Britain’s prettiest palaces anyone can visit
The most regal buildings in Britain you can explore
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Buckingham Palace, London
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The grande dame of Britain’s royal residences, Buckingham Palace is the home of Her Majesty the Queen and the administrative headquarters of the monarchy. But it has not always looked quite as grand as it does today. It began life as Buckingham House, a sizable town house constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. It wasn't until the late 1820s that it would become a palace. King George IV, who acquired the house from his father, set about making it a lavish abode fit for royalty.
Buckingham Palace, London
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Buckingham Palace, London
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Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
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Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
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Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
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Kensington Palace, London
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A grand marble statue of Queen Victoria fronts this London palace. Victoria was born and spent her formative childhood years here, though upon becoming queen (in 1837) she eschewed Kensington in favor of Buckingham Palace. The estate was originally called Nottingham House, before it was bought by King William III in 1689, who commissioned architect Christopher Wren to transform it into an elegant palace. Today it's the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Kensington Palace, London
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Scone Palace, Scone
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Scone Palace, Scone
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St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
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Often dubbed the Castle of Wales, St Davids Bishop’s Palace has seen better days indeed. But the decorated stonework that remains will please medieval history buffs nonetheless. The palace was originally established by its namesake, Saint David, way back in the 6th century. But the current shell was predominantly the vision of Henry de Gower, who was bishop of St Davids from 1328-47.
St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
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Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
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Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
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Falkland Palace, Fife
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Falkland Palace, Fife
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Visitors can take a guided (arranged in advance) or independent tour of the palace's interior, with its tapestried walls and antique furniture, pausing to ask questions of the costumed guides. The grounds boast a beautiful labyrinth of live willows and a historic orchard, while open-air theater performances of classics such as Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale are common.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
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Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
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Today visitors can appreciate the opulent influence Lord Bute and his family had on the castle on a House Tour that takes in the elaborate interiors. Make time too for the Clock Tower tour, which showcases some stunning palatial rooms. If you're keen to cast your eye further back in time, seek out the remains of the original Roman wall on display in the Interpretation Centre. Read our guide to Cardiff here.
Apethorpe Palace, Northamptonshire
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Apethorpe Palace, Northamptonshire
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The Royal Palace at Edinburgh Castle
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The Royal Palace at Edinburgh Castle
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The Great Hall (pictured), built for James IV in 1511, is the palace's glorious centerpiece. Also on show here is the Stone of Destiny, a hunk of red sandstone and a historic trope of the Scottish monarchy – Edward I even had it built into his throne during his reign in the 13th century. It can now be found alongside the Scottish Crown Jewels, which are among the oldest in the world. The castle is open all year (bar Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's Day) with guided and audio tours available. Read our guide to Edinburgh here.
Hampton Court Palace, London
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Hampton Court Palace, London
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Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian
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Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian
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Windsor Castle, Windsor
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Windsor Castle, Windsor
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Beaulieu Palace House & Abbey, Hampshire
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Beaulieu Palace House & Abbey, Hampshire
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