Royal Watchers Should Visit London In August
Royal Residences and Tours Available at the End of Summer
Many royal residences in England such as Eltham Palace (Henry VIII's boyhood home), Windsor Castle, Jewel Tower and Westminster Hall (both part of the former Palace of Westminster), Kew Palace, and Richmond Palace are open to the public most days of the year.
The following home are only open for select dates:
- Frogmore House – This palatial estate is not technically a royal palace but it is owned by the crown and the royals do occasionally use the home for various functions. Frogmore was a favorite place for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and this is their final resting place. King Edward VIII often spent weekends here while he was the Prince of Wales and he is also buried here along with his wife, the notorious American-born Duchess of Windsor. In 2009, the house will only be open to the public for six days. Three days in May are devoted to charity fundraising. Frogmore will be open to the general public on August 29th-31st. Please note: the Mausoleum will be closed in 2009.
- Buckingham Palace – if the Queen’s Standard isn’t flying above then you are cordially invited to come in and look around. Each room seems to be more beautiful than the last. The Queen’s Gallery (next door to the palace) houses various works of art owned by the royal family. The Royal Mews where the Queen’s cars, coaches, and horses is also open to vie. One ticket can buy admission to Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews. If you would rather avoid the crowds, special evening guided tours are being offered this summer at Buckingham Palace. The official opening days for 2009 are July 26th-Sept. 30th.
- Clarence House – formerly the home of England’s favorite granny, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and now home to Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and HRH the Princes William and Harry. The Prince of Wales has refurbished the home but keep everything as it was when his grandmother lived here. Open from Aug. 5th-Sept. 27th.
- Althorp House – the final resting place of Princess Diana and the privately owned home of her brother Earl Spencer. In addition to touring a large portion of the Spencer family home, ticket admission grants you entrance to a special museum dedicated to the life of the late Princess of Wales and a view of the tiny island where she is buried. The trip to Northampton takes about 45 minutes via express train then a short taxi ride or bus trip will take you to the entrance of the home. The journey is well worth the effort. Open to the public from Diana’s birthday (July 1st) until Aug. 30th. Visitor information is available at the Althorp website.
Special Royal Days
London Walks, the renowned walking tour company in London, offers special once a year royal days. At the anniversary of Princess Diana's death, a special tour visits the places where she lived and loved. Another special treat is the annual trek to the Warwick Castle Festival. No pre-booking is required to join a walk. London Walks flyers with date and time listings are available at most hotels and all tourist stops in London as well as online.
Other Ongoing Royal Attractions
Kensington Palace which features fabulous revolving exhibits such the royal wedding dress collection is open to the public for most of the year. The royal crowns, scepter, and orb should not be missed at the Tower of London.
A short side trip to Hampton Court Palace is accessible via the tube. Special exhibits are being offered this year as it is the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII's ascension to the throne.
Hever Castle and Leeds Castle are excellent and easily accessible day trips from London. Both eventually became crown properties.
Visit the official website of the British royal family for all information including ticket prices, hours of admission, and special exhibits.
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