HQ for royal action, sights and events, London is a feast for admirers and those curious about the the Royal Family. If you're not sure where to start, The Resident has picked out the capital's best royal attractions, from Buckingham Palace and beyond...
Lead Image: Archant Photo Library
Buckingham Palace
Top of everyone's list of royal places to visit, Buckingham Palace is at the heart of the royal family.
While the actual site goes back to the Middle Ages, royal connections date back to the 17th century.
King George III bought the property in the 1700s, and did it up to its current state. Queen Victoria, in 1837, was the first royal to officially call Buckingham Palace home, paving the way for it to become the HQ it is today.
Fun facts: The property has 78 bathrooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms and sits on 39 acres of grounds.
Time your visit to see the changing of the guard, which takes place at 10.45am, with the actual handover happening at 11am, on certain days - find the schedule at householddivision.org.uk.
During the summer months, the palace opens its doors to the public to tour the 19 lavish State Rooms.
Website: rct.uk
Tower of London
Home of the resplendent Crown Jewels, Tower of London is an impressive building right on the banks of the Thames, next to its eponymous - and equally impressive - bridge.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1070, it served both as a symbol of his power and as an imposing threat to potential insurgents.
The fortress is home a handful of Yeoman Warders - Beefeaters - ex-military with at least 22 years of active service, who were historically tasked with guarding the tower and its fortunes.
A flock of ravens also reside at the tower, and as superstition has it, should numbers dwindle to six birds, for whatever reason, the monarchy will suffer a great tragedy of some sort.
After your visit, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge to take in one of London's most impressive views before strolling along South Bank, ticking off sights along the way, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Website: hrp.org.uk
Hyde Park
One of the eight royal parks in London, Hyde Park is the capital's most well known.
Originally used by the Monks of Westminster Abbey, King Henry VIII took it over in 1536 to use as a private hunting ground for the king and his noblemen.
Within the park's 350 acres of lush green grounds, there's the Serpentine Gallery, the Diana Memorial fountain, and Speaker's Corner where the likes of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell exercised their right of freedom of speech.
In summer look out for music festival BST Hyde Park, and Christmas fun-land Winter Wonderland in winter.
Website: royalparks.org.uk
Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens
A sweet tribute to the late Princess Diana, her namesake memorial playground is a place for frolicking and fun.
Found in Kensington Gardens near Kensington Palace, Diana's former home, the free playground has a pirate ship to climb on, as well as play sculptures and seating for the parents.
Opened in 2000, the playground is based on Peter Pan and is designed so that able-bodied children and less-able bodied children can play together.
Website: royalparks.org.uk
Westminster Abbey
An imposing Gothic church, 16 royal couples have tied the knot at Westminster Abbey, including The Queen and Prince Philip, Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and Kate and Wils.
It's also been Britain's coronation church since 1066 and the coronation of William the Conqueror, and was where Queen Elizabeth was coronated in 1952.
Formally St Edward's Church, King Henry III decided to rebuild the Abbey in the 13th century in its current style.
It's also the final resting place of 17 monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots, King Charles II, and Queen Elizabeth I.
It's also where Queen Elizabeth II will Lie-in-state, and where her funeral will be held.
Website: westminster-abbey.org
Hampton Court Palace
Once the home of Henry VIII and his six wives, the original Tudor palace was created by Cardinal Wolsey in the 16th century.
It passed through various royal and aristocratic hands before Queen Victoria opened it palace up to the public in 1838.
It boasts 60 acres of grounds which contain a maze and many splendid gardens, which are credited to King William III and Queen Mary II.
Found in Richmond-on-Thames, make a day trip out of it and visit Kew Gardens, stroll along the Thames, or a wander through Richmond Park.
Website: hrp.org.uk
READ MORE:
HERE'S HOW TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE QUEEN IN LONDON
SUMMER OPENING OF THE STATE ROOMS TO FEATURE JUBILEE DISPLAY
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