London's Royal Palaces: What's Worth Visiting

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch, with public access limited to the summer months when the State Rooms open. The Changing of the Guard ceremony remains a popular attraction, held daily from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year.

Visitors arriving at Buckingham Palace, located on Buckingham Palace Road, will notice the vast forecourt enclosed by ornate iron gates. The palace façade stretches over 108 meters, its pale Portland stone glowing softly in the morning sun. The Changing of the Guard begins at 11:00 AM near the forecourt and lasts about 45 minutes. Soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats march to the tune of a military band, their precise movements punctuated by the sharp clatter of boots on stone.

During the summer opening, usually from late July to late September, the 19 State Rooms are accessible. These rooms contain priceless art, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens, and lavish furnishings. Tickets are currently priced at £32.50 for adults and £18.50 for children. Entry is through the front gates, but expect queues, especially on weekends and public holidays.

The palace is a 5-minute walk from Green Park or Victoria Underground stations. Nearby, St James’s Park has a pleasant stroll after your visit, with views across the lake and frequent bird calls.

Learn more about London's royal history for context before your visit.

Kensington Palace, located within Kensington Gardens on Kensington Palace Gardens and Palace Green, blends historic royal heritage with contemporary exhibitions. It is open year-round, with adult tickets at £22.50.

This 17th-century palace was once the childhood home of Queen Victoria and is still a royal residence today, housing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The King's State Apartments display fine 18th-century decor, while the "Victoria: A Royal Childhood" exhibition shares personal items and stories from her early years.

The palace gardens provide a quiet retreat with manicured flower beds and fragrant rose bushes. On a warm day, the scent of lavender mingles with fresh-cut grass. Inside, the air carries the faint musk of aged wood and polished brass, enhancing the sense of stepping back in time.

Visitors usually spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here. The palace café on the ground floor serves traditional English teas and light meals, ideal for a break.

The palace grounds connect easily to the surrounding Kensington Gardens, great for a walk under chestnut trees or a rest on one of the many benches.

The Tower of London is a historic fortress on the north bank of the Thames, known for housing the Crown Jewels and its long history as a royal palace, prison, and armory. Adult tickets cost £31.50, including Yeoman Warder guided tours.

A 10-minute walk from Tower Hill Underground, the Tower's massive stone walls rise above the Thames Path, and the scent of damp earth and river water fills the air nearby. The White Tower, the oldest part, dates to the 11th century, and its stark Norman architecture contrasts with the elegant Jewel House where the Crown Jewels sparkle under spotlights.

The Yeoman Warders, recognizable by their Tudor-style uniforms, lead informative tours that last about an hour. Their stories include grisly executions, prisoner escapes, and royal intrigue. Visitors often hear the clanging of nearby blacksmiths and the chatter of tourists mingling with crows perched on battlements.

Expect to spend two to three hours fully appreciating the site, including the Medieval Palace and the Bloody Tower. The Tower opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM.

For more detailed history, see our London History and Culture guide. Visit the official Tower website for the latest ticketing info: Historic Royal Palaces.

Hampton Court Palace, located in East Molesey, Surrey, is a Tudor palace about 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo. Tickets cost £26 for adults and include access to the Tudor Kitchens and gardens.

Arriving at Hampton Court station, the palace is a short 10-minute walk down Hampton Court Road. The scent of blooming wisteria and freshly mown lawns welcomes visitors into the extensive palace grounds. Henry VIII’s kitchens remain remarkably intact, with copper pots hung above open hearths and the faint aroma of wood smoke still lingering.

The famous hedge maze has a quiet challenge for all ages, while the Baroque-style gardens stretch out with fountains and neatly trimmed yew hedges. The ornate Great Hall, with its hammerbeam roof, echoes with the sound of footsteps and occasional murmur of visitors.

Plan to spend at least three hours here. The palace hosts seasonal events such as Tudor reenactments, which add lively sounds of period music and the sight of actors in costume.

For transport details, consult our London Transport Guide.

Windsor Castle, about an hour by train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, is the oldest royal residence still in use and open to visitors year-round. Tickets are £28 for adults.

The castle’s position overlooking the River Thames and the town’s cobbled streets create a distinctive atmosphere. Visitors entering through the Norman Gate pass under stone walls thick with history. The State Apartments display lavish furnishings and portraits of monarchs, while St George’s Chapel inside the castle is the burial place of many royals, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.

The air inside the chapel carries a solemn stillness, broken only by the soft echo of footsteps on stone floors. Nearby, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House showcases intricate craftsmanship in miniature form.

Windsor town itself invites a leisurely walk along Peascod Street with its independent shops and cafés.

Banqueting House is the sole surviving part of the Palace of Whitehall and is well-known for its Rubens-painted ceiling and historical significance, with adult tickets at £7.50.

Located on Whitehall near Parliament Square, Banqueting House is often missed despite its central location. The grand hall’s ceiling is a riot of color, depicting the divine right of kings in vivid detail. Walking across the polished wooden floor, visitors sense the weight of history, including the execution of Charles I in 1649.

Audio guides included with entry provide context on the building’s architecture and its role in royal ceremonies. The hall’s high windows fill the space with natural light, revealing intricate plasterwork and tapestries.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a thorough visit. The nearby Horse Guards Parade and Downing Street are within easy walking distance.

Clarence House, on The Mall adjacent to St James’s Palace, is the official London residence of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and opens to visitors during summer months with guided tours priced at £12.

Though smaller than other royal palaces, Clarence House provides a more intimate look at royal life. The guided tours include the State Drawing Room and the lavishly decorated Music Room. The air inside carries subtle hints of old wood and rich upholstery fabrics.

The art collection here features works by artists such as Graham Sutherland and Henry Moore. The house’s gardens are a quiet spot, with clipped hedges and mature trees offering shade.

Tours last about an hour and must be booked in advance through the Royal Collection Trust.

St James’s Palace remains an active royal residence used for official functions but is not open to public tours. Its historic exterior can be seen from The Mall.

Built in the 1530s, St James’s Palace stands at the eastern end of The Mall, its red brick walls and tall chimneys showing Tudor architecture. Though entry is restricted, the palace grounds host key ceremonies, including the Accession Council and official receptions.

The gatehouse and courtyards are visible from the street, offering a view into a working royal environment. The surrounding St James’s Park enhances the setting, with ponds, flower beds, and frequent sightings of squirrels and waterfowl.

A walk along The Mall toward Trafalgar Square provides clear views and photo opportunities.

Further reading on royal residences is recommended for those interested in the palace’s role.

Most palaces have seasonal opening hours and vary in ticket prices, so always check official sites before planning your itinerary. Many offer discounts for families and combined tickets for multiple palaces. Wear sturdy shoes; many sites have extensive grounds and uneven surfaces.

Public transport is the easiest way to reach these locations. The London Underground and National Rail connect well to most palaces. Use the London Transport Guide for route planning and ticket options.

For budget travel advice around London, see London on a Budget.

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