For nearly 1,000 years, the British monarchy has left its mark on London. Kings built palaces, queens commissioned chapels, and rival dynasties fought for power in the city’s streets.
It all began after the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror made Westminster his royal base, erecting Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey just outside the City of London.
Later monarchs expanded the district with grand palaces like Whitehall, St. James’s and Buckingham, creating the political and ceremonial heart of the English monarchy.
Today, London’s royal landmarks tell the story of coronations, conspiracies, executions, triumphs, and scandals. This guide takes you to the places where that royal history unfolded. At the end, I give you a self-guided walking tour you can follow.
Royal London
Tower of London
People associate the Tower of London with grisly executions. But for centuries it was first and foremost a royal palace, not just a prison.
Built by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest, the Tower has worn many hats. It has served as a royal residence, fortress, prison, mint, treasury, armory, menagerie, public records office, and home of the Crown Jewels.
Successive monarchs, especially Henry III and Edward I, transformed William’s fortress into a formidable castle by adding massive curtain walls, defensive towers, and a moat. Medieval kings and queens lived in luxurious apartments and worshipped in the Royal Chapel.
During the Tudor era, the Tower became synonymous with imprisonment and execution. Henry VIII sent countless enemies there, including two of his wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, both of whom were beheaded within its walls.
For history buffs, the Bloody Tower is the scene of England’s greatest royal cold case: the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower in 1483.
Today, the Tower’s biggest draw is the Crown Jewels. Used in coronation ceremonies, they symbolize the transfer of royal authority from one monarch to the next. More than 23,000 gems are housed in the secure Jewel House.
I highly advise pre-booking an entrance ticket or even getting the early access ticket. This place is usually mobbed.
St. James Palace
Although he never called it home, St. James’s Palace was one of the many properties accumulated by Henry VIII during his reign. It came into his possession, as so many things did, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries after Henry broke with Rome.
He acquired the site in 1531 and promptly began building a swanky new palace.
Henry originally intended it as a residence for his second wife Anne Boleyn. But, unfortunately for her, she failed to produce a male heir and Henry had her executed.
Instead, the first major state occasion held at St. James’s was the christening of Prince Edward, the short-lived son of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour.
St. James remained a favorite of the Tudor monarchs. Mary I, in particular, stayed there often and retreated there during her final illness. The palace became the official royal residence after Whitehall Palace burned down in 1698.
Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in the Chapel and King Charles III was officially proclaimed King at the Palace.
Today, it remains the official ceremonial seat of the monarchy, where ambassadors to the Court of St. James’s are accredited. It is also the London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Little remains of Henry VIII’s original Tudor palace. The magnificent red-brick gatehouse, with its distinctive octagonal towers and mullioned windows, survives almost unchanged. Today, it is guarded by red-coated sentries rather than armored knights.
Whitehall
Once the largest palace in Europe, Whitehall sprawled across 23 acres with some 1,500 rooms. Home to Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and the Stuart kings, it served as the political and ceremonial heart of England for nearly 170 years.
Originally known as York Place, it became the London residence of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey when he was appointed Archbishop of York in 1514.
Wolsey lavishly rebuilt the palace. But after failing to secure Henry VIII’s divorce from Katherine of Aragon, he surrendered it to the king in 1530.
Henry VIII transformed Whitehall into his favorite palace, adding a tiltyard, tennis court, and cockpit for cockfighting.
He also commissioned Hans Holbein the Younger to paint his monumental dynastic mural in the Privy Chamber, one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance.
Whitehall remained the principal royal residence under the Tudors and Stuarts. Elizabeth I made it the center of her court, while James I and Charles I hosted elaborate masques, diplomatic receptions, and state ceremonies there.
Disaster struck in 1698, when a catastrophic fire destroyed almost the entire palace. Only the magnificent Banqueting House survived. The blaze consumed centuries of royal history, including Holbein’s famous mural and countless priceless works of art.
Banqueting Hall
James I inherited the palace in 1603 and made Whitehall his principal London residence, hosting elaborate masques, diplomatic receptions, and spectacular court entertainments.
His son, Charles I, was an even greater patron of the arts. He commissioned Inigo Jones to build the magnificent Banqueting House, completed in 1622.
Charles later hired Peter Paul Rubens to paint the Banqueting House’s breathtaking ceiling. The vast canvases celebrate the reign of James I and proclaim the divine right of kings. (A mirror inside lets you admire the ceiling without straining your neck.)
Ironically, the Banqueting House became the setting for one of the monarchy’s darkest moments. On January 30, 1649, Charles I walked through a window onto a specially constructed scaffold outside the building, where he was publicly beheaded after the English Civil War.
The execution sent shockwaves across Europe. Never before had an English monarch been tried and executed by his own subjects. Although the monarchy was restored just eleven years later, Whitehall would forever be associated with the dramatic rise and fall of the Stuart kings.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of Britain’s most iconic royal landmarks and my personal favorite. Founded by Edward the Confessor, it’s served as a monastery, cathedral, coronation church, and royal mausoleum for nearly 1,000 years.
Every English and British monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned here, and the abbey has also hosted 16 royal weddings.
Inside, you can see the historic Coronation Chair and the tombs of monarchs including Edward I, Henry III, Edward III, Henry V, Richard II, Anne Neville, and Anne of Cleves.
Tudor fanatics shouldn’t miss the spectacular Lady Chapel, commissioned by Henry VII.
Its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling is one of the masterpieces of late medieval architecture, with intricate stonework and pendants that seem to defy gravity. Throughout the chapel, you’ll spot the Tudor rose, symbolizing the union of the houses of York and Lancaster.
Fifteen kings and queens are buried in the Lady Chapel, heroes and heroines, villains and traitors.
You’ll find the magnificent tomb of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, the shared resting place of Elizabeth I and Mary I, the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots, and the tomb of Margaret Beaufort, the formidable mother of Henry VII.
Before you leave, stop by the modest memorial to the Princes in the Tower, whose fate remains one of England’s greatest royal mysteries.
>>> Click here to book a Westminster walking tour and abbey ticket
Westminster Palace
Westminster Palace sits directly across from the abbey. If the Tower of London symbolized the military might of England’s medieval kings, Westminster Palace represented their control over government.
The palace was the principal royal residence from Edward the Confessor until Henry VIII moved the court to Whitehall. It was here that the king’s council met, Parliament assembled at the monarch’s command, and some of England’s most important state trials were held.
But it wasn’t all bureaucracy. Westminster was also a stage for lavish coronation banquets, glittering masques, and royal celebrations.
It witnessed some of the defining moments in English history. Two medieval kings (Edward II and Richard II) were deposed here. Many trials were held here, including those of William Wallace, Sir Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, and Charles I.
Most of the medieval palace was destroyed in the fire of 1834. Only Westminster Hall, the medieval undercroft of St. Stephen’s Chapel, and the Jewel Tower survived. The magnificent Gothic Revival palace you see today is largely a Victorian creation.
If you manage to book a tour, no easy task, you’ll enter through Victoria Tower and pass through the Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, and the House of Lords before reaching the House of Commons.
Along the way, you’ll walk through magnificent Westminster Hall. Built by William II in 1097 and later transformed by Richard II with its extraordinary hammerbeam roof, it’s the oldest surviving part of the palace and one of the great rooms of medieval Europe.
>>> Click here to pre-book a tour
Lambeth Palace
Despite never being a royal palace, Lambeth was at the center of many of the political and religious decisions that reshaped the English monarchy.
As the political influence of the archbishops grew, so did Lambeth. It never rivaled the grandeur of Whitehall or Hampton Court Palace. But it remained one of the most important buildings in Tudor England.
The oldest surviving part of the palace is the 12th century crypt. This is where the proceedings to annul Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne of Cleves were held in 1540.
Above it is the chapel, which you’ll see on a guided tour. The Great Hall is a 17th century reconstruction after the original was damaged during the English Civil War.
Henry V held court and feasted here before departing on his French campaigns. Henry VIII also visited frequently while Archbishop Cranmer worked with him to break England from Rome.
Today, the Great Hall houses the Lambeth Palace Library, home to one of the world’s finest collections of medieval manuscripts, archives, and rare books, including a first edition of the King James Bible.
Unfortunately, the palace is not generally open to the public, though it occasionally opens for special events.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the face of the British monarchy. It’s where the nation celebrates, mourns, and watches history unfold.
Queen Victoria made it the official London residence of the sovereign in 1837. Since then, every monarch from Edward VII to Charles III has lived and worked here.
This is where presidents and prime ministers are welcomed, state banquets unfold beneath glittering chandeliers, and the royal family steps onto the famous balcony after weddings, coronations, jubilees, and VE Day celebrations.
It’s less a private home than the public stage of the monarchy.
If you tour the State Rooms, you’ll find masterpieces from the British Royal Collection by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, and Vermeer, along with the opulent Throne Room, Ballroom, Picture Gallery, White Drawing Room, and Grand Staircase.
One of palace’s biggest attractions is the Changing of the Guard. With scarlet tunics, bearskin hats, military bands, and precise drill movements, it’s one of London’s great ceremonial spectacles. The best viewing spots fill quickly, so arrive early if you want a front row view.
Be sure to pre-book a ticket because they will definitely sell out.
Clarence House
Clarence House sits beside St. James’s Palace, connected by a covered passageway. It was built between 1825 and 1827 by architect John Nash for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV.
Unlike Buckingham Palace, Clarence House was designed as an elegant aristocratic townhouse rather than a grand palace. It has magnificent reception rooms, but a noticeably more intimate feel.
Highlights include the Morning Room, the Garden Room, and paintings from the Royal Collection.
Clarence House has been home to generations of royals, including William IV and Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria’s mother the Duchess of Kent, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and, most recently, King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Charles made it his official London residence in 2003, preferring it to Buckingham Palace.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace has been at the center of royal life for more than 300 years. Set within Kensington Gardens, it has witnessed stories of love, ambition, scandal, and heartbreak.
In the late 17th century, William III and Mary II transformed a country house into a royal palace. It later became the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, whose remarkable story is brought to life in the excellent Victoria exhibition.
As you explore the palace, you’ll come across “history hotspots” marking pivotal moments in Britain’s past.
The King’s and Queen’s State Apartments are beautifully furnished, and the palace also houses a fine collection of royal portraits. The Jewel Room displays exquisite pieces that Prince Albert commissioned for Queen Victoria.
Today, Kensington Palace remains a working royal residence and is the London home of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It’s also one of the best places for afternoon tea in London, but you should book a ticket in advance.
>>> Click here to pre-book a palace entry ticket
Kew Palace
Kew Palace is London’s smallest royal palace. It isn’t a showy place. Instead, it feels like a jewel box of Dutch red brick hidden away in Kew Gardens.
What struck me most was how intimate it feels compared to Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, or Hampton Court. It’s less Versailles than family home.
But Kew tells one of the most human stories in royal history: the private family life of George III and Queen Charlotte, and the tragedy that eventually overtook it.
Fans of Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte will recognize Kew as George III’s refuge during his bouts of mental illness. George and Charlotte preferred a quieter domestic life to the glitter of court, making “Little Kew” one of their favorite retreats and summer residences.
It was here that George underwent treatment during several major episodes of illness, particularly in 1788-89, 1801, and 1804.
Today, you can explore ten of the palace’s 22 rooms, each offering a glimpse into the surprisingly ordinary lives of Britain’s most famous royal family.
Hampton Court Palace
Few places capture the drama of the Tudor court quite like Hampton Court Palace.
Built for Cardinal Wolsey, claimed by Henry VIII, and later transformed by William III and Mary II, Hampton Court is part Tudor palace, part Baroque masterpiece, and one of England’s greatest royal residences.
Henry VIII made the palace his favorite retreat, filling it with lavish feasts, tournaments, hunting parties, and court intrigue. He even redecorated it for Anne Boleyn, putting her symbols and badges throughout the palace.
It was here that he suffered the devastating jousting injury that changed the course of his life, transforming the athletic “Golden Boy” into the increasingly volatile monarch remembered by history.
After the Tudors, the palace enjoyed a second golden age under William and Mary.
Finding Henry’s palace hopelessly old-fashioned, they hired Sir Christopher Wren to remodel it in the latest Baroque style. His elegant Fountain Court remains one of the highlights of the palace.
Today, you can tour Henry VIII’s vast kitchens, the magnificent Great Hall, the elegant Baroque State Apartments, the outstanding Cumberland Art Gallery, and the famous gardens and maze that have delighted visitors for centuries.
Note: In high season, you’ll want to book a skip the line entrance ticket to the palace. The palace is also included in the London Pass.
Self-Guided Royal London Walking Tour
If you want to experience London’s royal landmarks in a single day, here’s the route I recommend. It follows the story of the English monarchy from William the Conqueror to the present day and links together many of the city’s most important royal sites.
The central route covers about 4 miles of walking, plus time to tour the attractions. If you plan to go inside several sites, allow a full day. Hampton Court Palace and Kew Palace are best saved for separate half-day excursions.
Suggested Route:
- Tower of London
- Tube to St. James’s Park
- St. James’s Palace
- Clarence House
- Buckingham Palace
- Walk through St. James’s Park
- Horse Guards Parade
- Banqueting House (site of Whitehall Palace)
- Whitehall river wall remains
- Palace of Westminster
- Richard I statue (Old Palace Yard)
- Jewel Tower
- Westminster Abbey
- St. Margaret’s Church
- Lambeth Palace
Separate visits:
- Hampton Court Palace
- Kew Palace
Plan on a full day if you want to tour several sites, or simply follow the route and admire the exteriors. Hampton Court Palace and Kew Palace are best visited on separate half day trips.
Prefer a guide to get all the historic facts? You can also book a 2 hour walking tour of Royal London.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the sites of Royal London. You may find these other London travel guides useful.
- 3 Days in London Itinerary
- 5 Days in London Itinerary
- Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
- Hidden Gems in London
- Best Museums in London
- Best day trips from London
- History of Medieval and Tudor England
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