66 Horse Guards Ave, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX
Sitting within Horse Guards in Whitehall, the Household Cavalry Museum is a living museum showing off the Household Cavalry’s role in British royal history. You’ll be able to look in on the working stables before seeing the regiment in action, with hourly sentry changes and daily afternoon Garrison inspections. There’s even an opportunity to put on all the gear and dress like a Cavalryman.
| Opening times |
Ticket prices |
| Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:00) |
£10 adults (concessions available) |
The Queen’s Gallery
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Nestled within Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Gallery is a must-see for fans of royal art. Explore changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, from historic masterpieces to exquisite rare furniture. Engage with the art on a deeper level through enlightening lectures before visiting the shop, where you can pick up gifts inspired by the Royal Collection.
| Opening times |
Ticket prices |
| Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 17:30 (last admission 16:15) |
£19 adults (concessions available) |
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Green Park, which is a 15-minute walk from The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.
Queen’s House
Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Discover an internationally acclaimed art collection at the Queen’s House. This historic site is home to iconic masterpieces, such as the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, alongside captivating architectural features like the Tulip Stairs – Britain’s first-ever unsupported spiral staircase.
| Opening times |
Ticket prive |
| Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30) |
Free |
How to get there: It takes around 42 minutes to get to Queen’s House from London Waterloo. Jump on the Jubilee line to North Greenwich before walking to North Greenwich Station (Stop C). Catch the 188 bus, get off at Trafalgar Estate and walk 3 minutes from there.
Royal Observatory
Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
Discover the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) at the Royal Observatory. See the historic Prime Meridian Line – the place where the world’s time zones begin – and stand simultaneously in the eastern and western hemispheres. Check out the UK’s largest telescope and learn more about the stars with planetarium shows led by expert astronomers.
Get 10% off tickets for the Royal Observatory with SWR Rewards.
| Opening times |
Ticket prices |
| Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:10) |
£18 adults (concessions available) |
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the Jubilee line to North Greenwich. Head to North Greenwich Station (Stop C) and board the 188 bus to Trafalgar Estate, which is a 13-minute walk from the Royal Observatory.
Royal Parks in London
London houses eight Royal Parks, offering tranquil escapes from the city's hustle and bustle. Many of them also include a range of fun activities, buzzy cafés and iconic monuments.
You’ll find green space aplenty at Richmond Park, London’s largest Royal Park. Spanning almost 2,500 acres, it boasts ancient woodlands and a thriving wildlife population, including around 650 deer. Inside, you’ll find Pembroke Lodge, a Georgian mansion transformed into charming tea rooms, as well as the stunning Isabella Plantation and the historic King Henry’s Mound.
How to get there: Catch a train to Richmond station and walk 20 minutes to Richmond Park. Alternatively, you can travel to North Sheen, which is also just a short walk away.
Bushy Park
Bushy Park is known for its wildlife, housing everything from deer to skylarks. It covers over 5,000 acres and is steeped in history. Not only did Henry VIII used to hunt here – he lived next door at Hampton Court Palace – but it’s also where General Dwight D. Eisenhower planned the D-Day landings.
How to get there: You can walk from Teddington to Bushy Park in just 6 minutes.
Kensington Gardens
These historic gardens date back to the 18th century and Queen Caroline. It’s a lush green space full of beauty, with blossoming flower walks at every turn. You’ll also find Peter Pan hanging out by the Long Water with the swans and ducks. And the magic doesn’t end there. The famous Albert Memorial stands tall, while the Diana Memorial Playground offers a perfect escape for the kids.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, hop on the Jubilee line to Bond Street. Change here and catch the Central line to Queensway, which is a 3-minute walk from Kensington Gardens.
The Regent’s Park
A horticulturist’s paradise, Regent’s Park comes alive during summer. Over 12,000 roses thrive within Queen Mary’s Gardens, while historic fountains surrounded by vibrant floral displays grace Avenue Gardens. It’s also perfect for sports lovers, boasting the largest outdoor sports area in London.
How to get there: Catch the Bakerloo or Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Baker Street, a 5-minute walk from the southern entrance to Regent’s Park.
Hyde Park
As one of Henry VIII’s private hunting grounds, Hyde Park has plenty of royal history. You’ll always have things to do when visiting, with highlights including Marble Arch, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana Memorial Fountain. Looking for something more active? Head to Serpentine Lake, where you can hire a boat or take a swim.
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Green Park. Once there, enjoy a scenic 16-minute walk to Hyde Park.
Greenwich Park
Explore a range of historical landmarks in Greenwich Park, including the remains of a Roman Temple and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. This scenic park also includes a picturesque Flower Garden, while a walk to the top of One Tree Hill leads to beautiful views of London’s skyline.
How to get there: Catch the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to North Greenwich. Walk 2 minutes to North Greenwich Station (Stop C) and ride the 188 bus to Trafalgar Road / Maze Hill. From there, Greenwich Park is a 2-minute walk away.
St. James’s Park
You can’t get more royal than St. James’s Park. Surrounded by three royal palaces, the park has been used for ceremonial events in London for years, including royal weddings and jubilees. You’ll spot plenty of iconic landmarks from here, including Admiralty Arch, Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace.
How to get there: St. James’s Park is a 16-minute journey from London Waterloo. Jump on the Northern line to Charing Cross, an 8-minute walk from your destination.
Ready to plan a royal trip to London? Grab train tickets to all your favourite royal places in the English capital. For more savings, discover our Railcards and discounts and GroupSave, or travel on any train with flexible Sunday Out tickets .
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