The best royal palaces to visit during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
To mark the first ever Platinum Jubilee and a record-breaking 70 years on the throne by Her Majesty The Queen, you'll find something for every family member to enjoy at the royal palaces during the momentous celebrations. And they’re not just contained to the bank holiday weekend in June.
From floral displays to vintage garden parties and epic jousting tournaments, there are plenty of options for activities. Here are just a few of the options available at some of the historic royal palaces in the UK:
Superbloom at the Tower of London (1st June - 18th September)
The Tower of London’s legendary moat will be transformed this summer into a stunning field of flowers. This immersive experience will allow visitors to weave through the sea of colourful flowers encircling the iconic landmark. It includes a soundscape and a slide to allow you to enter the display in a truly fun and unique way.
Superbloom also marks the first step in transforming the historic dry moat into a new habitat for wildlife in the city.
However, don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Tower of London, a series of ‘miniblooms’ will also appear at Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens throughout the summer.
Jubilee Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (2nd June - 5th June)
In 1953, HM The Queen visited Hillsborough Castle as part of her Coronation Tour, hosting a spectacular dinner and royal garden party. Now, to mark the Platinum Jubilee, visitors will be transported back to that very year.
This vintage garden party will include 1950s live music, food stalls, games, a vintage carousel and even free swing-dance classes.
Inside the table in the State Dining Room will be exquisitely laid to reflect the State Dinner that was held during Her Majesty’s first visit as Queen in July 1953. The tableware will include the original dessert service used at that very dinner that took place just one month after the Coronation.
While outside a section of the Walled Garden will be transformed to recreate a 1950s domestic garden. You’ll also find a ‘minibloom’ lining the Yew Tree Walk vista.
Platinum Jubilee Tree Trail Tour (7th June)
This special after-hours tour of the garden focuses on the tradition of royal tree planting. Over the 90 minute duration, guests will pass through the stunning formal gardens where they can learn about all of the trees that Her Majesty has planted at the Castle during her reign.
And why not enjoy the glass of wine that is included with your ticket as you take a stroll through the lush gardens.
Jubilee Joust at Hampton Court Palace (1st June - 5th June)
Over the special extended Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, why not engage in the sport that many a king would have enjoyed in the past, as knights from around the country joust.
Jousting tournaments previously served as a centrepiece at royal events, particularly during the reign of Henry VIII. And this year’s Platinum Jubilee marks just the occasion for its return to the palace.
Visitors are invited to pick their favourite knight and watch, cheer and join in on the fun as the tournament progresses, where one lucky knight will be crowned champion and awarded the coveted Platinum Jubilee Cup.
Life Through a Royal Lens at Kensington Palace (4th March - 30th October)
Given the fact that they are one of the most photographed families in the world, this means that there are countless images that we could only dream of being given access to. But that’s exactly what you’ll see at this new temporary exhibition that gives audiences an inside look at the British Royal Family, as well as their relationship with the camera across the centuries.
See intimate photographs of The Queen and the Royal Family from photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Norman Parkinson and Annie Leibovitz.
You’ll also get a chance to see photos of the royal family off-duty and never-before-seen images spanning the decades of HM The Queen and Diana, Princess of Wales from the private collection.
You Might Also Like
