Royal castles to luxury getaways: How to spend King Charles III's coronation weekend

The UK is preparing for a week of pomp and ceremony in early May when its new monarch will be crowned. This is the first coronation in 70 years.

The coronation of Queen Camilla and King Charles III at Westminster Abbey is expected to attract millions of visitors to the United Kingdom. This will be the first of three days of celebrations culminating with a public holiday in May 8.

According to Red Savannah, travel enquiries to the U.K. increased by 90% in the first quarter 2023. More people wanted to plan trips to Britain.

The king's celebration will be more modest than the one celebrated in 1953 by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The historic event will still be marked by regal events in London and across the country.

CNBC Travel offers its top suggestions for the best ways to celebrate the coronation.

Watch the ceremonial processions

The coronation service will be conducted by Archbishop Canterbury at Westminster Abbey, on 6 May.

The ceremony will only be open to invited guests, which is limited to 2,000 VIPs, family members, friends and heads of state. The service will also be broadcast on large screens in public places across the UK.

The public can also gather in the streets of Westminster and watch the "King's Procession." The King's Procession will start at Buckingham Palace and pass through The Mall, Admiralty Arch King Charles I Island Whitehall, Parliament Street Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary before ending at Westminster Abbey.

After the service the newly crowned king and queen take part in a larger ceremony, following the same route, but the reverse, and featuring other members of Royal Family. They will then make a final appearance at Buckingham Palace's balcony.

Spend the night as a royal

Many hotels in London offer special packages to celebrate the coronation.

The Hotel Cafe Royal Piccadilly offers a "Crown Jewels Experience" where guests can spend PS12,995 (16,135) on a chauffeured limousine ride to the Tower of London, a private viewing of its crown jewels and a two-bedroom suite with breakfast in the room.

Dukes London offers a "Royal Connoisseur Experience" for PS2,345. This includes a two night stay in deluxe room, breakfast with Exmoor Caviar and Champagne, cream tea traditional, & à la carte dinner. For $845 guests at the Strand Palace can "Stay Like A King," with a 2-night stay, a buffet breakfast, a complimentary minibar, and a bottle champagne.

Four Seasons offers a "Town and Country Package" that includes a stay of two nights in Mayfair, followed by two more nights at Four Seasons Hampshire. The package also includes afternoon tea and a chance to experience equestrian activities at the stables on site.

Explore London's royal sights

London's regal past can be experienced by visiting the city's most important royal sites.

Visitors can start their tour at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the U.K.'s monarch since 1837. They can then explore the Queen's Gallery or the Household Cavalry Museum.

Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, once the home of Princess Diana, and the Tower of London are all nearby. They offer the opportunity to experience the splendor of Britain's monarchy throughout the centuries.

Tourists can also explore Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s favorite royal residence, as well as Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth is buried.

Picnic at the Royal Parks

The Royal Parks in London are a low-key option to soak up the royal atmosphere during the weekend of the coronation.

Kensington Palace Gardens, Regent's, Green, Hyde, and St James's Parks are lush green havens in the middle of London's hustle and bustle.

These three venues will show the coronation and procession on large screens. This is a great opportunity to take part in the celebrations by bringing a picnic.

Richmond, Greenwich, and Bushy Parks are all located a little further away, but they offer large open spaces for the weekend festivities.

Explore Britain's most famous castles

Holidaymakers who want to get a better overview of Britain's royal landmarks can take a tour through England's castles.

Sandringham House is the Norfolk home of the royal family. Holkham hall and Highgrove Estate are also open for tours. However, some of these residences will have different opening hours over the weekend of the coronation.

In Scotland, you can also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (the King's residence), Balmoral Castle in Scotland (the royal family's Scottish home), or the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Rock out at Windsor Gardens

Windsor Castle will host a live coronation on 7 May. Tickets for the concert are available via ballot.

Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are expected to appear at the concert, along with a variety of other artists, including dancers, orchestral performers, and art.

The concert, which will be hosted by Britain's public television broadcaster BBC, will also broadcast live across the country.

Celebrate the New Year with a Street Party

On May 7, local communities will host street parties and smaller events. People are encouraged to share food with their neighbors during a Big Lunch.

You don't need to worry if you can't attend a party in your neighborhood. There will be a number of public events, such as food stalls with live performances in London's Grosvenor Square or Battersea Power Station.

As part of the Big Help Out charity programme, people will also be invited to participate in local projects on May 8 as part.