London: Kensington Palace Gardens High Tea & Private Tour

Tea in a 300-Year-Old Room Overlooking the Palace Where Royals Grew Up

You walk through Kensington Gardens with a guide who knows the 1,000-year royal history, see Diana's statue and the Peter Pan monument, then sit at a private table in the Palace's 300-year-old Orangery for a full afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and cakes. The whole experience keeps groups small and the pace unhurried, so you're not competing for space or attention.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kensington Gardens walk and Royal High Tea

• Meet at the designated meeting point
• Stroll around Kensington Gardens
• Learn history and stories of the park
• Visit Peter Pan statue and hear stories
• View the Bronze centerpiece in the garden
• See the wildlife at the Pond
• Explore the Sunken Garden and Diana's statue
• Enjoy Royal High Tea in 300-year-old tea room

The experience

The Orangery sits right next to Kensington Palace, and that's where you'll spend the second half of your afternoon, but first, you walk. Your guide meets you and takes you through Kensington Gardens on foot, pointing out the Sunken Garden where Diana's statue stands, the Round Pond where model boat enthusiasts still gather, and the Peter Pan statue that's been drawing visitors since 1912. The gardens themselves were created 165 years ago, and the stories pile up: Henry VIII's hunting grounds, the Albert Memorial visible across the lawns, the way the whole place was shaped by royals who lived just beyond the gates. You're not rushing through. It's a proper stroll, the kind where you actually notice the water, the shrubs, the way light hits the Palace as you approach.

Then you step into the tea room. It's been there for 300 years, staffed by Palace personnel, and your table is reserved. The ceremony of afternoon tea in London means something specific: tiered plates arrive with freshly made sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle, cakes on top. Everything comes in English china, and your guide stays with you, sharing details about how the ritual works and why it matters. You can order from a drinks menu if you want something beyond tea: alcohol costs extra, but coffee, soft drinks and other options are there. Dietary requests (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) are handled when you book, so the kitchen knows what to prepare.

The walk covers uneven park surfaces and a few steps, so it's not flat the whole way, but the pace is set by the group, typically 2 to 8 people, which means you're not herded through with thirty others. If you want to add entry to the Palace itself, that's a separate ticket (around £24.70 at the gate in high season), but the tea experience doesn't require it. Service charge is already built into the food and beverage cost. Tips are your choice.

What’s included

• A guided walk through Kensington Gardens with stories of its 1,000-year royal history, views of Diana's statue and the Peter Pan monument, afternoon tea served in the 300-year-old Orangery beside the Palace on a private table, and a full tea service of freshly made sandwiches, scones and cakes. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request. Service charge is included.
• drinks and alcohol are available for an additional cost.

Options for this experience

2 options

Version without palace admissionGuide in English · 10:00, 12:00 and 13:00Complete afternoon tea with delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes, plus a choice of 15 teas. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Palace admission after the tourGuide in English · 10:00 and 12:00Includes palace ticket: entry to the Royal Palace is scheduled two hours after the tour begins. Duration: 4 hours. Send your message the operator through the booking platform to receive your tickets. Allow 1 to 2 hours to view all the palace State Rooms. Includes full afternoon tea with delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes, plus a choice of 15 teas. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 13:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Top Tasting Tours

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants the garden history and the full afternoon tea ceremony without arranging separate bookings. The guide handles the stories, the Palace staff handle the service, and your table is reserved so you're not queuing or sharing space with a crowd.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

Is Palace entry included?

No. The tour includes the gardens and tea in the Orangery (the building next to the Palace), but not entry to the Palace itself. You can add a Palace ticket separately when you book.

What if I'm vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request. Let the operator know when you book so the kitchen can prepare your tea service.

How many people are in the group?

Groups are typically 2 to 8 guests. If larger groups book, additional guides are assigned to keep the experience personal.

Is alcohol included?

No. A drinks menu is available, and alcohol can be ordered for an extra cost.

Are there steps or uneven ground?

Yes. Kensington Gardens has some uneven park surfaces and steps. The tour is not recommended for those who find walking difficult, but it's suitable for all fitness levels otherwise.

Can I bring a pram or stroller?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to tip?

Service charge is included in the food and beverage cost. Gratuities are entirely at your discretion.