Where to Go: the 5 Best Palace and Castle Gardens in the UK

1.The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 934 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158Our pick

Meet your guide at Queensway Station for a two-hour walk through Kensington Gardens, passing the Italian Gardens and Round Pond while hearing royal stories and park history. Finish with afternoon tea at the Orangery, including sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam, cakes, and hot tea. Guides may include Doug, Paul, Paddy, Barbara, or Simon. Palace entry costs extra unless selected.

“On a rainy day in February, it was a lovely, relaxing, and educational experience. I learned a lot from my guide Barbara. She was very knowledgeable and even provided information to help make the rest of my trip easier. Barbara was an excellent tour guide and I enjoyed my time with her. The orangey was a beautiful tea room and the server was very attentive. The vanilla chai tea was perfect on a rainy day.”

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2.Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 325 reviews · from $160

Meet your English-speaking guide outside Queensway Station for a one-hour walk through Kensington Palace Gardens. Hear stories about Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Princess Diana, and other royals before afternoon tea in the Orangery, with sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea. Palace entry and sparkling wine depend on the option you choose.

“Cost of the tour was a bit high but overall the guide, Dave (I believe) was very informative and a nice person.”

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3.VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Meet your guide near Hyde Park, hear stories of Diana, Queen Victoria, and the modern royal family, and stroll through Kensington Gardens to the Orangery. Choose the palace upgrade for timed entry, State Apartments, exhibits, and an audio tour. Finish with sandwiches, cakes, pastries, scones, and a choice of English teas.

“Our guide, Mike, was informative and very professional. We enjoyed talking with the group over tea; it was a fantastic experience.”

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4.VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 59 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $155Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Hilton Hyde Park, walk through Kensington Gardens, view the Sunken Garden and Princess Diana’s statue, then enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and a choice of up to 10 teas at the Orangery. Upgrade for timed entry to Kensington Palace and its State Apartments.

“Tea at the Orangery was fabulous. Loved the tour. Our guide was very helpful.”

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5.Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 47 reviews

Spend a full day exploring Hillsborough Castle’s 100 acres of gardens, including the restored four-acre Walled Garden, woodland, waterways, lawns, the Lost Garden, and historic sites such as the Lady Alice Temple. The ticket covers the gardens only, not the castle tour. A Peter Rabbit family trail is included until 1 September 2024.

“Hillsborough Castle and its gardens are a wonderful combination of impressive architecture and picturesque nature. The castle exudes historic charm, while the gardens, with their lush greenery and colorful flowers, offer inviting tranquility and beauty. It’s a perfect place for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.”

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