It is so fascinating to be able to step back in time and discover the regal treasures, paintings and furniture of our Royal family’s residences. Each stately abode has a cornucopia of heritage from armour to architecture, dazzling diamonds to dresses and guards to gardens too! You will be amazed and astounded at the sheer scale of the opulent grandeur. Every detail is steeped in its own history and brought together to provide incredible places to visit.
So, a great place to start your adventures is the awesome Windsor Castle, the family home to 39 British Kings and Queens, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The Castle towers above the small, picturesque town below, surrounded by the delightful countryside of Royal Berkshire. The town of Windsor began as a Saxon village, and the name is believed to be a corruption of the Saxon words ‘windlass Oran’ meaning a bank with a windlass.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and measures the area of more than 268 tennis courts. It houses 300 fireplaces and 400 clocks – that must be fun when the clocks go back…
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, there is a rare opportunity to see the jewellery, Coronation Dress and Robe worn on that historic day in 1953. Other highlights include Queen Mary’s Doll’s House – the largest in the world and St. George’s Chapel, where so many memorable royal occasions have taken place. From Van Dycks to Rubens, the abundance of historic treasures will delight and astonish.
Just journey for 30 minutes from Windsor to be dazzled by spectacular Hampton Court Palace, a visual extravaganza that provides an exceptional experience. This Tudor palace was originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, he transformed it from an ordinary country house to a magnificent palace fit for a King! Dating back to the 16th century, the palace is most famously linked to the extraordinary lives and loves of Henry VIII and his wives. The dramatic history of the palace is full of scandal, romance and intrigue, it saw the rise and fall of monarchs and is said to be haunted too. When the Palace was built in Tudor times it was state of the art and considered modern and sophisticated, it employed over 600 people. You can view the enormous kitchens where Tudor style banquets that included peacocks, porpoises and swans were prepared.
The Great Hall sits at the very heart of the Tudor palace, towering over the adjacent buildings, it was designed to impress and to declare Henry VIII's power and splendour. Even today the magnificence and grandeur of the Great Hall will take your breath away.
One of the other highlights is the astronomical clock displaying the hours, days, phases of the moon, signs of the Zodiac and most importantly, if you arrived by barge, the high tides – truly astronomical!
Another awesome treat is to wander through the palace’s beautiful gardens and try not to get lost in the world’s oldest puzzle maze.
Whilst a residence that has a special place in the royal’s hearts is Sandringham House, nestled in charming Norfolk. King George V wrote, “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.” As the Queen has a great affinity for the House too, she usually spends her winters there to mark her father’s death anniversary and her own accession. The royal family have enjoyed Sandringham (the village’s name means ‘Sandy homestead of the Deorsige’s people’) since 1862, it provides a country retreat away from the demands of the city. The estate is positioned in peaceful, picturesque and tranquil grounds that have been described as the finest of all the Royal Gardens. Two lakes, a scenic valley including a romantic rockery and grotto have all been added to delight visitors.
Within the House there are stunning collections of art works and displays of lavish gifts received from around the world. Delightful portraits adorn the walls and intriguing exhibitions of oriental arms and armour. Whilst Sandringham Museum houses many grand gifts and numerous Royal personal items both large and small. Over the years the former coach houses and stable block have been used for various purposes from a post office to a fire station to now provide a magnificent museum, that when first opened had an admission of 3d – a thrupenny bit!
Here is your chance to see our exceptional quality short breaks that visit Royal Residences.
Hampton Court Palace & Windsor |16th September 2022| 3 Days | £259pp| PHREV
This splendid short break includes discovering the historic treasures of Windsor. Also indulging in the intrigue and romance at Hampton Court Palace. Additionally, a visit to Henley-on-Thames - one of the most beautiful towns in England and a regular winner of RHS Britain in Bloom medals. This pretty riverside market town is full of charming, cobbled streets, antique shops and even a Puddingstone too. Discover more.
Royal Norfolk & Sandringham Soirée |23rd September 2022| 3 Days | £269pp |PHSWG
A visit to King’s Lynn, begins this outstanding break, an historic medieval port famed for its rich maritime heritage, full of history and vibrancy. Followed by a self-guided tour of regal Sandringham House and Gardens. Returning home and calling into pretty Stamford, a stunning Georgian, bustling market town with quaint streets and speciality shops. Click to book.