Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with these brilliant events

Castles across the country are putting together amazing activities in honour of the Queen’s reign

See the Tower in bloom

The Tower of London will once again be flooded with flowers this summer (who can forget the 800,000 ceramic poppies that were installed in 2014?), in what promises to be a natural haven right beside the River Thames. Over 20 million seeds have been sown in the castle’s moat as part of the Superbloom jubilee celebration, along with the Queen’s Garden, with colours and patterns inspired by the coronation gown, and glass sculptural forms including the thistle of Scotland, the Australian wattle, the Canadian maple leaf and even a crown.

Superbloom at the Tower of London, 1 June–18 September

superbloom.hrp.org.uk

Conservators hang David Bailey photograph of Diana, Princess of Wales © Historic Royal Palaces

Picture the royal family anew

A major photography exhibition at Kensington Palace charts the history of royal photographic portraiture, from the earliest examples taken of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to contemporary campaigns shot for Vogue and Attitude magazine. The show brings together famed shots snapped by the likes of Cecil Beaton and Lord Snowdon, as well as contemporary off-duty pictures and a selection of submissions from members of the public.

Life Through a Royal Lens at Kensington Palace, until 30 October

hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace

Take tea in the Queen’s Scottish home

Balmoral Castle is celebrating with a special Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea, promising a decadent experience of cakes and sandwiches with an opportunity to watch the celebrations live on specially installed big screens. Bookings also include admission to the castle grounds and gardens, and the Ballroom exhibition, where visitors can get a glimpse of life when the Queen visits her Scottish home. If you are visiting on the Saturday, be sure to look out for a whopping 70 corgis that have promised to make an appearance. 

Balmoral Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea, Balmoral Estates, Aberdeenshire, 2–5 June

balmoralcastle.com

Picture of Bonnie Tyler by Albin Olsson (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Celebrate with Welsh stars

A massive concert held within the walls of Cardiff Castle (and under the stars) is guaranteed to get the celebrations going. Hosted by Aled Jones and Shân Cothi, acts include Bonnie Tyler, the Pendyrus Male Voice Choir and the Welsh Pops Orchestra, as well as a ‘singing in the reign’ medley of songs made famous by Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and more.

Jubilee Concert at Cardiff Castle, 4 June

Book via ticket source

Go big at Windsor

The annual Big Lunch coincides with Jubilee celebrations this year, with a community feel that encourages home-made picnics, Union Jack regalia, tables, chairs and more. For the first time the event will take place on the historic three-mile avenue known as the Long Walk. Gather around big screens to witness the Platinum Jubilee Pageant and enjoy street entertainers on-site. This family affair also welcomes dogs!

The Big Lunch at Windsor, 5 June 

windsorplatinumjubilee.co.uk

Get virtual at Hever Castle 

Celebrate in the former home of two queens of England, with an augmented reality experience that brings characters to life via smartphone, as part of the Beacon Trail, which weaves a tale of the seven decades since the coronation. Other kid-friendly events include a jewel hunt in the castle and an art trail within the grounds (picnics are welcome), as well as the ever popular water maze. 

Queen’s Jubilee at Hever Castle, 2–5 June

hevercastle.co.uk