Planning to hop across the pond? We’ve got a regal idea. Why not do something a bit different and follow Lady Diana’s footsteps?
You can visit the places that shaped the People’s Princess, from the serene parks where she found moments of peace, to the bustling city spots that became pivotal in her life.
Image Credit and Location: Sandringham House, Norfolk, England
Lady Di’s kingdom: beloved UK places of the People’s Princess
Let’s check out Princess Diana locations in the UK so you can witness the places that witnessed her!
Sandringham House, Norfolk, England: royal traditions and personal memories
Sandringham House in Norfolk was a special place for Princess Diana. Born on the estate at Park House and baptized at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, her early life was deeply rooted here. It was also a favorite Christmas retreat for the Royal Family.
How to get to Sandringham House: take a train to King’s Lynn, which is about 8 miles from Sandringham. Trains from London Kings Cross station to King’s Lynn run hourly, and it takes an average of 1h 50m to get there. Once at King’s Lynn, you can connect to a bus service (36 Coastliner) to reach Sandringham.
Althorp Estate, West Northamptonshire, England: Diana’s childhood in pictures
In the countryside of Northamptonshire, Althorp offers a deep dive into Diana’s beginnings. The estate, her childhood home, now houses an exhibition brimming with rare family photographs and personal mementoes. Here, you can peer into snapshots of her life before she became a global icon.
And guess what? Sometimes, Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, himself guides tours at Althorp, sharing anecdotes and insights only a brother could know. It’s as personal as it gets!
Please note: Althorp Estate only opens its doors to visitors in the summer. Be sure to check the official website for opening hours when planning your visit.
How to get to Althorp: take a train from London Euston to Northampton. This journey is operated by West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway and typically takes about an hour. The cost for a standard ticket starts from $11.31 if you book in advance. From Northampton station, a 20-minute taxi ride or a 40-minute journey on the line 96 bus, including a quick stroll, will get you to Althorp Estate.
Image Credit: Getty Images, shomos uddin. Image Location: St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London: where fairy tales are made
St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is where Diana got married to Prince Charles. A piece of history dating back to the 17th century, St. Paul’s was a backdrop to a wedding that had 3,500 guests and was watched by millions around the globe.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, London: a stroll through Royal Parks
London’s green spaces get a royal touch with the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. This unique trail, marked by 90 distinctive plaques, weaves through the scenic landscapes of four of the city’s eight Royal Parks: St. James’s Park, The Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens.
Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of iconic landmarks that played a key role in Princess Diana’s life, including Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James’s Palace, and Spencer House, the historical London residence of the Spencer family.
The unmissable Princess Diana landmarks in London’s parks
- Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. With water flowing in two directions, this monument reflects the duality of Lady Di’s life. In the summer, it’s a joyous spot where kids splash, mirroring Diana’s spirit of elegance and warmth.
- The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace. A floral homage to Diana that truly shines in spring and summer with its stunning display of roses and other blooms. This serene garden is a peaceful place to connect with her enduring grace and love for nature.
Westminster Abbey, London: a nation bids farewell
Westminster Abbey is known for its royal coronations and weddings. In 1997, this Anglican church added another layer to its history with Diana’s funeral, watched by 2.5 billion people worldwide. Standing there, one can really sense the magnitude of the moment, a global farewell to a beloved princess.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Wirestock. Image Location: Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, London, England
Princess Diana locations in the United Kingdom: FAQs
Where is the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain?
This unique tribute to Lady Di’s life is located in Hyde Park, London.
What is the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk?
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk is a picturesque seven-mile walking trail in London that weaves through St. James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens.
Image Credit: Getty Images, VictorHuang. Image Location: Kensington Palace, London, England
Can I visit Princess Diana’s residence at Kensington Palace?
Yes, Kensington Palace, Diana’s former home, is open to the public.
Is there a Princess Diana monument in London?
London hosts several memorials, including the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, the Memorial Walk through four Royal Parks, and the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace.
Where was Princess Diana’s wedding held?
Diana married Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Where did Diana hang out in London?
Princess Diana’s favorite spots in London include Kensington Palace, her well-known residence, and Café Diana, an eatery opposite Kensington Palace Gardens.
She also enjoyed dining at places like Launceston Place (British cuisine) and L’Escargot (a French restaurant in Soho). Diana was a regular at San Lorenzo, an Italian trattoria in Knightsbridge, and occasionally visited the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and the Royal Opera House.
For Indian cuisine, she often went to Bombay Brasserie in Kensington. Diana also worked out at The Harbour Club in Chelsea and occasionally grabbed a meal at McDonald’s on Kensington High Street. What a legend!
Where is Lady Di buried? Can you visit Princess Diana’s grave?
Princess Diana’s grave is at Althorp in Northamptonshire, her childhood home. It’s open to the public during the summer. Her grave is situated on an island in the Round Oval lake within the estate, which is not accessible to the public for privacy and respect.
With Trainline as your travel buddy, you can see it all—from the splendor of St. Paul’s to the quiet beauty of Althorp (and all those special places in between).
Each stop brings you closer to understanding Lady Di not just as a princess, but as a mother, a friend, and a woman with dreams and doubts. So go ahead, grab the Trainline app, and start planning this royal adventure across the UK!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Walter Bibikow. Image Location: Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, London, England