Spring in the capital
Spring is often just the moment to enjoy a city break somewhere interesting, and it doesn’t have to be overseas. How about a trip to London to visit the Queen? Or at least make it a weekend with a distinctly royal theme…
Of course, you must see Buckingham Palace. The Queen’s official London residence has 775 rooms, and the 19 lavishly decorated State Rooms are open to visitors during the summer.
They’re furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, sculpture by Canova and some of the finest English and French furniture.
One of the best working stables in existence, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages – don’t miss the Gold State Coach, used as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. Visit www.royalcollection.org.uk for more details.
Changing The Guard
Time your day to take in Changing The Guard, which has an official start time of 11.30am, but the guards in their smart uniforms start arriving to music at 11.15am. The ceremony runs for 30 minutes and takes place on di erent days, depending on the month – go to www.royal.gov.uk for details of royal events and ceremonies.
For more feminine royal out ts, the Fashion Rules exhibition at Kensington Palace showcases dresses from the collections of the Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales: www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace
The place to stay for your royal visit is situated just around the corner from Victoria Station. The Goring hotel has welcomed royal guests ever since it first opened its doors. In 2011, Kate Middleton famously stayed here the night before her wedding, leaving for Westminster Abbey on the morning of 29 April.
In 2012, The Goring received a Royal Warrant for Hospitality Services, the first one the Queen has ever granted to a hotel.
High tea at The Goring
The five-star Goring has been family owned for more than a century, and is luxurious without being at all stuffy, with great attention paid to your comfort, so you immediately feel at home. The bar is particularly warm and welcoming. Exceptional touches include cocktails in your room before your night out and a TV that you can watch in the bath.
The rate for the two-bedroom Royal Suite is – wait for it – £8,400, including breakfast and all Royal Suite amenities. Fortunately, the lead-in price for a night’s stay in ‘normal’ rooms is from £505 per room.
To book, contact Pride of Britain Hotels: 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com
Prices correct at time of going to press.
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Of course, you must see Buckingham Palace. The Queen’s official London residence has 775 rooms, and the 19 lavishly decorated State Rooms are open to visitors during the summer.
They’re furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, sculpture by Canova and some of the finest English and French furniture.
One of the best working stables in existence, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages – don’t miss the Gold State Coach, used as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002. Visit www.royalcollection.org.uk for more details.
Changing The GuardTime your day to take in Changing The Guard, which has an official start time of 11.30am, but the guards in their smart uniforms start arriving to music at 11.15am. The ceremony runs for 30 minutes and takes place on di erent days, depending on the month – go to www.royal.gov.uk for details of royal events and ceremonies.
For more feminine royal out ts, the Fashion Rules exhibition at Kensington Palace showcases dresses from the collections of the Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales: www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace
The place to stay for your royal visit is situated just around the corner from Victoria Station. The Goring hotel has welcomed royal guests ever since it first opened its doors. In 2011, Kate Middleton famously stayed here the night before her wedding, leaving for Westminster Abbey on the morning of 29 April.
In 2012, The Goring received a Royal Warrant for Hospitality Services, the first one the Queen has ever granted to a hotel.
High tea at The GoringThe five-star Goring has been family owned for more than a century, and is luxurious without being at all stuffy, with great attention paid to your comfort, so you immediately feel at home. The bar is particularly warm and welcoming. Exceptional touches include cocktails in your room before your night out and a TV that you can watch in the bath.
The rate for the two-bedroom Royal Suite is – wait for it – £8,400, including breakfast and all Royal Suite amenities. Fortunately, the lead-in price for a night’s stay in ‘normal’ rooms is from £505 per room.
To book, contact Pride of Britain Hotels: 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com
Prices correct at time of going to press.
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk