Britain's royal history is fascinating – from the bloodthirsty Tudors and the madness of King George to the romance of Will and Kate.
If you like all things royal, these are the top ten sights you can't afford to miss.
1. Buckingham Palace
Top of the list for any visitors to the UK is Buckingham Palace. This is the official home of the Queen and is only open to visitors in August and September.
Flickr: jimmyharris
2. Windsor Castle
The Queen's favourite residence, Windsor Castle, located just outside of London, is a beautiful and ancient walled palace overlooking a stunning park. Visitors can tour the state apartments here and visit the chapel, where 10 monarchs are buried.
Flickr: Rhys_S
3. Westminster Abbey
The ancient palace of Westminster, beside the Houses of Parliament, was built on this site more than 1000 years ago, and is where all England’s kings and queens are crowned. It has also witnessed 16 royal weddings, including Elizabeth II’s wedding to Prince Philip and the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Flickr: ctj71081
4. Kensington Palace
Diana, Princess of Wales, used to live in Kensington Palace, beside Hyde Park. It's currently the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but was also once the home of Queen Victoria. An exhibition at the Palace gives a glimpse into this long-reigning Queen's life, while a selection of Princess Diana’s dresses is also on display.
Flickr: wolfsavard
5. Sandringham House
The Royal Family spends every Christmas at Sandringham House, which is situated in the beautiful county of Norfolk. The house was built in 1862 and the house, gardens and a museum are open to the public.
6. Balmoral Castle
One of the perks of being Queen must be the sheer number of castles and palaces you get to call home, and Balmoral castle, set in the Scottish county of Aberdeenshire, is where the Queen and her family like to spend the summer months. The grounds and ballroom are open to visitors at set times of the year.
Flickr: Bert Kaufmann
7. Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace was built in the 1500s by an advisor to Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey. The Tudor monarch then had the poor cardinal executed and appropriated the palace for himself. The buildings here give visitors a unique taste of Tudor living, while the maze in the beautiful grounds is world famous.
Flickr: Mike_fleming
8. Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the Queen in Scotland, Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is open to visitors who can take a tour of the state apartments, the gardens and Queen’s gallery.
Flickr: TFDuesing
9. The Tower of London
The World Heritage-listed Tower of London once housed famous prisoners and traitors to the crown. It's also the site of several brutal beheadings, including two of Henry VIII's wives. Today visitors can be awed by the dazzling Crown Jewels that are housed here.
Flickr: ymmat
10. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle was built in the Middle Ages and sits atop an extinct volcano overlooking the city. As well as housing the Scottish Crown Jewels and several famous military pieces, it's also the home of the National War Museum.
Flickr: By Alex Morrice
