Known as one of the greatest cities in the world and also a favourite of many, London is full of places to tour and see. But if you’ve ever wondered what makes this city so special, our guess is the historical heritage tucked in every corner. Where best to find this than in palaces standing since the 11th century!
Here’s our guide to the top 10 palaces in London that you should not miss!
- Kew Palace
- Buckingham Palace
- Hampton Court
- Tower of London
- Banqueting House, Whitehall
- Windsor Castle
- Kensington Palace
- Palace of Westminster
- Lambeth Palace
- Eltham Palace
1. Kew Palace - Palace with a Thames View
Image by becchy from Pixabay
Despite being the smallest of London’s palaces, it is not the least majestic. Surrounded by the beautiful Kew gardens, the whole residence used to be a lot grander, but it has been torn down over the years. It is known for being the summer residence of King George III, as well as the place where he lived struggling with his mental illness.
Nowadays, Kew Palace can be visited in summer, especially to see the princesses’ bedrooms and the royal kitchens.
And if you’re in the area, the Royal Botanic Gardens can be visited by buying your ticket on Klook.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
2. Buckingham Palace - Where the Queen still lives
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
Probably one of the most famous attractions in London, Buckingham Palace is the official regent’s housing in London. It can be reached easily in Westminster, taking a stroll down Mall or St. James’s Park. If you wish to visit, make sure to go in summer, as the State Rooms (still used by the Royal Family today) are open for the public.
Also, the famous balcony where the Royal Family appears to salute the crowds can be seen from the palace’s gates.
Book your tickets with Klook and make sure to look out - maybe you'll get to see the Queen herself.
Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
3. Hampton Court - The rival of Versailles
Image by AloeCloe from Pixabay
Used by the Tudor Dynasty and the place where King Henry VIII finally had his son, the Hampton Palace is one of the larger royal palaces in London. Its Tudor and Baroque architecture makes it a unique and majestic piece, as King William III wanted it to rival the Versailles palace in France.
Currently, the palace, gardens and the famous labyrinth can be visited throughout the year.
With Klook you can book tickets for your next Hampton Court visit.
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
4. Tower of London - A collection of purposes
Image by Ana Gic from Pixabay
It might come as a surprise, but the Tower of London is indeed a palace, built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. Throughout the years it has served as a palace, prison, place of execution and a museum nowadays. The Crown Jewels have been on display for several centuries with one of the biggest cut diamonds in the world to be seen.
Booking your tickets with Klook ensures you visit this activity at your own pace.
Address: St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
5. Banqueting House, Whitehall - The last remnant
Image by falco from Pixabay
The Banqueting House is what is left of Whitehall Palace, King Henry VIII’s residence and once the largest European Royal palace, that was lost during a fire. Nonetheless, it is quite the architectural masterpiece, as it is the first English building to be constructed in a neoclassical style.
Nowadays it's still used by the Royal Family for various events, while the public can admire 9 of Rubens’ paintings hanging in the Great Hall or visit the execution site of King Charles I.
Address: Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2ER
6. Windsor castle - The world’s largest inhabited castle
Image by Roman Grac from Pixabay
Originally built for William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle is known for being the preferred residence of Queen Elizabeth II, which makes it the world’s largest inhabited castle.
Definitely worth a visit are the castle’s gardens, St. George’s chapel, which is the burial site of many English kings and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
To be fully prepared for your trip, you can get your Windsor Castle tickets with Klook.
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom
7. Kensington Palace - The palace of Princess Diana
Image by Adam Hill from Pixabay
Kensington Palace was built in the 17th century and has served as royal residence until today, the latest of its occupants being the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Prince Harry and Meghan).
For the public eye, some parts of the palace are open throughout the year, with displays of royal paintings and artefacts. Furthermore, fans of Princess Diana can also visit an exhibition of her fashion choices, as Kensington Palace used to be where she resided as well.
You can buy your Kensington Palace tickets with Klook to learn more about its history.
Address: Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London W8 4PX
8. Palace of Westminster - Widely known for the Big Ben
Image by Steve Bidmead from Pixabay
The Palace of Westminster is widely known as the Houses of Parliament, it has been used as a palace for a long time nonetheless. It is well restricted for visitors to go inside, however UK residents may do so for free, upon request. Big Ben is one of the most well known attractions, but Westminster Hall, the place of many historical events, can also be visited.
Situated nearby is also Westminster Abbey, where many royal coronations, weddings and funerals have taken place and you can get your Westminster Abbey ticket with Klook.
9. Lambeth Palace - Just steps away from the Imperial War Museum
Lambeth Palace is one of the oldest royal palaces, dating back 800 years. Nowadays it is the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Its gates open for the public only on special occasions like always on the last Saturday of June or look for one of the garden’s open-days to gain access.
The Lambeth Palace library has an impressive collection of over 120,000 books and religious records, while the Great Hall, Chapel and St. Mary-at-Lambeth church are definitely worth a visit.
Address: Bishop's, London SE1 7JU
10. Eltham Palace - The lavish palace
Eltham Palace is less known among London’s tourist attractions, however well worth the visit as it’s been transformed into a lavish residence. From being the birthplace of Henry VIII to being acquired in the 1930s by textile magnates, this palace has seen major transformations.
To this day the Great Hall can be visited and its Art Deco interior design gives it quite the fairytale flair. The beautiful surrounding gardens make for a lovely day to be spent outdoors.
Address: Court Yard, London SE9 5QE
Planning on visiting more attractions in London? Consider getting the London Explorer Pass where you can choose 3, 5 or 7 attractions from a list of over 20 places and save more on your trip!
