Few cities capture the weight of history quite like London. Its skyline mixes glass skyscrapers with Gothic spires, but London’s true narrative unfolds in its royal landmarks—palaces, parks, and churches that remain at the heart of the city even today.
From the ceremonial grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the centuries of intrigue behind the Tower of London, these two royal attractions in London are more than tourist stops, they are living institutions. Here, the monarchy’s traditions continue in real time: guards still change at the palace gates, royal services still fill Westminster Abbey, and the Crown Jewels still sparkle under the same stone walls that have guarded them for nearly a millennium. However, they are far from the only two London landmarks that you should consider visiting on your next trip!
If you are planning your itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in London, start with its royal side. These are the landmarks in London that define the city’s past and make it unforgettable in the present.
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If it is your first time visiting London, start with the royal landmarks that define the city. These are the showstoppers that have shaped British history and still play a role in royal life today. From the centuries of history on display at the Tower of London to the pomp and circumstance seen at Buckingham Palace and the coronations that have taken place in Westminster Abbey for centuries, each of these must-see royal attractions in London offer a glimpse into the pageantry, power, and enduring traditions of the British monarchy.
Of all the royal attractions in London, none tells the story of the British monarchy quite like the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this formidable fortress has served as a royal residence, prison, treasury, and even a zoo. However, it is far more famous for its darkest chapters.
Behind its thick stone walls, some of England's most famous prisoners once waited here for their fate. In 1536, Anne Boleyn was beheaded on Tower Green, only a short walk from the ceremonial apartments where she once lived in the days ahead of her coronation. Her cousin Catherine Howard followed her to the scaffold a few years later, and in 1554, Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Days’ Queen,” met the same tragic end.
However, the most unsettling story is that of the Princes in the Tower. In 1483, the sons of Edward IV, vanished from the Tower of London without a trace. Although their uncle—who would later become King Richard III—is widely suspected of orchestrating their disappearance, no definitive proof was ever uncovered. The fate of the princes remains one of England’s most enduring historical mysteries. Standing in the shadow of the White Tower, it is hard not to wonder what really happened and how much horror these walls have seen.
Today, the Tower of London stands as one of London's most remarkable museums - part medieval fortress, part royal vault. The Crown Jewels, housed in the Jewel House, are still used for official occasions, including King Charles III's coronation in May 2023. Seeing the Imperial State Crown up close is nothing short of incredible. Seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London feels both intimate and humbling, a reminder that the British monarchy is as much tradition as it is spectacle.
Beyond the royal vault, the Tower of London is brought to life by the Yeoman Warders, affectionately known as the Beefeaters. Dressed in their red uniforms, they serve not just as guides but as storytellers, carrying centuries of tradition in their voices. Their tours move effortlessly from fact to folklore, from ghostly sightings to tales of betrayal, making the Tower of London feel less like a museum and more like a living monument.
Yet, despite all of the ceremony and the centuries of history here, the Tower of London can also be a place of quiet reflection. Each November the Tower of London transforms into a powerful tribute to remembrance that honors those lost in war.
For the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May 2025, the Tower of London brought back one of its most powerful and beloved displays - the ceramic poppies that first filled its moat in 2014. Originally created for “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red,” the poppies have been reinstalled at the Tower this year and will remain in place through November 11, 2025, offering a moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed during times of war.
In addition to the poppies, the Tower Remembers 2025 exhibition introduces multimedia displays that blend archival recordings, projections, and soundscapes to tell stories from the home front and the battlefield. The experience honors both soldiers and civilians, bringing history to life in a way that feels deeply personal.
I had the chance to see the after-hours Remembrance Day installation in November 2024, and it was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had in London. As the lights dimmed across the moat and voices echoed softly through the grounds, the Tower of London transformed. It became reverent, quiet, and incredibly moving.
This year’s extended installation offers visitors that same reflective atmosphere. Unlike the experience in 2024, this year's Remembrance Day events at the Tower of London is included with your general admission tickets to the Tower of London.
While many visitors come for the Crown Jewels and the poppy displays in early November, there is much more to discover within the Tower of London's walls. Additional must-see sights at the Tower of London include:
The Tower of London is open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
I wholeheartedly recommend booking your tickets for the Tower of London online, in advance of your visit. As one of the most popular London landmarks and best royal attractions in London, tickets for the Tower of London can sell out in advance, especially during the summer months.
Tickets for the Tower of London can be booked directly through the Historic Royal Palaces website. Official tickets can also be secured through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. Booking your tickets through GetYourGuide allows you to pay in your home currency (like USD), which can help you avoid foreign transaction fees. Plus, at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission!
If you are planning to visit several London landmarks during your trip, the London City Pass by MegaPass is worth considering. It includes entry to the Tower of London, along with other top royal attractions in London like Westminster Abbey. The London City Pass by MegaPass is an easy way to save some money and skip the hassle of needing to book separate tickets!
The Tower of London sits on the banks of the River Thames in the City of London, near Tower Bridge.
If the Tower of London represents Britain’s royal past, then Buckingham Palace embodies its present. Located in Westminster, at the end of The Mall near St. James’s Park, Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of King Charles III and the administrative heart of the monarchy.
The palace’s history stretches back to the early 18th century, when it began as Buckingham House, a private residence built for the Duke of Buckingham. It was purchased by King George III in 1761 as a home for Queen Charlotte (yes, that same Queen Charlotte from Netflix's Bridgerton), and later transformed into a royal palace by King George IV. Over time, the palace has been expanded and redesigned, creating the grand neoclassical façade that visitors recognize today.
Today, Buckingham Palace is the setting for royal ceremonies, receptions, and countless moments of national importance, including the balcony appearances at coronations and weddings, to the sombre tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Buckingham Palace is not just a symbol of monarchy; it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and one of the best royal attractions in London.
Most visitors first experience Buckingham Palace from outside the gates, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place several mornings a week (usually Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, though the schedule can vary). The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and draws big crowds, but it is worth seeing at least once. The precision, music, and pageantry capture what makes royal tradition so distinctively British.
The ceremony begins at 11:00 AM and lasts around 45 minutes, with the New Guard marching from the Wellington Barracks to relieve the Old Guard stationed at the Palace. Accompanied by a full military band, it is one of the best free experiences in London.
For the best view, arrive no later than 10:15 AM and stand along The Mall or at the Victoria Memorial facing the palace gates. Avoid standing directly at the railings of the palace since the crowd compresses quickly and your photos will actually be better from a short distance back.
For the most up-to-date schedule for the Changing of the Guard, please visit The Household Division website. Just be sure to check the schedule for Buckingham Palace and not Windsor Castle.
While the exterior is iconic, Buckingham Palace opens its doors each summer to the public. For roughly ten weeks between July and September, visitors can tour the State Rooms, including many lavishly decorated rooms that are still used for official receptions and royal events. Walking through the Throne Room, the White Drawing Room, and the Grand Staircase offers a glimpse into royal life that feels both opulent and surprisingly intimate.
Though smaller and quieter than the palace itself, the Royal Mews is one of the most fascinating royal attractions in London. It is where the horses, carriages, and vehicles used for state ceremonies are kept. It is a working stable that has been in continuous use since the 1820s.
Visitors can see everything from the polished royal Bentleys to ornate coaches used for coronations and royal weddings. The highlight is the Gold State Coach, an enormous gilded carriage that has been used at every coronation of a British monarch since William IV in 1831. Standing before it, you can almost feel the weight of history, and the meticulous care that goes into preserving these pieces of royal heritage.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: The Royal Mews is much quieter than the main palace, making it a great stop for those visiting London with kids or anyone interested in the craftsmanship behind royal tradition.
The Buckingham Palace area is one of London’s most walkable and photogenic neighborhoods. Here is what to know before you go.
Buckingham Palace is located in Westminster, between Green Park and St. James’s Park, and is easy to reach.
For the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace:
For the Royal Mews:
No royal landmark in London holds more history than Westminster Abbey. Located in the heart of Westminster, just minutes from Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey has been the setting for nearly every British coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066, including the most recent for King Charles III in May 2023.
It is not only the coronation church of the monarchy, but also the site of royal weddings, funerals, and national moments of remembrance. From Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 to Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s ceremony in 2011, Westminster Abbey has witnessed the milestones that define the royal family’s public story.
Westminster Abbey’s Gothic architecture is incredible! Think: soaring vaulted ceilings, intricately carved stonework, and vibrant stained-glass windows that flood the nave with color. Every arch tells a story, built over centuries as monarchs expanded and restored the structure. The result is a space that feels both grand and deeply historic.
One of the most important sights inside is the Coronation Chair, crafted in the late 13th century for King Edward I. Though relatively simple in appearance, it is one of the most significant objects in British history as it has been used in every coronation since 1308. During King Charles III’s coronation, it was placed once again before the High Altar, continuing a tradition that has lasted for more than 700 years.
Other highlights include the Nave, where sunlight filters through towering stained glass; the Choir, known for its ornate wooden stalls and angelic acoustics; and the High Altar, which remains the spiritual center of royal ceremonies. Even if you have seen the Abbey on television during weddings or state events, standing beneath its stone vaults in person feels entirely different. While I hate to sound cheesy, the scale and the sense of history here are unforgettable.
Beyond its royal legacy, the Abbey is also a national monument to art, science, and literature. More than 3,000 people are buried or memorialized here, including monarchs and visionaries like Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking. In Poets’ Corner, you will find tributes to Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens. These memorials are a reminder that Westminster Abbey honors not only Britain’s rulers, but also its creators and thinkers.
Westminster Abbey is open for tours Monday through Saturday. Westminster Abbey is closed for tours on Sundays. On weekdays, Westminster Abbey is open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM). On Saturdays, Westminster Abbey is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Please keep in mind that on Sundays, Westminster Abbey is only open for services. Services on Sundays, and throughout the week, are free to attend. For the most up-to-date worship schedule, please visit the Westminster Abbey website.
I recommend booking your tickets for Westminster Abbey online, in advance of your visit. As one of the most popular royal attractions in London, tickets for the Abbey can sell out, especially during the summer months. On occasion, tickets can only be purchased at the front entrance. However, the Westminster Abbey website will announce these dates in advance.
Tickets for Westminster Abbey can be booked directly through the Westminster Abbey website. Official tickets can also be secured through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. Booking your tickets through GetYourGuide allows you to pay in your home currency (like USD), which can help you avoid foreign transaction fees. Plus, at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission!
While I have already highlighted the London City Pass from our affiliate partner, MegaPass, I want to give it another special mention here. The London City Pass by MegaPass includes entry to Westminster Abbey, other royal attractions in London, and internet data via eSIM. It is one of the best ways to save some money while exploring all that London has to offer!
How to Get to Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is located in Westminster, right in the heart of central London. It sits just west of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and only about a 10–15 minute walk from Buckingham Palace.
After your visit, walk across Westminster Bridge for a postcard view of the Abbey framed by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, one of the most iconic scenes in London.
Once you have covered the classic royal attractions in London, there is plenty more of royal London to uncover. Wander through Kensington Palace, stroll the tree-lined paths of St. James's Park, step back into Tudor-England at Hampton Court Palace, or see the cathedral where Princes Charles and Princess Diana tied the knot. These attractions round out the royal story, showing how the monarchy's influence still touches everyday life across the city.
Kensington Palace offers a quieter, more personal glimpse into royal life in London. Kensington Palace is still an active royal residence (the London home of The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children), but much of the palace is open to visitors. Inside, the exhibitions explore the lives of past residents like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, with displays that range from royal fashion to historic portraits.
Among the highlights at Kensington Palace are the King & Queen's State Apartments, filled with 17th- and 18th-century art. While grand, they simultaneously feel intimate, designed for private audiences and family life.
Outside, the Kensington Gardens are some of the best in London. Popular among tourists is, of course, the Sunken Garden, which has been recently redesigned in honor of Princess Diana. The Sunken Garden is a peaceful retreat that is especially beautiful in spring and early summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
Located next to the palace is easily one of my favorite royal attractions in London: The Orangery at Kensington Palace. The Orangery dates to the 18th-century and was originally built to serve as a greenhouse for citrus trees. Today, it is one of the most atmospheric spots in London for afternoon tea. In addition to afternoon tea, The Orangery serves breakfast and lunch, daily. Reservations for The Orangery are recommended, as walk-ins cannot always be accomodated. For more information and to make a reservation, please visit The Orangery at Kensington Palace website.
Kensington Palace's opening hours vary based on the season.
Ticket prices vary based on whether any exhibitions being held at the palace, but generally cost anywhere from £20.60 to £24.70 for adults. Admission include access to the King & Queen's State Apartments, the Queen Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition, and any rotating exhibitions. Discounted tickets are available for children, students, seniors, and groups.
Tickets can be purchased online through Historic Royal Palaces website. As with most attractions in London, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
If you are interested in having afternoon tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, advance reservations should be made via The Orangery at Kensington Palace website. Admission to Kensington Palace is not required to enjoy The Orangery.
The Kensington Gardens, including the Sunken Garden, are free to visit and open to the public. For more information, please visit The Royal Parks website.
Like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and some of the other royal attractions in London outlined in this blog post, Kensington Palace is included in the London City Pass by MegaPass.
Kensington Palace is located within Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. The palace can be easily reached by public transportation.
Rising above London’s skyline, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable London landmarks and a key site in British royal history. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and completed in 1710, the cathedral has hosted some of the nation’s most historic ceremonies, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and the Thanksgiving Service for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Unlike many of the churches and cathedrals in the United Kingdom that were constructed prior to the Reformation, St. Paul's Cathedral in London was built to be a Protestant cathedral. Today, it serves as the seat of the Bishop of London.
Inside, the cathedral feels monumental yet calm. Natural light filters through high windows onto pale stone, patterned marble floors, and gilded details that give the interior a quiet sense of order and beauty. The Whispering Gallery, which runs around the inside of the dome, is famous for its acoustics. You can speak softly against the wall and be heard clearly on the opposite side.
Beneath the cathedral lies the crypt, which honors many of Britain’s most distinguished individuals. Though not members of the royal family, their legacies have left an indelible mark on British history. Among them are Sir Winston Churchill, whose state funeral was held here, though he is buried in near his ancestral home in Bladon; Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died aftering being wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar; the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo; and, the Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, although his remains and tomb were technically interred in the crypt of the original St. Paul's Cathedral which was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666.
The best part about visiting St. Paul's Cathedral is the view from its dome. Inspired by Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the dome at St. Paul's Cathedral rises 365 feet (111 meters). In fact, St. Paul's Cathedral was the tallest building in London for more than 250 years, before the construction of modern skyscrapers. If you climb the 528 steps to the top, the view is worth every one of them. From the Golden Gallery, London stretches out in every direction - the Thames below, Tower Bridge to the east, and the modern skyline rising around it. Admission to the Dome Galleries is included with your general admission to St. Paul's Cathedral.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday for sightseeing. Daily services are free and open to the public. For more information about daily worship, please visit the St. Paul's Cathedral website.
Please note that opening hours may vary due to services, religious holidays, and special events. I recommend checking the official St. Paul's Cathedral website before your visit.
Tickets for St. Paul's Cathedral are priced at £26 for adults and include entry to the cathedral floor, the Whispering Gallery, the dome, the crypt, and an excellent multimedia guide. Discounted tickets are available for children and groups. Tickets can be booked online at the official St. Paul’s Cathedral website.
Like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and some of the other royal attractions in London outlined in this blog post, St. Paul's Cathedral is included in the London City Pass by MegaPass.
If you are looking to explore royal attractions in London beyond the city center, Hampton Court Palace is one of the most rewarding day trips you can take from London. Located approximately 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) southwest of London in Richmond upon Thames, it is easy to reach Hampton Court Palace by train from London Waterloo (around 35 minutes). Yet, the palace feels a world away, surrounded by parkland, the River Thames, and peaceful village scenery.
Few places capture the drama of royal history quite like Hampton Court Palace. Originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 1500s, it was soon claimed by King Henry VIII, who transformed it into his favorite palace. This was where Henry VIII held grand banquets, married two of his six wives, and shaped the early years of the English Reformation. Later monarchs, including William III and Mary II, expanded the residence, adding stately Baroque architecture to its Tudor origins, creating a distinctive mix of styles that still defines the palace today.
Though no longer a royal residence, Hampton Court Palace remains one of the most atmospheric royal attractions in London, offering visitors a rare chance to walk the same courtyards and galleries once filled with courtiers, queens, and political intrigue.
There is plenty to see at Hampton Court Palace. Some of the highlights include:
Hampton Court Palace's opening hours vary based on the season.
Ticket prices for Hampton Court Palace vary based on peak and off-peak times. Per the palace website, peak times include weekends and public holidays, while off-peak times are weekdays (excluding public holidays). Tickets for adults begin at £28.00. Reduced admission is available for children, students, seniors, and groups.
To purchase tickets for Hampton Court Palace, I recommend booking them directly through the Historic Royal Palaces website, in advance of your visit. Tickets include admission to all open public areas of the palace, the gardens, courtyards, and Maze.
Parts of the palace may close for conservation work. Additional information about conservation work and closures can be found on the Historic Royal Palaces website.
As previously mentioned, Hampton Court Palace is located in Richmond upon Thames, about 12 miles southwest of central London.
Exploring the royal attractions in London offers a view into both the city's history and its living traditions. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the medieval intrigue of the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace, each of these London landmarks tell a different chapter of British royal history. While you may not have time to visit all of these incredible places during your time in London, visiting a couple of them can make for an unforgettable day (or two) in the city.
If you are short on time, start with the essentials:
For travelers with an extra day, consider a day trip to Hampton Court Palace. The 35-minute train ride from London Waterloo station makes it an easy addition to any London itinerary, and the palace’s mix of Tudor and Baroque architecture, sprawling gardens, and seasonal ice rink (at Christmas) make it a highlight year-round.
The best royal attractions in London are not just relics of the past. In fact, they are part of a living tradition that still shapes the city's identity (whether you are pro-monarchy or not)! Whether you are standing beneath the dome at St. Paul's Cathedral, watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or walking through the Haunted Gallery at Hampton Court Palace, you are visiting places that helped define and shape British history.
A royal day out in London connects history with the present in a way that is authentically British. These landmarks still serve their original purpose - as homes, working palaces, and places of ceremony, which makes visiting them feel alive rather than cold museums.
If you are planning your own royal itinerary, start with the essentials: the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Then, make time for some of the other royal attractions in London, like Kensington Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, or Hampton Court Palace, where the stories of the British monarchy unfold on a more personal scale.
For more ideas on where to go next, read our full London Travel Blog for hotel recommendations, insider tips, and experiences that go beyond the palace gates.
💬 Have you visited any of London’s royal attractions? We would love to hear your favorites! Share them in the comments below or tell us which royal landmark is next on your list. Happy travels!