The Royal Family have a number of impressive homes across the UK that most of us could only ever dream of owning. From palaces to castles, the royal residences attract tourists from around the world and are photographed daily.

While many are familiar with the likes of Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle, not everyone is as knowledgeable about the lesser-known residences. This is often because they are typically used less by the family, or simply are not responsible for holding as many large-scale events.

As a royal reporter, I have listed my top seven favourite royal residences and have ranked them from my least to most favourite. Take a look here....

While it is a pretty well-used palace, especially where royal functions are concerned, St James's Palace has never really excited me. Just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and built by King Henry VIII, the palace is in itself very interesting and has so much history etched into its walls. However, as it has not been used by many senior royals in my lifetime - at least not as a home - my interest in it has simply not been as high as it is with other royal palaces. Of course, I still wouldn't turn down an opportunity to visit.

Clarence House is another one of my favourite residences, even if it is low on the list. I think the house, which is home to King Charles and Queen Camilla, is visually appealing both inside and out. It is just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, too, which is always a bonus for the monarch. I think one of the main things I love about the property is the fact that while it is one of the last remaining aristocratic townhouses in London, it is also a home that does not have the same grandeur as other royal residences - even though it is, of course, still full of it. While some may see this as a bad thing, I see it as a good quality, reflecting that Royal life isn't all the pomp and pageantry that we see and connect with places like Buckingham Palace. At its heart is a home.

Well, well, well. Some of you may be surprised that Buckingham Palace is not my top choice for a royal residence. While the palace attracts thousands and thousands of tourists, including me, I know that it wasn't a favourite of the Royal Family's. It is, essentially, a massive royal office. Yes, the late Queen called it home, but it wasn't her favourite. And to me, I think it could be because it is too big and grand, making it less warm than some of the other royal homes. When I went inside Buckingham Palace, I was taken away by the splendour it had to offer. But for me, it just didn't have the warmth that other royal residences too. That is my only reason for shunning the Palace from my top three list. It won't, however, ever stop me from asking for a photograph or selfie outside it.

Although I have never set foot in Sandringham House, I think it is among the most beautiful royal residences. Even just from the outside, I think it looks like the dream regal home. And the fact that the royals spend Christmas there, in my mind at least, turns it from a royal estate to a special place the family hold dear in their hearts. While it may not be among the biggest, I think it certainly has its own charm.

Perhaps one of my favourite royal residences is Balmoral Castle, and that is just from writing about it, seeing photographs and knowing how special it is to the royals. Every year, the Royal Family famously spend the summer holidays at Balmoral in Scotland. While it is a castle, it is one steeped in history and family traditions. Whether they are having picnics, BBQs, or summer strolls, I associate Balmoral as a place where the royals put aside their titles and instead just be a family. It is definitely on my to-visit list.

Almost in first place, but not quite, is Kensington Palace. Set in the heart of Kensington, the Palace is one that I just can't take my eyes off when I walk past. It's big, grand, aesthetically pleasing and exactly what a Palace should be. I also like the fact that around the Palace, smaller royal homes sit, where members of the family go about their daily routines just like you and me.

A royal residence I have visited, and would visit again, is Windsor Castle. Quite simply because it has everything. It is impressive, historic, grand and has that special feeling. Probably because it is used so often by the Royal Family and is known for being one of their favourite places. The estate as a whole is just beautiful, too, and the town it is in. When you walk around, you can tell why the royals love it so much. Having visited in the spring before, I would love to visit again in the wintertime, especially as the castle gets decorated to perfection for the festive season.