It is the smallest of all Royal Palaces and is run and funded by Historic Royal Palaces which receives no funding from the Government or Crown nonetheless Kew Palace is a firm favourite of Royalty and History enthusiasts alike.
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After King George II and Queen Caroline was first attracted to Kew in the 18th Century, a whole generation of Georgian Kings found Kew Palace to be their perfect retreat. The personal and domestic lives of the Georgian Kings is reflected at Kew Palace and visitors to the Palace get a sense of this from the moment they arrive.
Opening Times
- 29th March – 30th September: Kew Palace and The Royal Kitchens: 10:30 – 17:30
- Queen Charlotte’s Cottage: Weekends and Summer Bank Holidays: 11:00 – 16:00
- Kew Palace is closed from 1st October – 28th March.
Highlights
- The Royal Kitchens: Open daily, the Kitchens at Kew Palace are miraculously preserved 200 years after they were last used. You can discover more on these historic kitchens and those servants who worked within them. The Great Kitchen will also take you back to the time of February 1789.
- Princesses Bedrooms: Take your time as you wander the intimate bedrooms of Princess Elizabeth, Princess Augusta and Princess Amelia, Daughters of King George III, within Kew Palace.
- Queen Charlotte’s Cottage: Though only open at weekends and Summer Bank Holidays, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage is well worth a visit. Tucked away in the south-west end of Kew Gardens, the cottage was used in the late 18th century by The Royal Family for breaks while walking and taking tea.
- Madame Tussaud bust of King George III: Recreated using Madame Tussaud’s original mould, take time out to see this glorious full-colour bust of King George III.
2018 Highlights
- The Great Pagoda at Kew: 13th July – 30th September 2018: The Great Pagoda has been returned to its 18th-century splendour and this Summer you are invited to climb the 253 steps to the top of the Pagoda to see the magnificent views across London. You can also learn why the Pagoda was built and how the Royal Family used this magnificent structure.
- The Great Georgian Wedding Weekend: 28th-29th July 2018: A weekend filled with family activities outside Queen Charlotte’s Cottage including costumed characters and garden games.
- Live Georgian Cookery: 25th-27th August 2018: Prepare to be delighted as you enjoy the entire process of Georgian cookery. From Preparation Rooms to Kitchen Gardens, you are in for a delicious treat this Bank Holiday Weekend.
- Curious Kew Evening Tours: 16th August and 20th September 2018: Make your way to Kew Palace after hours to discover the hidden secrets of this Georgian retreat. From remarkable Georgian tales to hidden cellars and spooky attics. This spectacular tour is one not to be missed.
Eating
- There is a vast array of places to eat within Kew Gardens including Victoria Plaza Cafe at Victoria Gate, Orangery Restaurant near Elizabeth Gate, White Peaks Cafe near Brentford Gate and The Botanical near the Palm House Pond. Alternatively, picnics are allowed throughout the gardens.
Getting to Kew Palace
- London Underground: Kew Gardens Station: District Line.
- Overground and National Rail: Kew Gardens Station.
- Bus: Nearby Stops, Mortlake Road and Kew Green.
- Car: The Royal Botanic Gardens located on Kew Road.
Prices
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A Kew Gardens ticket must be purchased to visit Kew Palace and climb the Great Pagoda.
Online ticket prices (until 31 October 2018)
Adults £17.75* / £16
Children (4–16) £4
Children under 4 free
Concessions £15.50* / £14
* Includes a voluntary donation
For more information and to book your tickets for your Georgian adventure at Kew Palace visit hrp.org.uk
Photo Credit: Derek Winterburn