Buckingham Palace may be the most famous royal palace, but there are actually five currently in use by Queen Elizabeth II and family.
Buckingham Palace has been the main Royal residence since 1837 with the accent of Queen Victoria, although it was in royal hands from 1761 when it was bought by George III.
The palace was much smaller then and was remodelled several times, and is even the reason why Marble Arch sits on its own as that was originally intended as a gateway to the palace. The palace today is the official residency of the Queen as well as being used for most royal engagements such as the three annual garden parties and numerous functions.
Windsor Castle is said to be the favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth and with a stunning setting and possibly the country’s longest driveway, it’s not hard to see why. The castle was badly damaged by a fire in 1992, but the damage has since been repaired and restored.
The castle has been a royal residence for over 900 years and it is the biggest inhabited castle in Britain. Must see parts of the castle include the State Apartments with artworks on loan from the Royal Collection, and St George’s Chapel where the Queen Mother is buried.
Sandringham House in Norfolk is a privately owned royal residence and has been a retreat for four generations so far. The house is often occupied by members of the Royal Family at Christmas and during Winter months. The estate is a working farm, and the public have access to the gardens and museum in the house.
Balmoral Castle was the favourite of Queen Victoria who described it as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”. The estate is traditionally used by the Royal Family for their Summer holidays, but the estate grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to visitors from the beginning of April to July. One of the reasons why Balmoral is so loved is the Cairngorm National Park which surrounds it.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish home of the Queen. The palace is situated at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, and has historic links to several English and Scottish members of the Royal Family including Mary “Queen of Scots”. Today the palace is used for official royal occasions relating to Scotland.
Except during official events, visitors can look around the palace. Superbreak offer hotel and tour packages – details here.
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