Hello there, mate! So, let’s have a chinwag (that’s a chat for my non-British friends) about something near and dear to our heart: the Royal Family and how they sprinkle their regal magic all over the UK travel scene. You might think royalty is just for the extravagant dresses and posh tea parties, but their influence runs deeper than you might expect. Whether you fancy a stroll through a royal estate or a pint at a local pub they frequented, there’s plenty to explore!
My first brush with royal glamour happened at none other than Windsor Castle. I arrived one sunny Saturday—absolutely convinced I’d bump into Prince Harry and Meghan at any moment while sipping my overpriced latte. A few swans gliding across the Thames and grand towers peeking out above the trees added to the picture-perfect scene.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and it feels like stepping back in time. I’ll never forget the moment I actually got to see the Changing of the Guard. Now, I always thought it was just a boring parade of stern-looking men in funny hats, but let me tell you—it’s surprisingly riveting! The marching bands, the precision—it’s like a scene straight out of a movie, but better because it’s real!
And if you’re ever there, look out for the little things—like the groundskeeper’s cat who thinks he owns the place, or the chattering bees in the lovely gardens. They don’t advertise those bits in the guidebooks!
Next, I found myself at Buckingham Palace during the summer when the State Rooms open to the public. Now, if you think walking through a royal residence is all about stiff upper lips and posh decor, think again! I genuinely felt like a character in a Jane Austen novel, only with worse posture and a bad haircut.
The palace was filled with treasures, but I have to admit I was desperately searching for a spot for a quick cup of tea. (Note: the tea at their café was a travesty—tasteless and watery, which was quite disappointing for a place that’s home to the Queen of tea herself.) If you’re looking for a good cuppa afterwards, just pop into Rossopomodoro for some fantastic homemade pasta too. Much better than that palace stuff, I promise!
Let’s talk parks! Royal parks like Hyde Park and St. James’s Park host a variety of fun activities. You can go boating, have a picnic, or simply lose your sanity staring at the squirrels. Honestly, I think Hyde Park employs a small army of them to terrorise unsuspecting tourists. I still remember the time a particularly bold critter nipped my sandwich out of my hand. I think it’s plotting something.
Oh! And speaking of plotting… If you happen to be in St. James’s Park, keep your eyes peeled for the pelicans. Yes, pelicans! They’ve been there since the 17th century as part of a gift from the Russian ambassador. Throw a fish, and you’ll make some new friends—or scare half the people walking by! It’s not the sort of thing you expect when planning a royal-themed trip.
Did you hear about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last year? The entire nation came together for a long weekend of festivities, from street parties to concerts. It was a right old knees-up! I happened to be in town, and catching the spirit of the Jubilee—even as I nursed a nasty cold—was infectious. You could feel the camaraderie in the air, with people shouting the words to “God Save the Queen” outside pubs and debating who wore what best at the concerts.
It was a reminder of how the Royal Family not only influences travel but also fosters community spirit. It’s crazy how a royal celebration can draw people from every corner of the UK and beyond. You could see flags, hear music, and even participate in a “Big Lunch”—which sounded like the best excuse you could ask for to eat your weight in cake!
While places like Buckingham Palace draw crowds, don’t underestimate the charm of lesser-known royal sites like Hampton Court Palace. I wandered through its grand halls, genuinely awestruck, but I must admit I also got lost in the gardens for what felt like hours. I had a mini panic thinking I’d become a permanent resident!
The best part? The Tudor kitchens! You get to see how food was prepared back in the day, and it’s surprisingly fun. But fair warning—some of the smells from the old tins could have made you question your lunch plans back then. Some things are better left in the past, right?
Now, let’s have a quick chat about local culture. From royal memorabilia shops to themed events, it seems no town is too small to celebrate their connection to the monarchy. Take Bath, for example. It’s a total gem that thrives on its association with royals of the past. The Roman Baths, the Georgian architecture, and the sense of history—it’s almost too good to be true! I nearly lost my head over the Jane Austen Centre there—it felt like stepping into her novels, but with a much less brooding hero by my side.
You can see the Royal Family’s influence in every corner of the UK, from the historic estates and well-kept gardens to local pubs and parks where everyone gathers to celebrate. Each visit—whether at a palace, a festival, or even a cheeky visit to a local café—feels like it’s infused with a sprinkle of royalty. It reminds us of our shared history and the quirky, occasionally bumbling, narrative that binds us together.
If you’re thinking about your next trip, why not stroll the regal routes and soak in that royal flavour? You never know where it might take you (at least not to the depths of the Thames like my sandwich did).
So, tell me—what’s your favourite royal adventure? Have you stumbled upon any cheeky royal stories on your travels? Let me know in the comments!
