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.