke of Buckingham. King George III acquired it in 1761 and the building was gradually developed to become the wonder that it is today.
Buckingham Palace opened its doors to the public in 1993 and has become a major tourist attraction amongst Brits and foreign tourists alike. Visitors are able to follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore the lavish State Rooms, where ceremonial occasions and official entertaining takes place. Visitors can also be treated by admiring the magnificent treasures from the Royal Collection.
A visit to Buckingham Palace is the perfect way to top off a London city break or as during our London Summer Days Tour – but make sure that you get your ticket in advance as it is very popular!
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for over 900 years and is where the Queen and Prince Phillip spent most of the lockdown during the Coronavirus pandemic. It was founded in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror, and 39 monarchs have resided there – and updated and amended it ever since.
The castle looks over the town of Windsor in Berkshire and has seen such prestigious occasions as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, the funeral of Prince Phillip, and the home of the Order of the Garter founded by King Edward III. In 1992 a major fire damaged the Upper Ward of the castle leading to the evacuation of several royally owned artworks to prevent them from being damaged.
The grounds of Windsor Castle can be visited, and tickets bought to tour the inside. You can visit the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Doll House.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle – or just “Balmoral” as it is affectionally known by the Royal Family, is the Queen’s Scottish residence. Situated in the stunning countryside of Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire, the estate was originally bought by Prince Albert – husband of Queen Victoria in 1852, and the castle was later built on when it was decided that it was too small as it was. It had been added to by later royals, and the estate now comprises of an area of around 50,000 acres.
Balmoral Castle is open for everything from visits to the grounds and gardens, exhibitions, safari tours, and even just for a spot of afternoon tea!
Balmoral Castle can be reached by road and is approximately 50 miles from Aberdeen. It lies between the Scottish Highlands and Loch Lomond areas, and is perfect to explore during a short break.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence. The Palace of Holyroodhouse was constructed around the abbey which was built in 1128 by David I. It was then converted into a palace by James IV when he married Margaret Tudor (King Henry VIII’s sister). Subsequent kings then developed and added to the building to create the iconic palace that it is today.
Holyroodhouse has been ever-present throughout Scotland’s royal history, including being the home of Mary Queen of Scots, and the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie set up court. In visits to the palace, you can see the state apartments including the King’s Bedchamber, the Royal Dining Room, and the Throne Room and Privy Chamber, as well as the impeccable palace grounds.
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without taking a peek at Scottish and British royal history through the magic of Holyroodhouse. You could even tie it in with a New Year trip to celebrate the unforgettable Hogmanay in the Scottish capital…
These are just a selection of some of the Royal Family’s favourite places in the UK to visit. Others include Northern Ireland’s Hillsborough Castle, and Kensington Palace – the residence of the Cambridges, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Michael of Kent. If there’s one thing that the UK has a lot of, its interesting castles to explore. You can find a selection of coach tours to these castles at here.