You don’t need a blue bloodline to soak up the grandeur of London’s royal attractions. The city is draped with palaces, towers, and traditions that’ll make even a die-hard republican sneak a selfie in front of the gates. If you live here, you probably pass these landmarks in your bus commute or on an early jog down The Mall without a second glance. But look closer—London hides layers of history and modern life around each royal corner, and it’s about time you sampled the lot.
Buckle up; you’re about to map out the royal route through London, tease out a few secrets, and discover how to see the big-ticket sites without the crowds or the price tag shock. These places don’t just look good on a postcard; they tell the wild tales that shaped London.
Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and the Queen’s Official Residences
London royal attractions don’t get more iconic than Buckingham Palace. But what tourists don’t always realise is locals have many ways to interact with this grand spot. Yes, it’s the Queen’s (now the King’s) main pad, but it’s also a working palace that only fully opens its doors to the public in the late summer, usually July through September—timed for the monarch’s yearly holiday to Balmoral.
Most walk the length of The Mall with crowds, then press their phones to the black and gold gates for that classic palace snap—and miss the subtler moments. Time your visit early on a weekday morning and you might catch the Palace Guards during their shift swap, with much less elbowing. Don’t write off winter, either: the city’s blue-washed morning light gives the palace façade an almost magical look, and you’ll have St James’s Park nearly to yourself.
The Changing of the Guard is still as popular as ever—official start time’s 11am, but the fanfare steps off from Wellington Barracks. If you want the best views (that aren’t right in the mob), stand by the Victoria Memorial or perch at the western side of Spur Road. Quick tip: check the Household Division’s website; the ceremony doesn’t run every day, especially in winter or if it’s chucking it down.
Anyone curious about the palace’s insides will want to book early. Summer visitor access covers lavish State Rooms, the Ballroom, and the Throne Room. You’ll see treasures from the Royal Collection: Fabergé eggs, paintings from Canaletto, and the room where prime ministers sweat before their weekly chat with the monarch. For 2025, new digital displays explain the palace’s eco campaign—including their beehives on the grounds. Visit late in the day and you’ll often have fewer selfie sticks in the way.
Beyond Buckingham, walk through the leafy Green Park to Clarence House. It’s the official residence for the younger royals and is open just a few weeks every summer. Tickets are harder to come by but do nab you a look at Princess Diana’s old sitting room.
Next on the list is St James’s Palace, older than Buckingham, oddly overlooked except by those who want to see the red-coated King’s Guard. This palace rarely welcomes the public, but its stately exterior is an absolute stunner at golden hour. If you’re the type who likes a pub after royal sightseeing, head five minutes south for a pint at The Stafford London—one of those rare spots where MPs and local city types actually mingle.
Top summer tip: Buckingham Palace’s café in the Royal Mews serves up proper cream teas and comes without the hefty tourist markup. Try the scones. You’ll feel the part, pinky out and all.
| Royal Landmark | Opened to Public | Visitor Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Buckingham Palace | July-September | State Rooms, Gardens, Changing of the Guard |
| Clarence House | August only | Sitting Rooms, Royal Art Collection |
| St James’s Palace | No regular access | Exterior, Guards |
Tower of London, Kensington Palace, and The Pageantry of Power
Nothing mixes chilling history with heart-of-the-city glamour like the Tower of London. You see it first on the skyline—a hulking, fortress-like relic that’s hosted centuries of wild stories: executions, imprisoned princes, and ghost tales that kids share after school trips. It’s easy to buy tickets and walk around with a headset, but if you want the real Tower experience, follow a Yeoman Warder tour. They’re the famous Beefeaters (yep, like the gin), and they sprinkle their facts with the driest jokes you’ll find this side of the Thames. Locals know the earliest tours (right at opening) or the very last in the evening are quieter, and the Tower glows in the golden hour for dramatic photos.
Everyone makes a beeline for the Crown Jewels. Expect a queue, especially in summer, but go late afternoon and you’ll often wait less. While you’re here, ask staff about the legend of the ravens—six (plus stand-ins) must stay, otherwise ‘the Tower will fall and the kingdom too’ as the old rhyme goes. One is named Jubilee, after the Queen’s Platinum event a few years back.
If drama isn’t your thing, Kensington Palace is much gentler, set in the green sweep of Kensington Gardens. The State Apartments are rich in Stuart and Georgian touches, and you can wander the ground floor for stories powering up Netflix’s ‘The Crown.’ Princess Diana called this palace home, and there’s a memorial walk nearby if you want a quiet break. This year, the Orangery hosts a contemporary art display, and the Palace’s famous Sunken Garden is peak Instagram fodder, especially in spring.
Want to make a day of it? Bring a picnic or grab takeaway from Gail’s Bakery on Bayswater Road, then laze in the Italian Gardens with a view back towards the palace. For little ones, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground—complete with pirate ship—beats digital distractions.
London takes its royal pageantry seriously even away from the bricks-and-mortar landmarks. Trooping the Colour is the annual knees-up for the monarch’s birthday. If you brave the crowds on Horse Guards Parade (mid-June), you’ll see hundreds of soldiers, horses, and musicians in full regalia. The trick: get there long before 9am for a spot on Whitehall or watch from St James’s Park for a free (and less trampled) view.
For those fancying a royal church, Westminster Abbey is still used for coronations and major royal weddings. It doubles as a treasure trove for history geeks, with poets, scientists, and monarchs all buried beneath your feet. Book tickets online to avoid heartache; the Abbey fills with school groups by late morning. By the west door, look for the small memorial to Queen Elizabeth I’s small dog—it’s gossiped about but you’ll miss it if you don’t know.
Hidden Royal Gems, Quirky Traditions, and Practical Tips for Locals
The best-kept secrets in London’s royal scene aren’t in the guidebooks. Duck behind Green Park Station and you’ll find Lancaster House, often disguised in movies as Buckingham Palace—think ‘The Crown’ and Bond’s ‘Skyfall.’ It’s almost never open to the public, but on Open House weekend in September, you might snag a look inside if you’re lucky with the ballot.
Stroll north to Regent’s Park and you’ll find Queen Mary’s Gardens, a riot of roses in June and July—unofficially the city’s prettiest spot to picnic in royal style. If you fancy something a bit more unusual, head for the Royal Mews for a tour of working stables and royal carriages. Kids love the Gold State Coach, and the staff are always keen to share behind-the-scenes stories, especially in school holidays.
Londoners often skip the Horse Guards Museum at Whitehall, but it offers a look (and the irresistible scent) of working horses, not just statues on parade. If you’re there just before 4pm, you’ll witness the Garrison Inspection—a lesser-known ceremony, but just as snappy as Changing the Guard.
Don’t forget about Windsor Castle, a quick train ride from Paddington or Waterloo. Yes, it’s technically just outside central London, but for most locals, it’s in our patch. Swing by for the St George’s Chapel tour—site of countless royal weddings—and the world’s longest fully inhabited castle. Thames Path walks near Windsor are dreamy on warm days too, and it’s less busy midweek outside of school holidays.
Here’s how to make your royal adventures smoother:
- Book major palace tickets online weeks in advance, especially for summer and bank holidays.
- Avoid main crowds by visiting early mornings or just before closing.
- Don’t try to cram all the royal sights into a single day—London traffic and Tube delays are real. Spread them out and match with local festivals or events.
- Look out for special exhibitions; the Royal Collection rotates rare items and artwork annually.
- If you’re skint, enjoy changing-guard ceremonies, public gardens, or exhibitions at The Queen’s Gallery—much cheaper than full palace tours.
- Grab a London Pass or National Art Pass if you fancy ticking off multiple spots—it can save a pretty penny.
Local bonus: Early mornings in royal parks are amazing for runners. Try a sunrise loop of Hyde Park, spot Kensington Palace before the crowds, and finish with coffee from a kiosk by the Serpentine. Keep an eye out for corgis—owners love bringing the royal breed on weekend walks.
London’s royal side isn’t just tourist fare. From world-shaping ceremonies to secret gardens favoured by palace staff, the city keeps its heritage alive, blending pomp with daily city life. Whether you’re here for a year or a lifetime, these royal attractions promise new stories and a different view of the city every visit—if you know how (and when) to look.
