VISIT BRITAIN
IN ROYAL FASHION
British Royalty Tour Sites
The intrigues of the British Royal family has held fascination for
centuries.
Whispers
of
royal
shenanigans
have been wagging the tongues of the lowly commoner since Henry II fooled
around with Rosamond at Woodstock (see Blenheim
Palace) and Henry VIII
went wife swapping with a bloody ax (see Warwick
Castle). VisitBritain,
the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales, invites
travelers to indulge their inner blue blood with a trip to Britain’s
best royal hot spots. In Scotland, visitors can follow the footsteps
of Queen Elizabeth II to one of her favorite summertime retreats Balmoral
in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This is the residence where the Queen spent
several days following the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales
familiar from the movie “The Queen”. Visitors can take a luxurious
safari in a Land Rover over the Balmoral grounds for a unique perspective
or take up residence by renting a cozy cottage on the Balmoral estate
grounds. The gardens and exhibitions are open to the public from April
1 through July 30 Balmoral
Castle
Of course the Queen wouldn’t allow filming of a movie about her at
her own favorite royal house, but two very impressive estates in
Scotland stood in as Balmoral in the award-winning film. One of the
most prominent filming locations - Glenfeshie
Estate offers visitors luxury
accommodation and leisure activities like fishing and hunting.
Another filming location, Blairquhan
Castle opens its stately doors
to visitors’ for short breaks. Blairquhan requires
a minimum party of 8 to stay in the actual castle, but
9
beautiful
quaint
cottages on the property provide similar accoutrements. The private
chef will cook up unique culinary delights for the castle’s nobless
oblige guests.
South of Balmoral in Edinburgh finds the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish residence and the site for state visits. The Queen’s Gallery, opened in 2002, holds a large display of statues, paintings and artifacts from the royal art collection. The Royal Yacht Britannia which has hosted famous visitors from Nelson Mandela to Sir Winston Churchillis on her decks is docked in Edinburgh. Visitors can take self-guided audio tours and check out the queen's luxurious nautical decorated bedroom. Royal Yacht Britannia
When
in London, the first regal stop is famous Buckingham Palace. With its
daily Changing of
the Guard ceremony outside the gilded gates, and the age old hoot
of getting your picture taken with a Guardsman and trying to get one
to
laugh, dosn't work, but
the regular police "Bobbies" will
be happy to chat your ear off as
long as you don't reach fro the gun. The British
royal family has lived here since 1837.
Several
of
the
lavish
rooms
are open
for
public
viewing
from
the end
of July
through the end of September. The palace also houses the Queen’s
Royal Collection, an exhibition of some of the most magnificent
treasures in the world. A trip to the palace’s Royal Mews
displays over 100 opulent coaches and carriages (see Royal
Mews Coaches).
London
is always a surprising and curious destination. On your tour to spot
the British Royals in London near the palace,
you never know what might turn the corner and what you might see
on your royal tour. The Queen might not be in
town, but, maybe you can spot a forty foot mechanical elephant fit
for an Indian Princess wedding, marching down the street in a musical
royal procession.
Kensington Palace, behind gold and black gates at the edge of Kensinton Gardens park is another beautiful royal house. Today, the palace houses office and living accommodations for several members of the royal family. Through July, visitors can view an exhibition of portraits of Princess Diana as well as a collection of her most exquisite gowns.
Find the British Coronation throne at Westminster Abbey. A breath-taking Cathedral with the greats of British history buried in its walls and floor, the abbey is a must stop on the royal tour for its important role in Britain’s most unforgettable milestones. The abbey has been the scene of British coronations since 1066 (see From Traitor's Gate To Mortimer's Hole).
No
tour of London’s royal
destinations is complete without a trip to The Tower of London.
(see Mind
Your Head and the Family Jewels). Watch re-enactments
of historical events - from the
conspiracy-ridden coronation of King Richard III to the thrilling
trial of Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn, and a demonstration
by Yeoman Warders of the nightly locking of the gates, entrapping
the royal
family secrets inside.
When not at Buckingham Palace, the Queen stays at Windsor Castle about an hour outside of London for weekend retreats, state visits or special events. When the Queen isn’t at home, tourist can explore the state apartments, viewing the masterpieces of artists such as Holbein and Rubens. Starting in April, visitors can see a photographic celebration of the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II to His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. © Bargain Travel Europe
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Web Info
Visit Britain
These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission. Courtesy Visit Britain.
See Also:
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WESTERN PHOENIX HOTEL
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