From Buckingham Palace to Balmoral, Windsor Castle to Kensington Palace — this summer, the doors of Britain’s most iconic royal residences are open. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit
This year, several royal residences have opened their doors to the public, offering visitors a rare chance to see how the other half live
From Sandringham House, where the royal family traditionally spend Christmas, to Althorp House, the childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales, here’s a look at the royal residences you can visit this summer.
Buckingham Palace
Although Charles III does not currently live at Buckingham Palace, it remains one of the royal family’s most important residences and is recognised around the world as the home of the monarch.
The iconic 775-room building hosts national celebrations, royal events and the famous Changing the Guard ceremony.
The palace’s soaring maintenance costs have long sparked debate. In 2017, major refurbishment work was approved to tackle issues including a leaking roof and deteriorating masonry, with then-prime minister Theresa May increasing the Sovereign Grant to help fund a £369 million, 10-year restoration project.
Buckingham Palace’s magnificent State Rooms are open to visitors from 9 July to 27 September, with tickets priced at £33.
During the rest of the year, the palace opens on selected dates for the East Wing Exclusive Guided Tour, offering visitors the chance to explore rarely seen areas of the building, including the room from which members of the royal family step onto the famous balcony.
Windsor Castle
With more than 1,000 rooms, Windsor Castle is the world’s largest occupied castle and boasts a fascinating 1,000-year history.
The castle was Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred home near London. Several royal weddings and funerals have been held in the castle’s chapel.
In 1992, a fire destroyed large parts of the building. A row ensued over who should pay for the repairs, with many arguing that the queen should fund them from her private wealth. In the end, the £37m restoration was paid for from existing grants and from money raised by opening Buckingham Palace to paying visitors for the first time.
Inside its walls, visitors can explore lavish rooms including the Crimson Drawing Room and the King’s State Bedchamber. One of the castle’s most famous attractions is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary.
Windsor Castle is open from Thursday to Monday throughout the year, with advance tickets priced at £32.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is privately owned by King Charles after being inherited from his late mother, Elizabeth II.
Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral has been a cherished royal retreat since 1852, when it was purchased by Victoria and Prince Albert.
This summer, Balmoral Castle’s grounds are open from 28 March to 9 August 2026. Tickets cost £18.50, while guided castle tours are priced from £110.
Kensington Palace
Discover the birthplace of Queen Victoria and a royal residence for more than 300 years.
While the London home of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales — Apartment 1A — remains strictly private, other areas of the palace are open to visitors.
The Jewel Room is among the highlights, displaying gems commissioned by Queen Victoria and gifted by Prince Albert.
Kensington Palace is open year-round, with tickets priced at £20.60.
Althorp House
Althorp has been home to the Spencer family for more than 500 years and contains an impressive collection of artwork, furniture, ceramics and historic interiors.
Although not an official royal residence, the stately home is closely linked to Princess Diana, who spent part of her childhood there. Her brother, Charles Spencer, opens the estate to visitors each summer.
Princess Diana is buried on an island in the Oval Lake within the grounds. While the burial site itself is not open to the public, visitors can pay tribute at a memorial temple nearby.
Althorp House and its gardens are open from July to August, excluding 10 and 11 July. Tickets currently cost £29.81.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
While Balmoral may be the royal family’s best-known Scottish retreat, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is officially the King’s residence in Scotland.
Once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, the palace is situated at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the palace has strong links to historic figures including Mary, Queen of Scots and Charles Edward Stuart.
Today, it is used by the King during official engagements in Scotland.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open year-round. From 21 May to 7 September, visitors can attend seven days a week, while during the rest of the year the palace is generally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Adult tickets booked in advance cost £22.
Hillsborough Castle
Located just outside Belfast, Hillsborough Castle is the official Northern Ireland residence of the King.
Members of the royal family have regularly used the Georgian estate as a ceremonial and personal base since 1922. The property has also played an important role in Northern Ireland’s peace-building process, including during negotiations surrounding the Good Friday Agreement.
Set within 100 acres of picturesque grounds, the estate is ideal for leisurely walks and family outings.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens are open on selected dates throughout the year, and visitors are advised to check ahead before travelling. Tickets cost £21.50, while gardens-only admission is priced at £11.
Highgrove House
Highgrove House is King Charles’ countryside retreat in Tetbury and is best known for its celebrated gardens, regarded among the most innovative in the UK.
Designed to “please the eye and sit in harmony with nature”, the gardens feature everything from formal planting in the Cottage Garden to the natural beauty of the Wildflower Meadow.
Visitors can explore the grounds on guided tours that offer a rare glimpse into the private world of the monarch.
For up-to-date tour information, visitors should check the Highgrove website. Garden tours are priced from £45.
