Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Is a Kensington Palace tour worth it?

Accepted Answer

The palace is open to independent visitors, but without context the rooms can feel quiet and hard to read. On this tour, your guide spends the morning building the story of royal London through the ceremony, the parks, and the people who lived here, so by the time you walk into the palace, the portraits and apartments already mean something.

Question 2

Will I definitely see the Changing of the Guard on this tour?

Accepted Answer

The ceremony takes place on set days (typically Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), though the schedule is controlled by the military and can change at short notice. Your guide always has a plan for the morning, and on non-ceremony days you'll still see the guard posts, the route, and the military landmarks that make the tradition come alive.

Question 3

What is included in the afternoon tea?

Accepted Answer

The afternoon tea at the Orangery includes a selection of fine teas, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, and pastries. It's a full traditional English afternoon tea in one of London's most distinctive rooms.

Question 4

How much walking is involved in this royal London walking tour?

Accepted Answer

The tour covers ground between Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, with stops along the way. Expect around two to three hours of walking at a comfortable pace through parks and on paved paths, with a seated afternoon tea break in the middle. Wear shoes you feel comfortable in.

Question 5

Is this Kensington Palace tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Children are welcome and tend to respond well to the Guard Change and the park walk. The afternoon tea is a sit-down experience, so it suits children who are comfortable at a table for around 45 minutes. Children aged 2–14 have a reduced ticket price, and infants go free.

Question 6

Is this tour accessible for guests with mobility concerns?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to welcome as many guests as possible. The route includes paved paths through parks and some uneven ground. There are no significant staircases on the outdoor portion, but Kensington Palace itself has some steps and narrow corridors. If you have specific mobility questions, get in touch at info@takewalks.com and we'll help you work out whether this tour is a good fit.

Question 7

Can I visit Kensington Palace on my own after the guided portion?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Kensington Palace portion of the tour is self-guided with a pre-reserved ticket and audio guide, so you can spend as much time inside as you'd like. The palace exhibitions change periodically, so there's often something new to see.

Question 8

What happens if the Orangery is closed or unavailable?

Accepted Answer

The Orangery is part of the Historic Royal Palaces estate and is occasionally closed for private events. In the rare event this happens, afternoon tea will be served at an equivalent venue nearby.

Question 9

What's the best time of year for a Kensington Palace tour?

Accepted Answer

The tour runs year-round. Spring and summer bring Kensington Gardens into bloom, and autumn turns the park walks golden. The Orangery and palace interior are comfortable in any weather.

Question 10

How many people are on this Kensington Palace tour?

Accepted Answer

Groups are capped at 16 guests, which keeps the experience conversational and means your guide can answer questions as you go.

Kensington Palace & royal London tour

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Buckingham Palace: the ceremony up close

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: a royal walk through two centuries of monuments

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