We Tried It: A Kensington Palace Gardens Walking Tour with High Tea Fit for Royalty
Step into royal history with an intimate walking tour through Kensington Palace Gardens, complete with stories of royals (Princess Diana included!), movie scenes and a decadent high tea.
Photo: Internationista
A Summer Day in London: Starting the Kensington Palace Gardens Tour
On a warm June 9th afternoon, our group of curious Americans—seven of us in total—met outside the Queensway Station entrance. Our host, Dave, greeted us with a friendly Essex accent and the charisma of a trained actor. (Fun fact: he’s actually performed in Phantom of the Opera)
Dave works with Top Tasting Tours, a company offering over ten curated experiences across cities like London, Paris, Lisbon, Rome and Madrid. He’s been leading these walks since the beginning of the pandemic, combining his passion for storytelling and history into something truly unforgettable.
History Comes Alive: Discovering the Royal Past of Kensington Gardens
Photo: Internationista
Though many assume Kensington Palace is in Hyde Park, it's actually nestled within Kensington Gardens—land that was once part of Hyde Park before being carved out in 1689 to become the private gardens for the royal residence.
As we strolled past the North Flower Walk and the serene fountains (including the one seen in Bridget Jones’s Diary), Dave shared rich anecdotes and insights, like how Prince Albert designed parts of the garden for Queen Victoria, and the connection to Prince William and Prince Harry, who were raised at the palace.
“The thing that people are most shocked about is that William and Kate don’t live here anymore,” Dave tells us. “I also think the fact that Diana remained here after they got divorced.”
We even paused at the very spot where Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, before admiring the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden, a reflective and touching tribute to the late Princess.
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Intimate and Insightful: Why Small Group Tours Make a Big Impact
The tour lasted just under an hour—around 50 minutes total—but felt immersive and relaxed.
With a small group (usually hosted with no more than 10–14 people), we had space to walk at our own pace, snap photos and ask questions without feeling rushed. It was the perfect mix of personal and informative. According to Dave, “The small groups are really a positive thing because you can get to know people and you can learn.”
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High Tea at The Orangery: A Grand Finish to a Royal Experience
After the walking tour, we were treated to the cherry on top: afternoon high tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace.
Set in a stunning, minimalist white space exuding elegance, each party had their own table, so while the tour was group-based, the tea felt more like your own royal rendezvous. With your booking, you choose your beverage—ranging from traditional tea or coffee to sparkling wine, Prosecco or even a Pimm’s. We had the organic red velvet tea from their signature collection, described as having a zingy complexity of organic, juicy orange and ripe berry fruits.
We had Royal Afternoon Tea (worth £56), a beautifully presented three-tiered tower of sweet and savory bites:
Top Tier – Sweet Treats:
Chocolate croustillant
Mini raspberry Victoria sponge
Elderflower & lemon baba
Orangery choux
Middle Tier – Scones & Cream:
Traditional scones
Cornish clotted cream
Selection of preserves
Bottom Tier – Savory Sandwiches:
English cucumber, dill and cream cheese
Free-range egg mayonnaise with salad cress
Smoked ChalkStream trout with nasturtium cream cheese
Gammon ham with vine tomato and wholegrain mustard
Coronation chicken with red pepper and baby spinach (our personal favorite!)
The experience was surprisingly filling and beautifully curated. With such a diverse selection, there’s something for everyone—even the pickiest of eaters.
Final Thoughts: Is the Kensington Palace Gardens Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you're a history buff, royal watcher or just someone looking for a serene and story-rich way to experience London, this tour hits the mark.
From hidden movie locations and royal anecdotes to goose sightings and garden strolls, the Kensington Palace Gardens walking tour with Top Tasting Tours is both educational and genuinely entertaining. Topped off with high tea at The Orangery, it’s a delightful afternoon you won't forget.
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Book this experience if:
You want a small, intimate tour with an engaging guide
You love British history and royal family lore
You’ve always wanted to try authentic English high tea in a royal setting
We tried it—and trust us, it’s royally worth it.