BUCKINGHAM PALACE, LONDON
The grand daddy of Britain's royal establishments, Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official London residence.
Originally known as Buckingham House, the building which forms the core of today's palace was a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705. It was bought by George III in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte and enlarged, before it finally became the official Royal Palace of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

While the palace's daily Changing of the Guard is regarded as one of the world's greatest spectacles, visitors can also sneak a peak inside the State Rooms, which are open to the public each summer (July 23 to October 3 2011). Be wowed by the lavish furnishings, French furniture and paintings by Rembrandt.
Don't miss the palace's gardens (included in the tour), filled with 350 different wild flowers.

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The Royal Collection (020 7766 7300/ royalcollection.org.uk), admission from £17.50 per adult, £10 per child (under-17).

Stay: London Hilton on Park Lane (0870 590 9090/hilton.co.uk) offers doubles from £205 per night (two sharing), roon only.

THE PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE, EDINBURGH
This fine baroque palace stands at the bottom of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128, it is perhaps best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots.

She was married at the palace and witnessed the brutal murder of her secretary Rizzio at the hands of her jealous husband, Lord Darnley.
Today, life is more subdued, focused around state ceremonies and, when the Royal Family are not in residence, it is open to the public (April 1 to October 31, 2011 and November 1 to March 1, 2012). Step inside to admire the Royal Apartments, renowned for their ornate plasterwork ceilings and furnishings (including Brussels tapestries), and check out the art exhibition in the Queen's Gallery.

You can even sign up for an exclusive evening tour, which is complete with champagne, for £30pp.
The Royal Collection (as before), admission from £10.50 per adult, £6.35 per child (under-17).
Stay: The Scotsman (0131 556 5565/ thescotsmanhotel.co.uk), doubles from £245 per night (two sharing), B&B.

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HAMPTON COURT PALACE, SURREY
Set in 60 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace was built in 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey, a favourite of King Henry VIII. But in 1528 Wolsey fell from favour and lost the palace to the king, who set about enlarging it, creating expansive state apartments and kitchens covering 36,000sq ft in a bid to rival Versailles in France.

Today, Hampton Court is considered to be one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe and is a major tourist attraction (it has not been inhabited by the British Royal Family since the 18th century).

Highlights include The Great Hall, adorned with Henry VIII's most splendid tapestries, live Tudor cookery sessions in the kitchens, and the palace's three-acre hedge maze, a favourite with children.

There are also free daily tours with costumed interpreters.

Historical Royal Palaces (0203 166 6000/hrp.org.uk), admission from £13.50 per adult, £6.75 per child (under-16).

Stay: Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa (part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World) (00800 525 48000/slh.com), doubles from £235 per night (two sharing), room only.

WINDSOR CASTLE, BERKSHIRE
A crown's throw from the village of Old Windsor, this is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of the Queen.
The original construction, a motte and bailey, was built for William the Conqueror around 1080. It gradually became a popular royal residence because of the excellent hunting close by.

Like Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard is a highlight, as are the beautiful State Apartments, which are resplendent with Rococo, Gothic and Baroque furnishings.

Don't miss the magnificent display of Queen Mary's Dolls' House, created in the early 1920s by no less than 1,500 craftsmen and artists (it even has flushing lavatories).
You can also sign up for the new 45-minute Conquer the Tower tour where you ascend 200 steps to the top of the Round Tower. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Castle, the Thames Valley and the London skyline.

The Royal Collection (020 7766 7300/ royalcollection.org.uk), admission from £16.50 per adult, £9.90 per child (under-17).
Combined Castle and Conquer the Tower tour ticket, admission from £23 per adult, £13.25 per child (under-17).
Stay: Macdonald Windsor Hotel (0844 879 9000/macdonaldhotels.co.uk) doubles from £170 per night (two sharing), B&B.

KENSINGTON PALACE, LONDON
The palace began life as Nottingham House, a Jacobean mansion built around 1605, and was purchased in the summer of 1689 by William III and Mary II.
Following extensions by Christopher Wren, the house was transformed into a palace fit for a royal and was the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until the death of George II in 1760.

Today, it is the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, but visitors are also welcome to view selected areas of the palace.

As well as the King's staircase, adorned with life-sized paintings of George I's court, you can visit Queen Victoria's bedroom, the ornate Cupola Room and take afternoon tea on the sunny terrace of the Orangery.

Historical Royal Palaces (0844 482 7777/hrp.org.uk), admission from £11.50 per adult, £5.75 per child.
Stay: Royal Garden Hotel (020 7937 8000/royalgardenhotel.co.uk), doubles from £209 per night (two sharing), room only.