Countryside walks, family gatherings, and finding joy in quiet moments Being British, I have been fascinated by the Royal Family since I was a child. There is something enduring about their sense of tradition, their elegance, and the way their lives are so far removed, yet so entwined with our everyday lives. Yet, while I admire them all, none captured my imagination quite like Queen Elizabeth II herself did. I loved the Queen. The nation’s grandmother. Her sense of duty, her calm presence, and the strength she carried for decades made her not only an incredible monarch but a figure of comfort and continuity.
Queen Elizabeth II saw so much in her life, and it made me wonder: if I were to travel as she did, where would I go? Not the places she visited for state duties or official engagements, but the places she truly loved, where she could simply be herself.
No travel schedule for the Queen would be complete without a visit to her beloved Scotland. Balmoral was her sanctuary, so much so that it was the place where she peacefully passed away in 2022. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, it is easy to imagine the late Queen happiest here, wrapped in a tartan scarf, walking through the hills, her corgis never far behind. There was something wonderfully grounded about her time at Balmoral. She would drive herself, enjoy picnics outdoors, and spend time with family in a way that felt refreshingly normal.
She would visit the Highlands in late summer, when the heather blooms in shades of purple and the air feels crisp and clean. She would wear one of her signature headscarves, perhaps a Barbour jacket and boots, embracing the countryside as she loved to do. Perhaps enjoying the simple things was what made Balmoral so special to her.
Then there is Sandringham in Norfolk, another place closely tied to her personal life. Sandringham feels different to Balmoral, less grand, with open skies and peaceful countryside. Christmas here became synonymous with the Royal Family, and I imagine her enjoying long walks across the estate, surrounded by family and tradition. Sandringham has traditional English charm. I imagine her stepping out for tea in one of her signature brightly coloured coats, practical yet elegant, always instantly recognisable.
Beyond the UK, there are destinations she clearly enjoyed more personally. Malta stands out. It was one of the few places where she lived relatively privately as a young woman, newly married to Prince Philip. She often described this time as among the happiest of her life. Malta, with its Mediterranean light and relaxed pace, feels worlds away from the formality of royal life. I imagine the Queen enjoying simple walks by the sea, perhaps wearing sunglasses, as she embraced a brief period of freedom before her life changed forever.
Beyond Malta, Canada feels like another place where Queen Elizabeth II seemed genuinely at ease. Of all the countries she visited, Canada held a particularly special place in her heart. She returned more than 20 times during her reign, and there was something about its vast landscapes and sense of calm that felt aligned with her personality.
I see her in the Canadian countryside, perhaps in Alberta or British Columbia, surrounded by open skies and sweeping mountains. It is easy to picture her dressed in one of her signature coats and long skirts, watching the landscape pass by.
Australia, too, was a destination she clearly enjoyed beyond official obligations. The warmth of the people and the expansive landscapes offered something different from the structured rhythm of royal life. There is something about Australia’s relaxed atmosphere that feels like it would have appealed to her, particularly in quieter settings away from city crowds. I imagine her in the countryside, perhaps seeking out horses and wildlife in rural New South Wales or Tasmania, enjoying the natural beauty and slower pace.
Then there is France, particularly the Normandy region. The Queen often visited France, but beyond the formalities, Normandy feels like somewhere she would have appreciated personally. The rolling countryside, historic estates, and understated elegance mirror her own quiet sense of style. She would enjoy a peaceful stay in the French countryside, perhaps with Prince Philip by her side, taking in the scenery and enjoying the simplicity of rural life.
Switzerland also feels like a natural extension of her travel preferences. Known for its discretion, order and natural beauty, it offers privacy and tranquillity. The alpine landscapes, peaceful lakes and traditional villages feel perfectly suited to her understated approach to travel.
And of course, wherever she travelled, she was rarely alone. Her beloved corgis were constant companions, as was Prince Philip for much of her life. To travel like Queen Elizabeth II would be about countryside walks, family gatherings, and finding joy in quiet moments.
By Lindsay Judge
