When it comes to locations, we realise you – our readers – are usually focused on finding the best place to buy a home.
But, if you have temporarily suspended the house search in favour of honouring the crowning of our new King this weekend, we can help by pinpointing the most regal locations in the UK.
As an added bonus, these all offer budget-friendly options – so you can visit without spending too much cash.
John Stirzaker, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk, which has provided us with its list of top locations, said: “It’s an exciting time for the country looking to celebrate all that makes us proud to be British – but it comes at a time when many are struggling to afford to join in the special occasion.
“That’s why we wanted to help out and identify regal locations across the country so everyone can get involved in the celebrations without feeling like they need to splash the cash.
“There are many regal locations dotted across the nation, including the grounds of Windsor Castle and gardens of Kensington Palace which are free to visit and enjoy.”
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Sandringham Estate
Stirzaker said: “The estate brings fond memories of Christmas celebrations for the royals who visit every December.”
Tickets to the gardens are free for those under 17, but there’s a fee for all wanting to go inside.
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Windsor Castle
“The location of Windsor Castle is a fascinating place to visit and is where Queen Elizabeth famously enjoyed most of her free time,” said Stirzaker.
“The walk up to the Castle is booming with local shops and places to dine out. The breathtaking grounds are free to enter and charges only apply if you want to go inside, those under five go free.”
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Peveril Castle
Head to Derbyshire and enjoy Peveril Castle built by Henry II. Stirzaker said the roaming area around Peveril is a steep climb to explore, but it allows you enjoy the stunning sights of the county near the top.
Although it’s not free adult tickets cost around £6.80 which is much cheaper than other royal sites.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
“The Scottish home of Her Late Majesty The Queen is one of Edinburgh’s finest attractions to visit,” said Stirzaker.
The gardens of the castle are free to roam around, but there’s a charge to go inside and visit the apartments.
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Buckingham Palace
Referred to as the Queen’s House, Buckingham Palace charges a fee to enter the palace, but the surrounding area is free to explore and get some photos with the family outside the gates, explained Stirzaker. If you get there at a good time you may spot the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
On the day of the Coronation itself, if you want to get close to Buckingham Palace to see either the procession or King Charles and Camilla the Queen Consort waving from the balcony, you will need to get there very early.
Time Out suggests the open-air screen in Hyde Park will be the ‘vibiest’ place to watch the proceedings.
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Kensington Palace Gardens
Stirzaker said: “The official royal residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales is free when visiting the gardens, but charges apply inside.
“If the sun is shining, it’s the perfect place to tuck into a picnic after exploring London for the day.”
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Hampton Court
Famously known for its rich Tudor history, the regal grounds are free to enter on select days of the year for all to visit, Stirzaker said. “The nearest date is the 6th of May – just in time for the Coronation celebrations!”
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Balmoral Estate
Stirzaker said the late Queen loved to spend her holidays in summer at Balmoral. The tickets are at the lower end for entry to royal residences, costing £16.50 for an adult and £8.50 for five to 16-year-olds – under fives can go in for free.
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Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is the righteous place where King Charles was officially named the Prince of Wales (with the title now passed onto Prince William), according to Stirzaker. This makes it an ideal place celebrate the Coronation and soak up the atmosphere.
“The Wales hotspot attracts thousands of tourists each year,” added Stirzaker, “and will be one of the most popular destinations to visit in the lead-up to the coronation.”
Tickets to the medieval fortress cost £12.50 for an adult ticket with under-fives admitted for free.
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Hillsborough Castle
The royal residence in Northern Ireland holds one of the finest gardens in the whole of the UK with the space stretching across 100 acres, said Caernarfon Castle. It costs £10 for adults to visit, with half-price admission for kids (aged five and over) at £5.
