Buckingham Palace – King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s official London residence – throws open its golden gates for its annual Summer Opening (9 Jul-27 Sep). Anna Frame reports.
Take this chance to snoop around one of the world’s most famous palaces and explore its ceremonial State Rooms, full of Old Masters and dripping with sparkling chandeliers.
On a guided State Rooms and East Wing Highlights tour, you’ll see the iconic front façade and balcony, scene of many royal waves and Red Arrow flypasts, before exploring the State Rooms on your own (11 Jul-27 Sep).
Fancy wandering around the glorious rose and wildflower-filled grounds, where the great and good attend garden parties and nibble cucumber sandwiches? Then choose the State Rooms and Garden Highlights tour to see this ‘walled oasis’ and the tennis court where King George VI and Fred Perry played in the Thirties (11 Jul-27 Sep). Book ahead though as tickets sell out fast.
Nearby on Buckingham Palace Road, you’ll find The Royal Mews, a working stables that’s home to majestic Windsor Greys and brown Cleveland Bay horses. Pick up a free family multimedia tour guided by ‘two horses and Rex the corgi’ and let your little ones tack up a wooden pony and dress as a footman in red and gold livery. They can also sit in a carriage and pretend they’re a prince or princess.
Children will also love a trip to the Tower of London for A Tudor To-Do (to 14 Aug), where they’ll be transported back in time to Anne Boleyn’s hectic coronation preparations. Look out for costumed performers in various locations around the tower, bringing the heartbreaking story of King Henry VIII’s ill-fated queen to life.
West of the capital lies Windsor Castle, which was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The favourite home of Queen Elizabeth II, poignantly it’s now her burial place, and you can visit St George’s Chapel where her tomb is located.
You’ll also be able to walk through the Venus Garden (from 16 Jul). Created by King George IV in the 1820s, it’s had a makeover by King Charles III and now features a five-petalled floral pattern. With Charles’s love of nature, it’s certain to impress.
