VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales, invites travelers to indulge their inner blue blood with a trip to Britain’s best royal hot spots. In Scotland, visitors can follow the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II to one of her favorite summertime retreats Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This is the residence where the Queen spent several days following the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales familiar from the movie “The Queen”. Visitors can take a luxurious safari in a Land Rover over the Balmoral grounds for a unique perspective or take up residence by renting a cozy cottage on the Balmoral estate grounds. The gardens and exhibitions are open to the public from April 1 through July 30 Balmoral Castle

Of course the Queen wouldn’t allow filming of a movie about her at her own favorite royal house, but two very impressive estates in Scotland stood in as Balmoral in the award-winning film. One of the most prominent filming locations - Glenfeshie Estate offers visitors luxury accommodation and leisure activities like fishing and hunting. Another filming location, Blairquhan Castle opens its stately doors to visitors’ for short breaks. Blairquhan requires a minimum party of 8 to stay in the actual castle, but 9 beautiful quaint cottages on the property provide similar accoutrements. The private chef will cook up unique culinary delights for the castle’s nobless oblige guests.

South of Balmoral in Edinburgh finds the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish residence and the site for state visits. The Queen’s Gallery, opened in 2002, holds a large display of statues, paintings and artifacts from the royal art collection. The Royal Yacht Britannia which has hosted famous visitors from Nelson Mandela to Sir Winston Churchillis on her decks is docked in Edinburgh. Visitors can take self-guided audio tours and check out the queen's luxurious nautical decorated bedroom. Royal Yacht Britannia

When in London, the first regal stop is famous Buckingham Palace. With its daily Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the gilded gates, and the age old hoot of getting your picture taken with a Guardsman and trying to get one to laugh, dosn't work, but the regular police "Bobbies" will be happy to chat your ear off as long as you don't reach fro the gun. The British royal family has lived here since 1837. Several of the lavish rooms are open for public viewing from the end of July through the end of September. The palace also houses the Queen’s Royal Collection, an exhibition of some of the most magnificent treasures in the world. A trip to the palace’s Royal Mews displays over 100 opulent coaches and carriages.

London is always a surprising and curious destination. On your tour to spot the British Royals in London near the palace, you never know what might turn the corner and what you might see on your royal tour. The Queen might not be in town, but, maybe you can spot a forty foot mechanical elephant fit for an Indian Princess wedding, marching down the street in a musical royal procession.

Kensington Palace, behind gold and black gates at the edge of Kensinton Gardens park is another beautiful royal house. Today, the palace houses office and living accommodations for several members of the royal family. Through July, visitors can view an exhibition of portraits of Princess Diana as well as a collection of her most exquisite gowns.

Find the British Coronation throne at Westminster Abbey. A breath-taking Cathedral with the greats of British history buried in its walls and floor, the abbey is a must stop on the royal tour for its important role in Britain’s most unforgettable milestones. The abbey has been the scene of British coronations since 1066 (see From Traitor's Gate To Mortimer's Hole).

No tour of London’s royal destinations is complete without a trip to The Tower of London. (see Mind Your Head and the Family Jewels). Watch re-enactments of historical events - from the conspiracy-ridden coronation of King Richard III to the thrilling trial of Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn, and a demonstration by Yeoman Warders of the nightly locking of the gates, entrapping the royal family secrets inside.

When not at Buckingham Palace, the Queen stays at Windsor Castle about an hour outside of London for weekend retreats, state visits or special events. When the Queen isn’t at home, tourist can explore the state apartments, viewing the masterpieces of artists such as Holbein and Rubens. Starting in April, visitors can see a photographic celebration of the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II to His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. © Bargain Travel Europe

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