Last Updated on 20 November, 2022
In the heart of London, several royal residences are open to the public. On this tour, you will explore some of the most famous palaces in London, including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Windsor Castle.
These beautiful architectural masterpieces offer a glimpse into the lives of British monarchs and their families. London is home to some of the world’s most beautiful historical palaces, many of which are open to the public for a glimpse into royal life.
The most famous of London’s palaces is Buckingham Palace. This majestic palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Tourists can visit the palace during summer when the royal family is not in residence.
Another popular palace in London is Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.
Hampton Court Palace is another popular royal residence in London. Today, visitors can tour the palace and its beautiful gardens. Kensington Palace, Winchester Palace, The Palace of Westminster and many more palaces are worth a visit.
Let’s Explore Some Details About London’s Finest Palaces:
Guide to the best royal palaces in London that need to be on your must-see list in the capital. From Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Eltham Palace and may more must see palaces in London.
Also included in the list is Westminister Palace, while not a royal residence, it is used by the UK government. It is still very much a palace but in name only you could say.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. The palace is the official residence of the British monarch and is used for state occasions and official entertainment. The palace is open to the public for guided tours.
It is accessible to everyone from January 1 to July 29, daily from 10:00 to 17:30 (last admission 16:15). It opens every day from 09:30 to 17:30 from July 30 to September 25 (last admission 16:15) and from September 26 – December 31, it will open every day from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entrance is at 16:15).
Entry fees cost £19.50 for those aged 18 to 24, £30 for adults and £16.50 for kids. St James’s Park, which is on the District and Circle lines, is the closest tube station.
Kensington Palace
There are plenty of amazing things to do in Kensington and this is up there not to be missed when exploring Kensington or Chelsea. The former home of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their nine children, Kensington Palace, is one of London’s most famous tourist destinations.
It has been home to young royals for over 300 years, and currently, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children reside here.
It is open from 10 am to 6 pm (the last admission is 5 pm). There is an entry fee of £17.00 for adults, £8 for children 5-15, and £12.80 for 65+ people.
The nearest tube station is High Street Kensington, on the District and Circle lines.
Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace is a large estate in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It was originally a medieval palace and was rebuilt by Charles II in the 1670s. The building is now a museum and opens to the public.
The estate includes a large park, which is open to the public. There are also several other buildings on the estate, including a chapel, stables, and servants’ quarters.
The palace is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by many people yearly. It is also used as a venue for weddings and other special events.
Eltham Palace is open from 10 am to 5 pm (the last admission is 4pm), and there is an entry fee of £16.00 for adults and £9.60 for kids. The nearest station is Elmstead Woods, on the Southeastern rail network.
Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace is one of the oldest surviving buildings in London. It is thought to have been built in the 12th century and has been the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the early 14th century.
The palace is a beautiful building with a large garden and river frontage.
Lambeth Palace is a popular tourist attraction open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, and there is no entry fee. The nearest tube station is Lambeth North, on the Bakerloo line.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace was one of King Henry VIII’s favorite homes. It was here that he hosted lavish parties and tournaments. The palace was also the site of many important royal events, including the birth of Henry’s son, Edward VI.
You can see more picture from my visit at Hampton Court here.
It is open from 10 am to 6 pm (the last admission is 5 pm), and there is an entry fee of £23.70 for adults and £11.90 for kids. The nearest train station is Hampton Court on the South West Trains network.
The Winchester Palace
This is among those free things to do in London. The Winchester Palace was one of medieval England’s most impressive and popular royal residences. It was the favorite home of King Henry III and his successor, Edward I.
The palace was originally built in the late eleventh century by Henry I, but it was greatly enlarged and improved by Henry III.
The Winchester Palace was a large, imposing building with a central courtyard and numerous turrets and towers. It was surrounded by a high wall with a deep moat. The palace was filled with beautiful tapestries, stained glass windows, and other works of art.
The Winchester Palace was a royal residence until the early fourteenth century when the monarchy abandoned it. The palace was later destroyed by fire.
Winchester Palace is located in the city of Winchester, just a short walk from the nearest tube station. The palace is open to view at any time, with no access to the interior. Your eyes will relish the impressive architecture of the remaining walls of the Great Hall adorning the west gable.
The Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is a magnificent building located in the heart of London. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and one of the most famous landmarks in London.
The original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834, and the current building was constructed in its place.
Visitors can tour the building and see the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There is also a museum located in the building, and visitors can learn about the history of the Palace of Westminster and the British Parliament here.
The Palace of Westminster is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, and there is no entry fee. Westminster on the Circle, District, and Jubilee lines is the nearest tube station.
If you are staying in any of the hotels near the London Eye, the Palace of Westminister will be within eyeshot or walking distance.
Map Of The Best Palaces In London
If you want insight into behind-the-scenes at the royal palaces of London, make sure former royal correspondents accompany your fantastic tours to guide you through your palace tour.
