10 spectacular royal palaces, castles and houses to visit

From Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle – here’s our pick of the best royal palaces, castles and houses to visit in Britain.

By countryfile

Published: Tuesday, 24 October 2023 at 20:13 PM

We’ve gathered a selection of the most spectacular royal palaces, castles and houses to visit in Britain.

Best royal palaces to visit

1

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

The long walk with Windsor Castle in the background, Windsor, Berkshire/Credit: Getty

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. An official residence for Her Majesty the Queen, and venue for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The original site of Windsor Castle was chosen and built by William the Conqueror in around 1070 to guard the western approach to London from a potential attack.

Open all year round to the public, visit royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle

We named Windsor Castle one of England’s best castles as well as one of the most haunted castles in the UK

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Himley Hall came into being in the 18th century when a medieval manor house belonging to the Earl of Dudley was demolished to make way for a Palladian mansion./Credit: Getty

2

Buckingham Palace, Westminster

Buckingham Palace in early morning sunlight, reflected in the water of the Victoria Memorial. London/Credit: Getty

The official residence of the King and Queen and one of Britain’s most recognised historic sites, Buckingham Palace is often used for national celebrations and events. Buckingham House was bought in 1761 by George III for his wife Queen Charlotte.

Buckingham Palace is open to the public during the summer months and for a limited number of tours in December, January and at Easter each year. Find out more about visiting the Palace on the Royal Collection Trust website.

3

Clarence House, London

A guard outside Clarence House in London/Credit: Getty

Built in 1825-27 by John Nash for George III’s for his third son, Prince William Henry. Clarence House was used by The Queen Mother until 2002 and The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall before they became King and Queen.

Clarence House is open to the public in August every year. Find out more about visiting Clarence House on the Royal Collection Trust website.

4

Kensington Palace, London

Kensington Palace has been home to the royal family since the 17th century/Credit: Getty

Built in 1605, Kensington Palace has been used as a home to the royal family since the 17th century. With Jacobean architecture the palace was originally known as Nottingham House and is surrounded by acres of spectacular gardens.

Kensington Palace is open daily, except except 24-26 December, visit: hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace

5

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Hampton Court Palace and ground in Surrey/credit: Getty

Set on the edge of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace in Surrey was originally a Tudor palace created by Cardinal Wlosey in the early 16th century and was once home to Henry VIII and his six wives over the years. A fascinating site of historic interest, surrounded by beautiful gardens, the palace was opened to the public in 1838 by Queen Victoria.

Open all year round, except 24-26 December, visit: hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

6

Balmoral Castle, Scotland

Balmoral Castle in Scotland/Credit:Getty

The Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased by Prince Albert in 1852 for Queen Victoria, Balmoral Castle features Baronial architecture. Set in the Highlands, the castle is surrounded by gardens, which were first started by Prince Albert and since improved by the royal family.

Balmoral and its grounds are open to the public at selected times. balmoralcastle.com

7

Highgrove House, Gloucestershire

The family house of the King and Queen, Highgrove House is near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.

The Royal Gardens at Highgrove are open to the public on select dates between April and October each year, visit: highgrovegardens.com

8

Tower of the London, London

Tower of London/Credit: Getty

Built in the 1070s, by William the Conqueror to defend and control the city, the Tower of London has inspired awe and fear into people over the centuries, with prisoners captured within its walls. The palace was used as a residence for 500 years by the royal family and is famously used to house the crown jewels. The Tower of London has a long and bloody history with Henry VI murdered there during the Wars of the Roses.

The Tower of London is open daily except between 24-26 December and on 01 January, visit: hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london

9. Kew Palace, Richmond-Upon-Thames

Sitting on the banks of the River Thames in London, Kew Palace might be the smallest of the royal palaces, but it is no less spectacular. Surrounded by the vast botanical Kew Gardens, the palace was built in 1631 for the London silk merchant, Samuel Fortreas, the mansion was acquired by the royal family in the 1720s. George II and family used the palace as a retreat from the hectic pace of city life. The palace later became a refuge when George III’s mental illness took hold.

Kew Palace is currently open for the summer season, visit: hrp.org.uk/kew-palace

10. Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

Sandringham Estate, former of of the late Queen Elizabeth II./Credit: Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/Getty images

The private royal estate in Norfolk is made up of farmland, woodland, orchards and a number of small village properties. Rented out to tenant farmers, an increasing amount of crops are grown organically. King Edward VII first opened the gardens to the public in 1908, while the museum was opened by King George V in 1930, while Sandringham House was opened to the public in 1977 in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year.

The visitor centre is open daily, except Good Friday and Christmas Day, visit: sandringhamestate.co.uk