The Kensington Palace Experience in London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

The Kensington Palace Experience

Outty Ranking 69 4.6 · 82 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $121
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 82 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Kensington Palace Experience worth booking?

The Kensington Palace Experience is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $121 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 82 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (82)
Duration
3 hours
From
$121 per person

First, we stroll around Kensington Gardens & learn of its long history with a local guide who is passionate about our Island's traditions & heritage. We will see the beautiful gardens Albert created for Queen Victoria & take in the spectacular views as we approach the Palace where Prince Harry and William grew up. Our final stop is to the beautiful Diana Garden where her statue was unveiled by William & Harry. We offer two options for this tour. Many guests experience the full splendour of High Tea at the Orangery with a tutored guide to the fascinating history of our national drink & the ceremony of afternoon tea. Others choose the A La Carte Option. Seated at your private table in the Orangery you can make your own choices from the A La Carte menu, including a full lunch or brunch at your own expense. . All Food and Beverage Service includes Service Charge. . The tour itself does not include any gratuities for the guide. These are entirely at your discretion.

What you get

    About this experience

    First, we stroll around Kensington Gardens & learn of its long history with a local guide who is passionate about our Island's traditions & heritage. We will see the beautiful gardens Albert created for Queen Victoria & take in the spectacular views as we approach the Palace where Prince Harry and William grew up. Our final stop is to the beautiful Diana Garden where her statue was unveiled by William & Harry. We offer two options for this tour. Many guests experience the full splendour of High Tea at the Orangery with a tutored guide to the fascinating history of our national drink & the ceremony of afternoon tea. Others choose the A La Carte Option. Seated at your private table in the Orangery you can make your own choices from the A La Carte menu, including a full lunch or brunch at your own expense. . All Food and Beverage Service includes Service Charge. . The tour itself does not include any gratuities for the guide. These are entirely at your discretion.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private Table at the Orangery
    • Extensive tour of the Park, Spectacular Views & History
    • Sandwiches, Cakes and Scones (if selected)
    • Sparkling Wine (if selected)
    • Fun Knowledgeable Guide

    Not included

    • Private Transport
    • Entry to the Kensington Palace (unless option selected)
    • Meals
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. This is the meeting point. Our group tours are typically for 2-8 guests and we will have additional guides should we have many more as we want to give you a personal experience

      10 minutes here

    2. Peter Pan Statue

      Everyone loves Peter Pan and the stories of the Crocodile and Captain Hook. Your guide will share other interesting details that make the site special to Londoners

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Italian Gardens

      A romantic experience and an early highlight of the tour. The gardens were created 165 years ago and have been the scene for many films and weddings.

      15 minutes here

    4. The Sunken Garden is another highlight of the tour. This is where you will find Princess Diana's Statue and the most beautiful arrangement of water, plants and shrubs

      10 minutes here

    5. Home to wildlife and dedicated model boat enthusiasts the Pond is filled to the brim with pure spring water and teaming with birds enjoying their freedom

      Pass by without stopping

    6. We enter the 300 year old tea room. For guests who have booked the full afternoon tea you will be served sandwiches, scones and cakes on the traditional three tiered tea stand. for other guests there is a full menu for brunch and lunch.

      60 minutes here

    7. Physical Energy Statue

      Commanding views to the Albert Hall, the Palace and Henry Moore's Arch this Bronze is the Centrepiece of the Garden

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Kensington Palace

      The Palace was built in 1694 and was home to many members of the Royal Family. With your timed entry ticket you will see all the state rooms with an audio guide for a self guided tour

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Queensway Tube Station. Meeting Point = Queensway Underground Station https://goo.gl/maps/2zVFJv69m5pJmHzi7 - We meet outside of Queensway Underground Station - There is only 1 Entrance - Please wait outside the station (next to the red phone box) Not the Exit of the station

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Tour will end at Kensington Palace after you finish having tea and cakes at the Kensington Palace Tea Room.

    Options you can book

    • Full Tour, VIP Tea & Pal Entry

      Sparkling Wine included

    • Tour, Full Tea & Pal Ticket

      Access the Palace after Tea: Full tour, afternoon tea with sparkling Wine. Palace Entry included Duration: 3 hours: This adds another hour to the experience to see the inside of the Palace

    • Tour & Pal Entry(No food inc.)

      A La Carte Menu : We book you a private table at the Orangery and you can choose your own food from the menu at your own cost.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Top Tasting Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Vegan, Gluten Free and Halal on request
    • Not recommended for those that find walking difficult

    Photos

    The Kensington Palace Experience in London, photo 2The Kensington Palace Experience in London, photo 3The Kensington Palace Experience in London, photo 4The Kensington Palace Experience in London, photo 5The Kensington Palace Experience in London, photo 6The Kensington Palace Experience in London, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    82 verified traveler reviews for The Kensington Palace Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    68
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    5
    Sort
    pgcoburn · October 2026

    A wonderful and...

    A wonderful and informative stroll through the gardens with David, very historically knowledgeable and easy to listen to. Followed by the best afternoon tea in the Orangery. Delicious food and beautiful room. The tour of Kensington Palace was easy to navigate and included many little stories about the original occupants of the palace. Highly engaging person brought it all to life in the final dining room with a high energy enactment of the descendants to the throne.

    via Viator

    Michelle_R · July 2026

    Just missed the mark on the tea

    The garden tour was really good and very informative. Seeing Kensington Palace was wonderful. I’ve given it 4 stars because the tea service wasn’t great. Our server was a bit pompous and slow and the restaurant itself is VERY hot inside.

    via Viator

    Mallory_D · June 2026

    This was a lovely...

    This was a lovely experience that I would recommend to others. We took a walk around the park and had tea. It was neat to have the experience and try different teas.

    via Viator

    Sandy_S · June 2026

    Kensington Palace & High Tea A DUD

    Not worth the money! Our tour guide was Knowledgeable and shared much info about the gardens however it was nothing you couldn’t get from a cliff note…and the lunch was ridiculous for the money! A thin slice of cucumber on white bread , 2 muffins, a few other things.some jam and no ac in a stuffy palace of mostly empty rooms. I paid over $200 for myself. If you must go book tea on your own or go to the Ritz

    via Viator

    Rhonda_M · June 2026

    Kensington Palace

    The garden tour is of a garden that is 7 miles around and you will be walking for about 2-2+ miles. Nowhere on the description did it say that. We had 3 disabled people having to walk that kind of distance and it just would have been nice to know that information. The gardens are beautiful and worth the walk, if you're physically capable. The palace was amazing and so informative. It was a nice glimpse into what life may have been like for Queen Victoria. The only issue there was that the lifts on one side of the palace didn't work so all 3 of us missed out on part of the self guided tour. The tea in the Orangery was really the highlight of the tour. The setting is beautiful, light, and bright. We were welcomed with a glass of champagne. Our server, Ellen, was just lovely. She checked on us a number of times to make sure we didn't need anything. She also took some great pics for us too. The tea, sandwiches, biscuits, and desserts were good too but it was Ellen that made it special. They don't give sugar for the tea so if you want any, you should bring a couple packets of your own.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $121 to $165
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    29
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Top Tasting Tours, who run 21 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.4.

    See everything Top Tasting Tours runs

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)58
    Booking momentum (14% weight)52
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Kensington Palace Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does The Kensington Palace Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at $121 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Kensington Palace Experience take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is The Kensington Palace Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 82 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Kensington Palace Experience suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Kensington Palace Experience start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

    +

    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

    +

    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    Included: Private Table at the Orangery; Extensive tour of the Park, Spectacular Views & History; Sandwiches, Cakes and Scones (if selected); Sparkling Wine (if selected); and Fun Knowledgeable Guide. Not included: Private Transport; Entry to the Kensington Palace (unless option selected); Meals; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    Queensway Tube Station. Meeting Point = Queensway Underground Station https://goo.gl/maps/2zVFJv69m5pJmHzi7 - We meet ou. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Kensington Palace Experience offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Kensington Palace Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Kensington Palace Experience if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    Across 82 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for The Kensington Palace Experience?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including Full Tour, VIP Tea & Pal Entry, Tour, Full Tea & Pal Ticket, Tour & Pal Entry(No food inc.). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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