With two royal weddings this year and Kate and Wills’ new baby expected any time now, there’s never been a better time to take a group trip with links to the British monarchy.
Start in Windsor which will play host to both of this year’s royal weddings with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tying the knot in May, followed by Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in the autumn.
The chosen venue is the historic St George’s Chapel. Entrance for visitors, from Monday to Saturday, is included in the admission ticket to Windsor Castle.
While there, groups should also take a tour of Windsor Castle, which covers 900 years of royal history, from William the Conqueror in the 11th century to the current monarch Queen Elizabeth II who uses the castle for State occasions and official events as well as spending her weekends there.
At the castle this year the popular tour for groups, Restoring Windsor: The Castle after the Fire, is running until December. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about the devastating fire of 1992 and the skilled work carried out to restore the castle to its former glory.
Pictured: Sandringham Estate, Norfolk.
Try Norfolk for a trip to Sandringham, the Queen’s official residence over winter until February every year, and the place where she spends Christmas with her family (it closes from October each year). Every room is packed with treasures, a lot of them brought by royal guests from overseas. Private evening tours of Sandringham House are available by prior arrangement for groups.
In London, head to Kensington Palace – the birthplace of Queen Victoria and formerly the royal residence of Queen Anne, King Georges I and II, Princess Diana. Today it is home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Top tip for travel to London: Those groups who might be planning to witness history as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrate their marriage on 19th May will find that the National Express is offering a group travel discount for those booking coach-only travel to London for any destination for the royal wedding.
Heading further north? In Edinburgh, make your way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse; The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Explore the palace’s close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland. Group rates are available.
Pictured: Shakespeares Schoolroom Guildhall.
And one fun final recommendation – Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall in Stratford-upon-Avon is offering free entry to all visitors named Harry and Meghan/Megan on 19th May. Does anyone qualify in your group? Tours are available here, and can be paired with other Shakespeare attractions around the town.
Has your group got any royal-themed plans for the year ahead? Let us know by emailing editorial@groupleisureandtravel.com
