London has a long history dating back to Roman times, so if you’re interested in history you’ll find plenty to see and do here. And if you like the regal aspect of British history there are palaces, castles and other attractions to visit. So here is a roundup of some of the Royal things to do in London.
If you are going to visit several attractions while you are in London, you can often save money by buying a London Pass. The pass gives you access to nearly 80 attractions, including most of the paid attractions mentioned in this post. If you buy online before you depart for London, you can also add the Oyster Travelcard option which gives you unlimited travel on the London transport network. The London Pass is available for 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10 consecutive days; the longer the pass duration, the better value for money.
Included in the price is a one day hop on/hop off bus tour which passes many royal attractions.
Royal Attractions
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been a Royal residence for over 900 years. It is of course the venue for this year’s royal wedding which takes place in the lovely St. George’s Chapel in the grounds. The normal adult admission price to the castle is GBP21.20, but is free with a London Pass.
Windsor is just outside London and the Windsor & Eton Central railway station is located in the town close to the castle. Note that the cost of the return rail fare from London Paddington (change at Slough) is included in the London Pass.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the principal residence of the British Monarch and as the Queen spends much of her time living here; it is only open to the public for a short period of time each year. In 2018, the State Rooms are open between 21st July and 30th September. The adult admission price is GBP24.00.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony can be viewed for free outside the Palace every other day. For times and dates check here.
The nearest Underground station to the Palace is St. James’s Park.
Royal Mews
The Royal Mews, at the side of Buckingham Palace is a magnificent working stable and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages. Adult admission is GBP11.00, but is free with a London Pass.
The Queen’s Gallery
The Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace is a permanent gallery with changing exhibitions reflecting the massive royal art collection. Normal adult admission is GBP12.00, but is free with a London Pass.
Household Cavalry Museum
Household Cavalry
The royal ceremonial duties involving horses are usually performed by the Household Cavalry. This historic museum shows the work and history behind these events. Normal adult admission is GBP8.00, but free with a London Pass.
The nearest Underground station is Embankment.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
This historic Gothic church is where English monarchs have been crowned and married for nearly a thousand years. Recently (2011) it is where Prince William and Kate Middleton wed. Normal adult admission is GBP22.00, but is free with the London Pass. The nearest Underground station is Westminster.
Jewel Tower
The Jewel Tower
Built by King Edward III around 1365, it was where the King kept his treasures. It is only one of the two surviving buildings from the medieval Palace of Westminster (the other being Westminster Hall). Normal adult entry is GBP4.70, but is free with a London Pass.
The nearest Underground station is Westminster.
Tower of London
The Tower of London
Built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, this historic fortress has had many different uses including a prison, a place of execution, a zoo and a Mint. It is the home of the Crown Jewels which can be seen on a visit. Adult admission is GBP24.80, but is free with a London Pass.
The nearest Underground station is Tower Hill.
Shop like a Royal
Twinings: Royal supplier of tea since 1706
The British Monarch has issued warrants to trades people for centuries to supply goods and services for their households. Here are five shops in London that currently have royal warrants:
Fortnum and Mason
The Scotch egg; invented by Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum and Mason, founded 1707, inventors of the Scotch egg, is the royal grocer. Their main store is on Piccadilly and the nearest Underground station is Piccadilly Circus.
Hatchard’s
Hatchard’s is London’s oldest bookshop, founded 1797. The shop is also on Piccadilly, not far from Piccadilly Circus Underground station.
Partridges
A food and wine shop founded in 1972. It is situated in Duke of York Square, near Sloane Square Underground station.
Paxton & Whitfield
The royal cheesemonger, founded in 1797. The main store is in Jermyn Street, near Piccadilly Circus Underground station.
Twinings
Twinings, founded in 1706, is the Queen’s supplier of tea. The flagship store is on the Strand, near Charing Cross Underground Station.
Enjoy your royal trip!
If this has whetted your appetite for royal London, you may also be interested in these books:
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