London is full of historic castles and palaces, and they can each be toured in just one day. From discovering the gruesome history at the Tower of London to exploring the State Apartments at Windsor Castle, these are some of the most worthwhile castles to visit in London.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most well-preserved, as well as one of the most historic, castles in the entire country, and the castle is open for touring in both the summer and winter months. The tower used to help protect London from invaders coming in via the river, and since it was one of the safest locations in the city, it was also used as a prison and fortress, meaning that it has quite the gory past. There are a number of different tours held here throughout the day, and you can combine a few of these together to ensure that your visit is really educational. From the Yeoman Warder Tour that is filled with tales from the castle’s past, to the Medieval Palace to the costumed re-enactments, the Tower of London promises to fill your day with exciting history and unforgettable adventures.
Windsor Castle
The largest inhabited castle in the world, and the oldest in continuous operation, Windsor Castle sits on the outskirts of London, which is why many visitors choose to spend the entire day here. Unlike the many other castles in ruins around the country, Windsor Castle is absolutely pristine since it is still running, with the Queen herself residing here most weekends. There are two options for tours here at Windsor Castle, either an audio tour or a live guided tour, the latter of which is better suited to those who want to know specific information about the castle and its residents over the years. Before visiting Windsor Castle, be sure to check their opening days and times on their website, as the castle is sometimes closed for state visits.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is an iconic part of London and is one of those must-see attractions for any first-time visitors. The Changing of the Guard is usually what most visitors come to see, which occurs every day at 11 am, but, in the summer months, when the palace is not being officially used, it is opened to the public who are able to tour its extensive interior and grounds. From the State Rooms to the artistic treasures of the Royal Collection to the palace’s gardens and famous lake, it is easy to spend a whole day here taking in the elaborate sights and the history that is soaked into every inch of the place.
For those wanting to learn more about London’s past and history, the city’s castles and palaces are a great place to start. Each one of them has played a significant role in the development and evolution of the city, and stand strong today as a testament to all that London has been through, and the bright future that lies ahead.
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