The Orangery Kensington Palace London Afternoon Tea

A Taste of Tradition: Unveiling The Orangery's Delightful Offerings

The Orangery Kensington Palace London offers exquisite food and a timeless afternoon tea tradition in elegant surroundings.

Afternoon tea at The Orangery combines royal tradition with timeless elegance. Located within the tranquil gardens of Kensington Palace, this striking historic building makes the perfect setting to enjoy one of Britain's most cherished traditions.

You can visit the Orangery for tea or as a part of your palace tour, but its grand architecture, garden views, and refined service make it a great place to visit. If you are planning a full royal day out, you might want to take a stroll through Kensington Palace and find out how to buy tickets in our Kensington Palace Visitor Guide.

Walking through Kensington Gardens towards Kensington Palace's OrangeryThe path leading to the Orangery in Kensington Palace, London

Navigate Your Visit with This Quick Index

Personal Note: Unfortunately, we were unable to enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Orangery this time due to time constraints, but we’re excited to share that it’s an experience we are eager to try on our next visit to London. We explored Kensington Palace and have put together a comprehensive guide about that experience for anyone interested.

The affiliate links we use on this guide include a walking tour to Kensington Gardens!

Quick Facts About The Orangery London

Here are the quick and basic facts about The Orangery Afternoon Tea in London.

📍 Location: The premises are within Kensington Palace. Address is Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX9QU

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00. Last entry is at 16:30. When booking, you are required to select an appropriate time.

🚇 Nearest Tube: Queensway (Central Line) and Highstreet Kensington (Circle and District Lines).

🛎️ Facilities Available: Toilets, cloakrooms, gift shop.

👔 Dress Code: Smart casual attire is great.

💷 Price: Afternoon tea set menus start from around £55. A guided package tour including a walk around Kensington Gardens starts at £115. The booking links in this guide go to the package tour.

⏳ Duration: The tour lasts around two to three hours.

At the Orangery, afternoon tea includes colorful dessertsAfternoon tea desserts at The Orangery Kensington Palace London

A Bit Of The Orangery History

The Orangery doesn't have a whole lot of history; however, the little history there is quite interesting to read and learn about.

👑 Built in 1704-05 for Queen Anne

  • The Orangery was built in the early 1700s for Queen Anne. It was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, and later enhancements were designed by Sir John Vanbrugh. It was initially built as a lavish greenhouse.

🎉 Served as a banqueting hall for royal gatherings and entertainment

  • During its prime time, The Orangery served as a banqueting hall for royal gatherings, receptions and entertainment.

🏛️ Designed in Baroque style

  • The style, architecture and symmetry of the building are in the Baroque style, with tall arched windows to flood the building with natural light

🥂 From Georgian royal parties to more relaxed social events

  • Initially a venue elegant for Georgian-era royal festivities, later adapted to serve more casual social occasions whilst still keeping the royal origins.

☕ The afternoon tea tradition was introduced in the 20th century

  • With the introduction of the afternoon tea at the beginning of the 20th century, The Orangery turned its beautiful baroque building into a quintessentially British dining experience.
🔒 Experience Tea at The Orangery - Reserve Now

History of Afternoon Tea

The introduction to afternoon tea came after the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Stanhope, had only two main meals: breakfast and dinner. The Duchess suffered from 'a sinking feeling' at around four o'clock, and she started to ask her servants to sneak a pot of tea with a few breadstuffs. As time went on, she began inviting friends to join her a five o'clock. This practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, and this tradition quickly picked up.

The Afternoon Tea Experience

A visit to Kensington Palace is not complete without seeing The Orangery for afternoon tea. A striking and warm-toned building right beside the palace. It is a short and pleasant walk through the palace's tranquil interior gardens that sets the mood for what is to come. If you are here for afternoon tea or a palace tour, the experience begins the same way. This is with a warm welcome from the elegantly dressed staff.

🏛️ First Impressions & Seating Options

The Orangery's architecture immediately catches your eye with lofty ceilings and arched windows. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors (weather permitting). You'll find a mix of comfortable chairs and plush sofas indoors, while tables are neatly set with classic touches: china teacups, polished cutlery, a crisp napkin, and a small table lamp.

📜 Menu & Dining Experience

The menu will contain a choice of set afternoon tea or à la carte dishes, as well as breakfast and lunch options. The price list and dietary options are marked, and the attentive staff is on hand to assist with any special requests. Having placed your order, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea.

🌸 Afternoon Tea & Seasonal Specials

Traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate pastries, and premium teas. If you select the set menu available on their menu, you will find these options.

Specialities are offered according to the season on the menus. Keep an eye on them when visiting, especially when visiting during peak season.

🥗 Dietary Requirements & Booking Tips

They offer special dietary menus such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

Pre-booking is recommended, and if you have any questions, ask a member of staff.

🔒 Enjoy Afternoon Tea & Gardens - Book Your Spot Now
A classic afternoon tea served at The Orangery with cakes, sandwiches, and sconesThe Orangery offers classic afternoon tea with cakes, sandwiches, and scones.

How to Get To The Orangery Kensington Palace In London

The Orangery Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace is just beside the palace within the palace grounds. Getting here is just like getting to Kensington Palace. Below we have suggested several modes of transportation that you can use to get here.

  • 🚇 By Tube: Take the Central (Red) line from central London to Queensway and Circle (Yellow) and District (Green) to High Street Kensington.
  • 🚆 By Train: The closest train station is Paddington Station, and from here you must take either the metro or a taxi to the palace.
  • 🚊 By Tram: No tram service is available in central London.
  • 🚌 By Bus: Several bus stops are just outside the Kensington Gardens. Visit Transport for London's website for live bus updates.
  • 🛥️ Uber Boat by Thames Clipper: The closest ferry stop is Cadogan Pier; however, you must catch an additional transportation option to get to the palace.
  • 🚗 By Car: There are no parking or drop-off facilities on-site or nearby.
  • 🚖 By Taxi: Taxis are available all over the city to catch. It will stop you just outside the Kensington Gardens.

🔗 Learn More: We have a dedicated guide just about how to get around London to give you more help on how to use London public transport.

There is nothing more royal than afternoon tea in the Orangery at Kensington Palace LondonThe beautiful Orangery at Kensington Palace

How to Book the Orangery at Kensington Palace London

You are more than welcome to attend the afternoon tea by just walking in, pre-booking your seat or booking a tour. It is highly recommended to pre-book your seat to avoid being turned away or waiting in a queue. 

  1. By clicking the booking link below, you will be directed to GetYourGuide, our trusted partner.
  2. Select a date that works for you and the number of participants.
  3. Choose the type of tour you wish to attend.
  4. Click the 'Book Now' button.
  5. If any details are requested, please provide them.
  6. Proceed to the payment page and either pay or reserve and pay later.
  7. You can complete your booking by entering your card details.
  8. ✅ Booking confirmed! Check your email for a mobile ticket and confirmation.

The link below is a full package tour which includes a walk in Kensington Gardens with a guide.

🔒 Reserve Your Kensington Experience Now

GetYourGuide is a trusted partner we’ve personally used for years to book tours and activities around the world. We love it because it offers a “pay later” option, free cancellation, and their website and app are fast and easy to use.

Kensington Palace's Orangery hosts a variety of gourmet dishesGuests enjoy a variety of gourmet dishes at The Orangery Kensington Palace

What To Do After Having Afternoon Tea

After your visit, you can continue your day by exploring places nearby. If you haven't yet checked out Kensington Palace, make sure you do so, then check out other things to do close by.

Below are nearby places you can visit, which are within walking distance.

🌳 Explore Kensington Gardens – There are ponds, tree-lined avenues, fountains, and even a statue of Peter Pan throughout these beautifully kept royal gardens.

🌿 Visit Hyde Park – This park is just next door and offers water sports on the Serpentine, long scenic walks, and rare blue skies.

🛍️ Shop Along Oxford Street – Fashion houses to budget-friendly brands can be found on Oxford Street.

🍻 Have a Pint at The Churchill Arms – This flower-covered pub with Winston Churchill memorabilia is an unforgettable setting for a pint.

Use our great guide to find other things to do in London.

What do People Say About This Experience

Based on the experiences gathered, here are several positive and negative points about The Orangery afternoon tea at Kensington Palace.

Positive Aspects

  1. Attentive and Accommodating Staff: Many guests praised the staff for being polite, accommodating, and attentive throughout their visit, enhancing the overall experience.
  2. Delicious Food Options: Visitors enjoyed the variety and quality of the food, including flavourful sandwiches, pastries, and scones. Special mentions were made of the salmon sandwiches and the Pride month tea.
  3. Family-Friendly Experience: The Orangery is noted as a great spot for families and children, with kid-friendly food options that cater to various tastes, making it suitable for all ages.
  4. Relaxing Atmosphere: Several guests appreciated the grand and relaxing environment, providing a welcome respite after touring Kensington Palace. The ambience added to the overall enjoyment of the tea experience.
  5. Timely Service: Most reviewers mentioned that they did not have to wait long for seating (especially with reservations) and felt that the two-hour limit was sufficient to enjoy their tea without feeling rushed.
  6. Unique Tea Blends: The selection of teas, such as the fruity concoction and the Red Velvet tea, received positive feedback for their delightful flavours.

Negative Aspects

  1. Lack of Air Conditioning: Some guests noted that the Orangery lacked air conditioning, which could be uncomfortable during warmer days, although ice water was provided as a remedy.
  2. Pricing: The afternoon tea experience was described as one of the pricier meals during guests' London trips. While many felt it was worth it, the cost may deter budget-conscious visitors.
  3. Early Closure Notices: Some guests experienced changes to their reservations due to the venue’s early closing times, which may be inconvenient for those who planned their schedule around a specific time.
  4. Potential for Overcrowding: While many guests enjoyed their experience, larger parties might find it challenging to be seated together if reservations aren't managed properly.
  5. Expectation of Time: Some visitors felt that the two-hour time limit could create a sense of urgency, particularly for larger groups or those who prefer a more leisurely tea experience.
🔒 Book Your High Tea At The Orangery
An elegant afternoon tea at The Orangery, served with sweet and savoury treatsRelax by the Round Pond in Kensington Palace Gardens, London

Questions About The Afternoon Tea Experience

Do I need a Kensington Palace ticket to visit The Orangery?

No, you do not need to have a ticket to the Kensington Palace to have afternoon tea at The Orangery.

Do I have to book in advance for afternoon tea?

It is advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment as the tables are usually full, especially during peak times and seasons. 

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?

Yes, the menu offers these types of dietary options. It is advised that you check what is available beforehand, either online or by contacting them.

Is outdoor seating available year-round?

There is outdoor seating, however, we think that it is only available during nice and warm weather.

To summarise, afternoon tea at The Orangery Kensington Palace London is a delightful experience steeped in history and elegance. Families and couples alike will find it memorable because of its exceptional service, charming atmosphere, and delectable selection of food and teas. Its overall positive reviews highlight its appeal as a special London experience. The Orangery promises a delightful afternoon tea experience for any occasion, whether it be a special occasion or a simple afternoon tea tradition.

🔒 Secure Your Spot for Tea & Gardens Tour

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