The British Royal Family's holiday preferences span a wide range, from sun-drenched Caribbean islands and luxury ski resorts to secluded rural estates. These destinations are often chosen for their privacy, natural beauty, and ability to offer an escape from public life.
King Charles has a long-standing affinity for Romania, frequently retreating to his properties in rural Transylvania. One of these, a seven-room house in the Zalan Valley, is open to guests when not in royal residence. The accommodations feature stone floors, exposed beams, and antiques, intentionally lacking televisions and radios. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, hot tub, and table d’hôte meals.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, often opt for destinations offering both family-friendly environments and natural appeal. In the summer, they spend school holidays with their children at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Their visits to Holkham Beach are regular, and Catherine has been seen browsing shops in Burnham Market. The Sandringham estate also hosts the RHS Sandringham Flower Show from July 22-26.
Corfu holds historical significance for the Royal Family as the birthplace of Prince Philip. King Charles and Queen Camilla have vacationed on the Greek island, reportedly staying at the Rothschild villa in Kerasia. In 2022, Prince Edward, Sophie, and their children spent two weeks on Corfu.
Canada's Rocky Mountains have also attracted royal visitors. As newlyweds in 2011, William and Kate visited Skoki Lodge in Banff National Park, a rustic lodge typically accessed via an 11km hiking trail from Lake Louise. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip stayed at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park in 2005.
The Scottish Highlands remain a cherished royal retreat. The Castle of Mey in Caithness, once owned by the Queen Mother, served as her summer residence. Nearby, the Granary Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation. Balmoral Castle, purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, is another significant Highland estate. Queen Elizabeth II frequented Balmoral almost every summer. While parts of the castle are open to visitors, cottages on the estate are also available for rent.
Further afield, the Caribbean island of Mustique is a long-favored escape, particularly for Princess Margaret, who had a villa there. The Prince and Princess of Wales have continued this tradition, visiting with their children. For those seeking a different kind of retreat, the health spa Soukya, on the outskirts of Bangalore, India, is a favored destination of Queen Camilla and King Charles. This establishment blends Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and naturopathic practices with modern medicine.
Skiing holidays have often been centered in Switzerland, with Klosters being a favored spot since the late 1970s for the then Prince Charles and later his sons, William and Harry. The resort offers access to 250km of pistes. Verbier is another Swiss destination known for its challenging slopes and après-ski scene, having been visited by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Princes William and Harry.
Other notable destinations include the Isles of Scilly, described by Prince William as "a different world" and a safe haven for his children, and Australia's Gold Coast, a favored January holiday spot for Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall.
For maritime experiences, Queen Elizabeth II chartered the Hebridean Princess to cruise the Scottish Highlands and Islands after the decommissioning of the Royal Yacht Britannia.