Always resplendent and steeped in phenomenal history – it’s hard to think of a more majestic place in all of England to take Afternoon Tea than at Kensington Palace. This divine Royal abode to the west of central London is not only a widely popular visitor destination but also the official London residence of the heir to the throne Prince William and his family. His beloved mother, the late Princess Diana, adored living here as did, going much further back, a young Queen Victoria (who went on to reign over Britain for an incredible 63 years). While Kensington Palace's prestige and heritage have been beyond question for some time, visitors still feel a shudder of delight and surprise when they realise they can actually enjoy such a gilded environment for themselves – which wasn’t always the case. It used to be a relatively modest mansion, back in the 17th century, when it was acquired by new monarchs William III and Mary II, who decided they needed a ‘country retreat’ away from Whitehall. Developing it into a fashionable home for young royals over the course of centuries, it evolved into the regal palace we see today. Made up of wonderfully appointed apartments, the palace even became something of a party pad in the 1960s, with Princess Margaret inviting celebrities such as The Beatles, Peter Sellers, Britt Eckland, Rudolph Nureyev, and Elizabeth Taylor to enjoy its delights and swanky affairs. Today, its myriad treasures are open to the public – and there is no better way of soaking up such a grand location than with afternoon tea: a truly timeless English tradition. With a range of packages available to indulge in, here is our guide to the top providers and the options they offer.
Vip Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience
If you’re new to London (or perhaps have never even been to the United Kingdom) and are yearning for a spectacular royal welcome, then this three-hour, fully guided VIP tour of Kensington Palace and Gardens should tick all the right boxes. You’ll see the lavish State Apartments, which were developed in stages throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, with each monarch adding their own touches to reflect individual taste. The Cupola Room is particularly memorable, with its stunning domed ceiling under which important ceremonies such as royal christenings have taken place (and don’t miss the gorgeous clock, a gift to young George I). Throughout the tour, both inside and out, you will be able to learn all about the history of the British Royal family and be enlightened by the small details which mean so much more in the context of the immediate surroundings. Once you’ve taken stock of the exquisitely manicured Gardens, it's time for a ‘Royal Tea’ experience on the estate – sipping the finest speciality teas and enjoying delicately-crafted sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
Palace Visit & Secret Garden Tea With Cocktail
Alongside exploring the ongoing royal legacy of Kensington Palace, and learning about the lifestyles of Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, and Queen Victoria – in the precise buildings they lived in – Virgin Experience offers a package for two in which admissions to fascinating and topical displays at the Palace are included in the price. This year, there is a ‘Palace at Work’ exhibition which shares the incredible stories of non-royals who spent decades at the palace – those who worked behind the scenes. In 2025, visitors will also be able to explore a selection of jaw-droppingly detailed outfits from the Royal Ceremonial Collection in the upcoming ‘Dress Code’ exhibition. This package means that the Palace tour is not guided – on arrival at Kensington Palace, visitors can explore at their leisure before taking a table at the Doubletree Kensington Hotel for afternoon tea. Delicious finger sandwiches, sweet bites, canapes, and freshly baked scones are plentiful – along with a botanical cocktail or glass of prosecco each.
Gardens Royal High Tea
This bespoke package is all about the great outdoors – and the grandiose magnificence of Royal High Tea. A walking tour through Kensington Palace Gardens with a horticultural (and royal) expert is what’s on offer, and this regal outing through the gardens (created by Prince Albert no less) will also detail the fascinating history of Britain's favourite beverage, which is entertaining in itself. Then it’s time to sample the goods in question at The Orangery, an elegant Baroque greenhouse building now serving as a hugely popular café and event space. With its gloriously high ceilings, gargantuan windows, and ornate plasterwork, it's the perfect place to sip tea and nibble on sandwiches, cakes, and scones. This package – from Viator – includes a guide to escort you to the Palace from Queensway tube station.
Palace Visit & Bentley Hotel ‘sparkling’ Tea
As the name suggests, this Afternoon Tea-for-two package boasts an alcoholic twist (should you decide to indulge) at the charming Bentley Hotel, a luxurious five-star hotel near Kensington Palace. It’s a wonderful way to rest up following a few hours spent exploring the history of the British royal family at Kensington Palace – after all, it’s a big place and takes a serious number of ‘steps’ to cover all bases. So when it’s time to refresh – after taking in sights such as the impressively vast King’s state apartments (and the more intimate Queen’s apartments), not to mention the Sunken Gardens and the Princess Diana statue – the Bentley’s Peridot restaurant is perfectly pitched. Light and airy, it’s set in a beautifully restored Edwardian townhouse with marble interiors, chandeliers, and intricate wood panelling. Bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, as well as mini cakes and pastries, all have that special ‘homemade’ feel (and taste). And then there’s that zingy glass of chilled prosecco each, in addition to coffee or pots of tea. Sloane Square, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and Harrods are all a short walk away.
Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace, or nearby, is a quintessentially British experience: one that visitors cherish because of the beautiful setting and a feeling of being connected to royal history: a feeling of getting to know them better. Whether at The Pavilion, in The Orangery, or at an affiliated five-star hotel, people appreciate the sense of history and the sheer beauty of the palace and its gardens. And, just as Princess Diana documented, there is nothing quite like it, enjoying pure escapism while still being in the heart of the city.
