Stepping into the elegant world of London’s royal heritage, the VIP Kensington Palace Tour and Royal High Tea offers a captivating blend of history and indulgence. Visitors can explore the stunning palace grounds, guided by local experts, before savoring a delightful afternoon tea at the renowned Orangery Restaurant. This exclusive experience promises to transport guests back in time, immersing them in the grandeur of the past while indulging in the refined pleasures of the present. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this journey?
Key Points

- This 3-hour VIP tour provides a guided experience of Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, and an authentic royal high tea at the Orangery Restaurant.
- The tour is conducted in English and starts from the Hilton London Hyde Park, with a price starting from $185.75 per person.
- Highlights include a guided tour of Kensington Palace, a photo stop and guided tour of Kensington Gardens, and a 65-minute tea ceremony and food tasting.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, food allergies, or physical limitations, and guests should be aware of their dietary needs before booking.
- Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and adherence to tour rules are recommended to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The VIP Kensington Palace Tour and Royal High Tea provides visitors with a comprehensive 3-hour experience. Priced from $185.75 per person, the tour is conducted in English and offers free cancellation up to 3 days in advance.
The meeting point is the Hilton London Hyde Park, and the tour includes guided visits to Kensington Palace, the palace gardens, and the Orangery Restaurant for a royal tea experience.
Timed easy access to the palace and state apartments is also available. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or food allergies, and participants should be in good health.
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Itinerary Highlights

The VIP Kensington Palace Tour and Royal High Tea takes visitors on a 3-hour journey that highlights the royal splendor of this iconic London landmark. The tour begins at the Hilton London Hyde Park, then proceeds to Kensington Palace for a guided tour and exploration of the palace grounds. Afterwards, guests enjoy a photo stop, guided tour, and tea ceremony at the Orangery Restaurant, where they indulge in an authentic royal high tea experience.
| Itinerary Highlights | | |
|———————-|————————————|———————————|
| Starting Location | Hilton London Hyde Park | – |
| Kensington Palace | Guided tour, walk (75 minutes) | – |
| Kensington Gardens | Photo stop, visit, guided tour, walk (40 minutes) | – |
| The Orangery Restaurant | Photo stop, tea, guided tour, tea ceremony, food tasting (65 minutes) | – |
| Main Stops | Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Orangery Restaurant | – |
Experience Details

Visitors embark on a royal tea experience at the Orangery Restaurant, where they indulge in an authentic afternoon tea.
Visitors indulge in an authentic afternoon tea at the Orangery Restaurant for a royal tea experience.
The menu features a selection of cakes, sandwiches, and up to 10 English teas. An expert local guide provides insights into the royal history, sharing stories about notable residents like Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and the current royal family.
An optional audio guide is available for self-paced exploration of the palace rooms.
Throughout the tour, participants can capture memorable photos at various stops, including the picturesque Kensington Gardens.
Not Suitable For

Although the VIP Kensington Palace Tour is designed for a wide range of guests, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, back problems, or food allergies.
The extensive walking, standing, and stair-climbing required throughout the tour may pose challenges for those with physical limitations. Plus, the high tea experience at the Orangery Restaurant may not accommodate all dietary needs or restrictions.
Guests should consult a healthcare professional before booking this tour if they’ve any of the following concerns:
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Mobility issues
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Back or joint problems
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Food allergies or dietary restrictions
What to Bring

Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the VIP Kensington Palace Tour.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential for the VIP Kensington Palace Tour.
The tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities, so layers and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Avoid bringing oversized luggage, as it won’t be allowed inside the palace. Similarly, strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, and flash photography are prohibited.
This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
Not Allowed

While visiting Kensington Palace, guests won’t be able to bring oversized luggage, as it’s not allowed inside.
Plus, the following items are prohibited:
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Baby strollers
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Non-folding wheelchairs
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Flash photography
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Large bags or suitcases
Visitors are advised to pack light and bring only essential items.
This helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour experience at the palace.
Adhering to these rules helps preserve the historic site and maintain a comfortable environment for all guests.
Health Advisory

Participants should be in good health to fully enjoy the VIP Kensington Palace Tour. Those with mobility issues, back problems, or food allergies may have difficulty navigating the palace and grounds.
The tour involves extensive walking, as well as stairs and uneven surfaces. Guests are advised to consult a doctor if they’ve any concerns about their ability to participate. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals who require assistance or special accommodations.
Participants should dress comfortably and be prepared for all weather conditions. Following these guidelines ensures everyone can make the most of this exclusive royal experience.
Customer Reviews and Ratings

The VIP Kensington Palace Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.
The VIP Kensington Palace Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.
With an impressive overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 31 reviews, the tour has consistently delighted visitors.
As highlighted in the reviews:
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Sarah from the United States raved, "Lovely day with our guide! Highly recommend."
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Tiffany, also from the US, described the experience as "Amazing day at Kensington Palace; knowledgeable guide, beautiful gardens, and delightful high tea."
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Deirdre from Australia shared, "Incredible tour for my birthday; guide Fia’s deep knowledge made it extraordinary."
Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From the Nearest Tube Station?
To get to the meeting point, visitors can take the tube to the nearest station, Queensway, and then walk approximately 10 minutes to the Hilton London Hyde Park, the designated meeting point for the tour.
Can I Bring a Small Backpack or Handbag on the Tour?
You can bring a small backpack or handbag on the tour, but oversized luggage, baby strollers, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. The tour has specific guidelines for what participants can bring for the best experience.
Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tea Experience?
There’s no mention of an option to upgrade the tea experience in the tour details. The package includes a standard royal afternoon tea at the Orangery Restaurant, with cakes, sandwiches, and a choice of up to 10 English teas.
How Much Time Do We Have to Explore the Palace on Our Own?
The tour provides optional timed easy access to explore the palace’s state apartments at one’s own pace, in addition to the guided tour of the palace and gardens. The duration allotted for self-exploration is not specified.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for This Tour?
There are no discounts or packages mentioned for this tour. The standard price is $185.75 per person, with free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.
The Sum Up
This VIP Kensington Palace Tour and Royal High Tea offer a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of London. Visitors can explore the historic palace, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and indulge in a delightful afternoon tea. The tour provides a blend of royal history and exquisite culinary delights, making it a must-do experience for any visitor to the city.
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