The Best of the Royals in London | UK

With the Queen’s Silver Jubilee upon us, London’s royal attractions should be given a special overview. One of the world’s most recognizable monarchs is only one in a long line of rulers that have left their mark quite visibly upon the country, and most notably in London. Visitors can make their visit revolve around the royal sights, or they can spread them out to enjoy one a day. In any case, London is not lacking in royal architectural accents. The following are the best of the royals in London.

Buckingham Palace & Queen Victoria Memorial / shining.darkness

Once checked into one of the many hostels London has to offer, head straight to the most popular royal site in the country, Buckingham Palace. Surrounded by beautiful parks, a visit to the Queen’s residence goes well with a picnic. Buckingham fountain sits in front of the palace gates, where every day or every other day at 11:30 a.m. depending on the time of year, crowds gather to watch the changing of the guard. If you’re in town September or August, you can even go on a guided tour of the state rooms inside. Otherwise, don’t miss the royal mews or the Queen’s Gallery royal collection of art.

The next best royal site, or the best, according to some, is the Tower of London. It ranks among the most imposing fortresses in the world, and its history as a locale of torture and death make its renown decidedly infamous. It was built by William the Conqueror, the Norman who changed the history not only of the island, but of the English language as well. You can take tours of the castle grounds, visiting, among other things, the crown jewels, the king’s royal bedchamber, and the tower itself.

Tower of London / S Pakhrin

Throughout the city you can find a number of memorials to royals who have passed away set up in London’s royal parks. The city boasts eight royal parks, including Hyde Park, wherein you will come across Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It is a sobering memorial, particularly when you’re reminded of the great misfortunate that befell one of England’s most loved and youthful royals. Another memorial that you’ll find in a royal park, this time the Kensington Gardens, is the Albert Memorial. Albert was wed to Queen Victoria, and passed away in the year 1861. Hopefully you’ll visit it on a sunny day, which emphasizes the gloriousness of the memorial’s gold sheathing. Before leaving Kensington Park, visit the palace of the same name and have a cup of tea at The Orangery.

Finally, before your trip takes you out of London, immerse yourself in the lushness of Hampton Court Palace. The grounds are one of the palace’s most attractive features, as it is over 60 acres of gardens, including the world-famous maze. Henry VIII of the Tudors made this palace famous, and he made it his principle home. The state rooms are truly magnificent.

The list of royal beauty goes on, but this should get you started!

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Tags: architectural accents, buckingham fountain, castle grounds, crown jewels, diana princess of wales, diana princess of wales memorial, diana princess of wales memorial fountain, hostels london, hyde park, london buckingham palace, london visitors, palace gates, princess of wales memorial, queen victoria memorial, royal mews, silver jubilee, william the conqueror

Category: Cities, Cities