Clarence House

After his beloved granny the Queen Mum died in 2002, Prince Charles got the tradesmen into her former home and spent £4.6 million of taxpayers’ money reshaping Clarence House to his own design. The ‘royal residences are held in trust for future generations’, but the current generation has to pay to have a look at five official rooms when the Prince, his sons and Camilla are away on their summer hols. The highlight is the late Queen Mother’s small art collection, including one painting by playwright Noël Coward and others by WS Sickert and Sir James Gunn. Admission is by tour only, which must be booked (far in advance); book also for disabled access. The house was originally designed by John Nash in the early 19th century, but – as Prince Charles wasn’t the first royal to call in the redecorators – has been modified much since.