Where and How to Celebrate the King's Coronation across the UK

Where to celebrate the King's Coronation, from garden parties to luxurious hotel stays 

With all the pomp and circumstance that Britain's famous for, and with Lionel Ritchie and Gary Barlow booked for his concert, King Charles' Coronation will be a once-in-a-lifetime event and it's a magnet for overseas traveller's as well as British people. Leading online travel agent, Opodo's searches and bookings data reveal which nationalities are keenest to join the party on the weekend of 6th May 2023. 

Opodo's data compares top searches and bookings for London over the weekend of 4th-7th May 2023 compared to the same weekend last year (5-7 May 2022).  These reveal that:

• A global 121% increase in searches

• French searches have increased more than any other nationality - by 354% year on year

• French bookings for arrival in London airports also lead all other countries' - up 204% 

• Searches also boomed in Australia (266%) and Poland (326%)

• After the French, Swedish booking rates also jumped - up 146% compared to the same weekend last year

In this article we explore the best places in London and around the UK to celebrate the King's Coronation. From extravagent garden parties to luxurious hotel stays, with some alternative celebratory ideas thrown in too. 

Where and How to Celebrate The King's Coronation in London:

Delve into the Capital's History at London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Perfectly positioned on London's bustling and vibrant South Bank with unrivalled views of Big Ben and The London Eye, London Marriott Hotel County Hall is a landmark in its own right and a perfect base for the Coronation weekend. Ahead of the Coronation, the hotel is launching a historical walking tour that will delve into the Grade II listed building's history which was opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1922 as the headquarters of the local government in London. Hosted by an expert guide, the tour will be complimentary to all and start off at the hotel, later ending at Buckingham Palace. For those seeking traditional treats, The Library has unveiled their Big Ben Afternoon Tea with a royal twist offering guests the chance to soak up the hotel's breathtaking views while enjoying a truly British afternoon tea experience in the 20th century historic Library, which is home to more than 3,000 classic literary works including first editions. Guests are invited to savour signature pastries inspired by the majestic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben, including a special royal coronation cake, along with an exquisite array of finger sandwiches, scones, jam, and clotted cream. To continue the celebrations, Gillray's Bar has created a limited-edition cocktail in honour of King Charles III – and anyone named after His Majesty will receive a free cocktail, which is decorated with King Charles' portrait using gold leaf and features his favourite tipple, Laphroiag whiskey.

Room rates start from £787 including breakfast. The Coronation tour will take place 4th– 9th May (excluding 6th) and will be complimentary to hotel guests and external visitors. The Royal Afternoon Tea is priced from £55 per person. The King Charles III Coronation cocktail is priced at £30, or complimentary to anyone named Charles who visits Gillray's Bar until 30th May.  marriott.co.uk.

Celebrate the Coronation in style with a raft of Royal experiences at the Royal Opera House this May

To celebrate the crowning of King Charles III, the Royal Opera House is rolling out the red carpet for a limited-edition Coronation Tour*. Go behind the scenes to experience the past as you step into the Royal Retiring Room, take a seat in the Royal Box and discover the little-known King's Smoking Room designed for King Edward VII. This exclusive behind the scenes tour also includes a limited-edition Coronation-themed goody bag featuring luxury products including a red velvet curtain mug and leather-bound notebook, among other royal treats. Book here.

Celebrate the Coronation in Style in Park Lane

InterContinental London Park Lane - Did you know that this was the very site of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's childhood home?! Royalty is properly baked into the property's DNA. Here's what the hotel is doing to celebrate: 

• King's Menu: Alex Webb, crowned winner of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020, has created a very special King's menu inspired by King Charles' love for organic food and British produce.
• Coronation Afternoon Tea: Our favourite kind of par-tea, the hotel's talented and award-winning pastry team has created a special coronation afternoon tea fit for royalty at the luxurious Wellington Lounge on-site.
• Coronation Cocktails: Arch Bar will be serving two two coronation cocktails inspired by King Charles' love for a martini (and a martini is always in style) 
• Royal Floral: Moyses Stevens, the Royal florist known for artistry and refined style, is decorating the hotel to reflect King Charles' love for the natural world and environmental causes.

Where to have a picnic fit for a royal

A picnic in one of the royal parks is the perfect spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, whilst being surrounded by the monarchy's rich history and architecture. So, for those planning their Coronation trip to London, Comparethemarket can reveal the most picturesque royal parks to visit as inspiration.

According to the research, Richmond Park is the most picturesque royal park with 469,850 posts for #richmondpark. The park covers an area of 2,500 acres so there's plenty of space to take a picnic and enjoy the wildlife and green space – although the parks advise not to picnic or eat food in close proximity to the deer.

The historic 17th-century Greenwich Park is the second most picturesque royal park and the perfect place for a Coronation picnic. Those that visit can follow in the footsteps of England's kings and queens with a walk-through of the ancient tree avenues or just take in some of London's most iconic views.

Ranking third with 191,158 posts is Kensington Gardens, once part of Hyde Park, this park offers visitors the chance to admire the heritage of Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial.

Celebrate the King's Coronation on The Thames

Afternoon Tea with City Cruises

There is nothing more quintessentially British than a spot of afternoon tea and City Cruises’ afternoon tea cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the King’s Coronation. Relax with a cup of tea, choose from a selection of sandwiches and enjoy scones with clotted cream and jam, while admiring London’s most iconic sights. For the King’s Coronation, the boats will be decorated and have special Royal-themed deserts as well as activities for children. Prices start from £49 per person.

Sightseeing with Uber Boat by Thames Clipper

To mark King Charles III’s Coronation, join London’s River Bus service, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to enjoy a right royal journey through the capital, taking in the sights and hopping off to explore iconic landmarks with historic ties to the royal family.

The River Bus frequents the most regal of London’s hotspots. Disembark at Westminster Pier to see the majestic Westminster Abbey, where the coronation will take place and where former kings and queens of England are buried, before strolling up the Mall to Buckingham Palace.

After disembarking at Bankside Pier, traverse the Millennium Bridge and marvel at Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral. It was here that Queen Elizabeth II held her Jubilee anniversary events, where the then-Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and where the first rendition of God Save The King was sung following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Alternatively, play ‘I Spy’ with London’s iconic landmarks from the comfort of your seat on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers vessel.

Battersea Power Station will be celebrating the King’s Coronation in distinctly British style. Get off at Battersea Power Station Pier for a troupe of family-friendly activities and live entertainment, set against a backdrop of red, white and blue.

Where and How to Celebrate The King's Coronation across the Rest of The UK:

The Ultimate King's Coronation Garden Party at Fairmont Windsor Park

To commemorate this historic moment, a magnificent garden party event that promises to be an experience like no other has been planned at the countryside hotel, showcasing all the action on a large outdoor screen accompanied by a luxurious picnic hamper, live music and more!

The garden party will take place in the hotel's spectacular gardens, primely positioned within 40 acres of lush scenery and spacious countryside adjacent to the historic Windsor Great Park, a location renowned for its royal ties enabling viewers to feel even closer to the action. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by the sound of live music and the sight of the hotel's beautifully manicured estate, setting the stage for an unforgettable day, just 45 minutes from London.

From 10:30am – 5:30pm guests will be able to enjoy the action on a large outdoor screen, allowing them to witness the historic moment in real-time, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of Fairmont Windsor Park. As the ceremony unfolds on the big screen, visitors will indulge in a luxurious picnic hamper, filled with a selection of delicious, locally sourced delights. From delicate finger sandwiches, to decadent desserts and refreshing sparkling wine, every bite and sip will be a sensory delight. The expert chefs have created a menu that showcases the best of British picnic culinary traditions, celebrating the best of England's cuisine. Sweet treats from food stands and hot food from the hotel will also be available to purchase separately.

In addition to the Garden Party, guests will be able to turn the day into a weekend event with an overnight stay in one of the hotel's opulent bedrooms or lavish suites. Staycationers will be given the chance to wake up surrounded by luxury and recuperate with an exquisite breakfast and a trip to Fairmont Windsor Park's award-winning spa. Home to seven culinary-inspired restaurants and bars, those staying for longer will find something remarkable for all of their meals. With a key focus on speciality dining and honouring local produce, 1215, set on Fairmont Windsor Park's south lawn overlooking the private terrace and manicured gardens, is the hotel's highlight!

Tickets start from £150 per adult and £50 per child. Overnight room packages are available from £829 for two people in a Fairmont King Room, including garden party tickets and breakfast. Afternoon Tea in the Orchid Tea Rooms starts from £50. Receive a 10% discount on your King's Coronation Garden Party tickets with your afternoon tea booking.

Visit the Realm’s Royal Residences on a Great Rail Journeys’ Great British Tour

Balmoral Castle

What better way to welcome the new reign than a trip to some of Britain’s most iconic royal residences?

Great Rail Journeys is inviting travellers to discover the realm’s most iconic castles, palaces and royal heritage sites on one of their unforgettable rail tours.

Holyrood

Edinburgh, Stirling and Dalhousie Castle – 7 days from £1,095 per person

This trip begins with a guided walking tour of Edinburgh, passing Holyrood, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Keen royalty enthusiasts will recall Holyrood as the site of our new King’s first public duty in Scotland when he was just sixteen. The palace is set in the expansive Holyrood Park, which is open to the public all year round.

Following a visit to the Palace, travellers enjoy a stay at Dalhousie Castle. This quaint thirteenth-century property has been converted into a luxury hotel and spa, offering guests an indulgent escape in parkland surroundings. This tour also stops at Stirling Castle, a powerful medieval stronghold familiar to film and television buffs as a popular filming location.

Balmoral

Royal Deeside and The Tornado Steam Train  – 5 days from £995 per person

Balmoral Castle is well-known as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite summer residence. Her Majesty returned to the estate throughout her reign to holiday in the Highland surrounds. King Charles III is considering transforming Balmoral into a museum in honour of his mother, but for now, the castle remains a residential property with visitor access.

On the Royal Deeside and The Tornado Steam Train rail tour, travellers pause at Balmoral to admire the fine Scots Baronial architecture that gives the castle its archetypal Scottish feel. This tour also includes a romantic ride on the Aberdonian Tornado, a classic steam locomotive offering rugged panoramas of the Scottish countryside and fine dining fit for a king.

A Cornish spring stay fit for a king 

As the country celebrates the historic King's Coronation next month, why not be treated like royalty with three nights in one of The Headland's most exclusive suites? 

Stay like a sovereign in the stylish Victorian hotel and follow in the footsteps of feted guests over the hotel's 125-year life. The list of visitors reads like the most outrageous dinner party in history. 

In the early 1900s, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were the first royals to stay at the splendid clifftop pile, after which King George V and Queen Mary later came to The Headland. 

His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort Camilla have enjoyed several visits in recent years as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, whilst celebrity royalty such as George Clooney has also stayed at the hotel.  

The Headland has a stately authority of its own and is recognised as one of Cornwall's most iconic hotels. It enjoys a commanding location on the cliffs overlooking Newquay's famous Fistral Beach and architecturally it is bold, unapologetic, and original.  

Inside, it oozes opulence and old-world charm with a touch of decadence, but the luxury facilities, attentive staff and exquisite furnishings should not be mistaken for formality, or exclusivity. 

John and Carolyn Armstrong bought the hotel in the 1970s and have since stopped at nothing to reinvent it as a modern, luxury resort. 

Four decades and more than £45 million of improvements have established The Headland as a multi-award-winning destination hotel, complete with 88 five-star bedrooms, a state-of-the-art gym, an award-winning spa, a six-pool Aqua Club, three restaurants and the best sea views in Cornwall. 

Spend an unforgettable break in one of the wonderfully luxurious suites to celebrate King Charles' Coronation in his much-loved Cornwall.

Savour local produce and sumptuous dinners, sip on cocktails and Cornish sparkling wine, and enjoy a touch of decadence while you treasure the moment in history at The Headland. 

Your 3-night stay will include: 

• A bottle of Camel Valley sparkling wine in the room on arrival 
• A pre-dinner cocktail on arrival night followed by a 3-course dinner in the restaurant 

• A Coronation Afternoon Tea on the second day 
• A pre-dinner glass of champagne on your second night before enjoying a private candlelit dinner in your room or one of our private dining rooms   
• Complimentary use of the five bubble awarded spa facilities, including pool complete with swan neck jet, Cornish salt steam room, Swedish sauna, hot tub, and experience showers 
• Access to the £10 million Aqua Club with six pools and a sun terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Available 1st May – 30th June 2023 (excludes 24th May – 2nd June). Lead-in price for a three-night Fit for a King stay in May is £2,668.  

For more details visit www.headlandhotel.co.uk or call reception on 01637 872211.  

Coronation Celebration Escape at Horwood House 

Once the birthplace of renowned TV gardener Percy Thrower, whose early gardening career saw him work within the royal gardens at Windsor Castle, Horwood House Hotel and its beautiful gardens is the perfect place to celebrate His Royal Highness' Coronation in style this May and enjoy an escape to the Great British countryside!

Includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Bedroom

• Use of the spa facilities from 12 noon – 11am check out

• Afternoon Tea picnic hamper to enjoy in the grounds

• £30 per person allowance for dinner in Harry's Bar & Kitchen

• A full and hearty breakfast the next morning

  • PLUS, stay the night of the 7th or 8th May and your package includes tickets to our Coronation Garden Tea Party instead of the picnic hamper – enjoy live music and a patriotic atmosphere!

  • Available 1st – 14th May (excluding 5-7th May) £140 per person, £280 per room

  • For the 7th or 8th May £165 per person, £330 per room

The Ultimate Coronation Dinner Party Experience with Oliver's Travels 

Throughout May, Oliver's Travels is working with its private chef partner, Dineindulge, to host the ultimate dinner party. Guests booking one of Oliver's Travels' luxury UK cottages or manor homes can enjoy a specially-curated Coronation Menu cooked by a private chef. The menu is in celebration of The Commonwealth with flavours inspired by the UK, India, South Africa, New Zealand and more, while using locally-sourced ingredients. Oliver's Travels have properties all over the UK fit for a King.

The Coronation Menu is available to be booked between 6th April -8th May 2023. There is a £60.00 deposit to secure your desired date.

Garden Party in the Cotswolds at Ellenborough Park Hotel

From April, guests can book a 1-night stay at Ellenborough Park Hotel which includes an indulgent afternoon tea of finger sandwiches and scones with rich clotted cream. For those looking to celebrate Coronation weekend in style, the hotel will hold a garden party with live music and Coronation-themed treats. Partygoers can expect classic lawn games including chess and croquet, speciality cocktails and the ever-popular dining carriages will be outfitted as royal carriages. Children are welcome to dress up as princes and princesses to celebrate the momentous occasion. 

The Coronation Escape Package is £150 per person, which includes a one-night stay with afternoon tea and breakfast included.