This winter, experience what life is like for the royal family by visiting some of Britain’s best royal attractions.

Buckingham Palace

We have to start with this one, as well as being one of the most recognisable London landmarks, it is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The palace itself is only open at certain times of the year, however, you can see the Changing of the Guard ceremony for free every other day during the winter and every day in the summer months.

Windsor Castle

Aside from being the biggest occupied castle in the world, Windsor is also Queen Elizabeth’s favourite royal residence. Much like Buckingham Palace, the castle is open to the public and has many fascinating things to see, including St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of 10 monarchs, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.

Hampton Court Palace

Located in Richmond, London, Hampton Court was the favourite residence of Henry VIII. The palace and the gardens are open to the public and you can lose yourself in the famous maze. The gardens are said to be among the most beautiful in the world and no matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to see.

Edinburgh Castle

The royal residence of Scottish kings and queens for centuries, Edinburgh Castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and overlooks the city. The castle sits at the top of an extinct volcano at the end of the Royal Mile and is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Scotland.

Tower of London

Before it was a prison, it was a royal residence and even a zoo! The Tower of London first began construction under William the Conqueror and has been a constant part of London’s skyline ever since. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels as well as the dungeons and the cells that held famous prisoners like Guy Fawkes.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Probably best known for being the home of Mary Queen of Scots and the site of her husband’s murder, this is Queen Elizabeth II’s official Scottish residence. The palace offers tours to the public where you can see the State Apartments, gardens and the Queen’s Gallery which features an ever changing exhibition. There are also lots of chances to learn about Mary Queen of Scots during the tour.

Balmoral Castle

Staying in Scotland for a moment, this castle in Aberdeenshire was purchased by Queen Victoria in the 1840s and has been a private home for the Royal Family ever since. The current royal family spend their summers on the estate and it is open to the public at certain times of year with tours of the gardens and ballroom.

Sandringham House

Another of the royal’s private estates, this house in Norfolk is reported to be Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite home and is where she often spends Christmas. It has been the private home for over 4 generations of monarchs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit, the house and gardens are open from March to October every year and features its own museum so you can find out more about the various inhabitants.

Westminster Abbey

The abbey has been the setting for coronations and other royal events since 1066. Over the years it has hosted 16 royal weddings, including the wedding of our current queen to the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Kensington Palace

Formerly the home of Princess Diana and Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace is now the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It is open to the public at various points during the year and features exhibitions about Queen Victoria with many of the displays being created from her own personal diaries and recollections. The King and Queen’s apartments are also open to the public.

Find out more about Britain’s royal history here.

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