With the upcoming coronation of King Charles III set for May this year, many people are planning to travel to London for the event.
Locals and visitors will line the streets between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to watch the Royal Processions. Others will wait by the Victoria Memorial to see the new King and Queen Consort wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony afterward.
If you are planning to visit during the coronation weekend, or at any time before or after, there are many royal attractions in London to explore. We’ve put together this guide to all the best historic attractions in London (with royal links!) so that you can plan your own illustrious tour of the most beautiful castles, palaces, and other impressive locations.
Read on to find out all the details of King Charles III’s upcoming coronation, as well as the London must-see attractions to combine on your visit.
King Charles III’s Coronation – what you need to know
When will King Charles III’s coronation take place?
The coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday the 6th of May, 2023. Precise times for the different parts of the coronation have not been released yet, but based on Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, it will probably start around 11 in the morning.
Where will King Charles III’s coronation take place?
The King Charles coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey. King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will travel to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace in the King’s Procession. After they have been crowned, they will join the Coronation Procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace where they will appear on the Royal Balcony along with other members of the royal family.
Can I attend King Charles III’s coronation?
Unless you are a foreign dignitary, head of state, or member of the royal family, you will not be able to attend the coronation! However, many people will travel from around the city, country, and world to line the streets between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to see the royal processions first-hand. The coronation ceremony will be televised and streamed worldwide as well.
Will there be any related events during King Charles III’s coronation?
Yes! Buckingham Palace has announced a number of events that will take place over the coronation weekend and following Bank Holiday Monday. For example, the Coronation Concert at Windsor Palace on Sunday the 7th of May. This will be streamed and broadcast live, plus tickets will be available for attendees via a public ballot. There will also be The Coronation Big Lunch on the same day and on Monday The Big Help Out will encourage people to volunteer in their communities. Keep an eye on the official website for more details as they become available.
How to get around London
Central London is relatively easy to get around, with most of the royal attractions within walking distance or a short tube ride. However, since the tube mostly runs underground, you won’t get to see too much along the way! There are always the famous red double-decker buses, but the timetables and routes can be intimidating for visitors.
A much more scenic option is to purchase one of our discovery passes, where you can use the Hop-on Hop-off bus to get your bearings and sightsee. For a little extra, you can add on to the regular bus pass with a Thames River Cruise, or a combination of the bus pass, river cruise, AND a walking tour!
Check out more London tour options here as well.
Royal attractions in London
If you’re going to be in London around the King Charles coronation, or at any time, there are plenty of royal attractions to discover. We’ve rounded up some of the best London must-see attractions, with royal links, that you will not want to miss in this guide.
1. Westminster Abbey
Without a doubt, Westminster Abbey is one of the most important historic attractions in London with royal links. King Charles will be crowned in this Gothic-style abbey church, just as his mother Queen Elizabeth II was in 1952. This 700-year-old abbey has long been a traditional place for coronations, weddings, and burials for British monarchs. Prince William married Kate Middleton here in 2011 and the funerals of both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana were held here.
While it is closed to regular visitors during these events, the abbey attracts more than 1.5 million people each year who come to see the incredible architecture and memorials of famous people. Westminster Abbey is the burial site of more than 3,300 people, many of whom were important in British history, including prime ministers, poets laureate, actors, scientists, and, military leaders, along with previous monarchs such as Edward the Confessor and Mary, Queen of Scots.
2. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the monarch and the King’s official London residence. Certain sections are also open to the public at specific times. Many important royal events conclude with members of the royal family appearing on the balcony overlooking the main gates to wave at the assembled crowds. This will, of course, be happening after King Charles’ coronation so you can expect the area around the Victoria Memorial to be packed with crowds looking for a glimpse of the new King and Queen Consort.
If you want to see some of the impressive interiors of Buckingham Palace you can book tickets for the Queen’s Gallery or the State Rooms, although not on the day of the coronation, of course! The State Rooms are only open on selected dates during winter and spring, but for ten whole weeks during summer. Seeing the opulent rooms that are used for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining by members of the Royal Family is a real highlight.
3. St Paul’s Cathedral
The rounded dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous sights in London. Sir Christopher Wren designed the present Baroque-style structure after the first church on the site was almost completely destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. St Paul’s is a working church, meaning visitors can attend services here for free, buy tickets to visit and admire the architecture or even climb to the roof for incredible views over London.
Many important national events have been held at St Paul’s over the years, including the funeral services of Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington; Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher. The wedding between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was also held here in 1981.
4. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is another important (and beautiful) royal residence in London. In fact, it’s where Queen Victoria was born and the current home of the Prince and Princess of Wales. While you can visit the State Rooms at Kensington Palace it’s unlikely you’ll bump into Prince William or Princess Kate (or their children). But you will get a glimpse into royal life and royal history!
Parts of Kensington Palace have been open to the public as a museum since 1899. Visitors can see stunning staterooms and opulent bedrooms that were used by past members of the royal family, as well as changing exhibits of art or even couture. Make sure you wander among the beautiful palace gardens on your visit as well.
5. Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most popular historic attractions in London with a long and rich history to discover when you visit. First founded by the Normans around 1066, the main fortification is the White Tower, which was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and gave the whole of today’s site its name.
Aside from the White Tower, this site includes several buildings set within two rings of defensive walls and a moat. Over the years it has been used as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, the home of the Crown Jewels of England, and a prison. Many disgraced figures were imprisoned here, including Anne Boleyn and even Elizabeth I (before she was queen). Today visitors flock to see the famous “Beefeaters” (the Yeoman Warders), the ravens, and the Crown Jewels – which are on display in the Jewel House.
6. The Household Cavalry Museum
Anyone interested in both horses and the royal family will want to visit the Household Cavalry Museum while in London! The Household Cavalry is the highest rank in the British Army, first formed in 1661 under the direct order of King Charles II. Horse Guards is the name of the building that houses the Household Cavalry, which is basically the royal bodyguard of the monarch.
At this museum, you will see how this elite branch of the military trains and cares for its mounts. Objects on display include ceremonial uniforms, regalia, royal standards, awards, musical instruments, horse furniture, and even Fabergé silverware. If you time your visit for 16:00 you can also see the daily inspection of the horses and guards.
7. The Royal Mews
Another horse-related royal attraction in London is the Royal Mews, located within Buckingham Palace. These stables are where horses, carriages, and cars used by the royal family are kept, but they are also open to the public for much of the year.
Visitors to the Royal Mews will learn all about which horses Queen Elizabeth II loved the best, while also seeing cars and carriages that have been used in royal processions throughout the years. Highlights include the incredible Gold State Coach built for George III in 1762 and the two Bentley State Limousines given to Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 to mark her Golden Jubilee.
8. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Even if you don’t manage to visit the interior of Buckingham Palace, you can witness the pomp and circumstance of the Changing the Guard ceremony for free every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday (weather permitting)! While most people watch the part of the ceremony that takes place at the Buckingham Palace gate, the whole thing actually includes the Royal Guards, the Household Cavalry, and the Regimental Musical Bands marching from St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace. There they change over who is on guard duty and march back.
If you’re only in London for a short time, this walking tour of London attractions is ideal for seeing the highlights and it includes the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Your guide will explain each step of the ceremony as well as take you to see St James’s Palace, Clarence House, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.
9. Royal Observatory Greenwich
First commissioned by King Charles II in 1675, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is a fascinating spot to visit. The Prime Meridian passes through the observatory, which is where Greenwich Mean Time comes from. Visitors to the Royal Observatory can even stand on top of the Prime Meridian for a photo!
The Observatory buildings also include a museum of astronomical and navigational tools, as part of the Royal Museums Greenwich. This is sure to be fascinating for anyone even slightly interested in astronomy, navigation, or timekeeping. Do be aware that you need to book separately for the Planetarium shows.
10. Old Royal Naval College
Another beautiful site worth visiting in Greenwich is the Old Royal Naval College. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also designed the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral). What is now a museum was first built to be a hospital and then became the Royal Naval College for training navy officers.
There are a number of different passes and tours you can enjoy here, whether you are interested in movies that were filmed on the site or just want to see the magnificent Baroque Painted Hall by Sir James Thornhill. Often called Britain’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, these 40,000 square feet of awe-inspiring painted walls and ceiling are just one part of the interesting exhibits on display at this royal museum.
11. Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, as a memorial to her late husband Prince Albert. Today it’s one of the most famous venues in London for live music, ballet, film screenings, conferences, and even poetry readings. Joining a tour of Royal Albert Hall is the best way to learn about the royal family’s links to the hall, plus you’ll get to see the King’s private box as well as his private suites.
While the tour is a great way to hear amazing stories and historical facts about the incredible building, if you can manage to catch a live performance here as well then you will never forget it! The BBC Proms concerts might be the most popular and well-known annual performances, but there is always something amazing to see.
12. Royal London Tour
If you want to see as many royal attractions in London as possible, then you might like to join a special royal tour. This Royal London half-day tour will take you past the most well-known city sights and also includes the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Since it starts early in the morning you’ll still have the afternoon free to enjoy other sights.
Another option is this Crown Jewels of London tour which takes place in the afternoon. It includes entrance to a number of royal attractions. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral and see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London before relaxing on a cruise down the River Thames. You’ll be escorted by a knowledgeable guide the whole way so you don’t miss out on any important details.
13. Hampton Court Palace
While it’s located furtherout of the city, near Kingston upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of British royalty. Originally constructed for Henry VIII, this enormous and lavish complex makes for a great day (or half-day) trip from the city. It takes about an hour to get to Hampton Court Station from Victoria by train. From the station, you can walk directly over the river to the palace.
Hampton Court Palace is spread out over 60 acres of gardens. This includes six acres of Tudor and Baroque buildings, as well as 750 acres of parkland. Many of the rooms have been reconstructed to how they would have looked in Tudor times. You might also spot costumed actors playing Henry VIII or Anne Boleyn wandering around the place! Don’t miss out on the stunning gardens and maze on your visit either.
14. Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle (and the town of Windsor) are also located about an hour outside of London proper. The castle is where the Coronation Concert will take place, and is another must-visit royal attraction! Windsor Castle is used for official state visits as well as a royal residence, and has parts of the castle and grounds open for visitors.
Along with the museum parts of Windsor Castle, you can also witness a smaller version of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony here on certain days. If you’re short on time or want someone else to handle the logistics, you can visit Windsor Castle as part of this day tour which also goes to Stonehenge and the beautiful city of Bath!
Best spots for afternoon tea in London
While you’re in London for King Charles’ coronation you should also partake in at least one afternoon tea experience – it is the British thing to do after all! These are the best places to have afternoon tea in London, including some quite unique offerings.
📍The Rubens at the Palace – Perfectly situated across the road from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, the Rubens at the Palace is a luxurious, five-star hotel that also offers up a sumptuous afternoon tea. Best of all, you can combine this traditional afternoon tea with a Royal London Tour.
📍Afternoon Tea At The Milestone Hotel – If you’ve been visiting Kensington Palace then you’re ideally located to have a delicious afternoon tea in the elegant atmosphere of the Milestone Hotel. Located across the road from Kensington Gardens (on the South Kengsington side), the Milestone Hotel offers its afternoon tea in either Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Park Lounge, or the Conservatory.
📍Afternoon Tea at the National Gallery – The National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square is one of the best spots in the city to see beautiful art, and you can combine a highlights tour of the gallery with afternoon tea in their restaurant. The gallery’s on-site restaurant Ochre is a unique spot for afternoon tea with an artistic theme.
🌟Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – Another very unique way to have afternoon tea in London is on a bus! Not only will you be able to enjoy delicious cakes and sandwiches (with tea, of course) but you’ll be eating them while sightseeing on a ubiquitous red double-decker bus!
🌟Afternoon Tea Cruise on the Thames – The only thing possibly more unique than afternoon tea on a bus is afternoon tea on a boat! This London afternoon tea cruise on the Thames is a very decadent way to enjoy some riverside sights while also supping on scones and tea.
