The stunning historic palaces, castles and houses of the British monarchy have captured the interest and imaginations of the millions who flock to visit them each year. The magnificent and occasionally eccentric architecture, often-sumptuous gardens and lavish interiors of these buildings have made them extremely popular tourist destinations. Royal Britain: Historic Palaces, Castles and Houses takes the reader on a tour of more than 30 key historic locations in England, Scotland and Wales - among them some of the most recognised royal buildings, such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, the most infamous, such as the notorious Tower of London, prison to many a royal monarch in the past, and also locations that are slightly more off the beaten track, such as Harlech Castle in North Wales. Each entry includes: key information about the historic building under discussion; an engaging essay putting the location in political, social and cultural context; boxes highlighting features of special interest to visitors; vital contact information, including useful websites and travel links - and beautiful photographs of the exteriors and interiors of these key royal buildings.

Presents original maps, plans and archive illustrations alongside hundreds of photographs, showing ruins and surviving castles in their glory. This work includes descriptions of hundreds of special buildings, from remote ruins in isolated settings to imposing piles in towns and cities.

This sumptuously illustrated history presents, in an updated new edition, an in-depth account of Britain's most important buildings.

"As England's largest castle and premier royal residence, Windsor Castle is of outstanding importance: historically, architecturally, artistically and in the life of the nation. This authoritative history of the Castle, the first to be published in 100 years, draws upon new research and primary sources to present a general account of Windsor Castle and its immediate environs from around AD700 to the present day, setting this iconic building against the background of wider social, political and cultural events in the life of the monarchy and the nation. Not only is the book richly illustrated with historical drawings, watercolours and photographs from the Royal Collection and elsewhere, it also includes newly commissioned photography and 3D reconstructions of the Castle at key points in its development, showing how this historic site has changed and evolved over 13 centuries."--

A beautifully illustrated history of 120 royal palaces, significant stately homes and gardens, with 500 pictures.

Make the Most of Your Time in Britain is a celebration of the most extraordinary places you can visit in Great Britain. From historic houses to eccentric festivals, this incredible photography collection features the best things to do, see and experience in Great Britain. High-quality photography brings each place to life, from the seascapes of Cornwall and dazzling northern lights of Scotland to the skiing wonder of Snowdonia in Wales. Lively descriptive text accompanies each entry, which will inspire even the most intrepid traveller, highlighting exactly what makes it so special to visit now. The book reaches almost every corner of Britain, with each place carefully selected by experienced experts and specialists. Features of Make the Most of Your Time in Britain - Uncovers the top places to visit in Great Britain - Stylish coffee-table book with inspirational, high-quality photography - Employs Rough Guides' "tell it like it is" ethos - Carefully curated by expert authors and editors About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy "tell it like it is" ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.

Castles and palaces around the world are structures of grandeur, might and beauty. From the flamboyance of Germany's fairy tale-Neuschwanstein Castle to the gothic, Dracula-inspiring Bran Castle, perched high in the craggy peaks of Romania's Carpathian Mountains; Tokyo's Imperial Palace, previously home to samurai warriors to Ireland's Blarney Castle, where 'the gift of the gab' will be granted to any who kiss its stone, the world's castles and palaces are steeped in history and stories to tell. Travel writer and journalist Gilly Pickup shares these stories, providing a tour of 50 of the world's greatest castles and palaces, filled with humour, interesting facts and tips on how best to visit them.