5 Royal Sights Every Visitor to London Should See

London is packed full of Royal history, having been the official home of the British Royal Family for centuries. Visiting the following Royal sights will ensure you see some of the major venues connected with London’s regal past…

Buckingham Palace

As the official London residence of HRH The Queen, it doesn’t get much more Royal than a visit to Buckingham Palace. The palace isn’t open to the public all-year-round, though the interior can be visited during the summer and it’s always possible to see the magnificent exterior of the palace. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at one of our London boutique hotels in the summer, then major highlights of a visit include the Throne Room, 19 state rooms, an audio tour by Prince Charles himself, and a selection of stunning fine art.

Tower of London

While staying at a Montcalm hotel, a trip to the Tower of London is an absolute must-see for history buffs and Royal fans alike. This impressive Norman fortification has had many different incarnations over the years, from a fortress to a palace, then a prison, and even a time as a zoo! Today it is one of London’s foremost Royal tourist attractions, with helpful guides to tell you all about its (sometimes dark) past. You can also buy tickets to see the Crown Jewels, which are housed here.

Kensington Palace

Home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace is one of London’s most impressive Royal sights, with an enormous garden perfect for exploring, and stunning Jacobean architecture which is sure to impress even the most discerning of visitors. During your stay at our spa hotels in London, head to the palace to discover the venue where Queen Victoria was born and where Royal history links seamlessly with the Royal present.

Westminster Abbey

It is hard to overstate how important Westminster Abbey is to understanding London’s Royal history; it’s been the site of everything from coronations to Royal weddings over the centuries, including the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066. Ever since then, ever monarch has been crowned in the same spot. The most recent Royal Wedding to take place here was that of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, so if you want to discover more about the Royal side of London while enjoying spa deals in London, be sure to add this to your itinerary.

Hampton Court Palace

Once the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace was also a place where Shakespeare plays were performed, Royal weddings took place, and a seemingly never-ending list of historical events began to unfold. The palace kitchens at one point employed a staff of around 600, serving daily banquets – today you can tour them, and many other locations throughout the property, including a Tudor-era indoor tennis court and the stunning Royal Maze. For younger guests, there is an adventure playground inspired by medieval jousting, ideal for keeping kids entertained.

David