Visit To Kensington Palace And Afternoon Tea For Two

Visit to Kensington Palace and Afternoon Tea for Two

Kensington Palace encapsulates centuries of style. First adapted for royal residence in 1689 by Sir Christopher Wren, Kensington Palace has been host to the courts of William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I and George II. In more recent times the palace has been a much loved home for Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales, both of whom have played a part in transforming Kensington into a fashionable royal residence. During your visit, take a delicious tea in the 18th Century Orangery within the Palace grounds. Enjoy delights such as cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches and fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam as you soak up the atmosphere of this stunning location.

What happens on the day?

Kensington Palace is now enchanted!
A new unique experience combining fashion, performance, and dazzling spectacle reveals Kensington’s magnificent State Apartments in a magical new light. The acclaimed UK theatre company WILDWORKS have cast a spell over the palace, creating a mysterious and atmospheric world for visitors to explore.
Against the backdrop of the King’s and Queen’s apartments, leading fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest, Stephen Jones, Boudicca, Aminaka Wilmont and illustrator/set designer Echo Morgan have created spectacular installations, inspired by the stories of the princesses who once lived at Kensington – Mary, Anne, Caroline, Charlotte, Victoria, Margaret and Diana.
These extraordinary contemporary designs are displayed alongside historic items from the Royal Collection and Kensington Palace’s Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, together with two dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales and Princess Margaret.

The complex and mysterious world of the royal court will be opened up through dreamlike installations, interactive theatre, intimate storytelling, soundscapes, haunting film projections, and a series of intriguing clues hidden throughout the historic rooms, revealing tales of love and hate, surprise and sadness, secrets and jealousy. Each room will have a powerful story to tell about Kensington Palace’s former royal residents and the life of the court - a world within a world, with its own time and rituals.

A delicious afternoon tea at the stunning 18th Century Orangery within the Palace grounds, including:
•    Cream cheese & cucumber sandwich
•    Fruit scone with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam
•    Orangery cake
•    A choice of freshly brewed teas or coffees

Where does the experience take place?
London.

What should I wear?
Kindly note there is walking involved during your visit to the Palace and some areas are outside so please dress accordingly.

How long should I allow for this experience?
As a guideline, you should allow approximately one and a half hours for your visit to the Palace but there is no limit to the visiting time.  Afternoon tea is served at the Orangery between 15.00hrs and 17.00hrs in the winter (November to February) and 15.00hrs and 18.00hrs in the summer (March to October). Kindly note that the restaurant can get busy at peak times so it is advisable to arrive in plenty of time and there may be a wait for a table.

When does the activity take place?
1 March – 31 October:
Kensington Palace is open daily from 10am to 6pm (last admission 5pm)
Afternoon tea in the Orangery is served from 3pm to 6pm

1 November – 28 February:
Kensington Palace is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
Afternoon tea in the Orangery is served from 3pm to 5pm

The palace closed on 24th – 26th December inclusive and all bank holidays. There may be additional closure dates, please check.

Please note that Kensington Palace will close to visitors from the 8th of March to the 24th of March 2010. This is due to the installation of a new exciting exhibition: Enchanted Palace.

Are there any restrictions?
Minimum age is 16.
A reasonable level of fitness is desirable as some walking is involved. As Kensington Palace is a historical building there are some areas with difficult stairs and other areas where wheelchair access is limited. Manual wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis from the Palace but cannot be booked in advance.  If you have any disability or illness that may prevent you from taking part in the experience you should discuss this with the centre before booking. Please also advise the centre on booking of any dietary requirements.

What about the weather?
The weather will not affect this experience.

Can I bring spectators?
The voucher is valid for two people only.

What about insurance?
Personal Accident Insurance to the value of £50,000 together with cancellation indemnity, subject to terms, is included with every voucher. The centres contracted with us hold public indemnity liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to vehicles or equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

What else do I need to know?
Kensington Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations. A bold £12 million project will open up the buildings and gardens of Kensington Palace to make everyone feel welcome, transform the experience for all visitors and tell the incredible stories of the Palace to all. This project is due to be completed in 2012 and whilst the renovations take place, the new and exciting ‘Enchanted Palace’ Experience will replace the traditional visitors experience of the Palace. Kindly note that there will be no audio tour as part of this experience.

Your expiry date is printed on your voucher, please check the date as it is essential that you book and take your experience before this date.
Kindly note that we cannot guarantee all areas of the palace will be open on the day of your visit, therefore we strongly recommend that you call the palace the day before your visit to check of any room closures/restrictions.

How do I make a booking?
1.    Read through the above for further information and answers to some of the questions you might have about your experience.
2.    There is no need to make a booking for your visit however it is advisable to call and check the day before you intend to visit that the palace & Orangery are open (general opening times are listed above).
3.    You must take your experience before the expiry date on the voucher. Expired vouchers will not be accepted and you will be turned away.
4.    Please ensure you take both vouchers with you on the day of your experience. You will need to present one at the Palace to gain admission and the other at The Orangery when you arrive for your Afternoon Tea. Failure to bring these items will result in charges being made.

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