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Itinerary planning for Groups

Tower of London River Tour

Open daily

Enhance your visit to the Tower of London with a voyage aboard the official river tour. Guided by the curatorial insights of Historic Royal Palaces, discover the origins and significance of iconic lankmarks from the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral to Westminster.  

Tower of London River Tour
Shoot for the Tower of London River boat tour Hot chocolate photo includes staff members Michaela Rogers and Briony Watkins, guide image includes Kizzie Barnard copyright for all images is: © Tower of London River Tour 2025

Current exhibitions at the palaces

A close view of Hazel Dincer (Jewel House Warder) in uniform (face blurred) looking at the Imperial State Crown. (Photographed against a black background.)

The Crown Jewels

Open

See the Crown Jewels up close on your visit to the Tower of London and explore the spectacle and pagentry of the Coronation Process. Discover the dazzling history and significance of the Crown Jewels in this spectacular exhibition. 

The Last Princesses of Punjab

Opens 26 March 2026

Explore the story of Punjab princess and suffragette icon, Sophia Duleep Singh, and the five women who shaped her extraordinary life, in our upcoming exhibition at Kensington Palace. 

Updated web assets for HCG Royal Style in the Making, 2025.

Royal Style in the Making

14 March 2026 - 03 January 2027

Discover the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. This exhibition unveils how the British fashion industry shaped the iconic style of British royal women.

Actors dressed in Tudor attire with a film crew in a courtyard at a Tudor palace

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light © Playground Entertainment/BBC Pictures

Film and TV at the palaces

From Bridgerton and Wolf Hall to Spiderman: Far From Home, the palaces have featured in numerous films and TV series over the years. Uncover the history behind these iconic spaces and filming locations.

Film and TV locations at the Tower of London Film and TV locations at Hampton Court Palace Bridgerton filming locations

Annual events at the palaces

Discover some of our favourite seasonal events, which we host year after year, from the Tulip Festival in April to our Festive Fayre in December. 

Man and woman at Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival in the Kitchen Garden surrounded by colourful tulips.

Spring

Join us for our annual Bulbs and Blooms at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which sees tens of thousands of tulips and daffodil bulbs bloom from March to May. 

The gardens and courtyards at Hampton Court Palace are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour in our Tulip Festival every April.

Pumpkins, cobwebs, ravens and a spooky barrel with a face carved into it positioned in front of the White Tower for Halloween. Some pictures depict pumpkins with painted faces on spikes, as if they had been beheaded.

Autumn

At Halloween, ghosts can be sighted at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace as past residents and courtiers return to walk among the living. With ghostly projections, costumed performers and spooky decorations, experience the palaces like never before!

Enjoy the Scarecrow Parade at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, as famous figures and characters are brought to life using straw and cloth. You may recognise a face or two in the parade. 

Illuminated festive reindeer in the Fountain Court

Winter

Experience a magical day out at Hampton Court Palace's Festive Fayre, with a wide variety of food, drink and artisan stalls to browse for your Christmas shopping. There's no better way to kick off the festive season!

Don't miss stepping into the enchanting Winter Palace brand-new experience, where the famous palace's historic rooms are transformed with magical storytelling, live performances and mythical creatures - bringing an extra layer of festive wonder to your day.

Afternoon tea at the Orangery Restaurant at Kensington Palace

Catering for groups

After a full day of exploration, make catering simple with our Meal Deal Vouchers, available for groups of 15 or more. Choose from a light treat such as a Cream Tea or a hearty hot meal. Options and orders for vouchers can be made by contacting our caterers – [email protected].

Palace itineraries

Tower of London

Home to the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and the legendary Ravens, explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site. Start planning your visit using our itinerary page or discover our must-see attractions.

The Medieval Palace The Crown Jewels Torture at the Tower Exhibition Tower Itinerary
HRP staff (in profile) looking at three paintings, hanging on a wall in the HCP Wolsey Room Tudor World exhibition space.

Hampton Court Palace

Uncover the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII, his wives and their children in the world of the Tudor Court or explore the baroque palace of William III and Mary II. You can start planning your visit using our itinerary pages or explore the top attractions.

The Tudor World Hampton Court Gardens William III's Apartments Hampton Court Palace Itinerary
Slightly blurred figures of women looking thorough a glass cabinet containing tiaras, earrings and necklaces in the Jewel Room at Kensington Palace.

Kensington Palace

Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and walk in the footsteps of royalty, from Mary II to Diana, Princess of Wales. Home to young royals for over 300 years, we’ve selected some the key sights to include on your visit to this magnificent palace.

Victoria: A Royal Childhood The Jewel Room The King's Staircase The Sunken Garden
The South Front after conservation, 8 February 2018. Looking towards the palace across the frosty lawn.

Kew Palace

Discover Britain’s smallest royal palace. Home to George III and Queen Charlotte, uncover the history of the building, explore the Royal Kitchens or admire the sweeping views of Kew Gardens from the Great Pagoda.

George III's Breakfast Room and Dining Room The Royal Kitchens The Great Pagoda Queen Charlotte's Cottage
A large double-storey room painted white with tall windows at both sides. A red throne is positioned below a canopy in the distance and an ornate painted ceiling in gold frames adorns the room.

Banqueting House

The Banqueting House is now available for private hire and will open in Summer 2026 for leisure and group visits. 

Inigo Jones' architecture Rubens' ceiling Banqueting Hall
The South Terrace, looking north towards the stone stairs and fountain. Summer planting including allium flowers is seen on either side of the portico.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

This grand Georgian estate has been the backdrop to many pivotal moments in British and Irish history. Join a tour through the elegant State Rooms or explore and relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens. With so much to see and do, we’ve selected our key attractions to include in your visit.

The Gardens The Throne Room State Drawing Room Lady Alice's Temple