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Royal Attractions in London
Our guide to the Royal Attractions in London in 2022, with the best ways to explore the world of the British Royal Family. Highlights include visiting the Royal Palace including Buckingham Palace, the centre of the British Monarchy. There are lots of things to see including viewing the State Apartments during the summer of 2022 and seeing the royal collection of paintings and artefacts throughout the year. London is also home to other royal locations, including Kensington Palace where Princess Diana lived and the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept.
Please note information on this page might be out of date following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Quicklinks:
Royal Attractions (Open All Year) >>>
Royal Attractions & Events (Open Seasonally) >>>
Other Way to Experience Royal London >>>
Overview
Royal Attractions Open All Year:
Windsor Castle – Official Residence
Windsor Castle, an official residence of the Queen and also the location of St George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married. This popular royal attraction is open all year round, and is located just outside of London. From 7 July until 26 September 2022, a special exhibition will be on display called Platinum Jubliee: The Queen’s Coronation.
Different ways to visit:
Windsor is located outside Central London. Our standard entry ticket is perfect if you have a car. If you don’t we have two options: Our Windsor Castle entry & train tickets is ideal if you’d like to travel by train. Or if you prefer by bus, our Windsor shuttle bus is an ideal option.
Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace houses a world-class collection of artworks. It’s open throughout 2022 and contains master paintings, furniture and pieces from the Royal Collection. This year sees two exhibitions take place at the Gallery.
Japan: Courts and Culture (from 8 April 2022 –until 12 March 2023) explores the connection between the Royals and Japan with fascinating artefacts and paintings on display.
Exhibits are included in a standard entry ticket.
Get Tickets: The Queen’s Gallery >>>
Kensington Palace:
Kensington Palace is the official residence of Prince William (heir to the throne) and Kate Middleton, and is where Princess Diana once lived. Visitors can explore the magnificent Palace and Gardens.
This royal palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and has been a home for young royals for over 300 years. Visitors can explore the rooms where Princess Victoria was born and raised and see the King’s State Apartments that were used for audiences and meetings in the presence of royalty.
Get Tickets: Kensington Palace >>>
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic royal palace that dates back over 1,000 years. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels that are still used in royal ceremonies today, such as by the Queen for the State Opening of Parliament. This is the most powerful symbol of the British Monarchy which is under armed guard in the Jewel Tower.
You can also see the Yeoman Warders, part of the Royal Bodyguard who are nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’. These guards have existed since the 11th Century, and are instantly recognizable by their colourful uniform. Today they act as guides who bring to life the royal history at the Tower of London.
Visit the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London to see the recreations of impressive interiors used by medieval kings and queens, notably King Henry III and King Edward I. You can also visit the Royal armour and see objects from Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.
Book Tickets: Tower of London >>>
Hampton Court Palace & Garden
Hampton Court Palace was the most famous residence of King Henry VIII. Its open all year round, and visitors can explore the Tudor and Stuart times, the chapel and the impressive grounds including the Maze Garden. This is of the most popular royal attractions in London.
Get Tickets: Hampton Court Palace >>>
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place outside the gates of Buckingham Palace throughout the year. This iconic show marks the moment when the soldiers currently guarding the Palace exchange places with the new guard. It’s accompanied by a full military band playing traditional marches and popular songs.
Royal Attractions & Events Open Seasonally:
There are many royal attractions that are open on selected dates during the year. This includes the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews. There also many royal events that take place throughout the year, some of which are open to the public.
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace
Open from 19 May to 2 October 2022
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace opens from 19 May to 2 October. Catch a glimpse into the working life of the Royal Estate, see the working stables and admire the magnificent carriages.
This working stable is responsible for all road travel arrangements for the Queen and Royal Family. You can see the Gold Stage Coach which has been used at every coronation since 1821, as well as the coach that was built to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Visitors can try out a royal carriage and see some of the horses used to pull the carriages.
Get Tickets: The Royal Mews >>>
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Summer 2022
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. Most formal celebrations will take place in June, whilst there will be lots of informal celebrations and parties taking place across London in June and throughout the year to mark the occasion.
Formal celebrations will be centred around a 4-day Bank Holiday weekend from 2-5 June. Whilst some of these events will be open to the public, ticket availability will be extremely limited. Details of informal celebrations will become available during the course of the year and will centre around 5th June 2022, where there will be lots of street parties.
12-15 May 2022: ‘A Gallop Through History’ takes place at Windsor Castle. 500 horses and 1000 performers will take part in a 90-minute spellbinding show on the private grounds of Windsor Castle, taking viewers on a visual journey through history from Elizabeth I to the present day. Tickets can be bought here (very limited availability.)
2-5 June 2022 – A 4-day bank holiday weekend has been announced, and is being called the ‘Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend’.
2 June 2022: The Queen’s Birthday Parade known as ‘Trooping of the Colour’ takes place. This is a dazzling celebration with musicians, marching bands and 1400 officers on parade. Members of the public can purchase tickets, although availability is extremely limited. On the same day, Platinum Jubilee beacons will be lit at more than 1,500 locations across the UK and Overseas Territories. There will also be a lighting ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
3 June 2022: A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral, marking the Queen’s reign.
4 June 2022: A party will be held at Buckingham Palace, with some of the biggest global stars expected to perform. Members of the public will be invited to apply to attend the concert. You can apply here (extremely limited availability.)
5 June 2022: This day is being described as the ‘Big Jubilee’ lunch with street parties being planned in London and across the UK to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. There will also be a ‘Jubilee Pageant’, where an expected 5,000 will perform in the area around Buckingham Palace. There is expected to be circus, music, theatre, costumes and state-of-the-art visual technology.
5-7 July 2022: Beating Retreat takes place on Horse Guards Parade. This is an annual military ceremony usually attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. Tickets can be booked by the public in advance, with extremely limited availability.
July 2022: Exhibitions open at Windsor Castle (from 7 July) and Buckingham Palace (from 22 July) marking the Platinum Jubilee.
State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
Open from 22 July to 2 October 2022
The Buckingham Palace State Rooms open from 22 July to 2 October 2022. During this time, a special exhibition marking the Platinum Jubilee will be on display called Platinum Jubliee: The Queen’s Accession.
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Monarchy, and Queen Elizabeth II lives here for much of the year. One of the best royal attractions to visit in London this summer 2022 is the State Rooms, which are open for just 8 weeks. On a self-guided tour you’ll get to see royal rooms like the Throne Room, Ballroom and White Drawing Room.
Get Tickets: The State Rooms >>>
Other Ways to Experience Royal London
There are many other attractions and sites in London that are linked to the Royal Family. Our Royal London walking tour takes you past many of the key sites in the city with a formal guide. The tour is also included within our hop on hop off bus package, offering great value for money.
Madame Tussauds London
Madame Tussauds London lets you get up close and personal with lifelike wax figures, including the Royal Family! Madame Tussauds has sculpted a total of 23 figures of the Queen over the years, and the current one was made in honour of Her Diamond Jubilee. Prince William and Kate Middleton, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are shown in their engagement pose. You might spot Catherine’s ring which is a dazzling recreation of the one worn by Princess Diana. There’s also a sculpt of Prince Charles, heir to the throne, who is placed alongside his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. That’s a lot of Royals to meet!
Book Tickets: Madame Tussauds >>>
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has been the location for every coronation service since the year 1066, and is woven into the history of the British monarchy. It’s been the site of 16 royal weddings, including where Prince William tied the knot, and was also where the funeral service for Princess Diana took place in 1997.
Book Tickets: Westminster Abbey >>>
St Paul’s Cathedral
Another popular spot for royal weddings! Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here in 1981, and the current Queen celebrated her Silver (1977), Golden (2002) and Diamond (2012) Jubilees in this cathedral.
Book Tickets: St Paul’s Cathedral >>>
Kew Palace
Kew Palace is located in Kew Gardens, and is the smalles of the Royal Palaces. This lesser visited site was the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, and was used by later monarchs as a weekend retreat from the Georgian era. Entrance is included within a ticket for Kew Gardens.
Book Tickets: Kew Gardens >>>
Household Cavalry Museum
This is one of the only working museums in London, and explores the relationship between these elite soldiers and the Royals who they have protected for hundreds of years. The Household Division has been in charge of protecting the Royal Family from assassination and threats, and you can see real soldiers going about their day-to-day tasks in the stables. Exhibitions explore the history of this regiment. You can also see The Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard, a wonderful alternative to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. The ceremony happens every day at Horse Guards Parade at 11am (10am on Sundays).
Afternoon Tea with Royal Links
Having afternoon tea is a great British and royal pastime. You can enjoy many wonderful afternoon teas at places that have a royal connection, fit for a king or queen! The Goring Hotel holds a Royal Warrant which is a very prestigious document that is awarded to only the highest quality traders. The hotel is a firm favourite with the Royal Family and it’s here that the Queen hosts her annual staff Christmas lunch.
Another worthy location is the Royal Albert Hall. This cultural landmark was opened by Queen Victoria, and it was the location of the Queen’s Birthday Party in 2018. It serves up a wonderful musical-themed afternoon tea.
Royal Parks
London is home to an incredible 8 Royal Parks! These open spaces are owned by the Crown and are freely accessible to the public. The most popular parks include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park and St James’s Park. There’s nothing quite like going for a walk through one of these open spaces on a bright and sunny day!
Banqueting House
Banqueting House is part of the Historic Royal Palaces and is the site of King Charles I execution of 1649. It’s also home to the Ruben’s Ceiling, the only surviving in-situ ceiling painting by one of the greatest artists of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where Can I see the Royals in London?
It will be difficult to actually see the Royals in London in real-life. Your best option would be to try and schedule a visit during one of the Royal Events. For example, the Queen’s Birthday parade which is held in June would be a good way to possibly see the Queen. The next best option would be to head to Madame Tussauds, where there are lots of sculpts of royals on display.
How Do The Royals Travel around London?
Normally the royals travel around London by car. The Queen has a Bentley State Limousine which is typically used, and the Jaguar Land Rover is another popular vehicle used by Royals. You can see a lot of the vehicles used by the Royals both currently and in the past at the Royal Mews, which is open on selected dates during the year.
Which Royal Palaces are Open to the Public?
Many Royal Palaces are working palaces that are used by the Royal Family during the year. Others are now no longer in active use. Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle are open all year round but can experience closures at short notice since they are working residences. The Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace are open all year round and are no longer in use by the Royal Family.
Is Buckingham Palace Open to the Public?
Buckingham Palace is open on selected dates to the public, mainly during the opening of the State Apartments during the summer. In 2021, the Buckingham Palace gardens were also opened to the public for the first time in history, but this is expected to have been a one-off event.
Can You Stay at Buckingham Palace?
No, you cannot stay at Buckingham Palace. It is the London residency of the Queen. However, there are lots of hotels near Buckingham Palace, and many of them have a connection with royal history. So your best option is to stay in a historic hotel nearby Buckingham Palace if you want to get a taste of royal life.
Where is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is located in the county of Berkshire, which is just outside of London. It’s located about 20 miles from Central London and can be reached by train or by bus. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by shuttle bus from Central London, or 1-hour by train from London Paddington Station.
