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London’s historic royal palaces stand as magnificent testaments to Britain’s rich and colourful past. These architectural marvels not only offer a glimpse into the lives of monarchs and their courts but continually reinvent themselves with exciting new exhibitions and events. For travellers planning to visit London in 2025, the city’s royal palaces have prepared an extraordinary calendar of events that promise to delight history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Let’s explore the most anticipated royal palace events that will make your London trip truly memorable in 2025.
The iconic Tower of London, a fortress with nearly a millennium of history, will host one of 2025’s most moving tributes.
From May through November 2025, visitors will witness a special installation marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The Tower will once again feature breathtaking ceramic poppies, reminiscent of the famous 2014 art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red that transformed the Tower’s moat into a sea of red and attracted over five million visitors.
This poignant tribute serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and remembrance, set against the backdrop of one of London’s most historically significant landmarks. The ceramic poppy installation promises to be one of the most photographed and contemplated displays in London throughout 2025, making it an essential experience for visitors during this commemorative year.
The Medieval Palace at the Tower of London will reopen on May 23, 2025, offering a reimagined display that delves into the lives of medieval kings, queens, and their households.
The palace includes historic structures such as St Thomas’ Tower, Wakefield Tower, and Lanthorn Tower. Visitors will experience immersive storytelling, recreated textiles, and multisensory displays, including Edward I’s meticulously reconstructed bedchamber.
The exhibition highlights influential figures like Eleanor of Castile and lesser-known individuals such as Matilda de Wautham, Edward I’s laundress. Rare artifacts, including a 13th-century Seal Matrix and coins minted at the Tower, will be showcased to explore themes like medieval religion and Jewish history.
For the first time, visitors will experience not only the stories of the medieval kings who constructed and inhabited these spaces—notably Henry III and his son Edward I—but also gain insight into the lives of the queens who ruled alongside them and the household staff who served the royal family. These interactive displays will offer a more comprehensive and inclusive view of medieval royal life than ever before presented at the Tower.
Summer 2025 will see the launch of London’s only electric-powered sightseeing boat in partnership with Woods River Cruises. The Tower of London River Tour represents an exciting new way to experience both the Tower and London’s iconic riverscape in an environmentally conscious manner.
Operating ten times daily from the privately owned Tower Bridge Quay, this premium 40-minute circular tour will accommodate up to 250 passengers per journey. Visitors will enjoy spectacular views from the Tower to Westminster while listening to engaging live commentary curated in partnership with Marta Howe-Douglas, co-creator of the popular television shows Ghosts and Horrible Histories. This addition to London’s tourism offerings combines historical education with sustainable travel practices—a perfect complement to your Tower of London visit.
Tickets: The new Tower of London River Tour requires a separated ticket. There will be also combi tickets available for the Royal Palace and Exibition and Boat Tour.
While not quite ready for 2025 visitors, it’s worth noting that 2027 will see the Tower Moat reimagined as a biodiverse green space in the heart of the City of London. This ambitious project will introduce new water features and strategic planting to attract diverse wildlife, creating a peaceful retreat within the urban landscape. For those planning extended or return visits to London, this upcoming development represents the Tower’s commitment to balancing historical preservation with environmental stewardship.
Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor residence, now features a stunning new permanent exhibition within the recently reopened Wolsey Rooms. This thoughtfully curated display introduces visitors to the transformative early reign of Henry VIII through original artworks and historic objects.
The exhibition highlights famous “History paintings” including the renowned depiction of The Field of Cloth of Gold, which documented the lavish meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I of France in 1520. Through these paintings and accompanying artifacts, visitors will discover the diverse people who populated Tudor court life—from soldiers in Henry’s army to the skilled craftsmen who constructed his palaces, as well as the influence of the wider world on Tudor England.
This permanent addition to Hampton Court Palace offers an unprecedented glimpse into Tudor life through portraits of European royalty, sailors, soldiers, musicians, and jousters, alongside rare surviving artifacts from the Tudor era. The exhibition is included with palace admission, making it excellent value for visitors wishing to deepen their understanding of this pivotal historical period.
Although slightly beyond our 2025 focus, it’s worth noting that 2027 will see Historic Royal Palaces partner with The House of Embroidered Paper on an extraordinary art project at Hampton Court Palace. Led by fine artist Stephanie Smart, this unique exhibition will spread throughout the King’s State Apartments, showcasing a series of meticulously crafted garments created using only paper and thread.
Inspired by historic fashion and the history of silk in the United Kingdom, these remarkable creations will be displayed against the backdrop of the palace’s stunning baroque architecture. For fashion enthusiasts and those who appreciate the intersection of historical context with contemporary artistry, this upcoming project represents yet another reason to include Hampton Court Palace in future London itineraries.
From 13th March to 30th November 2025, Kensington Palace will host a captivating new exhibition titled “Dress Codes”. This showcase will display treasures from Historic Royal Palaces’ own Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, offering visitors unique insights into the complex rules and traditions surrounding court dress throughout British royal history.
Through displays of both iconic and lesser-known garments, “Dress Codes” will examine the strict protocols that governed dressing for court appearances and explore how members of the royal family have adapted—or occasionally broken—these rules over the centuries. The exhibition will also investigate why particular styles of dress are used to mark significant rites of passage, such as royal weddings.
Fashion enthusiasts and royal history buffs alike will appreciate seeing clothing worn by Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret, and Princess Diana, alongside rarities such as an intricately embroidered Japanese court suit and a glamorous 1920s debutante dress. The exhibition promises to offer fascinating insights into how fashion has been used as both a tool of conformity and expression within royal circles.
No visit to Kensington Palace would be complete without experiencing its delightful Orangery. In 2025, visitors can enhance their palace experience by combining their tour with breakfast, lunch, or traditional afternoon tea in this elegant setting. Dating back to 1704, the Orangery provides a refined atmosphere in which to reflect on the historical treasures and royal stories encountered during your palace visit.
The Orangery’s menu typically features seasonal British ingredients prepared with contemporary flair, making it not just a convenient dining option but a culinary experience that complements the cultural aspects of your Kensington Palace visit.
Looking slightly beyond 2025, Kensington Palace will host an important exhibition in 2026 marking the 150th birthday of Indian princess and suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh. This exhibition will examine the women of the Duleep Singh family, who were goddaughters of former palace resident Queen Victoria.
Princess Sophia’s remarkable life story—from Indian royalty to British suffragette—reflects the complex relationship between Britain and India during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. This upcoming exhibition represents Kensington Palace’s commitment to exploring diverse royal histories and broadening our understanding of Britain’s multicultural past.
When planning to experience these magnificent royal palaces and their special 2025 events, consider how a London City Pass can enhance your visit. The City Pass provides streamlined access to many of London’s top attractions, including these historic royal palaces, potentially saving both time and money during your London adventure.
To fully appreciate these royal palaces and their special events, we recommend allocating:
London’s historic royal palaces are well-connected by public transport:
While the special events at these three major royal palaces will likely be highlights of any 2025 London itinerary, consider complementing these visits with explorations of London’s other royal connections:
Different seasons offer unique perspectives on London’s royal palaces:
Spring (March-May 2025): The beginning of the Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace coincides beautifully with London’s spring. Gardens at all the palaces begin to bloom, offering picturesque settings for photography.
Summer (June-August 2025): The new Tower of London River Tour will be particularly pleasant during summer months, offering refreshing views of London from the Thames. Hampton Court’s gardens reach their peak beauty, and the longer days allow for more extensive exploration.
Autumn (September-November 2025): The ceramic poppy installation at the Tower of London will be especially poignant against autumn skies, and the final months of the Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace offer a last chance to view these royal fashion treasures.
Winter (December 2025): While some of the special exhibitions mentioned will have concluded by December, the royal palaces take on a magical quality during the festive season, often featuring special Christmas decorations and events.
2025 promises to be an exceptional year for London’s historic royal palaces, offering visitors unique opportunities to engage with British history through innovative exhibitions, commemorative installations, and immersive experiences. From the moving ceramic poppy tribute at the Tower of London to the fashion treasures at Kensington Palace and the Tudor insights at Hampton Court, these special events provide compelling reasons to include London’s royal palaces in your 2025 travel plans.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover, fashion aficionado, or simply seeking authentic cultural experiences during your London visit, the city’s royal palaces and their carefully curated 2025 events offer enriching encounters with Britain’s royal heritage. We at Turbopass City Pass encourage you to experience these magnificent palaces and their special events as part of your unforgettable London journey in 2025.
