Kensington Palace VIP Garden Tour with Royal High Tea

The Kensington Palace VIP Garden Tour with Royal High Tea offers a refined way to experience one of London’s most iconic royal residences. Priced at $186.33 per person, this 2-hour tour combines a scenic garden walk with a luxurious afternoon tea. Limited to just 15 travelers, it promises personalized attention and a small-group atmosphere. The tour is a popular choice, often booked 65 days in advance, making it a well-organized option for those seeking a blend of sightseeing and indulgence.

While the experience doesn’t include entry into the palace itself unless selected separately, it compensates with an expert guide, exclusive access to the grounds of Kensington Palace, and a premium tea service at the Orangery or an alternative venue if necessary. The inclusion of a choice of Pimm’s or sparkling wine elevates the traditional afternoon tea into a luxurious VIP experience. It’s ideal for visitors who appreciate scenic walks, cultural stories, and fine food in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $186.33 per person, lasting about 2 hours.
• Limited Group Size: Only 15 travelers are allowed, ensuring personalized service.
• Includes VIP Afternoon Tea: Enjoy sandwiches, cakes, scones, and a luxury alcoholic drink at the Orangery or nearby.
• Garden and Grounds Tour: Walk through Kensington Gardens, visiting notable statues and landmarks.
• Expert Guide: A knowledgeable host leads the walk, sharing stories about the palace, gardens, and statues.
• Flexible Venue: If the Orangery is closed, tea is served at a prestigious nearby location.

Starting Point and Meeting Arrangements

The tour begins at 1A Queensway, London W2 4RH, with the end point at Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens. Guests meet their guide here, ready for a guided walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens before enjoying afternoon tea. The walk includes prominent sights like the Italian Gardens, the Peter Pan statue, and the Statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. The tour concludes after tea at the Orangery or an alternative venue, offering a relaxed finish to the experience.

Walking through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

The garden walk is a highlight of the tour, starting with the Italian Gardens, created by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. The pathways are lined with trees, and the landscaping reveals royal influence and design. The guide explains the stories behind sculptures like the Physical Energy Statue and Diana’s Statue, unveiled by her sons in 2021, which overlooks the Sunken Garden.

Next, the group visits the Round Pond, created by Queen Caroline, offering a peaceful spot amid the greenery. The walk is designed to keep a steady pace, offering plenty of photo opportunities and insightful commentary. Reviews affirm that the guides, especially those like Doug and Simon, bring knowledge and a touch of humor, making the walk engaging and enjoyable.

Inside Kensington Palace Gardens and Grounds

Guests are welcomed into the gardens of Kensington Palace for about an hour, where they can enjoy tea, cakes, and scones amidst the royal grounds. The garden stroll allows for a deeper appreciation of the landscape, with views of the palace and its statues, including the Peter Pan statue. The grounds create a regal atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely exploration.

The guide’s commentary enriches the experience, sharing historical anecdotes about the palace’s residents, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. Visitors appreciate the personalized attention in this small group setting, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

The Royal High Tea Experience at the Orangery

The highlight for many is the VIP afternoon tea served in the Orangery of Kensington Palace. The menu features sandwiches, cakes, and scones, with the option of a Pimm’s or sparkling wine. The setting is described as beautiful and elegant, making it a memorable part of the tour.

When the Orangery is closed, guests are seated at an alternative prestigious venue nearby, ensuring the experience remains special. The tea service is praised for being beautifully presented, delicious, and plentiful. Many reviews highlight the friendly, engaging service and the knowledgeable guide who shares background stories while guests enjoy their drinks.

Guide Expertise and Personal Touch

The guides on this tour consistently receive high praise; Doug, Simon, and Astrid are noted for their friendly demeanor, deep knowledge, and ability to entertain while providing informative commentary. Several reviews mention guides sitting with solo travelers during tea, offering personalized conversations and useful tips for exploring London further.

The small group size means that guests receive dedicated attention, ask questions easily, and get customized insights about the gardens, statues, and palace history. This personal touch is a significant part of what makes this tour stand out.

Practical Logistics and Accessibility

The meeting point at Queensway is accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for most visitors. The tour is designed to be most suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. The group size of 15 travelers enhances the intimate atmosphere and allows guides to give focused attention.

The tour includes most of the garden walk and the high tea, but does not include entry to the palace unless the optional upgrade is selected. It is a full-value experience for anyone interested in royal gardens, statues, and a refined afternoon tea.

Considerations and Tips

While the tour offers a high-end experience, some reviews mention that the cost can seem high compared to doing these activities independently. For example, some note that the garden walk is free, and enjoying high tea at a restaurant could be less expensive outside the tour. However, the curated experience, expert guide, and VIP seating justify the price for many.

Important to note is that entry into Kensington Palace is not included unless selected as an add-on. Also, the availability of the Orangery can vary, so it’s good to confirm in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Kensington Palace VIP Garden Tour with High Tea

This tour combines the beauty of Kensington Gardens with the luxury of a VIP high tea in a small-group setting. The guided walk through the gardens, statues, and grounds offers insightful stories and beautiful views, while the high tea turns the experience into a true London luxury.

Ideal for visitors who appreciate personalized service, scenic walks, and fine food. The small group limit guarantees a more intimate experience, and the knowledgeable guides ensure that the stories behind London’s royal history are well shared.

While some might find the cost high compared to alternative options, the quality of the experience and the luxury touches make it well worth considering for a special day in London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entry into Kensington Palace?
No, unless you choose to upgrade, the tour does not include entry into the palace itself. It focuses on the gardens and grounds.

Can I book this experience if I am traveling alone?
Yes, the tour limits to 15 travelers, and solo travelers are welcome. Guides often provide personalized attention, especially if the group is small.

What drinks are included with the high tea?
Guests can choose between Pimm’s or sparkling wine as part of the VIP experience.

Is the walking portion suitable for all fitness levels?
The walk covers several garden stops and pathways, but the pace is steady and suitable for most able-bodied visitors.

What happens if the Orangery is closed?
In that case, tea is served at an alternative prestigious nearby venue to ensure the experience remains special.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, a vegan option can be organized upon request.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 65 days in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

How accessible is the tour for visitors with disabilities?
The tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for most visitors.

Would I recommend this for families?
Yes, especially if the family enjoys scenic walks, statues, and a relaxed, luxurious tea experience together.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
Absolutely! The gardens, statues, and palace grounds provide plenty of photo opportunities.