Royal London

I’ve drawn a map of all my favourite royal things in London to honour the great traditions of the UK. From palaces to shops and everything in-between, here is my list of the the royal best starting with the oldest site first, culminating in over 950 years of history across these sites!Tower of London - (Opened 1066) Home to the Crown Jewels and the legendary Yeomen Warders. Nothing takes you back in time like a visit to the Tower.Westminster Abbey - (Opened 1090) From coronations to royal weddings or royal funerals, this is the headquarters for the Church of England. Famous kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, and scientists now rest beneath its’ hallowed halls. Hampton Court Palace - (Opened 1514) The main residence of King Henry VIII and his infamous wives. The gardens here are divine and home to beautiful woodland creatures like deer and maybe even some swans!Kensington Palace - (Opened 1605) The childhood home of Queen Victoria where her elegant statue now sits in front. It is also the current residence of Prince William and his family!The Queen’s House - (Opened 1616) The first classical building in the UK and currently home to many great works of art. The Tulip Stairs are a must see!St. Pauls Cathedral - (Opened 1675) One of the most iconic landmarks in London and is often featured in Hollywood films, like Mary Poppins. Royal weddings and state funerals are also held here. Climbing to the top of the central dome is one of my favorite things to do in London.Buckingham Palace - (Opened 1703) Headquarters and an official royal residence of the monarch, it is one of the most iconic buildings in London. If you go to London in the summer then the State Rooms are a must-see!The Royal Mews - (Opened 1825) Home to royal carriages through the history of the monarch and one of the finest displays of horses. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach is a personal favourite.Tower Bridge - (Opened 1886) One of the better kept secrets of London is that you can actually climb inside Tower Bridge! One of my favourite things to do in the city, especially at sunset. There’s even a glass floor to see down to the River Thames below! Paxton and Whitfield - (Royal Warrant 1850) Britain’s leading cheesemonger and Queen Victoria became the first of many royals to name them the official cheesemonger. Obtaining a Royal Warrant means the King or Queen have first call on the best service in the land.Hatchards Booksellers - (Royal Warrant 1901) One of London’s oldest bookshops and Queen Charlotte was one of their first customers. The bookseller currently holds three Royal Warrants.Harrods - (Royal Warrant 1910) They held their Royal Warrant since 1910, but in 2000 The Duke of Edinburgh removed his and other warrants have been subsequently removed. However, Harrods remains on must-see lists for its incredible collection of vendors.Wilkin & Sons Preserves - (Royal Warrant 1911) Known for it’s tasty preserves and marmalades, the little scarlet strawberry is the best! Fortnum & Mason - (Royal Warrant 1955) They hold two royal warrants making them the official tea merchants and grocers to HRH Queen Elizabeth II.Lock & Co Hatters - (Royal Warrant 1956) The world’s oldest hat shop and the oldest family-owned business in existence. Sir Winston Churchill even donned one of these hats that became his signature look.Barbour - (Royal Warrant 1974) Ready to wear clothing from this luxury and lifestyle brand is the proud recipient of three Royal Warrants and can often be seen being worn by the Queen herself.Prestat Chocolates - (Royal Warrant 1975) This is something we whole-heartedly agree with HRH Queen Elizabeth II on her choice on Royal Purveyor of Chocolates. A box of Prestat is the best gift anyone can ask for!Hunter - (Royal Warrant 1977) The holder of two Royal Warrants and is renowned worldwide for its iconic original boot. The brand has grown from Wellington boots to outerwear, bags and accessories.Do you have a favourite palace? I love Hampton Court, and I’m convinced that one day I too will have a chocolate kitchen (p.s. the Queen’s actual birthday is in April, but her official birthday is always the second Saturday in June).