The Palaces
There are many royal palaces in and around London. In Windsor Castle and the Tower of London Blue Badge Guides are the only external guides allowed to guide.

Diana’s former home, Kensington Palace, is open to the public all year round. Built for William III at the end of the 17th century the State Apartments are magnificent. Some of Diana’s dresses are on display.

Windsor – a palace within a castle – is the Queen’s favourite residence. Situated just outside London a visit to Windsor should be on everyone’s itinerary. You will be able to stroll through the State Apartments, still used for sumptuous banquets and important occasions. Queen Mary’s dolls’ house is an example of perfect workmanship.

Hampton Court Palace was one of Henry VIII’s many residences where he created apartments to entertain the court and all of his six wives stayed here at some time. You can see everything from 16th century kitchens to richly decorated state apartments. The gardens are beautiful too and you’ll enjoy getting lost in the famous maze.

In August and September the Queen moves to Balmoral in Scotland enabling the public to catch a glimpse of royal life in Buckingham Palace. The rest of the year you can visit the Royal Mews the Queen’s stables where the royal carriages and cars are kept. Just some of the Queen’s collection of art can be viewed in the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

The amazing fortress called the Tower of London is one of the most popular attractions in London. It too is traditionally a royal palace as it was built for William the Conqueror nearly a thousand years ago. I’ll tell you tales of the Tower’s history over the ages including its time as a prison and execution site. The Tower is still in use today because it houses the Crown Jewels which include the biggest cut diamond in the world!