Palaces to visit United Kingdom

It is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen when she is in Scotland. At the exact opposite of the castle, at the bottom of the Royal Mile, she spends a week there at the beginning of each summer to conduct receptions and ceremonies in the capital. The site was occupied from 1128 by Holyrood Abbey, whose ruins can still be seen in the gardens. At the beginning of the 16th century, James IV and V built a palace there and definitively established political power in Edinburgh. The various conflicts of the second half of the century caused a lot of damage. Renovations began at the beginning of the 17th century, before Cromwell's troops ravaged a large part of the building in 1650. After the Restoration, a complete reconstruction of the palace is planned and the face it bears today is mainly given to it between 1671 and 1678, with a square plan of 70 meters on each side. After the 1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England, Holyrood lost his main functions. It was seized by the Jacobites in 1745 and Bonnie Prince Charlie courted it for a few weeks. From 1796 to 1803, the Count of Artois, the future Charles X of France, lived here in exile. The French royal family even returned from 1830 to 1832, after the July Revolution. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the interiors were partially restored and adapted to the comfort of the time.

State Apartments reflect the influences of successive monarchs. They are particularly famous for their decorated tapestries and ceilings. The highlight of the show is the superb Great Gallery, the largest room in the palace. There are 89 portraits of legendary and true kings of Scotland. They were painted by Jan de Wet between 1684 and 1686. You can also discover the dining room, the throne room and the various reception rooms used to date by the Queen on various occasions, such as the sumptuous Morning Drawing Room. The sumptuous furniture of Charles II's King's Bedchamber is impressive and the various antechambers are richly decorated.

Mary Queen of Scots' (Mary Stuart's) room is located in the northwest tower of the palace, just above the Darnley Rooms where her second husband, Henry Stuart (Lord Darnley) lived. Many intimate objects that belonged to him are kept there. In particular, there is a tragic portrait depicting the Queen in mourning costume, with a scene in the background depicting her execution at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587. The carved oak wood oratory where she isolated herself every day to pray is also there and the splendid Lennox Jewel, a heart-shaped pendant decorated with an emerald, is also remembered, which is said to have been made for Margaret Douglas, Mary Stuart's mother-in-law, to commemorate the deaths of her husband (Matthew Stuart) and her son (Henry Stuart). The latter was responsible for Holyrood's most famous drama: on March 9, 1566, he had Davide Rizzio, Mary's closest advisor, murdered. The crime took place in her room, right in front of her, while Henry himself held her while his men stabbed the unfortunate 56 times.

Holyrood Abbey is located in the gardens of the palace. It is the first building on the site, erected in 1128 by King David I. It would take its name from the Holy Cross, "rood" in ancient Scottish. Several coronations, weddings and funerals of members of the royal family took place there.

This sumptuous and surprising building in the center of Brighton was the brainchild of the eccentric prince and future king George IV. Originally a simple farmhouse, the building was bought by him to be transformed into a classical villa, where he hosted huge receptions. But it wasn't until he became regent that he thought bigger, and things took on their present scale. He commissioned architect John Nash to design a huge palace inspired by India, Asia being a fascination of the English Regency period. Work was carried out between 1815 and 1822, and today it remains the city's undeniable landmark alongside the pier on the waterfront.

Visitors will undoubtedly marvel at the overflowing imagination of the decorator and architect, who pushed fantasy to the limit. Inside, you'll feel like you're in a fairytale palace: columns, bamboo banisters, sea-serpent curtain rods, a gigantic fireplace topped with gilded palms, lacquered, sculpted, mother-of-pearl-encrusted furniture... The palms in the large kitchen match the dragons on the wallpaper in the music room, where Rossini played.

The Royal Pavilion tearoom, on the upper floor, is an eccentric and sophisticated café, with a sunny balcony on fine days overlooking the Royal Pavilion gardens. A must-see when in Brighton.

Scone Palace. To sound local, pronounce it scoune palace. This place has immense importance in Scotland's royal heritage. 1500 years ago it was the capital of the Picts, when they ruled Scotland. It is a historic coronation place for the country's monarchs. Indeed, Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II are among the thirty-eight kings who have been crowned there. The ritual was to hold the ceremony on top of Moot Hill and the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, which is now on display in Edinburgh Castle and has had a chequered history. A chapel now stands on the site where Kenneth MacAlpin became the first king of Scotland in 838, and a replica of the famous stone has been placed there.

Palace.

The original palace dates back to the 12th century, but was replaced in 1812 by the Georgian marvel we see today. Every room is a feast of luxury and pageantry, with valuable furniture, magnificent paintings and fine decorative art.

Gardens. The gardens are the playground of deer and highland cows. In the Pinetum, there are magnificent and rare specimens of giant sequoia and fir trees. This part of the garden is completed by the Douglas Pavilion, created in honour of the explorer and local boy David Douglas, plant hunter and discoverer of the Douglas pine, hence the name of the pavilion. It is also open free of charge in winter from Friday to Sunday.

This magnificent palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a model of grandeur and architecture, typical of the great British noble residences. The Duke of Marlborough, who won the Battle of Blenheim against the French in 1704, lived in these sumptuous interiors surrounded by superb parkland. It's also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, national hero and several-time Prime Minister. An exhibition traces his life and plunges us into the intimacy of this statesman. Cafés, restaurants and stores on site.

Right next door to the Palace of Westminster, Banqueting House is a resilient presence within Whitehall, remaining the only part of the building not destroyed by the tragic fire of 1698. The fire, started by a maid inadvertently leaving her washing to dry far too close to the fireplace, engulfed much of this magnificent palace. Banqueting House, an authentic architectural treasure, was built by Inigo Jones between 1619 and 1622, one of England's leading classical architects. A testament to the classical style, and more specifically the Palladian style, close to the Italian Renaissance, Banqueting House embodies an aesthetic which, at the time, was totally revolutionary in England.

Comprising a single hall spread over two levels, Banqueting House was long the epicenter of grandiose festivities. In 1635, Charles ^I commissioned Rubens to paint a fresco on the ceiling in memory of his father. But once the work was finished, he feared that the smoke would damage the painting, and the feasts were held elsewhere. It was this same Charles ^I who was beheaded in front of the Palace of Whitehall on January 30, 1639, bearing the brunt of the first English revolution. Rubens' work is the painter's only in situ painting. It features three main scenes: the union of the crowns, the apotheosis of James ^I and his reign. Between 1890 and 1964, the building served as an army chapel and museum. Today, it is occasionally used for receptions.

The building that once housed royal residences now embodies the Houses of Parliament, the prestigious precinct where the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords operate.
Originally built in 1097, Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the building. The rest of the building dates back to the ^19th century, after a gigantic fire destroyed much of it in 1834. Architect Sir Charles Barry (1795-1860) was commissioned to rebuild the building in a neo-Gothic style inspired by the Tudor era. Work lasted from 1840 to 1852. Today, the palace extends over 3.24 hectares and is almost 300 meters long. There are some 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 4.8 km of corridors. It also contains state apartments for the Speakers of both Houses.
On the north facade of the building, atop the clock tower (renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012), Big Ben is also one of the city's symbols. This 13.5-tonne bell stands 96 metres high and was installed in 1859. This iconic London tower is currently undergoing major renovation work. These have been the subject of numerous articles, as they are expected to cost a total of over £80 million, compared with the initial figure of £30 million. The work involves repairing damage caused by a World War II bomb, asbestos and pollution.

The magnificent Hampton Court Palace and its gardens make up a magnificent walk in Surrey, south of London. The place was used in particular as the residence of King Henry VIII. He was the most famous occupant and the first royal owner. We discover the ceremonial apartments, the large hall, the royal chapel. The Tudor kitchen could feed up to 800 people, it is the most important 16th century kitchen still in existence. Outside, the gardens are superb, a rose garden, a French garden and a labyrinth complete the visit.

This magnificent monument, built from 1699 to 1701 by Sir William Bruce, has since been substantially extended by an architect, William Adam. Robert and John, his sons, also architects, took care of the luxurious interior. Hopetoun House has remained unchanged since then, both in its high level of refinement and in its Georgian attributes.

The drawing rooms and the view from the roof are a must, as is the impressive staircase with its trompe l'oeil paintings. The park and the English gardens are also magnificent and the deer are happily roaming around. The family of the Marquis of Linlithgow still lives here, but an association is in charge of preserving the heritage of the place. Many works of art and sumptuous decorations are to be discovered and it is also the occasion to take a tea in the enchanting tea room or to buy some good products from the farm of the domain. Notice to families: Children will love the place, since several areas and activities are dedicated to them. They can walk along a path specially designed to facilitate their visit to the house, dress as they did in the past in Butler's panty, go on a bug hunt, try a treasure hunt (geocaching) or an orienteering race (extra charge of £2), or have fun in the park games.

Practical information : During your visit, depending on your desires or your budget, you can choose to visit the gardens alone (half price) or gardens + house. The parking is free.

The palace was built by Inigo Jones in 1616, and was one of the first classical style buildings in England, known as the Palladian style. It was Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, who commissioned the architect to build the building. However, it was not completed until 1635, and Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, was the first to occupy it. Despite some modifications, the Palladian style is still visible. Inside, a collection of works of art on the theme of the navy and the sea. Don't miss the magnificent spiral staircase.

Kensington Palace was the home of Lady Di, nicknamed Princess of Hearts by the English, and when her death was announced in 1997, a sea of bouquets of flowers filled the palace gardens. Kensington Palace then remained open for 24 hours straight, to welcome the 136,000 people who came to mourn the princess' death. In addition to Diana, a number of other royal figures or those close to royalty have had a connection with Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria was born here in 1819, spent her childhood here and, at the age of 18, learned that she was to become Queen of England. Today, the palace is home to Prince William and his family.

Grand rooms of the state apartments:

The King's Staircase is the first link in the circuit of rooms that make up the King's State Apartments. All the great and good of London in Georgian times would have climbed these stairs to visit the King.

The Presence Chamber is the room where the monarch received courtiers, ministers and foreign ambassadors.

The Privy Chamber was one of Queen Caroline's favorite entertainment areas. See the magnificent ceiling painted by William Kent in 1723, as well as the impressive tapestries.

The Cupola Room is the most magnificently decorated room in the palace. In the King's Gallery, William III played soldiers with his little nephew, and it was here that the king caught a cold, leading to his death in 1702.

In 1424, King James ^I launched the construction of this palace on the shores of Loch Linlithgow, after a fire had razed the town's previous castle. It quickly became the royal residence of choice for the Stuarts, who appreciated the tranquility and the country setting. It was also an ideal stopover between Stirling and Edinburgh, where the court regularly visited. James V and Mary Queen of Scots were both born here. However, when her son, James VI, united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603, he moved to London and Linlithgow Palace lost its royal use. It was kept in good condition until it was partially destroyed by fire in 1743, so that today you can see mainly the ruins. It is no less romantic and its central fountain is a masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the fountain in the Palace of Holyrood in the capital. A detour to the medieval St Michael's Church, which stands next to it, is a must. We also like the superb landscape which places the palace in a setting, between luxuriant vegetation and deep blue waters of the eponymous loch. The walk in the garden is also very enjoyable.

Smart info : There are guides and quizzes in French to know everything about the site and to have fun exploring it, between adults and with the family. And if you're around at the end of June, check out the annual Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace! (Reservations are available and recommended online.)

These two impressive ruins were the residences of the Bishops of Orkney from the 12th and 17th centuries respectively. The medieval Bishop's Palace is a sturdy building with beautiful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace was a model of refinement in its time. Its Renaissance architecture, its turrets and vast rooms make one imagine the splendour of its former days. Today, they provide a beautiful glimpse of their past grandeur.

In those days, it was said that two trips to St David's were worth one pilgrimage to Rome. Thousands of people came here, making St David's a major pilgrimage center in the country. The Bishop of Gower's architectural ambitions were high, making the complex a model of medieval refinement. Between 1328 and 1347, he transformed this former building for servants and animals into an immense palace. Built behind the cathedral between the ^13th and ^14th centuries, this imposing palace was once reserved for the nobility and clergy. It bears witness to the importance of this stopover on the road to Compostela. Now in ruins, it remains no less impressive. The palace is built around a central garden. The east wing was devoted to the bishop's private quarters, with his bedroom, small reception room and kitchens at the far end, linking the apartments with the south wing, which was more devoted to public reception areas. The room adjoining the hall was probably used to accommodate important visitors to St. David's. The west wing was probably used as a dormitory for less important visitors. Numerous architectural details come to light during the visit, testifying to the building's former splendor: finely ornamented windows and arches, corbels sculpted in the shape of faces or animals, arcade decoration... Today in ruins, it remains an impressive monument.

Bishop's Palace dates back to the 13th century and has been modified many times over the centuries. It is the residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who still lives within the walls of the north wing today. The building is open to visitors and it is interesting to discover its rich history and varied architectural styles. A special feature is that the swans in the gardens have been trained to ring the bell when they are hungry and are fed with wholemeal bread! A nice visit to make with the family.

Spencer House, the historic family home of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), is one of London's most ambitious aristocratic residences and one of the last intact examples of an ^18th-century palace. Built between 1756 and 1766 by architects John Vardy and James "the Athenian" Stuart, it is a fine example of Palladian architecture. Inside, you'll find a fine collection of paintings and decorative objects, including five works by Benjamin West, graciously lent by Her Majesty the Queen.

Downhill Demesne: this neo-classical palace was built in the 18th century by the Earl and Bishop of Derry, Frederick Hervey, on the heights of Castlerock. Magnificent and excessive at the time - it was one of the largest in Ulster -, it is now in ruins and opens its gaping arches on the sky and the ocean. However, it gives off a ghostly and theatrical atmosphere that is quite fascinating. It is a must to go and soak up this magical atmosphere!

Mussenden Temple : opposite Downhill Demesne, Mussenden Temple is a small circular temple, still standing today. It was built in the perspective of the palace, at the edge of the cliff, about fifty meters above the sea. Following the cliff on the right, we arrive at the Black Glenn and Pond, an oasis of greenery obtained by a dam having retained sea water to form an artificial piece of water. We can see, in low angle, the crenellations of the stone belvedere, camouflaged under a thick foliage. You can then go back up to it, and continue exploring this park full of trees and plants of different species. In good weather, the visit is really an enchantment for the walkers. Not to be missed!

Hezlett House: 17th century Irish cottage, one of the few still intact in Northern Ireland. Furnished with rustic Victorian furniture, it has an elegant and rustic atmosphere.

North of Lamphey, (Llandyfái in Welsh); you can visit the ruins of Bishop's Palace (Lamphey Palace), dating from the 13th century, which was used as a second residence by the bishops of St. David's. Ruins with the appearance of a crypt, lost in the green moss and mist.... which testify to the opulence in which these holy men lived. It is a very beautiful visit, both for the ruins and for the environment in which they are located, which offers a very special atmosphere. And in addition, admission is free.

This palace was built by Samuel Fortrey in 1631. The building was originally a manor house of moderate proportions, situated opposite the old Kings' Palace. It belonged to the Levett family, who inherited it from King George III. The property remained in the family for a long time, and was rented from time to time to royalty, notably Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was particularly fond of coming to Richmond. George III briefly took up residence here, and had a Gothic palace built. The new palace was still not ready in 1810, and the king's madness forced him to withdraw from public life and leave the palace. His successor did not like the design of the new palace, and had part of the project dismantled and destroyed, moving the staircase, for example, to Buckingham Palace. George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, died at Kew in 1818. Queen Victoria, on her accession to the throne, donated most of the gardens to the nation, retaining only a small summer pavilion for her personal use. The building, restored and reopened in 2006, was used to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. The history of the building can be retraced inside the palace, which is open to the public. Visit the royal kitchens, unchanged for 200 years, and discover the culinary secrets and gourmet habits of the crowned heads of the ^18th and ^19th centuries... A treat in the heart of sublime Kew Gardens. In April 2020, the 300th anniversary of the death of George III was commemorated here.

St James Palace is one of the oldest palaces in London. Commissioned by Henry VIII in 1530, it was built in 3 years between 1553 and 1556 in the Tudor style and was built around four courts: Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court and Colour Court. In 1558, it was within the palace that Mary Tudor signed the treaty that returned the city of Calais to France. Henry VIII's children died there, the first in 1536, an illegitimate son of the king, and Marie Tudor whose remains lie in Westminster Abbey with her half-sister. Charles II and James II were both born and baptized in St. James, as were Mary of York (Mary II), Anne of York (Queen Anne) and James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Suitor). It was the residence of British rulers from 1698, when the Whitehall Palace was destroyed by fire, and remained the royal residence for nearly three centuries, until Queen Victoria's arrival on the throne in 1837. William IV was the last ruler to reside at the Palace of St James. After his death, and until 1939, certain court decisions were still held at the Palais de Saint-James. It is also within the royal chapel that Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. The building still houses members of the royal family, Prince Charles and his sons lived there. The large apartments contain many furnishings and an interesting range of royal portraits from the time of Henry VIII.