Top Tasting Tours was recently featured in Internationista, where their editor, Mariah Thomas, joined our Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace tour. Their experience beautifully captured what makes this tour so special: a mix of royal history, hidden gems, and an indulgent afternoon tea.
A Summer Walk Through Kensington Gardens
On a warm afternoon in London, our guests gathered outside Queensway Station, greeted by our expert guide Dave. With his theatre background, Dave brings the gardens and palace to life in a way that feels both insightful and entertaining. As Internationista noted, “Dave combines his passion for storytelling and history into something truly unforgettable.”
History Comes Alive in the Royal Gardens
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Kensington Palace is not inside Hyde Park, but within Kensington Gardens—land set aside in 1689 as the private gardens for the royal residence.
As the group strolled past the North Flower Walk and the ornate fountains (including the one seen in Bridget Jones’s Diary), Dave shared stories of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the upbringing of Princes William and Harry, and the legacy of Princess Diana.
Highlights included pausing at the very spot where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, and visiting the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden—moments that Internationista described as “a reflective and touching tribute to the late Princess.”
The Intimacy of Small Group Tours
With no more than 10–14 guests per walk, the experience feels both relaxed and personal. Guests have space to take photos, ask questions, and enjoy the pace of discovery. As Dave explained during the tour (quoted by Internationista), “The small groups are a positive thing because you can get to know people and you can learn.”
High Tea at The Orangery
The tour concludes with afternoon tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace, a light-filled and elegant setting. Each party enjoys their own table, making the tea both intimate and indulgent.
Guests choose their beverage—from traditional teas and coffee to sparkling wine or Pimm’s—before enjoying the Royal Afternoon Tea: a three-tiered presentation of savoury sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and delicate pastries.
As Internationista highlighted, the tea is “surprisingly filling and beautifully curated, with something for everyone—even the pickiest of eaters.”
Why Choose This Experience?
The Kensington Palace Gardens Walking Tour with High Tea offers a balance of history, storytelling, and indulgence. Whether you’re passionate about royal history, love exploring hidden corners of London, or simply want to enjoy a refined afternoon tea, this tour captures it all.
This experience is perfect if:
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You enjoy intimate, small-group tours with expert guides
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You want to immerse yourself in royal stories and settings
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You’ve always dreamed of enjoying authentic afternoon tea in a royal location
Featured in Internationista
Want to read the full review of this experience? Explore the original feature here: Internationista – We Tried It: A Kensington Palace Gardens Walking Tour with High Tea.
Book Your Royal Afternoon in London
From royal anecdotes and garden strolls to an indulgent tea, this tour offers a taste of London that feels both cultural and luxurious.