Royal Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace with Walking Tour of the Gardens

High tea amidst Royal Gardens

Begin your royal experience with a guided walk through Kensington Gardens, passing Queen Victoria's commissioned landscapes. Your guide leads you to the Sunken Garden, home to the newly installed Princess Diana statue surrounded by her favorite white roses and forget-me-nots. Learn about the Palace's role as home to young Princes William and Harry, and now their own children. After taking in the beauty of the gardens, you'll discover the iconic Peter Pan Statue, a beloved landmark that has captured the hearts of children and adults alike.

Indulge in a regal experience

Finally, you'll be treated to a delightful afternoon tea at the Orangery, a charming building near Diana's garden. Take your seat overlooking manicured gardens. Your traditional service includes four classic sandwiches: egg mayonnaise with cress, smoked salmon with cream cheese, roast ham with English mustard, and cucumber with fresh mint. Warm Welsh butter scones follow, served with clotted cream and local preserves, alongside a selection of seasonal pastries.

Royal Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace with Walking Tour of the Gardens

Discover Royal Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace, a unique sightseeing experience that includes an elegant tea service in the palace grounds and a guided walking tour through historic Kensington Gardens. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, featuring four traditional sandwiches including smoked salmon with cream cheese and egg mayonnaise with fresh cress, complemented by a selection of pastries and teas. Join your host for this exclusive experience overlooking the same gardens used by British royalty since the early 18th century. Your visit to Kensington Palace includes access to its state rooms and the Queen's Gallery, where you can explore art collections spanning centuries. The tour also covers Prince Albert's Victorian garden, the Diana Memorial Playground, and the newly installed Princess Diana statue in the Sunken Garden. With audio guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese, this experience is accessible to a wide range of international visitors. The tour includes a 30-minute tea service followed by an hour-long walking tour through the gardens, offering unique insights into royal traditions and the history of Kensington Palace and Gardens.

Experience Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace

Your tour stops at Kensington Palace where you can enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea in one of its elegant state rooms. Established as a royal residence in 1689, the palace has served generations of British royalty including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Covering over 20 acres, it includes numerous historic buildings such as the Orangery, which dates back to the 17th century. During your tea service, you will dine overlooking the gardens used by the current royal family, offering a glimpse into their daily life. The palace's state rooms are adorned with rich furnishings and artworks from various periods, providing a unique backdrop for your afternoon tea experience. Kensington Palace is distinct in its historical significance as a royal residence compared to other palaces like Buckingham or Windsor, making it an essential stop on this tour.

Explore Prince Albert's Victorian Garden

At Prince Albert's Victorian garden, guests can stroll through meticulously maintained pathways lined with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. This section of Kensington Gardens was established in the late 19th century and covers approximately 5 acres. It features a variety of plants including rose bushes, flowering shrubs, and seasonal blooms that change throughout the year. The garden is particularly notable for its statue of Prince Albert, which stands as a tribute to Queen Victoria's beloved consort. Visitors spend around 20 minutes exploring this serene area, learning about Victorian-era gardening techniques and royal family history. Unlike other public gardens in London, Prince Albert's garden offers a more intimate and historically significant setting that reflects the tastes and interests of Britain's monarchs.

Discover Kensington Gardens

Your tour takes you through historic Kensington Gardens, one of London's largest parks covering over 250 acres. Established as Hyde Park in 1689 but later separated to become its own entity, the gardens have been a beloved recreational space for centuries. Notable features include the Round Pond and Italian Garden, both dating back to the early 17th century. The park is also home to numerous statues and monuments, including the newly installed Princess Diana statue in the Sunken Garden, which stands as a tribute to her legacy and impact on London's landscape. Visitors spend approximately 45 minutes exploring these areas, learning about the rich history of Kensington Gardens and its significance to British culture. With over 12 million visitors annually, this park is one of London's most popular attractions.

Tour Highlights

• Experience afternoon tea at Kensington Palace
• Walk through Prince Albert’s Victorian garden with statue tribute
• Explore historic Kensington Gardens covering 250 acres
• Enjoy audio guide in multiple languages including English and French
• Spend time in the Sunken Garden viewing Princess Diana's statue
• Discover over 4,000 flowers planted annually in the Sunken Garden
• Access Queen’s Gallery with art collections from various periods
• Visit Round Pond and Italian Garden dating back to early 17th century

Perfect for history enthusiasts, royal watchers, and tea lovers, this guided tour provides an intimate look at London's royal heritage through its landmarks. The 2-hour format allows you to experience the elegance of Kensington Palace, explore Prince Albert’s Victorian garden, and stroll through historic Kensington Gardens, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the city's rich cultural tapestry while enjoying exclusive access to these iconic venues.