Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - The Queen's Favorite Getaways
No one knows luxury, relaxation, and royal tradition quite like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. During her historic 70-year reign, the beloved monarch has retreated to some of the most stunning castles, palaces, and estates across Britain. These lavish hideaways provide privacy and respite from the rigors of public life.
One of the Queen's favorite rural escapes is Craigowan Lodge on the Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands. She traditionally spends her summer holidays at Balmoral Castle, and Craigowan Lodge serves as a cozy seven-bedroom cottage just a mile away. She particularly enjoys family barbecues there during the summer months. The lodge is surrounded by stunning scenery, including grouse moors and forests prime for hiking.
The Queen also adores Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. This unassuming five-bedroom farmhouse is where Prince Philip spent his retirement before his passing in 2021. The Queen still frequently visits and finds the isolation comforting. She loves long walks with her dogs, horseback riding, and hosting shoots during the winter months. The interiors are cozy and lived-in, with well-worn furniture that's been in the royal family for generations.
When in London, the Queen stays at Buckingham Palace during the week. But she often escapes to Windsor Castle on weekends. The sprawling castle is located just 30 minutes from London, making it an easy getaway. She particularly enjoys strolling through the lush gardens and grounds. The castle provides a taste of countryside living without venturing too far from the city.
Another favorite is the Balmoral Estate in Scotland. In fact, the Queen has spent every summer vacation there during her reign. The 50,000-acre estate offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. The Queen also cherishes time with her extended family, as generations of royals have gathered at Balmoral each summer.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Castles Fit For Kings and Queens
From the fairy tale spires of Neuschwanstein to the breathtaking hilltop site of Edinburgh Castle, Britain is home to some of the most regal and romantic castles in the world. These mighty fortresses and sumptuous palaces stand as testaments to the opulence, intrigue, and grandeur of royalty throughout the ages.
A journey through the castles of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offers a vivid window into the storied reigns of kings and queens past. Touring the soaring battlements and labyrinthine passages of these castles provides an immersive experience into the daily lives of medieval monarchs and the extravagant courts they kept. As you explore elaborate staterooms decked out in priceless art and antiques, you’ll gain insight into both the public prestige and private worlds of royalty.
Take a trip back to the 12th century ambling through the atmospheric ruins of Goodrich Castle, set on a commanding hilltop site near the Welsh border. Gaze up at the striking Norman architecture and ponder what splendid scenes of revelry its great hall once hosted. Or walk the ramparts of Caernarfon Castle, with its iconic polygonal towers and sheer intimidating scale, and it’s easy to imagine the seat of power this stronghold represented for Edward I.
At Leeds Castle, dubbed the “loveliest castle in the world,” the interior is still resplendent with lavish décor. Meander through the banquet hall and picture grand feasts held here in Tudor times. Leeds Castle has charmed royalty for centuries, functioning as a royal residence from Norman times well into the 20th century.
For a true taste of castle living fit for a king, spend a night at Amberley Castle. The 19th century reimagining of a medieval fortification retains its fairy tale turrets and towers on the outside. Inside, its converted into an inviting hotel where you can dine like royalty and sleep in a canopy bed fit for a monarch.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Palaces Packed With History
From the grandiose Versailles to the rambling Hampton Court, Britain boasts some of the most iconic and historic palaces in Europe. These stately homes provide an intimate look into the opulent lifestyles and political intrigues of monarchs past. A tour through these palaces offers a vivid glimpse into the pomp and pageantry of court life through the centuries.
At Blenheim Palace, one of England's largest houses, the scale and splendor will leave you awestruck. Meander through lavish state rooms decorated with priceless tapestries and art that provide testament to the house's construction for the first Duke of Marlborough. Marvel at the sheer extravagance while learning engaging tales of the Churchill family who have called it home for centuries. Chatsworth House provides another look at an aristocratic estate that has remained in the same illustrious family, the Dukes of Devonshire, since 1549. Explore the far-reaching manicured grounds and elaborate interior rooms that give a window into centuries of changing tastes and styles.
For royal grandeur, look no further than London's spectacular Kensington Palace. A visit here provides an intimate look into the private lives of the royals, including Queen Victoria who was born and raised here. See her childhood bedroom and read excerpts from her moving diary entries. The nearby Diana Princess of Wales exhibition provides fascinating insight into her life behind the scenes. Many of her iconic dresses are also on display, including her spectacular wedding gown.
No trip to London is complete without a tour of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of British monarchs since 1837. Admire the sheer majesty of the State Rooms used for ceremonies and receptions. Marvel at exquisite works of art by Rembrandt and Rubens and note the fine French and English furniture collected by George IV. During summer months, you can tour the lavish gardens and explore a maze based on the original planted by King William III.
For more intimate royal digs, pop by the Queen's Gallery to view rotating exhibits of masterpieces from the Royal Collection. The trove includes over a million stunning works of art collected by British monarchs over 500 years. Nearby Clarence House provides a cozy peek into the London home of Prince Charles and Camilla and features many beloved pieces owned by the Queen Mother.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Stately Homes With Hidden Secrets
Beyond the grand facades and perfectly manicured gardens of Britain’s stately homes lies a world of intrigue, scandal, and secrets waiting to be unearthed. Though they may appear refined on the surface, a closer look reveals these aristocratic estates are steeped in captivating tales of scheming nobles and clandestine affairs. Delving into the hidden histories of these houses provides a tantalizing glimpse into the more scandalous side of British high society through the centuries.
A tour through Petworth House in West Sussex reveals a sumptuous interior and impressive art collection. But look closer and you’ll discover reminders of its most notorious inhabitant, the hedonistic Lord Egremont. He installed his mistress Elizabeth Ilive in a lavish apartment along with his illegitimate children. As you admire the splendid Victorian bedroom where Queen Victoria once slept, ask about the location of the secret door connecting to Egremont’s private quarters.
At Clandon Park, an 18th-century Palladian mansion tragically gutted by fire in 2015, the rebuilt house retains a few secrets. Peer down the stone passageway leading from the Marble Hall and you’ll find the door to the subterranean tunnel used by persecuted Roman Catholic priests to secretly enter the house during that era’s religious suppression. Nearby Hatchlands Park also hides two “priest holes” and was likewise used to shelter forbidden Catholic worship.
Baddesley Clinton, a moated medieval manor house, hides the most compelling secret of all – a tracing of a bloody handprint belonging to Nicholas Broome, murdered here in 1537. His ghost is said to still haunt the house. Adorning the National Trust property are further signs of its history as a haven for Catholic priests, including hidden chambers and passages used during the Elizabethan era when the faith was outlawed.
Even the grounds of stately homes hold covert stories. At Coughton Court, the centrepiece of the gardens is a seemingly innocuous mulberry tree. But look closer and you’ll notice the twigs are abnormally twisted. Local legend claims Catholics mutilated the tree to prevent it being used to make coffins after discovering their deity had been hanged from a mulberry. Studley Royal Gardens contains the evocative and mysterious ruins of Fountains Abbey, giving little clues to the once-thriving community of hundreds of monks.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Gardens Grand Enough for Royalty
Britain is renowned for its spectacular gardens, and those surrounding royal residences are truly beyond compare. Wandering the meticulously landscaped grounds and resplendent floral displays surrounding castles and palaces offers a glimpse into the splendid lifestyle of royalty through the ages. For green-thumbed travelers, visiting these regal gardens is a highlight of exploring the heritage of British monarchs and aristocrats.
The gardens of Highclere Castle, the setting of Downton Abbey, are nothing short of majestic. Designed in the 18th century by Capability Brown, the grounds exude a lofty air with rolling parklands and eye-catching follies. The showstopper is the Secret Garden, burstingly lush and adorned with fragrant roses. Ramble through and channel your inner Lady Mary. Nearby Blenheim Palace boasts 2,000 acres of grounds also landscaped by Brown in the 1760s. From the ornate Italian Garden to the tranquil cascades of water in the Palace Lake, Blenheim's gardens are fit for a queen.
At Hampton Court Palace, marvel at the famous maze planted for William III in the late 17th century. See if you can successfully navigate your way to the centre and back out again. The palace complex contains another horticultural gem – the Kitchen Garden. Explore patches bursting with fruit and veg that once graced the tables of Henry VIII and his court. Visiting during the summer months allows you to pluck juicy produce straight from the vine.
No discussion of royal gardens is complete without Kew Gardens, once a charming retreat for the royals but now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kew contains the world's largest and most diverse collection of plants. Highlights include the Palm House, a soaring Victorian glasshouse, and the Princess of Wales Conservatory with 10 climate zones under one roof. Don't miss the Treetop Walkway that transports you sky-high into the canopy of Kew's woodlands. Watch artists and illustrators capturing the garden's beauty as you soak up the floral splendour all around.
Closer to London lies the Savill Garden, an enchanting oasis located on royal property in Windsor Great Park. Meander through 35 acres packed with themed planting zones, from roses and rhododendrons to tropical hothouses. The Summer Gardens burst with vibrant annuals and perennials in jewel tones, complemented by serene pools and fountains. The Savill epitomizes horticultural perfection on par with royalty.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Where the Royal Newlyweds Honeymooned
From the Mediterranean hideaways favored by Grace Kelly to the tropical Polynesian retreats cherished by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, royal honeymoons allow newlyweds to escape public scrutiny and celebrate their nuptials in style and seclusion. For royal watchers, getting a glimpse into these top-secret getaways provides an intimate look into how regal couples kick off their lives together behind closed doors. Tracking down where the newlyweds steal away for their first days as spouses offers a tantalizing window into their personalities and passions beyond the pomp and circumstance.
After Queen Elizabeth II’s lavish 1947 royal wedding to Prince Philip, the couple honeymooned at Broadlands House, the Mountbatten family home near the southern coast of England. Set in expansive gardens, this grand country estate provided a relaxing sanctuary from the hubbub. Ten years later, the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret selected a more exotic locale - the Caribbean island of Mustique - for her honeymoon with Antony Armstrong-Jones. They stayed in a luxury villa, integrating into the jet-set social scene.
Charles and Diana likewise jetted off in royal style following their 1981 nuptials, spending their honeymoon sailing the Mediterranean on the royal yacht Britannia with stops including Tunisia, Sardinia, and Greece. In 2005, Charles brought Camilla to Scotland’s Birkhall estate for their honeymoon, seeking the privacy and seclusion of the remote home on the Balmoral estate he inherited.
After their 2011 wedding at Westminster Abbey, William and Kate Middleton escaped to a private villa on a remote Seychelles island bungalow. Their 10-day stay on North Island offered plenty of privacy for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and exploring the pristine landscape. Eight years later, following their 2018 nuptials, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose an ultra-luxe African escape. They spent three weeks touring, including several days of roughing it glamping in Botswana where they could experience the stunning wildlife and scenery. Their travels also included stops in South Africa and Mozambique.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Luxurious Retreats Turned Museums
While they once served as lavish hideaways and weekend retreats for royalty, many opulent estates have now been opened to the public as museums. Exploring these mansions provides a glimpse into the elegant lifestyles of monarchs and aristocrats past. Wandering the richly decorated rooms allows you to envision the sumptuous parties and illustrious guests hosted behind their walls. From sprawling country manors to Tudor palaces, touring the one-time private residences of the elite offers an engaging day out steeped in history.
Decorated in the height of Tudor style, Hampton Court Palace provides a window into the 500-strong court of Henry VIII. Wander through the splendor of rooms like the Great Hall and Haunted Gallery to get a feel for the magnitude of royal entertaining. Pay a visit to luxurious salons housing precious works by Old Masters like Rembrandt. Stroll through privy gardens and imagine courtiers scheming along these secret pathways. The maze offers fun for the whole family while unraveling what a leisurely day may have entailed for residents past.
Elsewhere in London lies the extravagant former residence of William Waldorf Astor, one of the wealthiest men in the world at the turn of the century. Explore the lavishness of the home he had built on The Strand to rival the palaces of Europe. Admire German Renaissance treasures collected during his travels. Visit the opulent double-height ballroom to envision the splendor and excess of high society soirees held here. Events today range from concerts to murder mystery nights, letting you participate in modern merriment within the mansion.
Up north lies Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham, considered Britain’s grandest stately home. The frontage spans a whopping 600 feet with 365 rooms. Family divisions led to the east and west wings being occupied separately for decades in the 20th century before opening to the public in 2017. Visitors are astounded by Wentworth’s sheer scale along with the abundant baroque beauty of its interiors. The Marble Saloon, longest of its kind in Europe, epitomizes the aristocratic indulgence enjoyed within its walls. Ramble through the acres of gardens landscaped by Capability Brown during a noble country lifestyle long past.
Majesty and Mystery: 12 Spellbinding Royal Residences to Explore Across the UK - Following in the Footsteps of Monarchs
Retracing the journeys of British royalty offers a vivid window into the storied pageantry and scandal-strewn reigns of monarchs past. Walking in royal footsteps brings tales of intrigue, romance, and power struggles thrillingly to life. By touring the castles, abbeys, and stately homes frequented by kings, queens, and their courts through the centuries, you’ll gain intimate insight into the public and private lives of history’s most enigmatic figures.
Fans of The Crown can channel Princess Diana on a pilgrimage to her beloved ancestral home, Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire. Meander through the Picture Gallery to view works amassed by generations of Spencers while Diana was growing up here. Pay quiet respects at her final resting place on a secluded island in the ornamental Round Oval lake. Soak up scenic views of the 500-acre grounds she adored.
At ruined Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can vividly envision life inside the vast 12th-century Cistercian monastery. View the cellarium that stored vast food stocks for the community and Valois Tower where abbot rooms were located. Marvel at how the Transept church once soared 144 feet, among Europe’s tallest structures of its time. Grab an audio guide to ignite imaginings of monks chanting in the spacious choir.
Channel your inner monarch exploring the private quarters of kings and queens at Windsor Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. At Holyroodhouse, see precise details like which direction chairs were turned after Mary, Queen of Scots presided over council meetings here. At Windsor, peruse Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with its tiny furnishings and lighting operated by electricity, a marvel when constructed in the 1920s.
Compare the living conditions in the rambling, drafty castles that nobles considered comfortable just centuries ago to the lavish palaces and apartments that today house senior royals like Prince Charles and William and Kate. Sites like ornate Hampton Court Palace provide perspective on everyday habits, like courtiers relieving themselves in any convenient corner. Visiting Buckingham Palace’s 19 regally decorated State Rooms allows you to envision the pomp and circumstance of events from investitures to grand receptions.