Q is for Queens

Queens have played a defining role in British history, shaping religion, politics, and culture across the centuries. Figures such as Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn and Mary, Queen of Scots all have stories of power, influence, and personal struggle from the past, and today the castles, palaces and residences linked to them bring their lives into focus through storytelling and heritage. Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and linked to both the late Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria. Its State Apartments and St George's Chapel are open to visitors with their excellent guided tours very popular for good reason.

Hever Castle in Kent has significant Royal and queen connections, notably as being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, who became Queen of England. It is one of the most important surviving Tudor homes in England and especially with its direct links to one of England's most famous royal lineages with Henry VIII and the Tudor court and Anne Boleyn's daughter Elizabeth I. Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire is the only private castle in England with a queen buried on site. It is the burial place of Catherine Parr, a queen consort and the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII, and she is best known for surviving him-unlike several of his other wives. Scotland is well-known for its castles and palaces with links to royalty with arguably its most famous Edinburgh Castle, linked to Mary, Queen of Scots who gave birth here. Glamis Castle, in the heart of Angus, is renowned for its rich history spanning over 650 years with famous visitors ranging from Mary, Queen of Scots to James V, as well as being the Scottish childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and where HRH Princess Margaret was born. Guided tours provide tales and stories of life here through the ages, whilst the majestic gardens are a wonderful experience for visitors to enjoy in all seasons. Purchased by Queen Victoria, Balmoral Castle was the beloved retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II and is open seasonally for groups to explore the beauty of its scenic estate along with guided tours.

Linlithgow Castle and Stirling Castle and are both also strongly linked to Mary, Queen of Scots. The atmospheric ruins of the former were her birthplace whilst she was crowned at Stirling as a child, which today offers excellent guided tours of its renaissance palace.