Visiting the capital palaces is always one of the top things to do in London. The corridors of the British royal palaces and their vast rooms have witnessed tons of events over centuries. As a result, they have become major attractions for tourism and entertainment in the United Kingdom. So, Almosafer presents to you 5 historical palaces in London city that you must visit.
Buckingham Palace, London
Phone: +44 3031237300
Google Reviews: 4.5 (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Location: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Being an iconic landmark and the official residence of the British royal family, Buckingham Palace receives visitors from all over the world.
Explore the fascinating beauty of the architectural facade and the 775 rooms and halls. You can see the changing of the Royal Guard in a majestic spectacle accompanied by a military rhythm every day from August to May. Upon entering the palace, you’ll find the monument to Queen Victoria, a unique sculptural work.
Enjoy an exclusive experience when you enter the luxurious rooms and learn about the royal history through an audio tour. Besides, rare art pieces and original oil paintings decorate the walls.
Furthermore, St. James Park reflects a distinctive royal character. It’s one of the largest parks in the Kingdom, containing a vast collection of trees and flowers where you can relax or run outdoors. Also Read : Top Things to Do in London
Hampton Court Palace
Phone: +44 2031666000
Visiting Hours: 10 AM - 5:30 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Google Reviews: 4.7 (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Hampton Court Palace was built in the 16th century on the banks of the River Thames. Its purpose was to rival the Versailles Palace in France. The castle's interior combines both Tudor and Baroque architecture. Additionally, Hampton Court is one of the 2 remaining palaces of King Henry VIII.
The palace welcomes tourists to explore the Great Hall (dating back to the Middle Ages), the tennis court, and the chocolate kitchen. You can even stroll through the huge maze in the garden.
While walking around the palace, notice the beauty of the ceilings and walls decorated with royal paintings. Eventually, we recommend going to Boleyn Gatehouse to see the Astronomical Clock.
Kensington Palace
Phone: +44 3333206000
Visiting Hours: 10 am-6 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Google Reviews: 4.5 (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Location: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom
Once the residence of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace is distinguished by a unique design. On your tour inside, you’ll find the belongings of Queen Elizabeth I and Princess Diana. The palace also displays a vast collection of paintings, collectables, and antique furniture belonging to prominent monarchs in the kingdom’s history.
You can't visit Kensington Palace without enjoying a cup of tea. Then, take pictures in the vast park where Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement. The park was built 300 years ago when Queen Elizabeth II was still a princess.
Kensington Palace attracts nearly 400 thousand tourists annually as it regularly hosts notable exhibitions and concerts. Within short steps from the palace, get ready to be impressed by the Albert Memorial, the Royal Albert Hall, the Museum of Science, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Windsor Castle
Phone: +44 3031237334
Visiting Hours: 10 AM-5:15 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Google Ratings: (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Location: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom
Windsor Castle became the focus of the royal news after the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan. Located west of London on the banks of the River Thames, Windsor Castle is a remarkable royal palace with a great deal of history. It has been the residence of royal families for the longest period in Europe and therefore contains a royal collection. You can even tour the gorgeous medieval church, St. George's Church.
Windsor Castle holds lots of royal events in St. George's Hall, including weddings and international banquets, due to its unique architectural excellence and luxurious design of rooms and halls full of treasures. The bottom line is, visiting Windsor Castle is a not to miss opportunity.
Westminster Palace
Phone: +44 207 219 3000
Google Reviews: 4.6 (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Location: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Established in the 19th century, Westminster Palace is among the oldest palaces in London, located on the River Thames. It holds the meetings of Parliament and the General Assembly. With its 1,100 rooms, it’s counted among the largest parliament buildings in the world.
The most important hall of this palace is the Westminster Hall. Historically, it hosted royal ceremonies. Kings were crowned and royal weddings were held. Interestingly enough, several kings and queens were buried there, including King Henry II, Henry VII, and Queen Elizabeth I.
Finally, don’t forget to take a mind-blowing Westminster Mary's Abbey tour. After completing your tour inside the palace, you can visit Hyde Park London, only 5 minutes away.
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