Days Out in England
Royal Palaces and Castles

England's castles and royal palaces are real visitor magnets. They're filled with amazing works of art and wonderful stories and make exciting destinations for days out in England.

They also allow an intriguing glance into our country's long - and sometimes violent - history.

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, the Tower of London and Windsor Castle are all within easy reach if you're visiting England's south-east and they really should not be missed.

And if you sometimes wonder how best to treat the Royalist in your life ... these ideas make marvellous gifts. What better way to spend interesting days out in England?

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is known the world over as the official residence of His Majesty the King.

The palace first became a royal residence in 1837 and has recently been opened to the public between July and October.

It's lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection and a real must-see for visitors to England's capital city.

Come and admire paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Sevres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.

For more information on opening times and ticket availability visit the Buckingham Palace website here. Note, admission is by timed ticket and is strictly subject to availability, so it's best to book your ticket well ahead of time.

Looking to turn this visit into a gift?
Explore the splendours of Buckingham Palace before enjoying a sumptuous champagne afternoon tea at the elegant Grosvenor Hotel. A truly marvellous day out in England!

Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial © essentially-england.com

Kensington Palace

From her marriage in 1981 until her early death in 1997, Kensington Palace was home to Diana, Princess of Wales.

But that's not its only claim to fame.

The palace - which was remodelled in 1689 by Christopher Wren - has housed King George II, Queen Anne and Queen Victoria.

Let the audio tour guide you through the palace. Explore the State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection before strolling through the grounds. More information can be found on the Kensington Palace website.

Looking for a special treat?
After your visit why not take a short stroll through Hyde Park to Harrods and enjoy afternoon tea. An experience you won't forget in a long time!

The Tower of London

The Tower of London - William the Conqueror's great keep - has dominated London since the early years of the Norman Conquest.

It has housed garrisons of armed men, kings and queens, the royal treasury, wild beasts, prisoners and traitors.

These days - apart from all manner of exhibitions - the Tower of London also houses the Crown Jewels. And if you always wanted to know what His Majesty wears when he opens parliament ... here's your chance to find out.

Tower of London opening times are here.

To turn a visit to the Tower into one of your most memorable days out in England, why not combine it with a sightseeing cruise and dinner on the River Thames?

The Tower of London at Night © essentially-england.com

Windsor Castle

Windsor has been a royal home for over 900 years. And situated only a short drive (or train journey) from London it's an ideal destination when planning days out in Engalnd.

It's said to be one of the Royal's favourite residences and they often entertain foreign guests here.

Get a real taste of British history as you wander through the historic castle of Windsor.

See the State Apartments, the Drawings Gallery, and the 14th-century St George's chapel.

Spend time in the grounds, looking out over the walls and imagine yourself under siege.

Looking to turn this day out into a gift?
Reduce the stress of the day and stay overnight in the luxury Castle Hotel which boasts great views directly over the castle and has the changing of the guards passing its front door.

So if it is pageantry you're after for your days out in England, you've really come to the right place. So arrive early, make sure you're camera works and have fun.

We'll see you there!

Return from Days out in England to the Fun Days Out Page for more ideas.

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