The British monarchy is fascinating, and London is the ideal place to immerse yourself in this world of tradition, pageantry and history. A stroll through the city’s royal sites not only allows you to admire emblematic places, but also to see London in a different light: that of kings, queens and grandiose ceremonies. Along the way, you will also come across Londoners who, between admiration and indifference, coexist with this age-old institution.
Emanuel, Sales and Services Supervisor at Air Transat, is our guide in a series of eccentric visits to the English capital; his love of the city was born out of his passion for the royal family. In search of the best royal attractions, he called on his friend Paul, whom he met at the National Portrait Gallery during the six years he lived in London.
Buckingham Palace
Paul is one of the Blue Badge guides, the prestigious official guides of the United Kingdom. He has worked at the London Eye, Borough Market and St Paul’s Cathedral, which he now shows to his clients. In the highly competitive market of tourist visits in London, they are considered the best, and their services are worth their weight in gold.
No royal tour of London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarch and an enduring symbol of the British crown. Peer through the golden gates—if the royal standard is flying, it means His Majesty is home. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Changing of the Guard, a meticulously choreographed ceremony featuring soldiers in red tunics and towering bearskin hats.
🎺 Did you know? During Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, Queen guitarist Brian May performed “God Save the Queen” from the palace rooftop in front of millions of viewers. A historic moment that proved the monarchy knows how to embrace modernity!
St. James’s Park
Just a short walk from the palace, St. James’s Park offers a lush retreat in the heart of the city. Once a royal hunting ground under Henry VIII, it is now home to some rather unexpected residents—Louis, Vaclav, and Gargi, the park’s famous pelicans, who have lived here since the 17th century. Grab a bench, watch the swans glide across the lake, and enjoy the picturesque view of The Mall.
As we continue our royal walk, our guide Paul shares some fascinating facts.
“The Household Cavalry is the only regiment in the British Army that still wears armor as part of its ceremonial uniform,” he explains.
🦩 Did you know? It’s hard to imagine today, but 470 years ago, St. James’s Park was nothing more than a marshy meadow filled with grazing pigs. It also housed a hospital for women suffering from leprosy—not exactly the regal image we associate with it today!
Westminster Abbey
For nearly 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey has been the site of coronations and royal funerals. It has also hosted 16 royal weddings, including that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Walking inside, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by the weight of history, from the grand stained-glass windows to the tombs of British monarchs.
👑 Did you know? Hidden inside the abbey is a remarkable corner known as Poets’ Corner, where literary greats like Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Rudyard Kipling are buried. But perhaps the most curious relic is the Coronation Chair, used since 1308. For centuries, mischievous schoolboys secretly carved their names into it, turning this sacred throne into a medieval graffiti wall!
Truefitt & Hill
Why not end this royal adventure with a bit of pampering? Truefitt & Hill, the world’s oldest barbershop, has been grooming royalty since 1805. Whether you’re after a traditional shave or a sharp new haircut, this experience is a journey back in time.
✂️ Did you know? King Charles III once traveled with his personal barber, ensuring his hair was always perfectly styled. But even he couldn’t top King George IV, who went as far as sending his hairdresser on diplomatic trips—because looking good was a matter of royal importance!
More royal sites to explore in London
- Tower of London – A former royal prison and home to the Crown Jewels, with a history as captivating as it is gruesome.
- Kensington Palace – The residence of several royal family members, featuring exhibitions on the monarchy’s history, including Princess Diana.
- Clarence House – The former home of the Queen Mother and the current residence of King Charles III, open for tours in the summer.
- Hampton Court Palace – A magnificent palace where Henry VIII held lavish feasts, famous for its stunning gardens and intricate hedge maze.
- Royal Mews – The royal stables, where you can see the majestic carriages used in official ceremonies, including the Gold State Coach.
