Between the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and President Trump’s visit with the Queen, it can seem like the Royals are forever making headlines. If you can’t get enough of all things Royal, these are essential UK spots to visit next time you “pop the pond.”
Scotland
Royal Yacht Britannia: Britannia was launched from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank in 1953. For more than 44 years she served the Royal Family, traveling over one million miles to become the most famous ship in the world. To Her Majesty The Queen, Britannia proved to be the perfect Royal residence for glittering state visits, official receptions, Royal honeymoons and relaxing family holidays.
Photo courtesy of The Balmoral
The Balmoral: For more than a century, This hotel has had a home at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. A landmark in the center of the city, the historic building’s grand clock still dominates the skyline. Royals have been spotted at the afternoon tea many times.
Palace of Holyroodhouse: The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited the Palace in February as part of their royal tour to learn more about VisitScotland’s Year of the Young People 2018.
Cannonball: The name Cannonball House comes from the gunshot lodged high on the wall facing Edinburgh Castle. It’s rumored to have been fired by Government troops toward Holyrood Palace when Bonnie Prince Charlie was in residence in 1745 during the Jacobite Rebellion. However, it’s more likely the cannonball was placed there by engineers to mark the gravitational height for the first piped water supply to Castlehill Reservoir across the road. Either way, it’s a little piece of history and well worth a look when you leave.
Glamis Castle: It’s the current residence of Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne as well as the ancestral home and (possibly) the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in Scotland.
St. Andrews: If you’re up in Scotland, this is where William and Kate met, while at university. You probably already know the name from some of the town’s many well known golf courses, including the Old Course where you’ll find the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole.
London
Photo courtesy of The Dorchester
The Dorchester: This hotel has hosted some of history’s most celebrated icons and great romances, such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The Dorchester was something of a second home for the couple and witnessed many of their defining moments. It has strong ties to the Royals as Queen Elizabeth attended a dinner party at The Dorchester the day before her engagement was announced in 1947 and Prince Philip celebrated his stag night here on the eve of their wedding.
Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church of the British Royal family since the 11th century, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also famous for its royal weddings. This is where future Queen Elizabeth married the Duke of Edinburgh and more recently where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011.
The Rubens at the Palace: Located opposite Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s London residence and official office, The Rubens hosts a Royal Afternoon Tea, which features delicious, well-researched and much-loved favorites of various British royals throughout the ages. Served overlooking the Royal Mews, this unique afternoon tea features a selection of mouth-watering finger sandwiches and delicious sweet treats, including homemade jam pennies—one of the Queen’s favorites. Additionally, The Rubens’ own version of the chocolate biscuit cake that William and Kate served at their wedding reception is boxed up as a takeaway gift for guests who can also choose from a selection of regally-approved beverages, including the Queen’s tipple, gin and Dubonnet; Prince Phillip’s favorite English bitter, Boddingtons; and Prince Charles’ 50:50 martini.
Brit Movie Tours: This tour will show you some of the central London filming locations from the first two series of “The Crown.” Along the way, you’ll learn about how the series was made and how “The Crown” has captured the hearts of so many people including, if rumors are to be believed, the Queen herself.
Kensington Palace: The palace was once a small and suburban villa known as Nottingham House. New monarchs William III and Mary II chose this modest mansion in 1689 to be their country retreat. Over the years, Stuart and Georgian monarchs transformed the palace into a fashionable home for Britain’s young royal families. More recent inhabitants included Diana Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret, and currently, the TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, and HRH Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle.
Bucklebury: This small village about an hour from London is where Kate Middleton’s family live; William and Kate are frequent visitors.
FLORIS London: This is the royal perfumer that created the wedding perfumes for Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge, and will most likely be making the scent for Meghan Markle’s nuptials; it’s a great spot to visit for some afternoon shopping.
Tom’s Kitchen: In Chelsea, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge count this as one of their favorite lunch spots!
Windsor
Coworth Park: This beautiful property offers a relaxing respite in the English countryside. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were even seen onsite in the spring of 2017 after a polo match. Throughout summer there are regular matches to watch and opportunities to learn to play this fast-paced action sport that has given generations of Royal Princes the action-man tag.
Windsor Castle: The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it has been home to monarchs for nearly 1,000 years and contains fabulous treasures, including a large portion of the Royal Collection and the extravagant architecture of St. George’s Chapel (where Prince Harry and Meghan will hold their ceremony). Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle has since been home to 39 monarchs and is where The Queen now spends most of her private weekends.
Ascot Racecourse: Ascot, a stone’s throw from Windsor, is home to the Royal Ascot, a must-attend event dating back to 1711. In fact, The Queen has attended every Royal Meeting during her reign, and the Royal Procession is the iconic moment that heralds the start of every race day.
Aly Walansky
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I’ve seen many of these beautiful spots when I vacationed in England in 2009. I fell in love with England and its warm, friendly people who were more than kind to us. If I were wealthy I would love to spend all my summers over there. Thank you for these wonderful pictures.