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Visit Kensington Palace for a Royal Afternoon Tea in the Orangery
The Orangery, Kensington Palace, London
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Orangery, a royal pavilion in the splendid setting of London’s Kensington Palace Gardens.
Stroll through Hyde Park and take Afternoon Tea at The Orangery in Kensington Palace Gardens
Kensington Palace is the only royal palace in London where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. You’ll find the elegant Orangery with its huge windows and smart white exterior, overlooking the palace gardens. On a warm summer’s day, the wide terrace is an ideal spot for peaceful al fresco dining in the city.
The interior of The Orangery, with its classical style is impressive, too. Afternoon tea here is especially popular with visitors taking a palace tour but it’s open to all. Come for a bacon butty brunch after a power walk in Hyde Park or for lunch after a mooch around Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market.
Take Afternoon Tea in The Orangery
Built for Queen Anne in 1704, the Orangery is a beautifully proportioned light and airy garden pavilion. It was where the monarch, who lived a rather tragic life, grew her citrus trees and hosted lavish parties. Today, the building and its unique setting create a real sense of occasion for visitors coming for afternoon tea.
The grand facade of The Orangery
Afternoon tea is served on the Royal Palace tea set which is made from fine bone china and finished in 22ct gold. On the tiered cake stand, you’ll be treated to a mouth-watering array of dainty finger sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones served still warm from the oven.
Fittingly, the scones commemorate Queen Anne as they’re baked with orange zest and currants. Eaten with clotted cream and Wilkin & Sons Tiptree jam, each bite is a delicious mouthful.
You can find the recipe here in the Royal Historic Palaces afternoon tea book.
For drinks, choose from ten specialty teas or for an extra charge, treat yourself to a glass of English sparkling wine or Pimm’s.
Unlike some of the afternoon teas served in London’s top hotels, which can be eye-wateringly expensive, afternoon tea at Kensington Palace is more reasonably priced at £30 a head. Happily, there’s a gluten-free version and a children’s afternoon tea menu as well.
Kensington Palace Afternoon Tea – Update 2019
The Orangery is currently closed for major restoration work. Traditional afternoon tea is now being served in Kensington Palace Pavilion. Although the pavilion is a temporary structure, it’s quite smart (think very posh wedding). Pleasingly, it overlooks the Sunken Garden which was planted in 1908. If you’d like a view of the garden, do make sure you book a table at the front.
Make a reservation here.
Wonder at Princess Diana’s White Garden
One of the reasons to come for afternoon tea at The Orangery is to stroll through Kensington Palace gardens and see the sunken garden created in memory of Princess Diana who lived at Kensington Palace.
To mark twenty years since her death, The White Garden was lovingly planted with more than 12,000 bulbs, including Tulipa Diana, Persian lilies, sweetly-scented wallflowers, narcissi and one of Princess Diana’s favourite flowers – the forget-me-not. The result is a stunning and serene display. Visit in April to see the spring flowers in full bloom. The garden is then dug up and replanted with summer flowers for her birthday on 1st July.
Princess Diana’s White Garden
- You don’t need to buy an entrance ticket for Kensington Palace to go for afternoon tea in The Orangery. It’s open to all
- The White Garden is also free to the public and will be at its best between April and September
- Virgin Experience Days offer packages including entrance to Kensington Palace and Afternoon Tea at a luxury hotel nearby
- Walk through Hyde Park to Notting Hill to visit The Ginstitute or The Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising.
- Discover more about royal dining by visiting Windsor Castle Kitchen and the Royal Kitchens at Kew Palace
- Afternoon Tea at Kew Gardens is also served in a beautiful Orangery
Mr Hendricks says,“They tell me that only service dogs are allowed inside Kensington Palace and in the formal gardens.”
How to Find The Orangery at Kensington Palace Gardens
Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX
The Orangery
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The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.
Kensington Palace Entrance Tickets
- Take a tour of Kensington Palace
- Visit the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments
- Stroll around Kensington Palace Gardens
- Beat the entrance queue by booking in advance
Kensington Palace Visit & Afternoon Tea
- Virgin Experience Days offers gift experiences that include a visit to Kensington Palace with afternoon tea at a nearby hotel.
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