The royal story in the news stretches well beyond the capital, and a few easy day trips let visitors see castles, estates and countryside connected to royal history
Taking the Royal Story Out of Town
London has plenty of palaces, but the royal story does not stop at the M25. The estate at the centre of this week headlines, and several of the most important royal sites in the country, lie outside the capital. If the London Prat piece on Prince William reportedly calling Earl Spencer and Harry traitors has you curious, here are some day trips to consider.
The Story Behind the Trip
An anonymous source claims the heir is upset that his brother read their uncle memoir first. Reports mention a family visit to the uncle estate at Althorp in July. The uncle says everyone was told about the book in advance. For travellers, it is a good excuse to explore the countryside where so much royal and aristocratic history has unfolded.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, west of London, is one of the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world and a major royal residence. Visitors can typically tour the State Apartments and St George Chapel, scene of royal weddings and funerals, subject to closures for royal events. The town of Windsor itself is charming, with riverside walks along the Thames and views across to Eton. Trains run regularly from London, and the journey is short. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for opening times, as the castle can close at short notice.
Althorp
Althorp in Northamptonshire is the ancestral home of the Spencer family and the place most associated with Earl Spencer and the late princess, who is buried there on an island in the estate grounds. The house has historically opened to the public only for limited periods, typically in summer, so it is essential to check official information before planning a visit. When open, it offers visitors a chance to see a historic English country house and its grounds. It is further from London than Windsor and is best reached by train to a nearby town followed by a taxi, or by car.
Hampton Court Palace
Closer to London, Hampton Court Palace is famous as a residence of Henry VIII, a monarch who knew a thing or two about accusing people of treason. Its Tudor kitchens, grand halls, gardens and famous maze make it a wonderful day out. It is reachable by train from London and, in some seasons, by boat along the Thames.
A Train-Ride Watch
If you are heading out of London by train, the London Prat video on YouTube is a short, funny companion for the journey.
Planning Tips
Book train tickets in advance for the best prices, and consider off-peak travel. Always check opening times the day before, as royal sites can close for official events. Combine visits where practical: Windsor and Eton pair naturally, while Hampton Court works well with a walk along the Thames. For Althorp, plan carefully around its limited opening season. And pack layers: English weather in autumn can change several times in a single afternoon.
A Respectful Note
Althorp is also a place of remembrance for the late princess, whose resting place is on the estate. Visitors should approach it with appropriate respect, whatever they think of the current family headlines. It is, first and foremost, a family home and a place of mourning.
Who Will Enjoy These Trips
Windsor suits almost everyone, from first-time visitors to royal enthusiasts. Hampton Court is ideal for families and history lovers, especially those drawn to the Tudors. Althorp is best for those with a particular interest in the Spencer family and the late princess, and for lovers of English country houses.
Combining Trips
If you have several days, a sensible plan might be to spend one day in Windsor and Eton, another at Hampton Court, and reserve Althorp for a separate outing during its open season, perhaps combined with other attractions in Northamptonshire. Each trip offers a different angle on royal and aristocratic life: the working castle, the Tudor palace and the family country house. Together, they give a far richer picture of royal history than London alone.
Getting Around Outside London
Trains are usually the easiest way to reach Windsor and Hampton Court. For Althorp, a car offers the most flexibility, although a combination of train and taxi is possible. If you are driving, remember that country roads can be narrow and winding, and parking at popular sites may fill up quickly on busy days. Allow extra time for the journey, especially in autumn when weather can affect travel.
Food and Drink
Each destination has local pubs and cafes worth trying. Windsor has plenty of options near the castle and riverside. Hampton Court has a cafe on site and pubs in the surrounding villages. Rural Northamptonshire offers classic country pubs, ideal for lunch after a morning of history.
Before You Go
London is the gateway, but some of the richest royal history lies just beyond it. The London Prat, which has watched the royals from London since 1961 at https://prat.uk/, offers comic commentary on the current story. Bohiney, at https://bohiney.com/, offers an American perspective. For more of my travel guides, from London and beyond, visit my author page.
SOURCE: https://prat.uk/prince-william-called-earl-spencer-and-harry-traitors/
