Most enviably picturesque and historic royal destinations you can actually visit

The royal family’s countless residences make for some of the most appealing tourist destinations.

Due to the sheer scale of the homes where many a generation of royals have lived and breathed (and many others continue to do so), these locations are not only perfect for visiting in large groups but also inhabit a rich part of the country’s history, which is seeped into their very walls and foundations.

If the UK is on your travel itinerary any time soon, here’s an alluring list of royal destinations you can jot down to visit:

Buckingham Palace

Not to anyone’s surprise, Buckingham Palace – the official residence of a British monarch – is not only the most well known place you can visit, it is also filled with some of the most exciting features which are sure to make your trip a memorable one.

While there, tourists can feast their eyes on the grandeur of the palace’s elegantly furnished state rooms, the royal gardens spread over 39 acres, and the Queen’s gallery – a space which offers the best from the royal family’s meticulously curated art collection.

A word of advice however; make sure to visit Buckingham in the summer – when most of the spaces are open to the public – and be sure to book your tickets well in advance as the high demand runs the supply dry in barely any time.

Windsor Castle

“The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world”, per CNN, Windsor Castle is the destination which goes back to the time of William the Conqueror and the location after which the royal family’s name has evolved.

While you can pay a visit to the State Apartments there or witness the Changing of the Guard, it is also important to note that Windsor’s grounds also house Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip’s final resting abode — the sanctity of which has been maintained by the royal family, who have left the residence vacant since the longest reigning British monarch’s demise.

Balmoral Castle

Most cherished among all of their residences, the royal family’s favourite retreat is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and is able to provide a highly fruitful travel experience due to the stunning Scottish landscapes which surround the estate’s grounds.

Since Balmoral is more of a private residence for the royals rather than an official residence, the family usually visits the castle for recreational purposes and thus tourists can also treat themselves to an exclusive perk by renting one of the five cottages on the grounds — how’s that for a royal indulgence.

Highgrove House

Currently a countryside retreat for King Charles and Queen Camilla, Highgrove House was first purchased by the then Prince of Wales in 1980, just a year before his wedding to Princess Diana, and the former couple also ended up taking residence at the beautiful rural estate.

While the interiors at Highgrove are not accessible for public, this destination is all about its gardens.

The breathtakingly gorgeous outdoors at the King and Queen’s residence make for a splendid tour, which includes ample varieties of lawn such as the Carpet Garden, Southern Hemisphere Garden, Walled Garden, the Autumn Walk, Sundial Garden, and a Woodland Garden — open between April and October annually.

Sandringham House

Another country destination, Sandringham House has been the designated choice of the royal family for their Christmas festivities since 1988. 

The parish church of St. Mary Magdalene is especially a sight to behold if you were to ever visit the Norfolk estate.

Notably, while visitors are able to tour the property itself between April and October, Sandringham’s sprawling Royal Parkland is open for exploration all year round.

Caernarfon Castle

Memorable for being the venue where King Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales in 1969, this Welsh royal destination is a must-visit for history buffs.

Moreover, now really is the most ideal time to pay Caernarfon a visit since the castle underwent major restorative work in 2023, adding “a rooftop deck installation and new flooring in the gatehouse towers” to its already impressive foundations, per the official website for the government of Wales.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Not a castle but also not any less majestic than one, Royal Yacht Britannia is the former ‘floating residence’ of the royal family – the grand vessel was decommissioned in 1997 and is now permanently docked at Leith Port, Edinburgh.

Visitors can luxuriate themselves in an impressive tour of the royal boat, which includes exploring its State Apartments, Royal Deck Tearoom, and Engine Room, among other attractions.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you happen to breeze your way past Britannia, you can also plan a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is also situated in Edinburgh.

While Holyroodhouse happens to be the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland, the palace was also home to Mary, Queen of Scots – whose historical quarters there make for an intriguing tour for the public.

Kensington Palace

London’s Kensington Palace boasts an impressive pedigree of royals who have called the destination home at various points in time, including Princess Margaret, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Diana – who even got to keep the double apartment she occupied during her marriage to then Prince Charles, after the couple’s divorce.

As the birthplace of Queen Victoria, a tour of Kensington means getting to explore one of Britain’s most revered rulers’ childhood dwellings, while the palace’s tranquil Sunken Garden can also be paid a visit for its scenic beauty as well as a sculpture of Diana which was erected by her sons in honour of their mother’s memory.