When it comes to globetrotting, the Royal Family are no strangers to exploring fantastic holiday destinations.
Golf Travel Centre is revealing the holiday hotspots you can travel to that have the royal stamp of approval.
They’ve looked at destinations near and far to create the ultimate getaway list, ranging from UK hotspots to European holidays.
Patrick McCaghy, Managing Director, comments: “While most of us don’t have palaces to visit across the globe, there’s no reason we can’t take inspiration from these holidays to create our own incredible trip away.
“We’ve selected fantastic spots close to home and further afield that are perfect for a getaway, whether you want to explore coastal towns, relax on the beach, play a round of golf, or simply unwind”
Here is Golf Travel Centre’s guide to the best destinations worthy of a royal visit.
1. The Scottish Highlands
Free from public duty, the Highlands have long been a place where the Queen can relax and spend time away with family. Home to Balmoral Castle, it’s no surprise this is rumored to be the Queen’s favorite destination, offering an incredible break away in the UK.
Located in the northwest and very north of Scotland, the Highlands boast ancient castles, fantastic mountain ranges, thrilling adventures, and an abundance of wildlife. Offering incredible views and accommodation options, the Highlands is home to award-winning hotels like Gleneagles (pictured) that provides a five-star luxury experience all-round. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed one, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful location.
If you’re interested in having a taste of the royal experience, Balmoral castle is open for tours at certain times in the year, with prices starting at around £11. For an elevated experience, the property even offers several accommodations that are available for bookings year-round, including Connachat and Knocks Cottage.
Despite UK holidays being at an all-time high last year, searches for ‘UK holidays’ are 32% higher than in 2021.
To browse UK holidays, check out Golf Travel Centre breaks here.
2. Malta
Malta holds a special place for the Royal Family as their only home outside of the UK. Gifted to the Queen and Prince Philip by Mountbatten, the Mediterranean island is a must-visit for royal fans and sun-seekers.
The Queen and Prince Philip even celebrated their honeymoon here. In 2015 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, The Queen was even quoted saying Malta was “always very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married."
Offering sunshine over 300 days a year, Malta is a fantastic place to visit, just a three-hour flight away from the UK. Renowned for its hospitality, stunning waterscapes, and rich history, we can definitely see why this is one of Royal’s top choices.
Searches for ‘holidays to Malta’ have risen by 82% compared to this time last year.
3. Corfu
This incredible Greek island has been a holiday favourite for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. With Prince Charles being a direct descendant of the Greek royal family through his father Prince Philip, it comes as no shock this country remains close to the Royal Family.
With the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, the island of Corfu is a holiday maker’s delight, offering year-round sunshine and spectacular scenery. Strongly influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English, this island has a unique feel and blend. For those interested in visiting, this island offers spectacular mountain villages, wonderful museums, an old town to explore, and a wealth of activities to enjoy.
Interest in visiting the island of Corfu has skyrocketed, with a 58% increase in searches for the destination
4. Spain
With their close relationship to the Spanish monarch, Prince Charles and the rest of his family spent multiple summers with King Juan Carlos of Spain, Queen Sofia, and their children. Other Royals including The Duchess of Sussex and Princess Beatrice and Eugenie have been spotted summering on the Spanish island of Ibiza.
Providing a huge array of incredible hotels, resorts, restaurants, and must-see landmarks, there’s a lot to discover in Spain. With great weather over the course of the year, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine. This incredible country also has the highest number of blue flag beaches in the world so you’re guaranteed a great beach getaway.
Searches for holidays to Spain have increased by a huge 78%, showing the huge demand for this destination.
To browse holidays in Spain, visit Golf Travel Centre breaks here.
5. Norfolk, UK
Norfolk offers a beautiful landscape to unwind, relax and enjoy. While the Royal Family celebrate Christmas at Sandringham Estate, there are plenty of places on offer for the public to stay here year-round.
If you are interested in getting a closer look into the Royal experience, the village of Sandringham is located just over an hour’s drive from Norwich and is definitely worth a visit. In April, the public is also able to go on tours of Sandringham House and explore the grounds.
