Madrid for British visitors holds stories that never make it into the guidebooks. Did you know that a Prince of Wales came to Madrid in 1623 to marry a Spanish infanta and went home without her? Or that Goya painted the Duke of Wellington here, in 1812?
Here are the first clues, with sources. The rest is explained on foot, in Spanish every day and in English from Monday to Friday. If you're traveling with friends from the United States, also check out Madrid for Americans.
In summary
- Charles Stuart: He spent about six months in Madrid in 1623 to ask for the hand of the Infanta Maria.
- Wellington and Goya: Portrait painted in Madrid in 1812, now in the National Gallery.
- British Cemetery: opened in 1854 in Carabanchel.
- Embassy: tea room from 1931 that hosted intelligence agents during World War II.
- Free tour: 11:15 at Puerta del Sol, pay what you wish.
If you want to hear these stories on the street, our free tour of Madrid leaves from Puerta del Sol. It's pay-what-you-wish: you pay nothing upfront and, at the end, you give what you think it was worth.
Madrid for British visitors: The Prince of Wales who came for a princess
On March 17, 1623 (March 7 in the English calendar of the time), Prince Charles Stuart and the Duke of Buckingham arrived in Madrid alone, ahead of their entourage. They went directly to the house of the Earl of Bristol, the English ambassador.
They came to finalize the marriage of the prince to the Infanta Maria, sister of Philip IV. They spent about six months at court, and the negotiations failed. Charles returned to England without the Infanta. Source: Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library.
Madrid for British visitors: Wellington and Goya
Wellington entered Madrid in August 1812, after his victory at the Battle of Salamanca. Goya painted his portrait shortly afterward in Madrid and retouched the painting around 1814 to add decorations. Today it is in the National Gallery in London.
Goya also painted an equestrian portrait, now in Apsley House, which was exhibited in September 1812 at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid. Source: National Gallery. The Academy is located at Calle de Alcalá, 13, and houses 13 works by Goya, according to Time Out.
Madrid for British visitors: The British Cemetery
The British Cemetery opened in 1854 at Calle Comandante Fontanes, 7, in Carabanchel. It was created because the British living in Madrid were not Catholic and could not be buried in Spanish cemeteries.
William Parish, director of the Price Circus between 1880 and 1916, Emilio Huguenin Lhardy, founder of the Lhardy restaurant, and members of the Loewe family are buried there. Visiting hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Source: esMadrid. It is not included in the tour route.
Madrid for British visitors: the Embassy Tea Room
Margarita Kearney Taylor opened the tea room Embassy in 1931 on Paseo de la Castellana, near the British and German embassies. During the Second World War it welcomed officials and intelligence agents from both sides. Its six shops closed in March 2025. Source: Time Out.
There are still stories to tell. We tell them along the way, and there's always one you didn't expect.
How to prepare for your visit to Madrid
1. Choose your language. If you prefer the tour in English, remember that it runs from Monday to Friday.
2. If you travel at Christmas, read our guide to Christmas in Madrid.
3. Share the guide with your friends from the United States: Madrid for Americans.
Discover it with us: central Madrid with a guide
Our free walking tour of Madrid leaves every day at 11:15 from the Puerta del Sol, in front of ZapShop. You'll recognize us by the purple umbrella. It lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes and ends in the vicinity of Royal Palace. There are departures in Spanish every day and in English Monday to Friday. Before you go, check the website notice in case the meeting point has changed.
It's a free tour (pay what you wish)You don't pay anything upfront and, in the end, you contribute what you consider appropriate. Check availability and book.
Frequently asked questions about Madrid for British visitors
History
In the National Gallery in London. Goya painted it in Madrid in 1812.
It was opened in 1854 because non-Catholic Britons could not be buried in Spanish cemeteries, according to esMadrid.
To finalize his marriage to Infanta Maria, sister of Philip IV. The negotiation failed.
About the free tour
Yes, Monday to Friday at 11:15 from Puerta del Sol. In Spanish it runs every day.
You don't pay anything upfront. In the end, you contribute what you deem appropriate.
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