Take the royal tour: 3 Royal road trips in the UK

Collection location: Edinburgh Airport

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This royal road trip begins in the historic city of Edinburgh at the monarchy’s official Scottish residence. With more than 500 years of history there are many hidden treasures to uncover in The Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has a rich history of both joy and tragedy. Inside, Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber and Super Room are available to visit and outside lay the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

The Royal Yacht Britannia
The next stop might be somewhere slightly unexpected. The King is said to have enjoyed many summer holidays aboard this majestic ship. After more than 40 years of service sailing the world, The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored in Leith Port, Edinburgh. Here you can peek into the royal bedrooms and naval quarters below deck. When it’s time for a break, enjoy a quintessentially British treat in the Royal Deck Tea Room. They serve delicious, freshly prepared cream tea. If you’re on the lookout for something a little more special, The King’s Coronation Tour is available to visiting guests this year.

Balmoral Castle
Among the rugged hills and between winding lakes, sits the grand Balmoral Castle. The royal family’s Scottish summer home since 1856. It’s said, by close family and friends, that Balmoral was where Queen Elizabeth II was her happiest. This stunning spot captures the heart with an abundance of wildlife in the grounds and gardens, open to the public during spring and summer. Make sure to search carefully and you might just spot the native red squirrel nestled in the trees.

The Braemar Gathering
If you travel later in the year, you could find yourself at The Braemar Gathering. On the first Saturday of September at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar, pictured here, is where these centuries old Highland games are held. Complete with hammer throwing, Scottish dancing and a children’s sack race. A celebration of tradition, culture and heritage which sees this 900-year-old event frequented by the royal family.

Between palace visits you could find yourself salmon fishing in the River Dee or purchasing your very own tartan-tailored kilt. You could try catching a glimpse of the infamous Loch Ness Monster or if you’d rather relax, why not savour a spot of Scotch Whisky? With so much to explore, this Scottish road trip could be the one for you.

Collection location: Heathrow Airport T5

Windsor Castle
Ready to visit the oldest castle in the world? Home to the royals for 1,000 years there’s never been a better time to visit then during the year of the King’s Coronation. Stories of fairy-tale weddings and William the Conqueror’s adventures come to life here. Timeless Van Dyck and Ruben paintings hang on the castle walls. There’s even miniature art in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.

Buckingham Palace
From the throne room to the ballroom, imagine yourself in the shoes of a royal as you step over red velvet carpet usually reserved for the monarchs. Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the gilded State Rooms in Buckingham Palace. Stand to attention for the bucket-list-ticking Changing the Guard ceremony. And you can even follow Rex the corgi on a narrated guide through the palace and its grounds.

Sandringham Estate
Finally, we head north to escape to the royal family’s much-loved country retreat. This beautiful home, pictured here, is open to the public from April to October. You can visit the eight Edwardian style ground floor bedrooms steeped in a wealth of British history. This 60-acre dog-friendly garden can be explored during March by foot or by bike.

If you, like the royals, fancy walking your dog along the Great British Norfolk coastline we offer pet-friendly bookings perfect for your furry friends. Whether you’re off to the races at Royal Ascot or feeding the swans on the Thames, this royal sightseeing road trip won’t disappoint.

Collection location: Cardiff Airport

St. David’s Cathedral
As you may know, the monarch is the head of The Church of England so it’s no surprise we’re visiting a cathedral. It’s not just any church, St. David’s Cathedral also known as Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi is a 12th century place of worship with close ties to the royal family. One member in particular took a shining to this quiet cathedral in Britain’s smallest city. Situated on the most westerly point of Wales, Queen Elizabeth the II enjoyed many services here. She even had her own seat, only reserved for the head of state. All are welcome to observe any number of the daily services held here.

Caernarfon Castle
On the 1st of July 1969 Queen Elizabeth II formally presented a young King Charles III with his Prince of Wales title at his investiture in the mighty Caernarfon Castle, pictured here. Echoes of imperial Roman architecture and medieval ingenuity see this 700-year-old fortress-palace bring legend to life. Take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site and visit The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum held within the castle.

Cardiff Castle
Known as the castle capital of Europe, it wouldn’t be a Welsh road trip without a visit to another medieval fortress. For 2,000 years it has been at the heart of the city. Cardiff Castle stands proud surviving the Norman Conquest and World War II. Step into this 15th century piece of British history. Explore the regal Castle Apartments and lifesaving Wartime Shelters. For something a bit more modern, the castle often hosts live music events from international names.

As you travel from coast to coast you might even spot the Pembrooke corgi herding cattle, if you can believe it. We suggest stopping off in Clogau, Bontddu in Snowdonia National Park. Here, you can walk along the large goldmines where rare Welsh Royal Gold has been mined for British royal family weddings since 1923. You’ll also be passing through the Brecon Beacons, the perfect pitstop for a picnic with some Welsh cakes.