Historic Royal Palaces

Discover the secrets of the Kings and Queens of England when you explore London's Historic Royal Palaces.
Don't miss the chance to explore beautiful buildings full of unexpected treasures and find out about the lives of the royal family and their courts.
Which one will you visit first?






The Tower of London
In the heart of the city, The Tower of London brings a thousand years of history to life. William the Conqueror built the tower in the 1070s to impress his new subjects. You'll be impressed too.
The Tower of London has been a fortress, a palace and a prison. If you disagreed with Henry VIII or Elizabeth I, you might have found yourself imprisoned in the tower.
Loads of top historic celebs got beheaded on Tower Green, including Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots.
The Tower of London is home to the crown jewels, an eye-opening collection of bling which includes the coronation regalia and the most enormous diamonds.
There's loads of special events going on at the Tower of London. Today you could lay siege to the castle with a whopping great catapult; tomorrow you might meet Henry III or find out what it's like to wear armour. What will you see when you next visit?
Find out more about the events at the Tower of London


Hampton Court Palace
This huge red-brick palace sprawls in lush green grounds and was Henry VIII's favourite. The grand rooms are fit for a king, decorated with paintings, velvet drapes and lashings of gold.
The royal kitchens were a big part of Tudor life at Hampton Court Palace. In any one day, up to 1,200 members of Henry's court might feast on wild boar and beer. Cooking for hundreds of people with no mod-cons can't have been easy; come and find out how they did it.
Hampton Court Palace is still bustling today. There are concerts and exhibitions, you can meet characters from Henry's court, or get lost in the famous maze. If that's not enough, the palace is home to the Royal School of Embroidery and hosts the Hampton Court Flower Show.
Find out more about the events at Hampton Court Palace



Banqueting House
Banqueting House was built for fun and frolics. Charles I liked his court to dance the night away at masques - theatrical fancydress balls. Banqueting House was designed by Inigo Jones as the perfect place for a palladian party in 17th century London.
These days, Banqueting House is still used for functions and private parties but it's open to the public as well. You'll love the painted ceiling by Rubens, his only work which remains in the location for which it was designed.
Why not pick up a ticket to one of the many classical concerts and enjoy sophisticated entertainment in the perfect setting.
Find out more about the events at Banqueting House



Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a perfect palace for a princess. Behind the swirly golden gates, you'll find the former home of Princess Diana. Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria also lived at this gorgeous house, which was partly built by Sir Christopher Wren.
Kensington Palace is a tribute to fashion and style. You'll usually find a selection of Diana's designer frocks on display, as well as exhibitions inspired by other stylish royals and the palace's history.
Find out more about the events at Kensington Palace

Kew Palace
Kew Palace has recently been restored to its full glory. The palace presides over the picturesque grounds of Kew Gardens and was home to the Royal Family in the 1600s.
The Palace is most associated with King George III - it's where he went to recuperate from his "madness". It's home to an eclectic selection of royal treasures, including an early wooden jigsaw of the world and a dollshouse made by George's children.
You'll also love Queen Charlotte's Cottage, a gorgeous little cottage nestled in the trees nearby. It was built for the royal family to take afternoon tea.
Find out more about the events at Kew Palace