Top Royal Destinations to Explore in the UK

With Wimbledon underway, the sun shining, and Pimm's chilling in the fridge, it's clear that summer has truly arrived. If you're planning a European getaway and want to experience a touch of royal history, there are several majestic attractions outside of London that you should definitely consider for your trip.

A 2011 study by Visit Britain revealed that approximately 60% of tourists visiting the UK are likely to explore royal landmarks. According to Ross Bennett-Cook, a visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster's School of Architecture and Cities, although no recent data on royal sites specifically has been collected, Visit Britain's 2022 report indicated that history and heritage remain the top attractions for tourists.

If you're looking to trace the footsteps of the Windsors in London and explore the capital's grand palaces, museums, and galleries, we've got you covered. However, for those wanting to venture further and dive into over 1,000 years of royal history, here are some recommendations to help you get started:

Windsor Castle: This one is a bit of an obvious choice given its association with numerous royal events in recent years. Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II and is now home to King Charles III. Dating back to around 1070, it was originally established by William the Conqueror on this land.

Over the centuries, Windsor Castle has undergone numerous transformations, with various monarchs adding their mark. Edward III initiated significant renovations in the 14th century, and the castle underwent major restorations after a devastating fire in 1992. When visiting, plan to spend two to three hours exploring the castle grounds, which include several sections open to the public. The highlight is St. George’s Chapel, famous as the site of Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding and as the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Don’t miss the State Apartments and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Cornwall: Loved by both locals and international visitors, Cornwall, situated at the southwestern edge of the UK facing the Atlantic Ocean, is also a cherished destination for the royal family. The Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate held by the Duke of Cornwall (currently Prince William, the eldest son of the British monarch and heir to the throne), was established in 1337. The estate’s income supports the duke and his family’s activities.

The Duchy of Cornwall estate extends beyond Cornwall, covering various counties mainly in the southwest of England. Notable Cornish locations within the estate include the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery in Lostwithiel. The estate offers holiday cottages available for public rental in Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly, about 30 miles off the Cornish coast. Apart from its royal connections, Cornwall boasts breathtaking castles, scenic coastlines, fascinating museums, windswept moors, and charming historic towns.

Sandringham: Next on the list is Sandringham, a country estate nestled in rural Norfolk, about 100 miles north of London. The late Queen inherited the estate from her father, King George VI, and it became the setting for the royal family’s famous Christmas gatherings. Visitors can enjoy cycling or leisurely walks through the Royal Parkland surrounding the estate and, from April to October, take a tour of the grand residence itself.

Eight of the Edwardian-style rooms on the ground floor of Sandringham House are open to the public, along with the estate’s 60-acre gardens and the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene, where royal family members have attended services since Queen Victoria’s reign.

Balmoral: Located in Scotland, the Balmoral estate has been the royal family’s Scottish retreat since 1852, when Prince Albert bought it for Queen Victoria. The estate’s grounds, gardens, and historical exhibits are open to the public daily through August 16. For those seeking adventure, the Cairns Walk and Albert’s Pyramid Walk offer stunning hikes through the scenic landscape.

Beyond the standard visiting hours, guests can enjoy a more peaceful side of Balmoral by staying in one of the five cottages on the estate. After the day visitors leave, guests can enjoy quiet walks through waterfalls and ancient Caledonian forests, offering a more serene experience of the royal grounds.

While in Scotland, be sure to visit Edinburgh and stop by the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, which was also home to Mary, Queen of Scots, before her execution in 1567. Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified sites in Europe and home to the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels), is just a short walk away.

Caernarfon: Before becoming King Charles, he held the title of Prince of Wales, a position he was officially invested into during a grand ceremony at Caernarfon Castle in 1969. This impressive fortress-palace, located on the banks of the River Seiont, dates back to the Middle Ages.

Caernarfon Castle is widely regarded as one of the most stunning castles in Wales. Construction on the castle’s current stone walls began in 1283 and was completed in 1330, though Roman fortifications had stood on the site as early as 77 CE. Built by King Edward I, the castle’s towering structure overlooks the River Seiont, the Menai Strait, and the island of Anglesey. The first modern Prince of Wales, later known as Edward II, was born here in 1284.

Hillsborough Castle: Located in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle is set amidst 100 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, woodlands, and glens—perfect for a postcard scene. While the castle serves as the official residence of the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, it is actually a late-18th century Irish Big House rather than a traditional castle, as per Historic Royal Palaces. The estate also showcases works by contemporary Irish artists, displayed in both the house’s Red Room and its gardens.

Honorable Mentions:

• If you’re looking for a quick escape from London, a train ride to Brighton to visit the Royal Pavilion is a must. This regency-era marvel once served as King George IV's holiday home and is now one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
• Head to the Isle of Wight to discover Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favorite retreat. She famously declared it “impossible to imagine a prettier spot.” Here, she and Prince Albert enjoyed private moments with their nine children. The estate features lavish state rooms, but also offers an intimate glimpse into royal family life with its family rooms. Don’t miss the private beach and the charming Swiss Cottage on the grounds.