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31 January, 2022
London with Caitlin Fisher
Live like a royal with our seven-day London itinerary
Published
10 April, 2022
Edited
9 June, 2023
As the first British monarch in history to celebrate seventy years of service, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is quite the occasion. Street parties and activities are getting busily arranged across the United Kingdom to celebrate this monumental event, but where better to experience the ceremonial splendour than the city of London itself?
Even if you’re planning a city break later in the year, there are many ways to enjoy your very own royal visit to the capital. To mark this very special occasion, our local Concierge Team has put together an itinerary fit for a royal, filled with the very best that the city has to offer. Of course, when you book your city break with us we’ll tailor every experience to your exact needs, but for now, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can experience London like a monarch.
DAY 1 - Treat yourself to an indulgent Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers
Start your week off as you mean to go on with an indulgent afternoon treat. If you’ve yet to experience a classic afternoon tea, then a visit to the pretty Biscuiteers tea room in Notting Hill is a must. Inspired by the cafes and cake shops of days gone by, the cute and quirky interior - stacked with colourful biscuit boxes and gifts from floor to ceiling - feels quintessentially British throughout. This year, the tea room is celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee by offering a special menu inspired by the royal family.
To accompany your sandwiches and desserts, there's the choice of an aromatic rose-infused tea blend, or, for a little extra fizz, a sparkling rosé from the Sussex-based vineyard of Gusborne. A zesty yuzu and lemon meringue tart, a floral rhubarb and chocolate cheesecake - all three tiers of this indulgent afternoon tea are guaranteed to delight your tastebuds. To top it all off, every afternoon tea is served with a signature hand-iced Jubilee biscuit, designed in collaboration with Buckingham Palace.
DAY 2 - Take a peek inside Buckingham Palace’s elegant State Rooms...
Once you’ve had your fill of sweet treats, day two should be spent delving into the monarchial history of London with a trip to Buckingham Palace. Adorned in lavish gold gilding and fitted with the plushest red carpets you’ve ever seen, Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are exactly what you would imagine a royal residence to look like. These palatial rooms were initially designed in the 19th-century for the family to host and entertain visitors, but are now home to some of the most exceptional art pieces in the Royal Collection.
... after uncovering Britain’s past in the Imperial War Museum
Before you reach the palace, it’s worth making a stop at the Imperial War Museum. Less than a 20-minute walk from the London Eye, this world-famous offers a poignant insight into what life was like through the eyes of British soldiers and survivors of the First and Second World Wars.
For The Queen’s Jubilee, there will be a photographic exhibition of The Queen’s longstanding relationship with the armed forces, detailing the important role of The royal family during times of conflict in Britain. This unique exhibit will run from the 27th of May 2022 to the 8th of January 2023.
DAY 3 - Unwind with an at-home spa day…
By day three, you might want to spend some time unwinding in the comfort of your cosy London home - but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an extra-special experience. With our at-home spa services, you could be enjoying a soothing massage, facial, or manicure while sipping a cup of English breakfast tea - whatever you might have in mind, we can arrange it for you.
…before tucking into a feast from a private chef
While there might be a seemingly endless selection of restaurants in London, sometimes it’s nice to stay in and enjoy some delicious home cooking. With our private chef service, you can enjoy a tasty British banquet without having to spend the entire afternoon in the kitchen. Whether you’d like to try a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings or a tender beef wellington, we can tailor the menu to your preferences.
DAY 4 - Bring home a royal souvenir
After a day of rest and relaxation, spend your fourth afternoon amid the city’s bustling streets for a spot of royal retail therapy. To commemorate the occasion, why not visit some of London’s souvenir shops? Many of them will be offering a special Jubilee collection that you won’t find anywhere else.
Order your official commemorative album
As the official partner of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, St James’s House are taking pre-orders for their latest release - Her Majesty The Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album. This inspiring book, released on the 2nd of June 2022, will feature over 250 photographs and illustrations detailing The Queen’s 70-year reign.
Visit the Buckingham Palace Shop
A lovely place to pick up souvenirs for family and friends, the Buckingham Palace Shop features a large collection of royal gifts. From special edition chinaware to jewellery pieces inspired by pieces worn by The Queen, you’re bound to find the ideal gift for everyone back at home.
DAY 5 - Discover the Queen’s favourite boutiques
If you’re up for another day of shopping, then we’d recommend spending day five exploring the royal family’s favourite shops. From bespoke perfumes to handcrafted gloves, here are just a few of their beloved boutiques and brands - all of which hold royal warrants for their upstanding quality.
Floris London
As the oldest English fragrance retailer which holds two royal warrants from The Queen and the Prince of Wales, Floris London has a truly fascinating history. Both The Queen and Megan Markle chose to wear Floris fragrances on their wedding days, with White Rose rumoured to be The Queen’s signature scent.
To honour The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the fragrance retailer has created a special Jubilee 2022 edition inspired by the gorgeous gardens surrounding the UK’s royal residences. The opening note is a rooty and cool orris, accompanied by oat, blackcurrant and lime, while the base notes include cedarwood and tonka bean, among many other warm scents. Of course, if that’s not your cup of tea, then there’s always the opportunity to create your very own bespoke fragrance at Floris; during the experience, you'll have the chance to sip on a cold glass of Pol Roger Champagne while their expert perfumers guide you through the unique and immersive process.
Cornelia James
The autumn and winter months bring a crisp chill to the city of London, though the latest glove collection from Cornelia James is sure to keep you warm and toasty. Every pair of gloves is designed and handcrafted in a workshop in East Sussex, although you can arrange for your favourite pair to be shipped directly to your London retreat. In 1979, Cornelia became the glovemaker ‘by appointment’ to The Queen, after crafting a beautiful pair of gloves for the Princess’s going away outfit. Three generations later, the family remain a favourite of the royals, renowned for their quality and unparalleled craftsmanship. Kate Middleton is reported to have a preference for the merino wool collection, but you’ll find gloves in all sorts of sumptuous fabrics here - including suede, silk, and satin.
Barbour
Easily one of the most recognisable names in British luxury fashion, Barbour is synonymous with equestrian and country heritage while also boasting three royal warrants. Renowned for their wax cotton jackets which have been sported by Kate Middleton on more than one occasion, we’d certainly recommend swinging by their Regent Street store if your wardrobe is in need of a royal refresh.
DAY 6 - Take it easy and enjoy family time together with a picnic
If the sun is shining on day six, then it’s well worth packing a picnic basket and heading to one of London’s beautiful green spaces. With 5000 acres and eight royal parks to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice.
St James's Park
Surrounded by some of London’s most impressive landmarks - Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, and the Horse Guards building to name just a few - St James’s Park is one of the most fabulous locations to enjoy a family picnic. From watching the resident pelicans to dozing off in the sunshine to the sound of the park’s stunning waterfall, this is one of our favourite parks in the city.
Kensington Gardens
If you are looking for somewhere family-friendly, then Kensington Gardens is a must. With the Diana Memorial Playground onsite, kids can let their imaginations run wild on the giant wooden pirate ship. Be sure to look out for the wonderful Peter Pan sculpture, which you can even bring to life through your smartphone.
Richmond Park
As a National Nature Reserve and an important habitat for local wildlife, it’s easy to forget how close you are to central London while exploring the ancient woodland gardens of Richmond Park. Covering over 2,500 acres, you can easily find a quiet space of your own to enjoy a tasty picnic.
DAY 7 - Visit Windsor Castle to see the Queen’s spectacular Coronation dress...
If you’ve got time for a day trip, head to Paddington Station and hop on the Great Western Railway service to Windsor. This 50-minute journey takes you from the bustle of the city and straight into the heart of this scenic town, with its namesake castle boasting over 1,000 years of royal history. The Queen often spends her private weekends at Windsor Castle, making it the largest occupied castle in the entire world.
Between the 7th of July and the 26th of September, the Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate worn by the queen in Westminster Abbey for her Coronation in 1963 will be on display in Windsor Castle. Embroidered with Commonwealth floral emblems, precious pearls, and sparkling crystals, this exceptional dress was carefully crafted by esteemed British couturier, Sir Norman Hartnell.
... then enjoy an evening of gastronomic delights at The Ivy
After returning to the city, make the most of your final evening in London with a lovely meal out together. A much-loved haunt of many celebrities and even visited by The Queen herself, The Ivy is an iconic fine dining restaurant in London’s Covent Garden. The restaurant’s attentive staff make you feel as though you are part of the royal family, topping up your champagne and serving each beautifully-presented dish with the utmost care.
Seasonally inspired, the a la carte menu changes throughout the year. From classic shepherd’s pie to slow-cooked rabbit leg, each dish is a celebration of traditional British flavours. The dining room oozes classic elegance - a fabulous setting for an evening meal after exploring London’s royal landmarks together. If you’re planning on dining out like The Queen herself, our concierge team can book a table on your behalf.
Additional concierge services
Here are just a few of the ways our exclusive concierge services can help you and your family to feel like royalty.
Private chauffeurs - Skip the tube and enjoy private chauffeur transport to all your favourite royal hotspots.
Exclusive restaurant bookings - We’ll ensure you get a table at the very best London restaurants - just let us know where you would like to dine.
Additional housekeeping - Leave all the housework to our professionals while you make the most of your city break together.
24/7 concierge support - For extra peace of mind, we’ll be on hand 24/7 to provide concierge support during your stay.
Planning your own royal visit to London?
Create unforgettable memories and experience London like never before when you book your stay with us. If you are planning a getaway to the capital this year, our Travel Advisors can help to pair you with the perfect home and the very best experiences.
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