Royal Attractions in London
Fit for a king
The Goring is one of the closest five-star hotels in London to Buckingham Palace (we could almost wave to each other), as well as the Royal Mews (yes, there are golden carriages) and St James’s Park (a former hunting ground of Henry VIII and the oldest Royal Park in the capital). Our concierge team would be delighted to answer any queries about our capital’s royal attractions and are always on-hand to book tickets. It’s the thought of planning that gets them up in the morning.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
With its 775 rooms, 800-strong staff and collections of priceless art, Buckingham Palace has only been in the royal family since 1761 (positively modern), although earlier, more modest iterations have existed on this site since the Middle Ages (that’s more like it). While it is technically the monarch’s official residence, His Majesty The King only uses it for official business including the State Rooms, Throne Room and White Room – all of which are open to the public during the summer, along with its gloriously enormous gardens.
CHANGING THE GUARDS
Why have an alarm when you could have 43 members of The King’s Guard in full military uniform outside your property? The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place at 10.45am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and involves a splendid ceremonial procession where the Old Guard is formally relieved from its duty of protecting the monarch by the New Guard. Bearskins, bands and Britishness turned up to eleven.
THE ROYAL MEWS
Responsible for all royal transportation, the Royal Mews is one of the most impressive working stables in the world. From the Gold State Coach, which has transported every monarch to their coronation since George IV in 1821 to the Diamond Jubilee State Coach designed specifically for the late Queen Elizabeth II, it’s a dream of immaculately-trained horses, glittering livery and coaches you can hop on board yourself.
THE KING'S GALLERY
The Royal Collection is one of the world’s largest and most prized art collections. Curated exhibitions are hosted in the King’s Gallery, part of Buckingham Palace, and have previously included breathtaking hand-drawn sketches by Hans Holbein and an exploration of sumptuous Edwardian elegance. A celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s district style (including her wedding dress with its 10,000 pearls and cunning transparent rain coat) will be on display between 10th April and 18th October 2026. Come and pop by for Afternoon Tea when you've had your fill.
ROYAL PARKS
Let’s face it. Henry VIII was not without his issues – but it’s thanks to his fondness for hunting that London now has eight Royal Parks. These include St James’s (splendid viewing spot for Trooping the Colour on Horseguards Parade), Hyde Park (home to Speaker’s Corner, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Lake) and Green Park (rumour has it that its lack of flowerbeds is because Catherine of Braganza ordered their removal after discovering her husband, Charles II had picked flowers there for another woman).
KENSINGTON PALACE
Starting life as the country retreat of William III and Mary II in 1689, Kensington Palace has had a special place in the heart of many generations of the royal family. Queen Victoria was born, proclaimed queen and first introduced to her future husband, Prince Albert, here. Princess Margaret was known to throw raucous parties in her apartments with guests including Elizabeth Taylor and The Beatles; and the Prince and Princess of Wales stay here when they’re visiting London. Deeply glamorous.
Don’t forget – The Goring concierge team is always on hand to offer advice, give you limitless information and assist with tickets (‘sold out’ is not a phrase they understand the meaning of.)
13/01/2026
