From centuries-old palaces to still-inhabited castles, the UK is packed with royal landmarks that let you walk in the footsteps of kings and queens. If you’re fascinated by the British monarchy—or just love historic architecture—these royal family attractions offer a blend of grandeur, intrigue, and cultural depth. Here’s a list of the top 15 royal homes you must visit in 2025.
1. Buckingham Palace – London, England
The heart of the monarchy, Buckingham Palace is where you’ll feel closest to the royal family today. Still an active royal residence, it’s the administrative headquarters of the British monarch and the official London home of King Charles III.
From July to September, parts of the palace—including the lavish State Rooms—are open to the public. You’ll see gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard, a ceremonial must-see.
- Why it’s worth visiting in 2025: The Palace is expected to complete its ongoing refurbishment of the East Wing, giving visitors more insight into the royal household’s daily workings.
- Visit: Royal Collection Trust – Buckingham Palace
2. Windsor Castle – Berkshire, England
Dating back to the 11th century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It was a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II and is now frequently used by King Charles III.
Inside, you’ll find the jaw-dropping St George’s Chapel, where royal weddings and burials take place (including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding). The State Apartments are decorated with exquisite tapestries and furniture.
- Tip: Time your visit to catch the Changing the Guard ceremony on Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Visit: Royal Collection Trust – Windsor Castle
3. Holyrood Palace – Edinburgh, Scotland
Located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse is the monarch’s official residence in Scotland. It’s steeped in drama—from the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots, to royal visits during Holyrood Week.
Explore the 19th-century State Apartments, Mary’s Bedchamber, and the eerie ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The palace offers a deeply personal look into royal history, especially for Scottish monarchy enthusiasts.
- Why go in 2025? Holyroodhouse is adding more family-friendly exhibits and audio guides for younger visitors—ideal if you’re traveling with kids.
- Visit: Royal Collection Trust – Holyroodhouse
4. Sandringham Estate – Norfolk, England
Sandringham House is the private country retreat of the British royal family—and unlike other palaces, it’s personally owned rather than state property. It’s where the royals celebrate Christmas and where the late Queen Elizabeth II felt most at home.
You can tour the house’s ground floor rooms, stroll the 500-acre Royal Parkland, and explore the Sandringham Exhibition & Transport Museum. The gardens are a seasonal delight in spring and summer.
- Pro tip: Try the Sandringham Apple Juice from the estate’s orchards—surprisingly delicious!
- Visit: Sandringham Estate Official Website
5. Kensington Palace – London, England
Once the home of Queen Victoria and later Princess Diana, Kensington Palace blends royal legacy with modern royal life. Today, it’s still a royal residence, housing Prince William and Princess Catherine’s official offices.
The King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments offer fascinating insight into 18th-century court life. A major draw is the “Royal Style in the Making” exhibition, featuring iconic fashion from royal weddings and ceremonies.
- Why it’s a 2025 highlight: New exhibitions focusing on Princess Diana’s humanitarian legacy and Prince William’s early royal years are planned for release.
- Visit: Historic Royal Palaces – Kensington Palace
6. Balmoral Castle – Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Balmoral is the royal family’s beloved Scottish summer retreat, privately owned since Prince Albert bought it for Queen Victoria in 1852. Surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park, the estate offers breathtaking Highland scenery.
Although the castle itself isn’t fully open to the public, you can explore the Balmoral gardens, exhibitions, ballroom, and visitor centre from April to early August. The estate also has holiday cottages available for rental—yes, you can actually stay on royal grounds!
- Why visit in 2025: Newly updated walking trails and estate experiences will give visitors more immersive access to the landscape the royals love.
- Visit: Balmoral Castle Official Website
7. Osborne House – Isle of Wight, England
If you want to see where Queen Victoria truly relaxed, head to Osborne House, her former holiday home overlooking the Solent. Designed in the Italianate style, the house feels more like a Mediterranean villa than a British palace.
Tour the ornate State Rooms, family bedrooms, and the unique Durbar Room inspired by India. Don’t miss the Swiss Cottage—a miniature home where royal children cooked and learned household skills.
- Highlight for 2025: Special exhibitions on Queen Victoria’s influence on British culture are set to launch for the summer season.
- Visit: English Heritage – Osborne House
8. Hampton Court Palace – Surrey, England
Though not currently used by the royal family, Hampton Court Palace is one of Britain’s most historically important residences. Built in the 16th century for Cardinal Wolsey, it became a favorite of King Henry VIII, who lived here with several of his wives.
Visitors can explore Tudor kitchens, haunted hallways, baroque apartments, and the famous maze. The Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (July) is one of the UK’s top floral events.
- Why go in 2025? A new “Life of Henry VIII” exhibition with immersive storytelling is launching for Tudor history fans.
- Visit: Historic Royal Palaces – Hampton Court
9. Clarence House – London, England
Clarence House has long been a working royal residence. It was the official home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for nearly 50 years, and later served as the London residence of King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Camilla.
Public access is limited and by guided tour only—usually offered in August. The house feels more intimate than Buckingham Palace, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at a functioning royal home.
- 2025 insider tip: Tours fill up quickly. Book as soon as ticket sales open in spring.
- Visit: Royal Collection Trust – Clarence House
10. Hillsborough Castle – County Down, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s official royal residence, Hillsborough Castle, is a working government house and also a cultural gem. It has welcomed world leaders, hosted royal events, and remains a site of political importance.
Take a guided tour through the Georgian State Rooms, explore 100 acres of manicured gardens, and learn about the role the estate played during the Northern Ireland peace process.
- What’s new in 2025: Expanded exhibits on the monarchy’s relationship with Ireland, including archival footage and artifacts.
- Visit: Historic Royal Palaces – Hillsborough Castle
11. Frogmore House – Windsor, England
Nestled within the Windsor Castle estate, Frogmore House has long served as a private royal retreat. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert adored it, and it’s where the couple spent quiet moments away from court life. More recently, Frogmore gained attention as the former UK home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Though the house is only open to the public on select charity days (usually in spring and summer), it’s worth timing a visit to see the lush gardens, Victorian interiors, and Royal Mausoleum—the final resting place of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- 2025 highlight: Keep an eye on the Royal Collection Trust’s announcements for this year’s limited open dates.
- Visit: Royal Collection Trust – Frogmore House
12. Kew Palace – London, England
Located inside the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Kew Palace is the smallest of the royal palaces—but rich in emotional history. It was once a private residence for King George III, particularly during his struggles with mental illness.
Explore the intimate royal kitchens, the King’s Library, and exhibits exploring the lives of the royal children raised at Kew. The palace is surrounded by Kew Gardens, offering one of the best combined cultural and nature outings in London.
- Why it’s special in 2025: Marking 200 years since King George III’s death, new exhibits will delve into the monarch’s misunderstood legacy.
- Visit: Historic Royal Palaces – Kew Palace
13. Richmond Palace (Site) – Richmond, London
Though Richmond Palace no longer exists in its full original form, the site remains a must-see for history enthusiasts. Once a favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth I, the palace was one of the most important Tudor homes until it fell into disrepair during the English Civil War.
Today, you can visit the surviving gatehouse and grounds, which are free to explore. Richmond’s riverside setting and connections to royal intrigue make this a low-key but rewarding stop.
- Local tip: Pair it with a walk along the Thames and a visit to Richmond Park, once a royal hunting ground.
- Location: Old Palace Yard, Richmond, TW9, London
(No official site, but good info via - Historic England – Richmond Palace)
14. Eltham Palace – London, England
Originally a medieval royal residence, Eltham Palace was the childhood home of King Henry VIII. Today, it’s one of the UK’s most unique historic sites, blending Tudor architecture with sleek 1930s Art Deco design.
After centuries of royal use, the Courtauld family transformed it in the 1930s into a glamorous modern home. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, Art Deco bedrooms, and moat-surrounded gardens.
- 2025 draw: Eltham is running special events throughout the year focused on “Royal Reinvention” – perfect for photography and families.
- Visit: English Heritage – Eltham Palace
15. The Tower of London – London, England
While not a royal residence today, The Tower of London is central to royal history. From William the Conqueror to Anne Boleyn, its walls have witnessed coronations, imprisonments, executions, and even royal menageries.
The Crown Jewels are housed here, and daily Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours bring the grim and glorious history to life. It’s also still a Royal Fortress, guarded and maintained with ceremony.
- Why it still matters in 2025: A newly updated Crown Jewels exhibition now features interactive displays and never-before-seen artifacts.
- Visit: Historic Royal Palaces – Tower of London
Royal Themed Multi-Site Pass
If your readers are planning a royal-themed itinerary, recommend checking out the Royal Palaces Pass (via Historic Royal Palaces or English Heritage), which can save money when visiting multiple sites.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re fascinated by royal pageantry, drawn to centuries-old castles, or just love a good day out steeped in history, these five royal homes promise unforgettable experiences. From Buckingham Palace’s grandeur to Sandringham’s cozy charm, the UK’s royal attractions offer something for every kind of traveler.
Insider Tip:
Buy tickets online in advance, especially in peak season (May–September). Many sites also offer combo passes with discounts if you plan to visit more than one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit all these royal homes in one trip?
Yes, with good planning. Use London as your base for Buckingham Palace, Kensington, and Windsor. Then take the train to Edinburgh and Norfolk for Holyrood and Sandringham.
Q: Are royal residences open year-round?
Most are, but Buckingham Palace has limited public access (summer only). Always check opening dates before your visit.
Q: Are these attractions suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Many have interactive exhibits, royal-themed trails, and garden spaces for young visitors to explore.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
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