Guide to Royal Castles and Residences in the UK
The UK is known for its historical and iconic royal palaces, castles and residences which offer a glimpse into the lives of the British royal family. These palaces and castles have attracted millions of visitors each year and here’s a guide to some of the best ones to visit:
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle located in Windsor, Berkshire, is the largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the home of the British royal family for over 900 years. Visitors can see the State Apartments, the Royal Mews and the Queen’s private apartments.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace located in the City of Westminster, is the official London residence of the British monarch. It is open to the public during the summer months and visitors can see the State Rooms, the Throne Room and the Ballroom.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames was built in the 16th century by King Henry VIII and has been the home of many British monarchs since then. Visitors can see the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the King’s Apartments.
St. James’s Palace
St. James’s Palace located in the City of Westminster was built in the 16th century by King Henry VIII and has been the official residence of the monarch in London since 1698. It is currently used for state receptions and other official functions.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland is the private residence of the British monarch and is used by the royal family for holidays and weekends. While the castle is not open to the public, visitors can tour the surrounding gardens and grounds.
Highgrove House
Highgrove House, located in Gloucestershire, is the private residence of King Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Visitors can tour the gardens and grounds which are designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Sandringham House
Sandringham House is a royal residence located in Norfolk, England. It has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs and is still regularly used by the current royal family. The house is not open to the public but visitors can tour the estate’s gardens, museum, and church.
The estate covers 20,000 acres and includes a variety of landscapes including woodlands, heathlands and wetlands. Visitors can take a walk through the gardens and see the ornamental lakes, streams and bridges. The museum on the estate showcases the history of the royal family’s connection to Sandringham, including displays of royal memorabilia and photographs.
The estate’s church, St. Mary Magdalene is a place of worship for the royal family and is also open to visitors. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate wood carvings.
Sandringham House and Estate are a wonderful example of British royal heritage and offer visitors a glimpse into the private life of the monarchy.
These palaces and castles offer a unique insight into the British royal family’s lives and are a must-see for any visitor to the UK.