Royal Palaces worth exploring in the UK

The United Kingdom may be rich in luxurious estates, only a few are actual Royal Residencies tied to the monarchy.

Although some Royal residencies like Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham House in Norfolk remain off-limits as the King’s personal properties, other official estates welcome public visitors offering them tours.

Whether it's the current King's official place of residences or  of former monarchs, the public is welcome to explore the Royal history through palace tours, regal gardens admiring centuries old crown jewels.

Kensington Palace, London

Once a humble villa known as Nottingham House, Kensington Palace was expanded into a regal estate by William III and Mary II, becoming a home to many Royals over the centuries.

It was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace has housed many royals like Princess Diana, who is honoured with a memorial garden there, Princess Margaret, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Although they have settled into a quieter life at Adelaide Cottage at Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace still stands as Prince and Princess of Wales’ official home London residence.

Buckingham Palace, London

Buckingham Palace serves as the 76-year-old Monarch’s formal home where visitors can stop by for public tours.

This iconic Palace has played host to several Royal milestones, formal state dinners and garden parties.

King George IV tasked architect John Nash back in the 1820s to redesign the Buckingham house, which was originally bought by George III for Queen Charlotte.

The palace now consists of 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms and 52 bedrooms for the royal family and their guests.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, UK

Dating back to the 11th century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, first built by William the Conqueror.

The castle has been a home to 40 monarchs, each leaving a mark, especially George IV, who elevated its magnificence with the Waterloo Chamber a large St. George Hall, and a new grand staircase.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland

Standing along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the King’s official residence in Scotland.

Over the course of not just years but centuries, Holyroodhouse has housed many Royals from Mary, Queen of Scots, to James IV, who turned the Abbey into a Palace, as well as Charles II, who rebuilt it after a tragic fire back in 1650.

Kew Palace, London

This modest Royal residence in southwest London’s Kew Gardens offered refuge to King George III during his battle with mental illness in 1788. It also happened to be a cherished home for Queen Charlotte.