VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 148 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience worth booking?
VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $156 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 148 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (148)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $156 per person
Experience London like royalty with the VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Experience. Stroll through the stunning Kensington Gardens, home to royal history and breath-taking landscapes, followed by an exclusive royal afternoon tea. Perfect for those seeking a luxurious and elegant London adventure! Discover the elegance of Kensington Palace Gardens on this exclusive, fully guided tour. Stroll the picturesque famous Royal Gardens including a guided tour of the whimsical Cradle Walkway, where the Princess Diana Memorial Statue is located. This premium fully guided tour concludes with a lavish Royal Afternoon Tea. Savour traditional English delights including sumptuous authentic cakes, scones and pastries as well as decadent delicious finger sandwiches while enjoying stunning palace views from the 18th century Orangery Restaurant located on the grounds of Kensington Palace. A must-do for those seeking luxury and history in one of the most beautiful settings in London.
What you get
About this experience
Experience London like royalty with the VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Experience. Stroll through the stunning Kensington Gardens, home to royal history and breath-taking landscapes, followed by an exclusive royal afternoon tea. Perfect for those seeking a luxurious and elegant London adventure! Discover the elegance of Kensington Palace Gardens on this exclusive, fully guided tour. Stroll the picturesque famous Royal Gardens including a guided tour of the whimsical Cradle Walkway, where the Princess Diana Memorial Statue is located. This premium fully guided tour concludes with a lavish Royal Afternoon Tea. Savour traditional English delights including sumptuous authentic cakes, scones and pastries as well as decadent delicious finger sandwiches while enjoying stunning palace views from the 18th century Orangery Restaurant located on the grounds of Kensington Palace. A must-do for those seeking luxury and history in one of the most beautiful settings in London.
What's included
Included
- Kensington Gardens and access to the Cradle Walk to view the Sunken Garden
- Learn the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that shaped her reign
- Optional Upgrade: Discover the Kensington Palace with timed easy access tickets (Tour duration: 3hr)
- See the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden
- Enjoy a sumptuous Royal Tea experience with cakes, sandwiches and choice of up to 10 English Teas
- Discover Princess Diana's life as the future Queen of England while living at Kensington Place
- Exterior Visit of Kensington Palace. Hear fascinating stories of the British Royal Family
Not included
- Transportation / Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Food and Drink / Gratitude
- While inside Kensington Palace, our first-class guide offers an Audio tour produced by the Palace
What you'll see and do
Kensington Palace
Timed Access to Kensington Palace (for guests choosing the option) including the State Apartments & the Royal Palace Gardens including the Queen Victoria Rooms, The Jewel Room, The Kings State Apartments, The Kings Gallery, the Kings Staircase, The Queen State Apartments, Kensington Gardens and access to the Cradle Walk to view the Sunken Garden. Admire the exterior of the beautiful Kensington Palace and hear stories of notable resident and visitor to Kensington Palace such as Princess Diana and Charles, Kate and William, along with other esteemed members of royal families and dynasties such as Queen Camilla, King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II as well as Princess Margaret. Timed Access to Kensington Palace (for guests choosing the option only) including the State Apartments & the Royal Palace Gardens including the Queen Victoria Rooms, The Jewel Room, The Kings State Apartments, The Kings Gallery, the Kings Staircase, The Queen State Apartments.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Kensington Gardens
Enjoy one of London’s finest Parks where Kenisngton Palace is located. It is here that you will meet your expert first-class local guide as well as enjoy a sumptuous Royal Tea at the 18th century Orangery Building located on the Palace Grounds in Kenisngton Park. Cradle Walk to View the Sunken Garden Enjoy a lovely walk around the Sunken Garden including an opportunity to see the recently installed Statue of Princess Diana.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Orangery Café for a Royal Afternoon Tea Experience Complementing this magnificent curated journey is a lavish Royal Tea experience your expert first-class guide will accompany you to the opulent 18th-century "Orangery" Royal Café, nestled within the Kensington Palace estate. Once seated, guests will indulge in the quintessentially English tradition of Afternoon Royal Tea amidst the opulent surroundings of one of England's premier royal residences. In essence, our tour promises an unparalleled royal encounter, truly fitting to crown any visit to England. Enjoy a decadent Royal Tea reception offering hand-prepared epicurean delights such as sandwiches, cakes and pastries accompanied by the best of British tea while sitting in one of the most elegant venues in England.
65 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
MEETING TIME: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time MEETING PLACE: Hilton Hyde Park, 129 Bayswater Road, W2 4RJ MEETING POINT: Meet your guide outside the main entrance of Hilton Hyde Park Hotel directly next to the main exit of Queensway Tube Station. Please don't go inside the lobby!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Kensington Palace & Tea DE
Kensington Palace & High Tea: Visit the Kensington Palace and Gardens and enjoy the skip the line entry to Orangery with a VIP afternoon tea experience. Duration: 3 hours: Tour is led by a German speaking guide
Kensington Gardens & High Tea
Gardens and High Tea: Discover Kensington Palace Gardens with Exterior visit of the Palace. Finish the tour with a VIP Afternoon Tea experience.
Gardens and Tea Spanish
Kensington Gardens & Tea: Visit Kensington Gardens and benefit from skip the line entry to Orangery and enjoy a VIP afternoon tea experience. Duration: 2 hours: The tour is lead by a Spanish speaking guide.
Gardens and Tea French
Kensington Gardens & Tea: Visit Kensington Gardens and benefit from skip the line entry to Orangery and enjoy a VIP afternoon tea experience. Duration: 2 hours: The tour is lead by a French speaking guide.
Kensington Palace, Garden &Tea
Kensington Palace Entry 3hrs: Discover Kensington Palace: timed entry to the Palace and Gardens. Finish the tour with a VIP Afternoon Tea experience.
Kensington Palace & Tea ESP
Palace, Gardens and Tea: Full tour with Kensington Palace entry and VIP High Tea with Spanish Speaking Guide Duration: 3 hours
Kensington Palace & Tea FR
Kensington Palace & High Tea: Visit the Kensington Palace and Gardens and enjoy the skip the line entry to Orangery with a VIP afternoon tea experience. Duration: 3 hours: Tour is led by a French speaking guide
Gardens and Tea German
Kensington Gardens & Tea: Visit Kensington Gardens and benefit from skip the line entry to Orangery and enjoy a VIP afternoon tea experience. Duration: 2 hours: The tour is lead by a Spanish speaking guide.
Small Group Kensington Palace
Small Group Palace & Tea: Benefit from a guaranteed small group size for a more intimate guided tour experience. Duration: 3 hours: Reserved Timed Entry to Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens Skip the Line Entry to Orangery
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LetzGo City Tours GBP
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
- Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
- Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
- Not suitable for guests with special dietary requirements and food allergies
- Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 144 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
144 verified traveler reviews for VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Do this Excursion on your own
I would not recommend this excursion through a company. You can walk yourself around the Sunken Garden, Cradle Walk, exterior of Kensington Palace, and Orangery with afternoon tea to include Hyde Park.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. This tour is designed as a guided experience with skip-the-line access, expert storytelling throughout the gardens and palace exterior, and a reserved afternoon tea seating, elements that go beyond a self-guided visit. Guests on this tour consistently rate it 5 stars, praising the guide's knowledge and the seamless, curated experience. We're sorry this format wasn't the right fit for you. Best wishes for your future travels. The LetzGo City Tours Team.
via Viator
Semi-Private tour was well worth it
We really enjoyed having Pamela as our tour guide! She was very informative and a gracious host.
Response from the operator: Pamela brought both expertise and genuine warmth to your tour, the kind of guide who makes you feel genuinely welcomed while deepening your understanding of the city. That balance of being informative and gracious is what makes a LetzGo City Tours experience memorable. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope those moments stay with you.
via Tripadvisor
Special Kensington Palace and Gardens and High Tea tour
This was a wonderful experience - the palace tour made it special especially touring Queen Victoria’s doll house and apartments before she became queen. The garden tour was not as spectacular as it was a very dry summer ao there were no flowers. But Diana’s memorial in the sunken pool was special. and the High Tea at the orangery was excellent I was the only person who showed up so I had a private tour with Nicholas who had a lot of stories and showed such passion for history that you could feel his stories come alive.
Response from the operator: Dorothy, Nicholas brought Kensington Palace to life with genuine stories about Queen Victoria and Diana, turning the tour into something far more personal than a standard palace walk. Even when the gardens couldn't deliver their summer glory, his passion for the history carried the day, and the High Tea at the Orangery was the perfect close to it all. That's what LetzGo City Tours is built around. Thank you for choosing LetzGo City Tours, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
via Viator
Guide was on time,...
Guide was on time, organized, and knowledgeable. The palace was cool and tea experience really neat. Only critique was if the guide could stay behind or prep us for any tea etiquette or things to know about its history.
Response from the operator: Ed, your feedback is invaluable. The guide's timing and organisation set the perfect stage for the palace and tea experience to shine. The suggestion about tea etiquette and Kensington Palace history is something we'll carry forward, context like that deepens the whole VIP experience. We appreciate you taking the time to share this, and we hope the royal tea moment stayed with you long after the tour ended. Thank you for choosing LetzGo City Tours, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
via Viator
Wort it
Pamela was an amazing tour guide, loved every minute of it. She explained everything very well. The Afternoon tea was amazing.
Response from the operator: Vanessa, Pamela brought the Kensington Palace Gardens and the afternoon tea experience to life with genuine clarity, turning what could have been a standard stroll into something you'll remember. That combination of knowledgeable explanation and the perfect pacing through such elegant surroundings is what makes a VIP tour feel genuinely worth your time. We're grateful you experienced it with us. Thank you for choosing LetzGo City Tours, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $156 to $189
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 52
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by LetzGo City Tours GBP, who run 14 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7.
See everything LetzGo City Tours GBP runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience cost?
+
Prices start at $156 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience take?
+
Plan for about 2 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 148 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience?
+
Around 52 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience?
+
Included: Kensington Gardens and access to the Cradle Walk to view the Sunken Garden; Learn the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that shaped he; Optional Upgrade: Discover the Kensington Palace with timed easy access tickets (Tour dura; See the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden; and Enjoy a sumptuous Royal Tea experience with cakes, sandwiches and choice of up to 10 Engli. Not included: Transportation / Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Food and Drink / Gratitude; and While inside Kensington Palace, our first-class guide offers an Audio tour produced by the. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience?
+
MEETING TIME: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time MEETING PLACE: Hilton Hyde Park, 129 Bayswater Road, W2 4RJ MEE. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience offered in?
+
It is offered in German, English, French and Spanish. 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended; and Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown 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 VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience?
+
Across 148 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience?
+
There are 9 options to choose from, including Kensington Palace & Tea DE, Kensington Gardens & High Tea, Gardens and Tea Spanish, Gardens and Tea French. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience.
Pick your date
