On 9 September a historic and royal milestone will be reached as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch in British history, reigning for longer than the 63 years and seven months that Queen Victoria reigned.
The monarchy in Britain extends back to the 10th century and today there are many historical and iconic castles, palaces and heritage sites loved, and often still used, by the Queen and Royal Family that are open for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy a touch of royalty.
1. Buckingham Palace
Residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837, Buckingham Palace is possibly the best-known royal residence in the world and opens its doors to the public during its Summer Opening season. This year for the first time visitors to the Summer Opening will enter the State Rooms through the Grand Entrance, used by those who come to the palace at the invitation of The Queen, including Heads of State and Prime Ministers.
Find out how people are welcomed to Buckingham Palace, what goes on behind-the-scenes to create the magic and magnificence of a State Visit – from the dresses designed, to the ingredients and porcelain chosen for a State Banquet (25 July – 27 September).
Visitors can also visit The Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables still in existence, responsible for the training of the horses that pull the royal carriages; state vehicles are also housed and maintained at the Royal Mews.
2. Kensington Palace, London
This palace is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, once home to the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, and to Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as the heart of court life in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Palace has undergone a £12milllion transformation that has improved the visitor experience. One of its permanent exhibitions is Victoria Revealed, exploring the life and loves of the only other British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee, Queen Victoria.
3. Hampton Court, Surrey, south-east England
Hampton Court is the story of two palaces – the Tudor palace created by Cardinal Wolsey, which he lost to King Henry VIII, and the later baroque palace created by William III and Mary II.
Today’s highlights include the beautiful Chapel Royal, the Tudor kitchens, the magnificent Great Hall, and the Haunted Gallery as well as the 24 hectares of magnificent gardens featuring fountains and displays of more than 200,000 flowering bulbs and 303 hectares of tranquil royal parkland. Hampton Court is a 35-minute train journey from London Waterloo.
4. Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, south central England
Windsor is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, and is one of the Queen’s favourite royal residences. The Castle’s dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and, alongside the royal palace, the Gothic St George’s Chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII.
Within Windsor Home Park, the private park adjacent to Windsor Castle, lies Frogmore House, which first came into royal ownership in the 16th century. It is rich in history with a long and illustrious succession of royal owners; The Queen Mother was very fond of Frogmore House, having spent part of her honeymoon there in 1923. Although it is no longer a royal residence, Frogmore House is frequently used by the Royal Family for entertaining – it was used as the reception venue for the wedding of The Queen’s eldest grandson, Peter Phillips in May 2008. Group visits are available between 28 July – 24 September.
5. Clarence House, London
The official residence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry; the Prince of Wales first lived at Clarence House between the ages of one and three, when Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh moved there following their marriage, and it was the last home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Public and private tours are available between 1 – 31 August and will take in the Lancaster Room, the Morning Room, the Library, the Dining Room and the Garden Room – where the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall undertake official engagements and receive guests from around the world.
6. Sandringham House, Norfolk, east England
The Royal Family head to Sandringham for its unspoiled countryside; the Queen and her family traditionally spend Christmas at this estate too. It has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
The house, set in 24 hectares of beautiful gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park, open to the public free of charge every day of the year.
The nearest is Kings Lynn, a 95-minute journey from London Kings Cross.