Guest Writer By Esme Sheppard, Guest Writer
Few cities in the world are as deeply intertwined with royalty as London. With centuries of history from the Romans to the Victorians, London has been entrenched with a rich history of kings, queens and plots. No more has shaped London than the British monarchy. Not only has it shaped its skyline and traditions, such as the British celebration of Bonfire Night, but it has cemented itself as a global identity with thousands of tourists flocking to the city every year to see the history and the current monarchs for themselves. From grand ceremonial towers to fortified medieval fortresses, the influence of the crown is woven into the city’s architecture and cultural fabric.
This guide about the royal route invites you to journey through the landmarks that have shaped London’s royal legacy through a curated path, creating the perfect route from abbeys and historical monuments. Along the way, you’ll discover where monarchs have been crowned, executed, and born as well as how royal tradition continues to shape modern Britain. This route through London is more than just sightseeing; it’s a portal into another world, allowing you to discover a hidden past.
Buckingham Palace: The heart of the monarchy
The official residence of King Charles, Buckingham Palace, is the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Originally known as Buckingham House, the building was commissioned by the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Today, you can view the huge palace from the gates, purchase tickets for a public tour in the summer months and even observe the changing of the guard’s ceremony, which happens on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 am. This ceremony involves foot guards in red tunics in bearskin hats marching from Wellington barracks to the palace. This impressive structure is a staple of the British monarchy, standing as a symbol of continuity and tradition, which cannot be missed.
Westminster Abbey: coronations, weddings and state ceremonies
Westminster Abby, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, has been the coronation site since 1066, crowning 40 royals since then, including the current king of England. Not only has it hosted coronations, but also many weddings, such as the wedding of the prince William of Wales and Kathrine and is also the burial site of Isaac Newton and Elizabeth the First.
Besides its rich history of infamous historical figures, Westminster is also known for its incredible Gothic architecture, with its grand arches and intricate details on the roof, the windows and the floor. Rebuilt by Henry the Third in 1245, it boasts the highest Gothic vault in England, an elaborate 16th century Tudor lady chapel and twin west towers. You can visit the abbey through purchasing tickets on the official website or by walking around the outside of the abbey for free and gazing at its stunning exterior.
Towers of London: Prison and the Crown Jewels
Founded by William the Conqueror as a way to control access to the upper part of London, this great tower has served many purposes, from protector of the crown jewels to a prison for criminals. It has a long and diverse history as a royal residence, zoo and execution grounds, making it a must-visit when in London. Today, it’s a UNESCO heritage site that you can walk around, taking in the rich history and stories of intrigue, betrayal and power that loom inside the walls of one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Kensington Palace: A royal family home
The birthplace of Queen Victoria, the former residence of Princess Diana and the current residence of many members of the royal family, Kensington Palace is one stop on the royal route that gives a deeper look into modern royals when they’re not in the public eye. Situated within the Kensington Gardens, in Chelsea, London, this palace opened in 1605 and can be visited by the public from 10 am onwards. Here you can walk around the royal palace, glimpse at Diana’s famous crown and take a peek into the private lives of modern royals. Its impressive garden, featuring a huge water fountain, makes it a perfect getaway from the bustling inner city for a quieter and slower end to the royal route.
How to get around
Navigating London’s royal landmarks is both easy and enjoyable thanks to the city’s extensive transport network, which allows you to travel from place to place with ease. Whether you take a tour bus guide from companies such as Greenwich Tours or Lifft Group, you choose to soak in the city through walking between landmarks, or you use the underground system that London is famous for, getting to and from each landmark can become part of the journey.
Final thoughts
The rich and deep history of the monarchy in London is not only interesting, but it’s amazing to see, whether you’re from the UK or elsewhere. If you just visit one of these landmarks or complete the whole royal route, you’re guaranteed to return home with new stories and a new outlook on the royal history of the UK.
Author Bio:
Esme Sheppard is a graduate with a passion for journalism and travel. After living in London since she was 18, she knew that the city was for her, and she hasn’t stopped writing about it.
