Castles and palaces are a throwback from history that reinforce the class system and demonstrate an opulent way of life. But, these properties also show us a glimpse into the past and provide great days out for people who like to walk among luxury for a short period of time.
We have listed seven properties that will wow people who are looking to visit a palace or castle in the future.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Built by the first Duke of Marlborough in the early 18th century, this site is considered England’s only non-royal, non-episcopal palace and is Unesco-listed. It is a palace that outshines many others due to its opulance and amazing features.
A variety of tours around the Baroque location are on offer, including Women in Wartime Secrets, which highlights the role the palace played in World War Two when it served as the HQ of MI5.
Eltham Palace, Greenwich, London
Set in the capital, Eltham was a significant royal residence in the country during the early 14th century. Henry VIII was a regular fixture of the palace during his childhood alongside the massive moated site. But centuries of neglect followed until the wealthy Courtauld family settled near the palace in the 1930s and built a magnificent home next door. The move saw a blend of medieval and Art Deco elements, including a Cunard cruise-line-like circular entrance hall.
Conwy Castle, Wales
This castle in North Wales is seen as a great day out for the entire family. It was built by Edward I.during his military conquest, between 1283 and 1287. Over the following centuries, the castle had a colourful history but fell into disrepair several times.
The site still dominates and intimidates in its area today, restored spiral staircases in its great towers offers intrepid visitors amazing views of the surrounding landscape. The castle is open to the public and tickets can be booked online.
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Another site out of England, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is deeply rooted in important history. The seat of the King in Scotland, this location has a long history of hosting royal business.
In the early days, this business was conducted in the chambers of Holyrood Abbey, before James IV converted the site into a palace. King Charles II revamped things in the 17th century, as he added a series of impressive royal apartments and the biggest room, the portrait-lined Great Gallery.
However, the most famous resident was Mary, Queen of Scots: her rooms, reached via narrow, twisting stairs, are the most atmospheric. Enter her bed chamber and see where her private secretary was murdered before her eyes.
Buckingham Palace, London
The King’s official residence in the capital provides an opportunity for the public to visit during certain times. The palace has a great deal of grandeur, and until September 28, visitors can see inside the State Rooms, including where the throne is located. The throne room has new royal portraits of Charles and Camilla. According to The Telegraph, the palace has 760 windows, including those behind the central balcony, on which royals have made appearances since 1851. It’s also here that the British Army perform their daily Changing the Guard routine that the public can also view.
Osbourne House, Isle of Wight
This site was Queen Victoria’s “Palace by the Sea”. Osbourne was built specifically for Victoria and her consort Albert and is jamThere’s an impressive India collection, house in the wedding-cake-like Durbar Room. Highlights include the replica telephone demonstrated to Victoria by Alexander Graham Bell in 1878, which was one of the first calls made in the country.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress in Gwynedd, north-west Wales which is open to the public to view. The first fortification on the site was a motte-and-bailey castle built in the late 11th century, which King Edward I of England began to replace with the current stone structure in 1283.
The castle is a massive, impressive structure which overlooks the surrounding town. Unlike many Castles in Wales, Caernarfon Castle is still largely intact. The Towers and walls still stand to their original height, and most roofs are still present.