Royal things to do in London

A visit to London is always full of excitement, with so many things to see and do in the capital. However, there’s far too much to experience in this historic city in just one day. That is why we are highlighting the best royal-themed activities in London.

Make an exploration of the British Royal Family’s unique and fascinating history the focus for your next day out and tie it all together with a Royal Afternoon Tea overlooking the Royal Mews. The Palace Lounge at The Rubens at the Palace is the perfect place to take stock of all your royal sightseeing adventures and discuss your jam-packed day over tea, scones, sandwiches, and royal inspired pastries.

Admire Buckingham Palace 

We couldn’t talk about royal things to do in London without first discussing Buckingham Palace. The Palace has been the official residence of all UK sovereigns since 1837 and is today the primary residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Buckingham Palace takes a leading role in the cast of royal historical buildings.

It is well worth timing your visit to the gates of Buckingham Palace with the Changing the Guard ceremony. This takes place daily during June and July, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for the remainder of the year. You can see the ceremony take place at 11am outside Buckingham Palace. During the summer months, it is also possible to enter Buckingham Palace to view the magnificent State Rooms. Visitors are permitted between 22nd July and 2nd October and tickets must be pre-booked.

Find out more about Buckingham Palace 

Visit the Royal Mews 

The Royal Mews is the hub for all Royal Family transportation and consists of a collection of equestrian stables, carriages, and State Cars, all used by the Royal Family during public engagements and ceremonial occasions. The Royal Mews are currently closed to the public, but will reopen between 19th May and 2nd October 2022.

Find out more about the Royal Mews 

Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea 

Whilst the Royal Mews are unavailable to visit during the winter months, you can enjoy a pleasant outlook over the Mews from the Palace Lounge, located within The Rubens at the Palace. Here, a fitting Royal Afternoon Tea is served, featuring cakes and pastries specially designed to reflect the loves and lives of the British monarchy. What’s more, the Little Prince and Princesses children’s Afternoon Tea ensures all guests are catered for, whatever their age. 

Find out more about Afternooon Tea at The Rubens 

Experience a Royal London tour 

Evans Evans is an excellent option if you’re looking for a ready-made royal day in London. This half-day tour is a fantastic introduction to London’s best-known royal landmarks and includes a panoramic bus tour, a viewing of the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, and a scenic Thames river cruise. 

Find out more about Evans Evans’ Royal London tour 

Walk through Kensington Palace Gardens 

The striking Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace Gardens (pictured above) is a must-see on a royal tour of the city. You do not need a ticket to explore the gardens, however those hoping to enter Kensington Palace will need to book tickets in advance. Kensington Palace is the official residence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children. Your ticket will take you on a one-way journey through the palace, and includes entry to any exhibitions taking place at the palace during your visit.

Find out more about Kensington Palace Gardens 

Visit the Tower of London 

The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the tower was once home to the royal family, and has since been used as a fortress, a vault for valuable possessions, and an infamous prison for those awaiting trial.

Today, the Tower of London is one of the world’s leading tourist attractions. The Tower is home to a thriving community made up of the Yeomen Warders and their families, the Resident Governor, and a garrison of soldiers. The crown jewels are displayed inside the Tower and resident ravens inhabit lodgings on the South Lawn as guardians of the Tower.

Find out more about The Tower of London 

Experience a Crown Jewels tour 

Evans Evans offer a tour featuring a visit to see the Crown Jewels at The Tower of London. This tour additionally includes a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, the location of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s iconic wedding ceremony in 1981, and a Thames river cruise.  

Find out more about Evans Evans’ Crown Jewels tour 

See the Diana Memorial Fountain 

Fans of Princess Diana should not miss a visit to the Diana Memorial Fountain, located in Hyde Park. This circular structure of stone and water is a touching tribute to the legacy left behind by Diana after her untimely passing. In summer months, you’ll see plenty of visitors cooling off in the fountain's waters.

Find out more about the Diana Memorial Fountain 

Explore Westminster Abbey 

Five royal weddings have taken place at Westminster Abbey over the years, including The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Queen and Prince Philip Mountbatten, and Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong Jones. This striking abbey church holds plenty of royal significance as well as being a beloved London landmark. 

Find out more about Westminster Abbey