The Ultimate Guide to London's Royal Walks

The London Royal Walk is about 5 miles or approximately 8 kilometers. If you take a walk without stopping for too long at any particular venue, it might take about two and a half hours to cover the entire distance. However, along the way, there is pretty much to see, so it may be advisable to plan a whole day to make the most of your day.

Among the most interesting sites include Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, and the Houses of Parliament. As you walk through this Royal Walk, you will discover many interesting spots and gems. From Kensington Palace to the Royal Palace at Buckingham, and the Tower of London, the route covers many iconic royal residences. For a comfortable and convenient stay nearby, consider booking serviced apartments in Notting Hill, offering the perfect blend of cozy and location.

Kensington Palace

The Royal London Walk starts at the famous Kensington Palace, one of the four homes owned and occupied by Britain’s royalty. Set within Kensington Gardens, the Palace first attracted King William III and Mary II, in 1689 who chose to make the Palace their country retreat. Kensington Palace is also where the birthplace of Queen Victoria.

The Palace has been home to the royals for over three centuries during which notable other royal personalities like Princess Diana and Princess Margaret have lived there. The most famous residents of Kensington Palace today are Prince William and Kate.

Inside Kensington Palace, you can admire an exhibition made in honor of Queen Victoria and also marvel at the opulent display of state apartments. Another notable feature you cannot afford to miss is the Diana Memorial Garden. For Kensington Palace, the queues can be long to get inside, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the scorching sun in summer.

Kensington Gardens

After the interior tour and admiring the Kensington Palace façade, walk eastward to the Round Pond. The walk now takes you on a meandering route through the Kensington Gardens itself. Originally, this royal park formed part of the private Kensington Palace grounds but has now been opened to the public. Along the garden paths, you will pass the Round Pond as well as the Kensington Gardens Bandstand just before you reach the historical Albert Memorial. Commissioned by Queen Victoria, the gilt bronze commemorates her husband Prince Albert.

To the north of the Serpentine Gallery, you can turn left and arrive at Queen Caroline’s Temple. Overlooking the Long Water, the neo-classical house was created in the 1730s as a summer resort for Queen Caroline. The Long Water is a defining feature of the famous London’s Hyde Park. This is the ideal place to take a break from your Royal Walk and enjoy the serene outdoor atmosphere.

You can read also: The Best Things to Do in Knightsbridge, London

St James’ Palace and Buckingham Palace

A walk through London would be incomplete without visiting St James Palace, right in the heart of the British capital. city. Here you get to see several spectacular sites commissioned by King Henry VIII as you also learn more fascinating facts about the British Royal family. St James Palace is now the official residence of Princess Anne in London.

You course cannot afford to skip Buckingham Palace and its 19 state rooms. This is where King Charles III and Queen Camilla reside when in London. You may also see them and their motorcade as they leave the Palace. You can also watch the ceremony dubbed “Changing of the Guard” if you time it right.

Some sections of Buckingham Palace are open to the public. Admire spectacular paintings from the Royal Collection paintings from famous artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt. You are free to wander through the Throne Room and visit the Ballroom where the King hosts state banquets.

Conclusion

A vibrant and sprawling metropolis, London is steeped in culture and rich history. A Royal Walk gives you unique insights as you walk past other iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the National Gallery, and the world-famous Trafalgar Square. In addition, the Royal Walk also ventures down into iconic and historical streets, royal parks, and an assortment of beautiful neighborhoods.

That, however, is not all. The walk takes you to other places with connections to the British royal family such as department stores, hotels, and mews. If you’re looking for a place to stay during your London adventure, Grand Plaza Apartments Bayswater offers convenient access to all these landmarks. In a nutshell, the Royal Walk immerses you in the contemporary splendor of London and its rich history.