Five royal sites to visit ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding
Got royal wedding fever? Plan a weekend getaway fit for a queen.
By Will Stroude
As Britain gears up to celebrate another royal wedding, the eye of the country – and the world – are set to turn on the UK’s most famous family once more.
After announcing their engagement last November, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quickly revealed that they’d be tying the knot at St. George’s Castle in Windsor, sparking a renewed interest in the historic sites Britain’s royals have resided in for centuries.
And boy are there plenty to chose from. If you’ve found yourself with a case of royal wedding fever ahead of the big day in May and are planning a getaway a bit closer to home this year, then these are the sites you simply need to see.
Even better, they’re open to the public at various points throughout the year, so unravel your bunting, whip out that Union Jack flag, and get planning a trip fir for a, well, queen.
As we celebrate the release of The Great British Escape: 50 Things We Love About Britain, in association with Hertz – which comes FREE with the February issue of Attitude and is available to download separately now – here the royal hotspots you need to hit in 2018…
Buckingham Palace, London
From the end of July to September the Queen opens her home to visitors, giving you the chance to tour the lavish State Rooms and garden and re-enact scenes from The Crown to your heart’s content.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Things might be busy when Harry and Meghan marry in St. George’s Chapel here in May, but don’t miss a chance to visit the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Open 9.45-16.15 until 28 February, then 09.30-17.15 until 31 October.
Sandringham House & Estate, Norfolk
It’s easy to see why this beautiful manor is the Queen’s favourite address and where she spends every Christmas with her family. Sandringham House, Gardens and Museum, and Sandringham Church, are open daily from 31 March until 21 October 2018. (Closed 23-27 July).
Balmoral Castle & Estate, Aberdeenshire
Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire has been a private Scottish home of the Royal Family ever since. The grounds, gardens, exhibitions, gift shop and cafe will be open to the public daily from 10.00-17.00 from 30 March until Tuesday 31 July.
Westminster Abbey, London
Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, this abbey has been the setting for the coronation of every English monarch since 1066. It has also seen 16 Royal weddings, including the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Opening times vary daily.
Read more about the best sites to see in the UK in our travel speical 50 Things We Love About Britain, in association with Hertz. It’s available FREE with our new February issue or availavble to download separately now.
