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Kensington Palace

Last updated: 09 March, 2024

With a Hyde Park backdrop, this handsome red-brick palace has been modernised over the centuries, but dates back to the 1700s. Much has happened in these hallowed apartments: Queen Victoria was born here and the late Princess Diana lived here; now William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have made it their London home.

The latest big renovation project finished in summer 2012, with newly landscaped gardens, revamped state rooms and exhibitions like Victoria Revealed, an exploration of Victoria’s reign in her own words.

The highlights here are a collection of Queen Victoria’s jewellery, an interactive display where you can step into Victorian garb and a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales in the Sunken Garden. The palace’s rotating programme of temporary exhibitions is well worth checking out, previously including a display of Princess Diana’s dresses and a look back at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

While you’re there

Take afternoon tea in the Pavilion – the only place in London where you can take tea in the grounds of a royal palace.

Logistics

Price from: £17
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest Underground stations are High Street Kensington (Circle and District Lines) and Queensway (Central Line).

You need to buy tickets in advance from the website and for afternoon tea in the Pavilion. There are no tours or audio guides, but a series of self-guided exhibitions.

When to do it

The palace is open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Who to go with: organised tours

2

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

  • London

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

Viator

Experience the original Royal English Tea with traditional sandwiches, cakes & scones in the 18th Century Tea Room by the Palace. First, we stroll around Kensington Gardens & learn of its long history. We will see the beautiful gardens Albert created for his wife Queen Victoria & take in the spectacular views as we approach the Palace where Prince Harry and William grew up. After viewing Diana's statue, we will then enjoy the full splendour of High Tea and give you personal insights into our royal family and the fascinating history of our national drink and the ceremony of afternoon tea. . All Food and Beverage Service includes Service Charge. . The tour itself does not include any gratuities and are entirely at your discretion . Alcohol is not included. A drinks menu is available when you visit for a supplementary cost. . Exceptionally, the Palace Tea Room can be closed at short notice.  In these rare cases, we arrange for High Tea in a prestigious alternative venue.

Price £109

Min age 2

Rating 4.52 / 5 [473 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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VIP Tour: Royal High Tea At Kensington Palace Gardens

  • London

VIP Tour: Royal High Tea At Kensington Palace Gardens

Viator

As a VIP, you will receive the option between a glass of English Sparkling Wine or Pimm's cocktail & priority seating. Experience the original Royal English Tea with traditional sandwiches, cakes & scones in the 18th Century Tea Room. First, we stroll around Kensington Gardens & learn of its long history. We will see the beautiful gardens Albert created for Queen Victoria & take in the spectacular views as we approach the Palace where Prince Harry and William grew up. We will then experience the full splendour of High Tea at the Orangery, & give you personal insights into our royal family and the fascinating history of our national drink & the ceremony of afternoon tea. . All Food and Beverage Service includes Service Charge. . The tour itself does not include any gratuities and are entirely at your discretion . Exceptionally, the Palace Tea Room can be closed at short notice.  In these rare cases we arrange for High Tea in a prestigious alternative venue.

Price £109

Min age 2

Rating 4.57 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Destination guides

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London

  • Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

view of houses of parliament at night

Destination guide

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