Great Britain’s long history of monarchy is probably one of the most famous of lineages in the world, with its kings, queens and legends providing inspiration for some of the best known movies, songs, television series and books in the western world. From Saorise Ronan’s Queen Mary to Judi Dench’s Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, the royal family has been embedded within pop culture for hundreds of years. It’s no surprise then that the royal family is often one of the draws for tourists staying at the best hotel rooms in London, and especially so with the coronation of Charles III set for May 3rd this year.
So if you’re a staunch royalist making the most of the London hotel special offers, what are the must visit attractions where you can get your kingly fix? This blog will explore some of the most prominent landmarks and museums that the monarch-mad London visitors should see during their visit.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the current headquarters of the royal family fell into the hands of the royal family way back in 1761, when King George III acquired it from the Duke of Buckingham. The palace is still a focal point for state occasions and can be toured on selected dates throughout the year. Buckingham Palace became a prominent royal household during the Victorian era, when it was expanded by famous architect John Nash and the mainstay of Queen Victoria. Buckingham Palace is easy to reach from the Marble Arch by Montcalm and is situated close to scenic royal parks like St James Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Kensington Palace
Situated on the other side of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens to Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace was originally a Jacobean mansion that was acquired by King William of Orange and his wife Queen Mary in 1689 as a royal household. To this day, the palace is inhabited by members of the royal family, including Prince William and Princess Kate. With daily tours and exhibits available in and around its state rooms, Kensington Palace can be visited on most days of the week.
Windsor Castle
The favoured royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II during the later years of her life, Windsor Castle has almost a millennium of history behind it and was originally built after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The castle still functions as a royal residence to this day and has more than 600 employees dedicated to preserving its beautiful gardens, museum exhibits and services to the royal family. Guests of the Montcalm hotel with restaurant near the Arch can reach Windsor Castle via trains to Windsor and Eton Riverside from Clapham Junction Station.
The Tower of London
Another prominent fortress that dates back to Norman times, the Tower of London is a little easier to reach being situated near Tower Hill tube station. The Tower of London was built as a symbol of Norman rule in the 11th century and to this day, has been a fortress prison, royal armoury, animal menagerie and now, museum. With Tower Guards known as Beefeaters still running tours and enacting royal duties, the Tower of London is a must visit tourist attraction for those who want to learn more about the Medieval history of the city.
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