The 8 Palace and Castle Gardens in the UK That Earn Their Ticket

1.The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 934 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158Our pick

Meet your guide at Queensway Station for a two-hour walk through Kensington Gardens, including the Italian Gardens, Round Pond, royal stories, and a private table at the Orangery. Guides such as Doug, Paul, Paddy, and Barbara add humor and local insight. Palace entry is optional and not included by default.

“Absolutely best experience of the gardens with our tour guide Doug 😁and the high tea was exceptional 😍my mums 70th birthday and she enjoyed it so much thank you xx”

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2.Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 325 reviews · from $160

Meet your English-speaking guide at Queensway Station for an hour-long walk through Kensington Palace Gardens, including the Sunken Garden and royal landmarks. Guides such as Simon, Doug, and Astrid add lively historical detail before afternoon tea in the Orangery, with vegetarian and vegan choices available.

“Our guide was amazing and the high tea was such a wonderful experience.”

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3.VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Meet your guide near Hyde Park for a royal-focused walk through Kensington Gardens, stories of Diana, Victoria, and the modern monarchy, then afternoon tea at the Orangery. Choose the palace upgrade for timed entry and a self-guided look at the State Apartments, royal rooms, and exhibitions.

“Wonderful experience. Mike was a great guide and encouraged questions. We had tea on the property and it was delicious and VERY filling.”

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4.VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 59 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $155

Meet guides such as Mike, Pauline, or Fia near Queensway Tube Station for a walking tour of Kensington Gardens, the Sunken Garden, and Diana’s statue. Choose palace entry for the State Apartments, then finish with sandwiches, cakes, and up to 10 English teas at the Orangery.

“Just wrapped up an amazing day at Kensington Palace, and I can’t recommend the garden tour and high tea enough! Our tour guide, Mike, was absolutely wonderful—so knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the palace and its stunning gardens. He brought the stories to life, making the experience even more special. One of the highlights was visiting the Diana statue, which beautifully captures her spirit. After the tour, we indulged in a delightful high tea at the Orangery. The setting was simply lovely. The selection of teas and pastries was divine—definitely a treat for the senses! If you’re in London, don’t miss out on this experience! It’s the perfect…”

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5.Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 47 reviews

Spend a full day exploring Hillsborough Castle’s 100 acres of gardens in County Down. See the restored four-acre Walled Garden, apple orchard, waterways, woodland, Lime Tree Walk, Lost Garden, and Lady Alice Temple. A Peter Rabbit™ family trail is included until 1 September 2024. Castle entry is separate.

“Hillsborough Castle and its gardens are a wonderful combination of impressive architecture and picturesque nature. The castle exudes historic charm, while the gardens, with their lush greenery and colorful flowers, offer inviting tranquility and beauty. It’s a perfect place for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.”

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6.Private Tour: Royal High Tea At Kensington Palace Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $272Top rated

Walk from Queensway through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens with a private guide such as Doug, Astrid, or Barbara Ann. See the Italian Gardens, Round Pond, Diana statue, and Kensington Palace before afternoon tea at a private table in the Orangery. Palace entry is optional.

“We had a splendid walk around the park with Doug and ended with delicious tea. Doug was informative and educational. Highly recommend.”

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7.Entry Ticket to Eltham Palace and Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 38 reviews · 1 day · from $20

Visit Eltham Palace and Gardens for a full day of Tudor history, 1930s Art Deco design, 19 acres of gardens, resident horses, and family activities. Explore the circular entrance hall, great hall, rose garden, rock garden, moat bridge, and a children’s play area at your own pace.

“I took someone for their first time and they said they had enjoyed it”

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8.Hillsborough Castle Gardens only Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $15Best value

Use your paper ticket to enter Hillsborough Castle Gardens at the listed 10:00 am start. Walk from formal gardens into woodland, meadows, and a lake walk, looking for rare plants and seasonal displays. This ticket covers the grounds only, not the castle interior, food, or transport.

“1st time visiting and wont be back cannot believe they let a group in with certain sporting sticks/bats which actually took away us enjoying our day due to them whacking the ball no consideration for others did the staff stop them NO. At the green where story time took place this group took over with their sport wasn't good for everyone else having to dodge the ball coming in their path on emailing the castle their response was applling their staff weren't aware of this group seriously the cashier alone couldn't have missed what they were carrying plus the guy doing story time saw them an expensive day out to…”

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