This year marks 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, and we know that this momentous occasion will be celebrated up and down the country with garden parties and street parties over the bank holiday weekend. But why not let the celebrations continue into the summer?
There’s arguably no better place to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee than London - the city is not only where The Queen currently resides, but it was also the location of the coronation itself back in 1953. With so many historical attractions, monuments and tours throughout the city, you can easily spend a day dedicated to the royal side of London.
Need some inspiration to help plan your day? Here’s how we would spend ours!
Morning - The Tower of London
Admission for the Tower of London begins at 9am, making it the perfect attraction to visit first thing so you can make the most of your time.
One of the main exhibits you’ll want to see is The Crown Jewels - yes, the REAL Crown Jewels. This includes the Coronation Regalia that has been used by monarchs since 1661, including Queen Elizabeth II, like the Sovereign’s Orb, Sovereign’s Sceptre and Rod, and of course the Imperial State Crown. You’ll also be able to learn more about the Coronation ceremony process, see the Coronation Robes, as well as plenty of other royal treasures.
Elsewhere, you can explore one of the earliest museum exhibits at the Tower of London which has been around since the 17th Century! The Line of Kings showcases historic royal armour from Kings including Henry VIII and James II, set out in a parade alongside magnificent carved horses.
To make your trip even more special, this summer you can get tickets for the Superbloom at the Tower of London, where you’ll see the Tower’s moat transformed into a field of vibrant and colourful flowers! For visitors that want to, you can even slide down into the moat itself before making your way through the display!
Lunch - Fortnum and Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea
We know that afternoon tea is traditionally served in the afternoon as the name suggests, but the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason is open from 11:30am Sunday - Thursday and 11am Friday and Saturday, making it an ideal lunchtime treat.
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in 2002, so where better to celebrate this anniversary 20 years on? Here you’ll dine on delicate finger sandwiches, scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream and an assortment of homemade pastries, and of course a pot of tea. Plus, when you book with AttractionTickets.com you’ll each get a glass of champagne too!
Afternoon - Buckingham Palace
You couldn’t celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee without a visit to Buckingham Palace, arguably the most famous royal landmark in London. Despite being the official residence of the Queen and the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household, every summer Buckingham Palace opens its gates for the public to visit 19 of the beautifully decorated state rooms inside, and the acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens.
The palace is open until 7:30pm July to August and 6:30pm September to October, giving you all afternoon to discover the treasures of the Royal Collection and explore the walled gardens that are home to 30 different species of birds and hundreds of wildflowers. And this year you’ll also want to make time for the Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibit, featuring the first official portraits of Elizabeth II.
Evening - Westminster Abbey
To finish off the day, take a stroll down Birdcage Walk to visit Westminster Abbey, the place where it all began when Elizabeth II was coronated here. While you won’t be able to see inside the Abbey in the evening, you’ll get to see some of the incredible architecture of this 1000+ year old building while lit up at night.
Westminster Abbey is also just down the road from Victoria, where you’ll be able to find plenty of restaurants for dinner, as long as you aren’t still too full from all the sandwiches and cake!
Book your tickets now for a wonderfully royal day in London! Take a look at some of our other London attractions tickets too for more fun days out for the whole family this summer!
