Royal London Walking Tour with High Tea at Kensington Palace

Welcome to a royal adventure in London—a carefully curated experience that combines walking through historic palaces with a luxurious high tea at Kensington Palace. Priced at $164.25 per person, this tour lasts around two hours and is perfect for those eager to learn about the British monarchy while enjoying some well-deserved indulgence. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore landmarks like St. James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace, all in a small-group setting that often feels more like a private stroll.

Two things to love: First, the intimacy of a small group (or private option) means you get personalized attention and insider stories that big tours often miss. Second, the high tea served at Kensington Palace, complete with scones, sandwiches, cakes, and optional sparkling wine, adds a touch of royal elegance to your afternoon.

A potential consideration: The tour involves a fair amount of walking—be prepared for some steps and outdoor exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must. Also, since entrance to the palaces isn’t included, your visit is primarily external and educational rather than inside the royal residences themselves.

This experience is best suited for history buffs, royal enthusiasts, lovers of good food, and travelers who appreciate guided storytelling combined with a charming afternoon break. If you want a blend of walking, learning, and leisure, this tour hits all the right notes.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances the experience with personalized stories
• Visiting three key royal sites offers a broad view of London’s monarchy
• High tea at Kensington Palace provides a classic, elegant ending to your day
• Expert guides make history engaging and accessible
• Walking only; no palace entry included, so plan accordingly
• Ideal for those wanting a balance of culture and comfort

Discovering London’s Royal Side: A Deep Dive

The Royal London Walking Tour with High Tea at Kensington Palace is more than just a sightseeing jaunt—it’s a storybook journey through centuries of royal life, told firsthand by guides who bring history to life. For about two hours, you’ll wander around some of London’s most iconic royal landmarks, getting glimpses of their stories, secrets, and significance. Then, to cap it off, you’ll indulge in a traditional High Tea—including scones, cakes, sandwiches, and optional sparkling wine—served amidst the regal ambiance of Kensington Palace.

This tour is a balanced mix of outdoor exploration, storytelling, and relaxed dining, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive yet leisurely experience. Starting at Green Park, you’ll first see Spencer House, an elegant 18th-century townhouse built for the Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana. It’s a rare glimpse into aristocratic London life, one that’s often overlooked by travelers headed straight for the palaces.

From there, the focus shifts to St. James’s Palace, London’s oldest royal residence, built in the 16th century and historically the home of monarchs. You might catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard, depending on the day—an iconic ritual that adds a splash of pageantry to your walk. The stories shared by guides like Simon and Tom are packed with insider tidbits, such as why George IV preferred Windsor over nearby St. James’s Palace or the significance of statues and memorials along the route.

Next, the tour continues along The Mall, the grand avenue leading to Buckingham Palace. While the palace itself isn’t part of the interior visit, the exterior views and historical context—like its origins on marshland and its evolution from manor to royal residence—are richly explained. You’ll also see landmarks like the Wellington Arch and the Albert Memorial, each with its own story of national pride and monarchic symbolism.

The highlight of the outdoor tour is the visit to Kensington Gardens, where Kensington Palace stands. This is a site with a special place in royal history—it’s where Queen Victoria was born and spent her early years. Guides share fascinating details about the palace’s architecture, royal residents, and the statues that commemorate figures like Queen Victoria and her mother. The High Tea is served at the Kensington Palace Orangery, an atmospheric spot where you can savor scones, cakes, and sandwiches, all served on royal china. Several reviews emphasize how special it feels to enjoy tea on such historic grounds, with one guest noting, “served on Princess Diana’s royal china!”

The Itinerary in Detail

Spencer House

This is a rare surviving example of 18th-century London aristocratic life. Built between 1756-1766, it’s often missed by visitors who focus solely on the royal residences. Our guide points out its architecture and shares stories about the Earl Spencer and his family links to the royal family. Some reviews mention how unexpected and charming this stop is, giving a behind-the-scenes look at England’s upper classes.

St. James’s Palace

While not open to the public regularly, it’s an active royal residence and the site of many ceremonial moments. Guides highlight its transformation over centuries, from a leper hospital to the official residence of the monarch’s court. Standing outside, you get a sense of its historical importance—especially if you catch the Changing of the Guard. Reviewers love the stories about its past residents, like George IV, and the statues commemorating Queen Victoria.

The Mall and Nearby Monuments

Walking along The Mall, you’ll pass by Victoria’s statue, a highlight for history lovers. The guide tells stories of her early years in Kensington Palace and her long reign. The Wellington Arch and Albert Memorial add grandeur to your walk, with Watts’ Physical Energy statue symbolizing Britain’s drive for progress—a favorite for many guests.

Kensington Palace and High Tea

The final stop is the palace itself, where you learn about its role as a royal residence, especially during Queen Victoria’s and Princess Diana’s time. The High Tea held in the Orangery is a delicious and elegant conclusion—many reviews praise the scones, cakes, and delicious sandwiches. Several guests mention the experience of enjoying tea on Princess Diana’s china as a highlight.

Authentic Experiences and Tips

What sets this tour apart is the personalized touch provided by guides like Simon and Tom, who are praised for their warmth, wit, and depth of knowledge. They bring history alive with stories, anecdotes, and context that you won’t find in guidebooks. As one reviewer says, “Simon was a wonderful tour guide. He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, witty, and fun,” adding that the experience was “a perfect London day.”

The pace is leisurely enough to appreciate each site without feeling rushed. The walking is comfortable but involves some outdoor exposure, so wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. The tour ends at Kensington Palace’s Orangery, where you’re served a sumptuous High Tea—a lovely way to unwind and reflect on what you’ve seen.

The value of this experience is quite good considering the guided storytelling, the exclusive access to landmarks, and the quality of the tea service. While entrance fees to the palaces aren’t included, the external visits and stories are enough to give you a rounded sense of London’s royal history. Plus, the small group size—often just 4-6 people—means you get personal attention and ample opportunity to ask questions.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy history, royal intrigue, and good food. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a more intimate experience rather than crowded bus tours. If you love a touch of elegance and want to combine sightseeing with a relaxing afternoon, you’ll find this tour delightful. It’s also ideal if you’re interested in learning about Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and modern royal history through engaging storytelling.

The Sum Up

The Royal London Walking Tour with High Tea at Kensington Palace offers an elegant blend of outdoor exploration, storytelling, and culinary pleasure. The small-group format, expert guides, and the chance to enjoy tea in a historic setting make it a memorable way to experience London’s royal side without the expense or hassle of inside palace visits. It’s well-suited for those who want an authentic, relaxed, and engaging look at the city’s regal heritage.

For history lovers and tea enthusiasts alike, this tour provides a well-rounded, enjoyable afternoon that combines education, culture, and comfort. It’s a wonderful way to see iconic landmarks, hear captivating stories, and indulge in a quintessentially British tradition—high tea—in one seamless experience.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but be aware that it involves some walking and outdoor time. It’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and interested in history.

Are entrance fees to the palaces included?
No, the tour focuses on external visits and storytelling. Entrance to the palaces is not included, so you’ll see the exteriors and learn their stories.

Can I join the tour if I don’t want to do the high tea?
The tour package includes the high tea as part of the experience, but if you prefer not to, you may want to check with the provider for options—most reviews highlight the tea as a key feature.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially since there’s some outdoor exploration involved. Dress according to the weather forecast.

Is the tour private or small group?
It’s primarily a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 people, which allows for more personalized attention and interaction.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 49 days ahead, which is advisable if you want to secure your preferred date.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, the tour offers gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and halal options if requested prior to the tour.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour is walking-only, so plan your route to the meeting point and end location. Public transportation or walking are the best options.

In summary, if you’re after a relaxed, engaging, and elegant way to explore London’s royal side—paired with a delightful high tea—this tour delivers. It’s a fantastic pick for those curious about history and royal traditions, looking for a personalized experience that combines learning with leisure.