Kensington Palace VIP Garden Tour with Royal High Tea

If you’re dreaming of a regal London afternoon that combines a scenic stroll through royal gardens with an indulgent high tea at Kensington Palace, this tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the experience has garnered solid reviews and offers a blend of history, beautiful views, and a touch of luxury.

What really stands out about this tour is how it balances a manageable group size—just 15 travelers—for a more personal touch, and the promise of an upgraded tea experience with the best seats and a glass of sparkling wine or Pimm’s. On the flip side, some reviewers mention that the garden walk can feel a bit light if you’re expecting a deep dive into history or palace interiors.

Designed mainly for those who love a leisurely pace and enjoy combining sightseeing with a good meal, this experience suits travelers looking for a refined yet relaxed outing. Whether you’re a fan of royal scenery or simply want a taste of British tradition, this tour offers a gentle way to enjoy London’s royal side.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Beautifully curated gardens with iconic statues and landscaping, perfect for photo ops.
• Includes a luxury high tea at Kensington Palace’s Orangery, offering sandwiches, cakes, and scones.
• Knowledgeable guides who can share stories and insights beyond typical guidebooks.
• Price reflects a premium experience, combining sightseeing and fine dining.
• Some reviews suggest that the walk through the park is relatively brief, so it’s best for those who appreciate quality over quantity.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The Booking and Arrival

Starting at 1A Queensway, you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers, often in a small, friendly group. The tour is about two hours long, and most travelers book it around 65 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular among those planning well ahead. Keep in mind that the tour is limited to 15 people, so it feels more like a gathering of friends than a large crowd.

The Garden Walk

The tour kicks off with a stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, where you’ll witness some of London’s most picture-perfect landscaping. We loved the way the guide pointed out Prince Albert’s influence on the park’s design and took time to highlight the special features created for Queen Victoria. The walk is relaxed, allowing plenty of time for photos at notable spots like the Peter Pan statue and the bronze Physical Energy statue.

Multiple reviews echo the enjoyment of this part of the tour. One reviewer said, “Great trip! Took us on a beautiful walk and to the Orangery. Kept us on track and well informed!” Another appreciated the “lovely walk through the gardens,” noting that the guide, Doug, was “very friendly and knowledgeable,” which made the experience all the more engaging.

The Statues and Landmarks

As you make your way to the Sunken Garden, you’ll see the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, unveiled in 2021 by her sons—a poignant moment that adds emotional value to the visit. Other highlights include the charming Bronze Peter Pan statue and the central Bronze of Physical Energy. These stops aren’t just for photos but also serve as conversation starters about the history and symbolism behind each piece.

Kensington Palace Gardens and the High Tea

After about an hour exploring the gardens, you’ll head to Kensington Palace Gardens, where the main event takes place: the high tea at the Orangery. Here, most reviewers agree that the setting is elegant and the food satisfying. You’ll enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and scones, with the option of a glass of sparkling wine or Pimm’s included in the VIP experience.

The tea service is often praised for being plentiful and well-presented. One happy traveler shared, “The afternoon tea was excellent, delicious, and plentiful,” while another mentioned the “beautiful atmosphere” which complemented the experience.

The Personal Touch

One of the real strengths of this tour is the quality of the guides. The reviews frequently mention guides like Doug, Simon, and Astrid—all of whom are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. We loved the way some guides tailored the experience, even sitting down with solo travelers or offering helpful tips for the rest of their day.

For instance, one solo traveler appreciated that Doug “sat with me during tea as I was traveling alone,” making the experience feel special rather than rushed. Another review highlighted Simon’s storytelling and humor, which made a rainy walk through the gardens enjoyable.

The Value for Money

At $186.33 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it does include several premium elements: a curated garden walk, a VIP high tea in a prestigious setting, and a knowledgeable guide. Some travelers note that the cost is justified given the intimate nature of the experience and the quality of the food and drink.

However, reviews also reveal some dissatisfaction. A few guests felt the walk was too brief or that they could replicate the experience on their own. A particularly critical review pointed out that the park is free, and the tea could be booked independently, suggesting that the tour’s main value is the guided experience and the VIP treatment.

For most, though, the appeal lies in avoiding the hassle of organizing everything independently and enjoying a curated, relaxed experience with the added benefit of storytelling and luxury service.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts roughly two hours, starting from meet-up at 1A Queensway and ending at Kensington Palace. The small group size (max 15 travelers) really helps foster discussion and allows for more personalized attention.

What’s Included

• Visit to the Orangery of Kensington Palace for high tea
• Sandwiches, cakes, and scones
• An upgraded high tea experience with priority seating
• Choice of Pimm’s or sparkling wine
• Knowledgeable guide providing insights throughout
• An alternative venue if the Orangery is closed

What’s Not Included

• Entry to Kensington Palace (unless the optional upgrade is selected)
• Private transport or travel arrangements
• Entry to any exhibitions or additional palace areas

Accessibility and Booking

The tour is friendly for most travelers, with confirmation provided at booking. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is near public transportation. Vegan options can be arranged — a nice touch for dietary needs.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who appreciate a leisurely pace, enjoy combining sightseeing with good food, and value small-group tours. It’s perfect for those looking for a refined but relaxed afternoon, especially if they love gardens, statues, and a bit of royal history.

If you’re after a deep dive into palace interiors or a more extensive exploration of Kensington’s history, you might find this tour a bit light. However, for a charming, social, and scenic experience, it hits the right notes.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family activity, children who enjoy gardens, statues, and light walking may find it pleasant. Keep in mind that the focus is on a refined experience, so very young children might not fully appreciate the history and scenery.

Does the tour include entry into Kensington Palace?
No, entry into the palace itself is not included unless you select that option. The main focus is on the gardens and the high tea experience.

Can I book the tea separately?
The tour package includes the high tea at the Orangery, so it’s a bundled experience. You can’t book the tea alone through this tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor temps is recommended. If you’re visiting in winter or autumn, bring layers.

How long is the garden walk?
The walk lasts about an hour, taking you through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, with stops at notable statues and features.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While the tour information doesn’t specify, the walk involves outdoor garden paths, which may vary in accessibility. It’s best to contact the provider directly for specifics.

What drinks are included?
Your VIP experience includes a choice of Pimm’s or sparkling wine along with the high tea.

What if the Orangery is closed?
In that case, the tea is served at an alternative prestigious venue nearby, ensuring you still enjoy the experience.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegan options can be organized upon request.

What is the best time to book?
Booking about 65 days in advance is typical, likely due to popularity and limited spots.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a refined, small-group experience that combines the beauty of Kensington Gardens with a luxurious tea, this tour may be just what you need. The guides seem to be a highlight—knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive—making the whole outing feel special without being overly formal.

The included high tea at the Orangery is a lovely way to indulge and recharge, especially if you enjoy a good meal paired with a bit of sightseeing. While some reviews suggest the experience might be a bit pricey for what’s essentially a garden walk and a fancy tea, many feel it’s a worthwhile splurge that offers value through personal service and a memorable setting.

This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, elegant afternoon, appreciate gardens and statues, and enjoy hearing stories about the Royal Family. If your idea of a perfect London day involves royal scenery, good company, and a touch of luxury, this could fit the bill.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this Kensington Palace VIP garden tour plus high tea offers a gentle glimpse into royal life that’s both charming and memorable.