Historic Royal Palaces in London
With the whole world focused on London for the Royal Coronation of King Charles III, we thought we would give you details of the historic royal palaces in London that are well worth a visit:
- Buckingham Palace
At number one, we have the most famous royal palace in London, Buckingham Palace. Originally named Buckingham House, the palace was bought from the Duke of Buckingham by King George III in 1760. Due to becoming a royal home, the building was officially upgraded to a palace. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms and is treated as a business headquarters by the Royal Family with over 800 employees working there. The balcony of Buckingham Palace is often used by the Royal Family to appear in front of enthusiastic crowds during Royal events in London. During the Coronation of King Charles III in May, the King will be based at Buckingham Palace around the proceedings. Buckingham Palace is a popular tourist attraction to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony and parts of Buckingham Palace are opened to the public during the late summer.
- Kensington Palace
Located on the western side of Hyde Park near Hotel Indigo London Paddington, Kensington Palace was first occupied by King William and Queen Mary in the 1600s. Sir Christopher Wren designed the later addition of the royal home which has been occupied by Princess Diana and, more recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Kensington Palace is open to the public throughout the year and a statue of Princess Diana is an iconic feature within the grounds.
- Saint James’s Palace
Third in our list of royal palaces in London is Saint James Palace. Saint James Palace in nearly 500 years old. Built by King Henry VIII, Saint James Palace is used as a working royal palace where ambassadors present their credentials upon arrival to Britain. The London palace is also a home for Princess Anne and other royals in London. The balcony of Saint James Palace is where the proclamation of a new monarch is made when they ascend to the throne, including King Charles III last year.
- Whitehall Palace
Whitehall Palace in London was the main home of the British monarch between 1530 and 1698. Whitehall Palace used to be the largest palace in Europe with 1500 rooms before a fire sadly destroyed most of it in 1698. Now, only the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace remains with its impressive ceiling designed by Peter Paul Rubens. Whitehall Palace is available for hire for special functions such as weddings and corporate events. King Charles I was executed opposite Whitehall Palace in 1649, allowing Oliver Cromwell to take control of the country as the first and last non-Royal leader, so the site has a poignant history.
- The Tower of London
At number five in our list of Royal Palaces in London is another famous London landmark, The Tower of London. As the oldest royal palace in London, The Tower of London is steeped in history. Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror after he won the battle of Hastings, The Tower of London saw Queen Elizabeth imprisoned there by her sister Mary and Anne Boleyn was executed there in 1536 under the orders of her husband, King Henry VIII. The Tower of London is open to visitors all year round and offers guided tours including the Crown Jewels.
- The Palace of Westminster
Last in our list of Royal Palaces in London is another well-known London landmark; The Palace of Westminster, including the renowned clock tower’s bell, Big Ben. Alternatively called the Houses of Parliament, The Palace of Westminster is where British politicians meet to debate, vote, and pass laws. Currently being renovated for £20 billion, The Palace of Westminster has a beautiful river-side location.
Hotel Indigo London Paddington Hyde Park is perfectly located for you to visit the best historic Royal Palaces in London. With the Heathrow Express on our doorstep, you can travel to us from the airport in just 15 minutes and then enjoy fast cheap travel across the city on the London Underground at Paddington Station. A pleasant 15-minute walk from our hotel through Hyde Park will take you to Kensington Palace. We are also just 15 minutes from Buckingham Palace via taxi.
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