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Five of the grandest royal residences of Great Britain

With Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday this year, we look at the most impressive royal residences across the UK, and how to see them.

Buckingham Palace in London, England

The official residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace has long been the centre of state occasions, national rejoicing and royal hospitality.

You can watch on from the magnificent gates any time of year, witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, or plan your trip for August or September when the Queen opens up her home to visitors, giving you the chance to tour the lavish State Rooms and garden, and see treasures from the Royal Collection along the way.

How to see it yourself:

The Rubens at the Palace (the hotel situated closest to Buckingham Palace), is currently offering a magnificent three-night Live like Royalty package, including a horse-drawn carriage ride around London, Royal Afternoon Tea featuring much-loved favourites of various British royals throughout the ages, regal accommodation in the hotel’s Royal Wing and a gourmet four-course dinner with the finest cuts from the same butcher that supplies the kitchens at Buckingham Palace. rubenshotel.com

Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England

As the longest-occupied palace in Europe, Windsor Castle has been home to British monarchs for nearly 1000 years. A personal favourite of the Queen to spend her private weekends, this 11th century castle delivers more than just bucolic views.

The State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the largest and most recognised dolls’ house in the world filled with thousands of objects made by leading craftsmen, while St George’s Chapel is both the burial place of 10 monarchs (including Henry VIII and Charles I) and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.

How to see it yourself:

Trafalgar’s eight-day London Explorer tour includes an in-depth tour of Windsor Castle’s greatest highlights, from $3775 per person. trafalgar.com

Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland

Positioned at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is home to Scottish royal history and the residence of HM Queen Elizabeth II when she visits the Scottish capital.

Here you can explore magnificent and historic State Apartments, the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens. There’s also an impressive array of rotating exhibitions.

How to see it yourself:

Trafalgar’s six-day Real Britain tour takes you into this historic palace as well as aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia which is berthed in Edinburgh – home to the royal family for over 40 years. trafalgar.com

Kensington Palace and Gardens in London, England

As the royal London abode of Kate and Wills (the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge), Kensington Palace and its lush surrounding gardens is a tranquil haven among the hustle and high rises of London.

Built in 1605, this grand residence has been housing royals since the 17th century.

Equally as exquisite as the 30 acres of manicured gardens is the palace itself, featuring memorable gems such as the King’s Staircase depicting frescoes of the court of King George I, Queen Mary’s State Apartments and The Orangery for high tea.

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How to see it yourself:

Stay directly opposite this residence at the luxurious five-star Milestone Hotel, offering private tours of the palace with an official guide and views across the leafy part of London.

Garden Suites from $2439 per night. milestonehotel.com

Hampton Court Palace in London, England

Beautiful inside and out, Hampton Court Palace is undoubtedly one of the most modern, sophisticated and impressive palaces of its age.

The favourite Royal Residence of King Henry VIII, wandering its corridors is like taking a tour through the history books of the tumultuous Tudors.

Once in the grounds, there is plenty to explore in the world famous gardens, renowned for their beauty with the recently restored Privy Garden and famous maze.

How to see it yourself:

Trafalgar’s nine-day English Country Gardens itinerary takes guests through Hampton Court Palace and its gardens, from $4575 per person. trafalgar.com

 

 

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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.