Group visits guide 2020-21 - Historic Royal Palaces
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Group visits guide 2020-21
Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 1
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent Treat your groups Tower of page 8
charity that looks after the Tower London
of London, Hampton Court Palace, to over 900 years
Banqueting House, Kensington Palace,
Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens, the Great of secrets, stories
Pagoda, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. We and royal history at Hampton page 14
are pleased and proud to welcome group
visitors and help them explore the stories some of the greatest Court Palace
of the monarchs and people who have
shaped society in some of the greatest palaces ever built.
palaces ever built. This Group Visits Guide
is designed to give group organisers
inspiration for excursions and days out Follow in the Banqueting page 20
and to make the process as seamless as
possible. With so much to uncover at so footsteps of the House
many attractions your only problem is
which to choose first! great, good, devious
How to use this guide and dastardly, taking
Kensington page 26
We have designed a helpful key to assist
in the planning of your group visit and home memories of a Palace
to ensure your customers have a fun
packed day and make the most of their great day out and a
time at the palaces.
Look out for these icons on the ‘Must
desire to return
see attractions’ pages for each palace
to best tailor your group’s experience.
again and again. Kew Palace page 32
the Royal Kitchens,
the Great Pagoda,
Steps and uneven staircases Queen Charlotte’s
Wheelchair access Cottage
Youth groups – children, families, Hillsborough page 38
multigenerational friendly
Castle and
Large groups – space for large
group visits Gardens
Small groups – suitable for groups
up to 20 people at a time
At your service page 3
Private tours available on request
Ticketing options page 4
Gardens – activities for groups with Catering page 6
an interest in gardens
Get social with us page 44
2 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 3
At your service
Historic Royal Palaces has a Sales Team to assist
group organisers in planning visits to the palaces
as well as advising coach and tour operators with
itinerary and excursion planning.
Sales support Added value Accessibility
The Sales Team can help you Group discounts apply to Our palaces welcome all visitors
with all your arrangements for parties of 15 or more and regular and we try to ensure that
your group’s perfect day out interpretation events are everyone’s visit is successful and
including assistance with included in general admission. enjoyable. Registered disabled
planning itineraries, information visitors are charged the relevant
on our group ticketing options, Money saving catering vouchers ticket price and carers are
dedicated group ticket offices and group menus available in admitted free of charge.
and on-site catering. The Sales palace cafes.
Team can also help you promote As historical sites, our palaces do
Admission voucher scheme and have uneven or cobbled surfaces
and sell your tours and account facilities for coach and
excursions with supplies of free and narrow staircases in places.
tour operators upon application. Full accessibility information
leaflets, posters and images,
which can be downloaded from Fanfare including wheelchair access and
www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade Keep up with the latest news information on sign language
from Historic Royal Palaces tours can be found on our
Free admission through the dedicated website www.hrp.org.uk
Free admission is given at all publication for the group
palaces to coach drivers and Website
organiser. Visit the dedicated group
locally registered Blue Badge
Guides. Groups that include Email groupsandtraveltrade@ planning pages on the
members of Historic Royal hrp.org.uk to subscribe. Historic Royal Palaces website,
Palaces will avail of the group www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade,
Quick Blast! for the latest information and
price as long as there are 15
Our mid-Fanfare e-update will help in planning your itineraries
people in total. Full members
focus on last minute offers and and online group booking.
of Association of Group
early news of new exhibitions
Travel Organisers (AGTO)
and events.
are eligible for free admission
when bringing a group of Email groupsandtraveltrade@
at least 15 paying visitors. hrp.org.uk to subscribe.
Easy to get to
For group visits, all palaces have
coach parking or pick-up and
drop-off facilities. All the London
palaces can be reached by rail,
underground and four palaces
by riverboat.
4 hrp.org.uk
Ticketing options
Historic Royal Palaces have developed group
friendly ticket options that allow easy access to the
palaces for your customers and simplified payment
terms for volume Travel Trade suppliers.
Online Group Ticketing Agency Voucher Scheme Royal Pass
Groups are now able to and B2B portal One ticket to over 900 years
buy their tickets for the Members of the voucher scheme of royal history
Tower of London, must book groups via the B2B This trade only, flexible
Hampton Court Palace, portal which allows palace combination ticket offers
Kensington Palace and bookings to be made 24 hours a unbeatable value and is available
Banqueting House via our day, 7 days a week for the Tower in three versions giving you
website www.hrp.org.uk/ of London, Hampton Court choice and flexibility. The passes
travel-trade. This method Palace, Kensington Palace and are valid for two years from the
speeds up the booking Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. date of issue for one visit per
procedure and offers valid palace, therefore giving the
discounts over the group Upon confirmation of booking,
traveller flexibility to plan their
gate rate. For Hillsborough e-tickets are sent via email. Once
own itinerary.
Castle and Gardens, group printed, these are scanned at the
bookings can be made via point of entry, avoiding queuing Four Palace pass
our Contact Centre. to exchange vouchers for palace Tower of London, Hampton
tickets and allowing more time Court Palace, Banqueting
for customers to enjoy the House, Kensington Palace.
palaces whilst also streamlining
the invoicing process. Three Palace pass
Tower of London, Hampton
Please contact Court Palace, Kensington Palace.
groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.
uk for further details. Central London pass
Tower of London, Banqueting
House, Kensington Palace.
Royal Passes are exclusive to
group organisers and Travel Trade
clients and cannot be purchased
at the palaces directly.
For details of pass prices contact
groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk
6 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 7
Catering deals Retail
therapy
Our meal voucher scheme for groups of Banqueting House
15 or more, provides great meal deal Whilst there are no on-site
catering facilities at the
options across the palaces throughout Banqueting House, close by
the day. Simply select the one that best there are numerous restaurants,
cafes and bars.
suits your itinerary!
Kensington Palace
Situated on the Orangery lawns,
The Tower of London Hampton Court Palace overlooking the sunken garden,
Kew Palace
New Armouries Café Tiltyard Café the Pavilion offers an alternative At Kew Palace groups can
on-site catering space whilst the arrange refreshments with
Option 1 – Morning tea or coffee Option 1 – Morning tea or coffee
Orangery undergoes restoration Kew Gardens caterers by calling
(before 11.00) (before 12.00)
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a and rebuilding work. +44 (0) 20 8332 5186.
a freshly baked muffin or pastry. freshly baked muffin or pastry. Breakfast
£6.00 per person £6.00 per person Before 11.30 Hillsborough Castle
Option 2 – Light lunch Option 2 – Light lunch Start the day with a “Full English” and Gardens
Seasonal soup of the day or a A bowl of seasonal soup and rustic – streaky bacon, field mushrooms,
sandwich with a choice of non- bread or a freshly made sandwich, vine tomatoes, sausage and Hillsborough Castle Café is set
alcoholic drink and a cake or desert. both with a choice of non-alcoholic scrambled eggs, including a choice
of tea or coffee.
within the Weston Pavilion and
£10.30 per person drink and a slice of cake.
£10.30 per person £11 per person offers groups of 15 or more an Whether inspired by the iconic Visitors can also select products
Option 3 – Hot lunch opportunity to pre-book from our in-store tablets and have
Morning Cream Tea black ravens or the legendary
Includes a main course dish from Option 3 – Hot lunch breakfasts, morning teas, lunch
our hot counter, a non-alcoholic Main course dish served from Before 12.00 Royal Beasts at the Tower of gifts shipped direct to home.
drink and a desert of your choice. our hot counter and a dessert pot Orange scented and currant scones and afternoon tea. For grab and London, the stunning gardens
£17.35 per person or slice of cake with a choice of served with Cornish clotted cream go refreshments, the Stable Yard Don’t forget our full range
of Hampton Court Palace and
non-alcoholic drink. and English strawberry jam. Served
Team Room has a choice of hot of palace inspired gifts can
Option 4 – Traditional Cream Tea with a range of loose leaf teas and Hillsborough Castle and
A delicious homemade scone with
£17.35 per person
drinks, cakes and snacks. be purchased online at
tisanes or coffee. Gardens or the sumptuous
jam and cream plus a hot drink of Option 4 – Traditional Cream Tea £6.50 per person www.historicroyalpalaces.com
your choice. A delicious homemade scone with
Morning Cream Tea ceilings and interiors at
Afternoon Tea A choice of teas or coffee served with Kensington Palace and
£6.25 per person strawberry jam and clotted cream and
A selection of sandwiches, an orange homemade scones, cream and jam.
your choice of tea or coffee.
£5.25 per person
Banqueting House, our palaces
Contact details £6.25 per person scented scone served with Cornish
Catarina Jacques de Souza clotted cream and English strawberry provide a unique shopping
Traditional Afternoon Tea opportunity for your clients.
catarina.jacques-de-Souza@ The Snug jam and a selection of dainty pastries A choice of teas or coffee served with
chandcogroup.com Situated within the Tiltyard Cafe, the served with a range of loose-leaf teas a selection of sandwiches, homemade Therefore, while planning your
+44 (0) 20 3166 6991 Snug is a cosy area perfect for groups and tisanes or coffee. scones with cream and jam and
of up to 25 people to enjoy a morning £19.95 per person delightful pastries. itineraries, make sure to allow
coffee or afternoon tea. time for a visit to our royal shops
Lunch £18.95 per person
Our caterers Ampersand will be Group lunch options are also available, Lunch
where we offer a wide selection
happy to discuss your group’s please contact our caterers to discuss of chinaware, jewellery, toys,
Group lunch options are also available,
requirements, contact them directly your requirements.
for further details.
please contact our caterers to confirm clothing, accessories and much
Contact details availability and discuss your more, all of which would make a
Contact details Stephen Pach requirements.
Veronica Sirbu perfect souvenir of your clients’
Stephen.Pach@chandcogroup.com Contact details
veronica.sirbu@chandcogroup.com +44 (0) 20 3166 6112 trip as well as a great gift for their
Hannah Davey
+44 (0) 20 3166 6975
+44 (0) 28 9286 1395 friends and family back home.
events@yellowdoorhillsborough.co.uk
Contact our retail team on
shop@hrp.org.uk to discuss
delivery and discount rates for
bulk purchases.
8 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 9
Tower of London
This iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site
has almost 1000 years of intriguing tales
to tell. Meet the Yeoman Warders, marvel
at the fabulous finery of the Crown Jewels
and discover an unrivalled collection of royal
arms and armour in the iconic White Tower.
Explore all the roles this impressive building
has had to play throughout the centuries –
from medieval palace and fortress to
infamous prison and execution site.
10 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 11
Must see attractions
Medieval Palace
Once a surprisingly comfortable
royal home here you will enter
the rooms of Edward I and
discover life in the opulence
and colour of a medieval
Yeoman Warders Crown Jewels royal residence.
Yeoman Warders better known The breath-taking world
as the Beefeaters, entertain the famous collection of fabulous
White Tower thousands of visitors that come finery and regalia – discover
Bloody Tower
to the Tower throughout the gloriously ornate intricately
The White Tower is an enduring made Crown Jewels and learn
year with their guided tours and Explore the most infamous
icon of the London skyline, albeit how they have inspired acts of
immense knowledge of this prison at the Tower of London
nowadays dwarfed by, and in greed, violence and even
ancient palace and fortress. and the intriguing stories that
contrast to, the modern city. This spawned stories of evil curses. inspired the name ‘Bloody
striking historic building dating
Tower’. Discover the stories of
back to 1075 today houses the
the Princes in the Tower and
Line of Kings, displaying royal
armour, life-sized wooden horses Royal Beasts Sir Walter Raleigh, a favourite of
The New for Fortress and
Elizabeth I, who spent 13 years 2020
and figures of kings throughout
Explore the tales of the many as a prisoner during the reign Ravens battlements
the centuries.
exotic animals kept at the Tower, of James I. Enjoy great views over modern
from lions, tigers, to elephants Talks London and the river Thames
and alligators, in the Royal With the arrival of our new from atop the walls. Groups can
Beasts exhibition at the Tower of Raven George, hatched at the explore more of the Tower’s
London. Discover the polar bear Tower on 23 April 2019, join battlements giving a sense of
who fished in the Thames for his the Ravenmaster for a 15 what it would have been like to
lunch, the ostrich who ate nails minute insight to one of the defend the Tower against
and many other surprising most famous residents at the potential attackers. Along the
stories. Experience the sights, Tower. Find out who’s who route enjoy exhibitions
sounds, and even smells of the next to their lodgings on the highlighting aspects of the
animals through interactive South Lawn. Talks take place Tower’s past, including the role
displays and find out what at 11.00 and 13.30 each day the Duke of Wellington played
happened when the royal until November 2020. whilst Constable of the Tower.
beasts escaped...
12 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 13
Plan your visit... Guided tours and
days out ideas
Give your groups an even more
Top tips Recommended Royal Beasts Booking memorable visit by booking a
visit time
20 minutes
Book your group online and save
guided tour or private visit
et ahead of the
G Medieval Palace
at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade.
We suggest at least 3 hours 20 minutes Group Welcome Private viewing
crowd! A morning visit For any assistance with your
avoids the crowds in Bloody Tower
White Tower including
Line of Kings 15 minutes
booking requirements, please
call +44 (0) 333 320 6000 or
Talks of the Crown
peak summer months
40 minutes Fortress and battlements email booking.confirmations@ Book a 15-minute welcome talk Jewels
ave money and time
S Crown Jewels 40 minutes hrp.org.uk. for your group. A choice of a
Available in the morning
Yeoman Warder or Coins &
and book your group 40 minutes Yeoman Warder tour from 08.15 experience the
online via our website 45 minutes Opening times Kings warden to meet your
stunning regalia away from
group and delight them with
Summer the crowds. Price based on
he Ceremony of the
T tales of the Tower or the Royal
01 March to 31 October a minimum 15 people, from
Word takes place Admission prices Tuesday to Saturday
Mint at the Tower. From £63 inc
£85 per person plus VAT,
VAT per group, availability
outside the Waterloo 01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 09.00 – 18.00 maximum 150, advanced
varies season to season.
Sunday and Monday payment required.
Block daily at 14.45. Individual Group Gate Group Online
See the inspection of 10.00 – 18.00
Last admission 17.00
Audio Guides Evening Tours
Adult £28.90 £26.60 £24.70
the military guard and
Concession £23.10 £21.30 £19.67 Winter Experience the Tower in
collection of the secret a different light. Meet your
01 November to 28 February
word of the day Child £14.40 £13.30 £12.26
Tuesday to Saturday
A new ‘Highlights of the Tower’
Yeoman Warder at 20.30
tour option is included on the
Family (1 adult) £43.30 n/a n/a 09.00 – 17.00 for an hour long tour
ave time in
S device and points out the key
Family (2 adults) £72.20 n/a n/a Sunday and Monday around the Fortress before
your itinerary by stories and must see
experiencing the ancient
10.00 – 17.00 attractions within the Fortress.
pre-booking Meal Deal Last admission 16.00 Ceremony of the Keys. The
Groups of 15 or more can
catering vouchers Key Closed 24, 25, 26 December pre-order our audio guides at a
cost is £35 per person plus
Catering
and 01 January VAT for a minimum of 20,
ackage your group
P facility discounted price of £3.50 per
maximum 50 people, advance
person. Guides can be booked
visits with guidebooks Shops
Coach parking payment required.
Coach Parks by contacting towergroups@
and take advantage Bureau de A 24-hour coach park with acoustiguide.co.uk and can be
of bulk buying in change
16 bays (height restriction collected at the entrance.
advance Toilets:
Gentleman 4.7m/15’5”) is located in Lower
Toilets: Thames Street. Coaches can
Ladies
set-down or pick-up passengers
Toilets:
Disabled free of charge providing they
Overground remain no longer than 15 minutes.
P train line The charge is £10 per hour.
Underground
train line
Overnight parking between
Ravens
17.00 and 09.00 is £25. Contact
car.parks@cityoflondon.co.uk
Entrance
(Prices correct at time of going
to press).
Exit Group catering
Please see pages 6 and 7 for
catering information.
14 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 15
Hampton
Hampton Court Palace is an awe-inspiring
and flamboyant showcase of kingship.
It’s vast and never ending vistas, courtyards,
Court Palace
gardens and parkland, along with its
magnificent State Apartments rival the
great palaces of Europe and are designed
to impress all those that visit.
16 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 17
Must see attractions
King William III
State Apartments
A grand and lavishly laid out
collection of state apartments
built by the new monarchs.
Walk through the rooms of this
elegant part of the palace and
imagine the beautifully dressed
courtiers revelling in the politics
Key and gossip of court life. This is
exhibition the best place to view the Georgian
2020 magnificent King’s Privy Garden. Kitchen Garden
Gold and Glory: Henry VIII’s See how the fruit, flowers and
vegetables were planted,
Henry VIII and Kitchens Queen’s tended and harvested for the
the French King Experience the Tudor Kitchens, Apartments kings table in the 18th century
the well-oiled machine that in this enormous garden, full
From 10 April-31 August 2020 powered Henry VIII’s Climb the Queen’s Staircase of produce.
Discover the story behind the magnificent court. Immerse to discover the impressively Must
Grand European Summit yourself in a bygone era with decorated grand State see event
Apartments originally built
between Henry VIII and grand displays of food,
for Queen Mary II, redecorated Henry VIII 2020 The Great Vine
François I in 1520, known as authentic smells, the heat of
by Queen Anne and occupied Planted by Lancelot Capability
The Maze
the Field of Cloth of Gold. the fireplaces, and the sounds
by George II and Queen Caroline
vs Francois I: Brown in 1768, this is the oldest Commissioned around 1700 by
Meet the organisers, courtiers of the busy kitchen staff.
and Kings and explore objects as regents, the last monarchs to The Rematch vine in the world. See the many William III, this large and
from the event itself including live at Hampton Court Palace. bunches of grapes develop complex maze is one of the
From 23-31 May 2020
factual letters, accounts through the summer ready oldest surviving hedge mazes in
Hampton Court Palace hosts
and artworks from the Henry VIII’s The Rematch. Henry VIII
for harvest in late August, the country and covers a third of
an acre – make sure your groups
Royal Collection. early September.
Apartments invites François I to his
have their wits about them if
pleasure palace for a festival
Walk in the footsteps of they choose to brave the maze!
of jousting, wrestling and foot
England’s most famous King combat as well as drinking
and his six wives. Lavishly and entertainment.
Privy
presented the apartments Garden
include Henry’s Great Hall,
the Great Watching Chamber, The Privy Garden is one of the
the Council Chamber and the most accurately reconstructed
processional route, allegedly gardens at Hampton Court
haunted by Catherine Howard, because so much was recorded
Henry’s fifth wife. about the original 1702 garden.
The beautiful geometry of the
garden seen against the
stunning palace facade is
a site not to be missed.18 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 19
Plan your visit... Guided tours and
days out ideas
Give your groups an even more
Top tips Recommended Mantegna’s Triumphs Opening memorable visit by booking a
visit time
of Caesar 20 minutes
times guided tour or private visit
nhance your group
E William III’s Apartments
We suggest at least 4 hours 40 minutes Summer
visit by booking a Mid-March to mid-October
Palace accredited
Henry VIII’s Apartments Queen’s State Apartments
Palace Accredited Daily 10.00 – 18.00 Tour Guides
40 minutes 30 minutes
Guide for a tour of the Last admission 17.00
Henry VIII’s Kitchens Chocolate Kitchen 15 minutes Our team of accredited tour
palace and gardens Winter guides can enhance your group
40 minutes Cumberland Art Gallery
Mid-October to mid-March visit providing introductory or
ave time in your
S Gold and Glory: Henry VIII 30 minutes
Daily 10.00 – 16.30 in-depth tours of the palace
itinerary by pre- and the French King The Gardens 1 hour
Last admission 15.30 and gardens. Tours can be lead
booking Meal Deal 30 minutes The Maze It depends....... in costume and can be booked
catering vouchers Closed 24, 25, 26 December for an hour and a half starting
equest your
R
Admission prices Booking at £132 per group.
‘Today’s Programme’ 01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 Book your group online and Horses, Heritage
leaflet in advance by Individual Group Gate Group Online save at www.hrp.org.uk/ and Feasting
emailing groupsand travel-trade. For any assistance
Adult £24.50 £22.60 £20.90 with your booking requirements, Weekdays from 09.00, meet
traveltrade@hrp.org.uk the descendants of Henry VIII’s Daytime Tours
Concession £19.60 £18.10 £16.72 please call +44 (0) 333 320 6000
to ensure your group or email booking. great shire horses before the Choose from a selection of
doesn’t miss a thing Child £12.20 £11.30 £10.36
confirmations@hrp.org.uk. palace opens to the public. themed tours and catering
during their day out Family (1 adult) £36.70 n/a n/a Meet your footmen for the options – Anyone for tennis?
Family (2 adults) £61.20 n/a n/a Coach parking morning and climb aboard the Collections Access: ‘Behind
ampton Court Station
H ornate carriage fit for royalty.
Coach parking is available the scenes’, Roof top tours,
is in zone 6 and can be Take in the splendour of the Glorious gardens and Rogues
Key free of charge for 8 coaches
accessed using a Catering on Hampton Court Green or
Great Fountain Garden and to Royals; Unruly residents.
Transport for London facility Home Park before arriving Your 3-hour experience
at a cost of £25 per day on
Shops back at the palace for a spot
zone 6 Travelcard or a Coach Parks weekdays, £15 per day on
of breakfast in a private
between 10.00 – 17.00,
prepaid Oyster card Bureau de weekends and Bank Holidays maximum 30 guests at £1,000
change apartment. Complete your visit plus VAT plus your choice of
– see www.tfl.gov.uk at the coach park next to
Toilets: with a tour of the palace by your breakfast, light lunch or
Hampton Court Railway Station.
for more information Gentleman
personal guide. £2,500+VAT afternoon tea. (Mon-Fri,
Toilets: (Prices correct at time of
Ladies for up to 20 guests. weekend sup £1,000 plus VAT).
oach parking is free
C Toilets:
going to press).
on Hampton Court Disabled
Audio Guides
Green, a 15-minute
Overground
train line
Group catering
walk from the main Please see pages 6 and 7 for
catering information. Available free of charge, digital
entrance of the palace. audio guides can be collected
Coach parking is also Tiltyard Cafe from the Information Centre in
available at Hampton Georgian Kitchen Garden Base Court, providing a user
Court Station for friendly, modern way to explore
a charge our stunning palace.20 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 21
Banqueting
This revolutionary building was created for
court entertainments, so imagine yourself as
part of the dazzling company of courtiers who
House
attended the exuberant court masques and
danced and drank beneath the magnificent
Rubens-painted ceiling. But spare a thought
for Charles I, who in 1649 was beheaded
outside on a scaffold to the ‘dismal, universal
groan’ of the crowd, these glorious paintings
were one of his last sights on earth.22 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 23
Must see attractions
New for
Up close 2020
to Rubens
From a new super-zoom
interactive tablet app, you
can now get an artist’s view
of the Banqueting House’s
famous Rubens ceiling.
Discover the stories and
information on the characters
and symbols in the painting
and some unexpected and
easy-to-miss details!
Admire the
architecture
Admire the
magnificent
architecture of
the Banqueting
House, which
was built and
designed by
the renowned 17th century The story of
architect, Inigo Jones. Whitehall Palace
Explore the full story of Whitehall
Palace, once the Sovereign’s
Rubens ceiling main residence and the largest
palace in Europe told by DVD
paintings presentation in the Undercroft.
Marvel at the skill and
craftsmanship of the magnificent
Rubens ceiling paintings,
commissioned by Charles I in
1629 to celebrate the glorification
of his father James I. These are
the only Rubens paintings to
remain in their original location
and were unveiled at the
Banqueting House in 1635.24 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 25
Plan your visit... Guided tours and
days out ideas
Give your groups an even more
Top tips Recommended The Banqueting House will memorable visit by booking a
visit time
occasionally close early for guided tour or private visit
private events. Please check
nsure to pre-book
E www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-
We suggest 1 hour.
your group entry time house/visit before visiting. Palace tour Hidden History
slot, so as not to be guides Talks
disappointed by an
Opening times
Year round These fascinating tours are led Hidden History Talks run daily,
afternoon closure by one of our expert guides two/three times per day,
Monday-Sunday: 10.00 – 17.00
and provide a more in-depth subject to availability of staff
ime your visit with
T Last admission: 16.30
account of Banqueting House’s and are free of charge. They are
daily Hidden History incredible history. Tours last the perfect way to bring the
Talks with our expert approximately 1 hour, history of this extraordinary
palace team availability and rates building to life.
Admission prices on request.
ook a guided tour,
B The Handling
01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021
available on request Audio Guides
with our accredited Individual Group Gate Group Online Collection
guides to get a greater Adult £7.50 £6.90 £6.37 Experience the thrill of holding
Discover the incredible history an authentic piece of history in
insight of this fantastic Concession £6.00 £5.60 £5.13 of Whitehall Palace with our your hands, whilst learning
building for your Child Free Free Free free audio guides. Call or email more about it from an expert.
group’s visit in advance to reserve guides The handling collection runs at
for your group.
eing a short visit,
B Key
Booking weekends and school holidays
subject to availability of staff.
the Banqueting House Catering Book your group online and save
facility
is ideal to package Shops
at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade.
with other nearby Coach Parks
For assistance with your booking
attractions such as requirements, please call
Bureau de
+44 (0) 333 320 6000
the Household Cavalry change
Toilets:
Museum, just across
the road, the National
Gentleman
Toilets:
Coach parking
Ladies
Gallery or National There are 12 metered coach
Toilets:
bays along the Victoria
Portrait Gallery at Disabled
Embankment. Mon-Fri £4.00
Overground
Trafalgar Square, train line
per hour 08.30 – 18.30 then free
and why not take a Underground
train line until midnight. Sat £4.00 per
break in the Café in
Pier
hour 08.30 – 13.30 then free
er
the Crypt at St Martin- until midnight. Free on Sunday.
Westminst
in-the-Fields (Details correct at time of going
to press).
Churchill26 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 27
Kensington
A palace of secret stories and public lives,
Kensington Palace, situated in beautiful parkland
in the centre of London, was designed as a royal
Palace
residence for William III & Mary II by Sir Christopher
Wren. More recently, it has been the official residence
of Princess Margaret, Diana Princess of Wales, and is
currently home to the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge and their children. The multiple visitor
routes reveal the surprising stories of many of the
palace’s inhabitants over the centuries.28 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 29
Must see attractions
Victoria –
A royal childhood
In the very rooms that Queen Key
Victoria grew up in, discover exhibition
a surprisingly playful, creative 2020
and inventive child that grew into
Life through Diana: Designing Palace Gardens
the women who would one day
rule over the largest empire the a royal lens for a Princess The beautifully transformed
world had ever known. Explore the evolution of Diana, gardens reconnect the
Opens 15 May 2020
This exciting new exhibition
Princess of Wales’ sense of King’s State Queen’s State building with the landscape
style through a piece of her of Kensington Gardens providing
explores the impact of Queen
wardrobe accompanied by
Apartments Apartments picturesque walks and fantastic
Victoria and Prince Albert’s
original sketches created for Climb the magnificent King’s Explore the small intimate vistas. Our garden history tours
patronage of photography
her during the design process. Staircase where Georgian rooms where the great tale are also available throughout
during its infancy and
See handwritten comments courtiers peer down on you, of the Stuart dynasty reaches the summer months for
showcases never before
from the Princess herself, marvel at the impressively its tragic conclusion. pre-booked groups.
seen private photos taken by
added alongside her decorated rooms and discover
members of the Royal Family
favourite designs. the fashionable world of the
including works by fashion
curious court of George II and
photographer and husband
Queen Caroline.
to Princess Margaret, Antony
Armstrong-Jones.
Victorian Tiaras
Gaze at the glittering suite of
gems specially commissioned
for Victoria by her beloved
Albert. The display includes
the magnificent diamond and
emerald diadem, emerald
necklace, earrings and brooch.30 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 31
Plan your visit... Guided tours and
days out ideas
Give your groups an even more
Top tips Recommended King’s State Apartments Opening times memorable visit by booking a
visit time
30 minutes
Summer
guided tour or private visit
Groups must pre-book Queen’s State Apartments 01 March to 31 October
We suggest 2 hours 20 minutes
a time slot online or 10.00 – 18.00
by calling +44 (0) 333 Life through a royal lens Palace Gardens Last admission 17.00
320 6000 1 hour 30 minutes
Winter
Victoria: A royal childhood 01 November to 28 February
Allow 15-20 minutes 40 minutes 10.00 – 16.00
for your group to walk Last admission 15.00
through Kensington Admission prices Closed 24, 25, 26 December
Gardens from the Individual Group gate Group online
coach park on Booking
18 January – 14 May 2020
Bayswater Road to Group entry to Kensington
Adult £17.00 £15.70 £14.54
ensure they arrive on Palace must be booked in
Concession £13.60 £12.60 £11.59 advance. Call +44 (0) 333 320
time for their timed
Child £8.50 £7.90 £7.22 6000 or email booking.
admission
confirmations@hrp.org.uk
Family (2 adults) £42.50 n/a n/a
For those with access
requirements please Family (1 adult) £25.50 n/a n/a Coach parking
call the Contact Centre 15 May 2020 – 31 December 2020 There is a coach park north of
to make arrangements Adult £21.50 £19.80 £18.34 the palace on Bayswater Road. Private Morning Garden History
Open 24 hours, it costs £38 for
Enhance your group Concession £17.20 £15.90 £14.63
up to 12 hours, 12-24 hours £48, Tours Tours
visit and include Child £10.70 £9.90 £9.12 £10 fee if booking in advance. Join one of our Palace Led by our enthusiastic and
refreshments in Family (2 adults) £53.70 n/a n/a Pay and display, or pay by phone. Explainers at 09.00 for highly trained volunteers, these
The Pavilion. Delicious Contact Euro Carparks 020 7563 a fascinating guided tour, which tours bring a host of intriguing
Family (1 adult) £32.20 n/a n/a
3000. Please allow 10-15 minutes
brunches, lunches for groups to walk through
takes place an hour before the and surprising stories of the
and afternoon teas palace opens. After the tour, gardens to life. Available at no
Key Kensington Gardens to the discover more of the palace at additional cost to palace
can be arranged for Catering palace entrance. For coaches leisure as it opens to the public admission, the tours take place
facility
pre-booked groups Shops
with less able passengers, please from 10.00. This unique from May to September on
contact groupsandtraveltrade@ experience costs £650 plus VAT Tuesdays, Thursdays and
Take a stroll around the Coach Parks
hrp.org.uk for closer drop-off
Bureau de change for up to 10 guests, thereafter Saturdays at 12.00 and 14.00,
palace grounds in the The Pavilion
Toilets:
arrangements. £65 per person plus VAT, subject to availability of guides
spring or summer to Gentleman
maximum 30 per tour. on the day.
Group catering
Sunken Garden
view the beautiful Toilets:
Ladies
planting in the Sunken Toilets: Please see pages 6 and 7 for Audio Guides
Garden in its full glory Disabled
Underground train line
catering information.
An interactive audio guide will
be launching in May 2020. This
will initially launch in English
with more languages added in
the following months.32 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 33
Kew Palace
Explore the royal landscape at Kew.
The intimate palace brings to life the joys
and sorrows of George III and his family.
Discover the eating habits of the royal
the Royal Kitchens, household in the Royal Kitchens and where
they enjoyed family outings and tea at Queen
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage Charlotte’s Cottage. Lastly the Great Pagoda,
designed by William Chambers for the royal
and the Great Pagoda family in the 18th century, the 163ft tall building
was so exotic that a suspicious public were
unconvinced it would remain standing.34 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 35
Must see attractions Must
see for
2020
George:
“The Man behind
the Madness”
2020 marks 200 years
since the death of George III.
George grew up at Kew
Palace, but later in his life,
it became a place of
incarceration and torment
during his periods of mental
illness. Through objects and
interpretation in the palace
rooms, explore George III’s
illness, treatment and public
attitudes to how we think
and talk about mental
illness today.
The Great Pagoda
at Kew
The Great Pagoda, recently
restored to its 18th century
grandeur, is open to those brave
enough to take its 253 steps to
Kew Palace Royal Kitchens the top! As you climb, learn why
the Pagoda was built and how
Enter the intimate world of Situated in an adjacent building, Queen Charlotte’s the royal family used this unique
18th century royalty. Over three so as not to pollute the palace cottage building in the 18th century. Enjoy
floors, meet George III and his with cooking smells, discover spectacular views of modern
family in the very rooms they the ingredients and methods Situated in Kew Gardens, and
London and look out for the
inhabited. Explore the Queen’s used to prepare food for the open at weekends in the
80 specially designed rooftop
Boudoir where Queen Charlotte royal table. Stroll through the summer months, this is where
dragons. An additional ticket is
would spend hours at kitchen garden where the the royal family enjoyed picnics
required to climb to the top.
needlework, spinning and produce is still grown using and tea parties during long
knotting. Learn what some the Georgian methods. summer walks through the
guests had to say about the gardens. Built as a country
King’s hospitality in The King’s retreat and not a residence, this
Dining Room and discover is a perfect example of historic
Princess Elizabeth and Queen royals at play, and relaxing
Charlotte’s bedrooms. behind closed doors.36 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 37
Plan your visit... Guided tours and
days out ideas
Give your groups an even more
Top tips Recommended Queen Charlotte’s cottage Opening times memorable visit by booking a
visit time
30 mins
Kew Palace
guided tour or private visit
(summer weekends only)
re-book your group
P 3 April – 27 September 2020
At least 4 hours including Kew Gardens
admission time slot for Kew Gardens 2 hours
Daily 10.30 – 17.30
Kew Palace when Last admission 17.00
Palace The Great Pagoda
booking Kew Gardens 1 hour 30 mins The Royal Kitchens
as the palace can get Royal Kitchens and Garden
3 April – 27 September 2020
very busy 30 minutes
Daily 10.30 – 17.30
Last admission 17.00
or a personally
F
guided tour of the Admission prices Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
Weekends and Bank Holidays
palace, book one 01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 throughout the summer
of our costumed Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage 11.00 – 16.00
palace experts for are included during opening season in admission to Kew Last admission 15.50
Gardens. Please visit www.kew.org or contact
£6 per person The Great Pagoda
groups@kew.org.uk for prices and bookings.
3 April – 27 September and
on’t forget to visit
D Great Pagoda October Half Term 2020
Queen Charlotte’s 3 April – 27 September and October Half Term 2020 Daily 10.30 – 17.30
Cottage nestled in Adult: £4.50, Child: £3.00 Last admission 17.00
the bluebell woods Kew Gardens
Open daily from 10.00.
ay a visit to the
P Key
Please check www.kew.org
Great Pagoda and Catering
facility for closing times.
marvel at the beautiful Shops
carved dragons, which Coach Parks Booking Palace and Private morning
return to adorn the Bureau de
change To pre-book your joint visit to kitchens tours or evening tours
rooves for the first Toilets: Kew Gardens and Kew Palace
Intimate daytime tours are Enjoy the peace and quiet of
time since 1784 ELIZABETH GATE
Gentleman
Toilets:
and Royal Kitchens contact
available at the palace and this intimate Royal family home
Ladies groups@kew.org or call
include the Royal Kitchens with with a choice of visiting options
Toilets: +44 (0) 20 8332 5648
Disabled our costumed palace experts, depending on your group’s
The Great Pagoda
tours cost £6 per person. interests with our expert guides
Underground
train line
Coach parking in period costume. Morning
Coaches can drop off and pick and Evening tours of Kew
up at the Elizabeth Gate at Palace and or the visit to the
Kew Green. Coach parking is Kew Pagoda and Queen
free of charge on Kew Road Charlotte’s cottage cost £650
S
EN
after 10.00. +VAT for up to 10 people,
RD
GA
thereafter an additional £65
W
Group catering
KE
+VAT per person. Add on the
Royal Kitchens tour for and
Groups can arrange
additional half an hour at
refreshments with the caterers
£10+VAT per person. Timings:
at Kew Gardens by calling
early morning 09.00 – 10.00,
+44 (0) 20 8332 5186.
LONDON OVERGROUND
evening tour 18.00 – 19.00.38 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 39
Hillsborough
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is the
spectacular official residence of the
Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Explore
Castle and
the stunningly renovated State Rooms,
including the Grand Throne Room and
Red Room where key political figures and
royalty alike have gathered, before venturing
Gardens outside to discover the delights in the
100-acre gardens whatever the season.40 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 41
Must see attractions
The Gardens The Weston
Wander at leisure through the Pavilion
historic gardens, which were
After a £16m investment into
developed from the 1760s
the castle and gardens, our new
onwards. Explore intriguing
welcoming Weston Pavilion has
contrasts between ornate
all the services you will require
formal gardens, woodland and
on arriving or departing the
meadows. Keep an eye out for
attraction. Ticketing facilities,
specimen trees and rare plants
toilets, a chance to relax in the
as you explore the grounds.
Hillsborough Castle Cafe and an
opportunity to partake in some
retail therapy in the shop.
Castle tour The Walled
Discover stories of celebration, Garden
entertainment, diplomacy,
The Walled Garden dates back
and negotiation as our
to the 18th Century and is a large,
expert Explainers guide you
four-acre site historically used to
through a 45-minute tour
produce fruit, vegetables and
of Hillsborough Castle’s
flowers for the house. Restored
fascinating history and
and represented explore this
stunning State Rooms. Should
beautiful working and productive
your group have a particular
garden, complete with dipping
interest we have themed tours;
pond, crop rotations, seasonal
Art, Royalty, Politics, Family
produce served in the café and
and LGBTQ tours. These are
potting sheds. Herbaceous
on request and require the
borders and an apple orchard
buyout of the time slot.
can also be seen.
State Rooms
During your castle tour you will
be introduced to all the State
Rooms that make up this
elegant Georgian home
including; the grand Throne
Room, relaxing State Drawing
Room, Lady Grey’s Study,
State Dining Room, Red Room
and Staircase Hall.42 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 43
Plan your visit...
Top tips Admission prices Recommended
Castle Tour (including Garden admission) visit time
Consider one of our
01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 2 hours
themed Castle tours for Individual Group
special interest groups Guided Castle tour
Adult £12.70 £11.68 45 minutes
or repeat groups
Concession £10.20 £9.38 Garden visit
re-book your timed
P Child £6.35 £5.84 1 hour, but there’s lots to explore
admission Castle Tour Note – group so stay as long as you like!
Family 1 adult £19.00 n/a booking online is
via our Contact Centre. not yet available
Arrive no later than Family 2 adults £31.80 n/a for Hillsborough
Castle tours.
Opening times
45 minutes before the Gardens only admission Pre-booked Castle tours
designated tour time 01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 1 March 2020 –
Individual Group gate Group online 28 February 2021
ur new Coach Park
O Timed admission up to every
Adult £8.90 £8.20 £7.60 15 minutes
is located close to the
Concession £7.10 £6.60 £5.99
new Weston Pavilion Gardens Admission
where you’ll find toilets, Child £4.45 £4.10 £3.80 1 March – 30 September 2020
ticketing and a café and Family 1 adult £13.30 n/a n/a 09.30 – 18:00
shop. Ensure you allow Family 2 adults £22.30 n/a n/a 1 October 2020 –
enough time in your 28 February 2021
itinerary for your group 09.30 – 16:00
to enjoy this area too Key
Catering
Please note last admission Group bookings Access from
is 1 hour before closing.
he Stable Yard Tea
T
facility
Shops
Group bookings for castle Weston Pavilion
tours must be made at least
Room, located Coach Parks
48 hours in advance,
to Castle
opposite the Castle Toilets:
minimum 15 people. A pleasant stroll through the
Lake Gentleman
entrance offers drinks Toilets: gardens takes approximately
and snacks and is a
Weston Pavillion
Ladies To book your castle tour
20 minutes from the Weston
call +44 (0) 333 320 6000
great place to rest Coach Park
or email booking.
Pavilion to the Castle itself.
whilst awaiting your There is transport available for
Walled Garden confirmations@hrp.org.uk
Castle Tour visitors who require mobility
Entrance assistance or for those who are
ust 30 minutes from
J Coach Parking time restricted. Please contact
Belfast or an hour and
Exit to Village
Tiltyard Cafe The new coach park has direct booking.confirmations@
from access from the A1 dual hrp.org.uk prior to your visit
a half from Dublin on Georgian Kitchen Garden
for more information.
carriageway ensuring that
the main road between Castle Tour
The castle itself is fully
entrance Courthouse access to Hillsborough Castle
the two cities, include and Gardens is as easy as wheelchair accessible.
Hillsborough as a Garden Terraces possible for group and coach
convenient stop off Lost Garden operators. There are 12 coach
for your itinerary parking spaces free of charge
on a first come first served basis
for castle and gardens visitors.44 hrp.org.uk
Get social with us!
Historic Royal Palaces have even Contact details
more ways for you to access regular Buy tickets for 15 or more people
updates and to take part in T: +44 (0) 333 320 6000
conversations about the past, E: booking.confirmations@hrp.org.uk
present and future of our palaces, Book your groups online and save at
our work and your group visits. www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade
Find out more about the palaces
Join our online www.hrp.org.uk
communities... Ask the Travel Trade Team
For historical insights, forthcoming events and T: + 44 (0) 20 3166 6311
behind-the-scenes access to the palaces and the E: groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk
people that tell their stories, like us on Facebook, Images of the palaces
follow us on Twitter and Instagram, join our Linked www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade
In group or watch our videos on YouTube.
Souvenirs and shopping
T: +44 (0) 20 3166 6848
E: shop@hrp.org.uk
www.historicroyalpalaces.com
Corporate gifts
T: +44 (0) 20 3166 6857
E: corpgifts@hrp.org.uk
Parties and events
T: +44 (0) 20 3166 6399
E: events@hrp.org.uk
www.hrp.org.uk/hireavenue
Terms and conditions escorted by adults/seniors to the ratio of 1-6 for up compilation of this manual, HRP or any individual
Pricing validity is from 01 March 2020 to to 6 years old and 1-10 for 7-16 years at all palaces. palace cannot be held liable for any information
28 February 2021. Historic Royal Palaces retain Groups of children booking the standard rates that is inaccurate or subsequently changed.
the right to adjust prices during this period, should be escorted adults/seniors to the ratio of Support materials (which are generally available
should circumstances dictate. 1-15 for 6 years and up. free of charge) such as leaflets and images are
Payment may be made by cash, major credit cards It should be noted that Historic Royal Palaces Crown Copyright and should only be used for the
(excluding Diners Card) and via the Agency (HRP), or any individual palace, may at any time purpose stated and not altered in any way without
Voucher Scheme. alter the opening times and/or availability of access express written agreement from HRP.
to any palace. In the event of palace closure any Historic Royal Palaces is a registered charity
A child is defined as aged between 5 years and pre-paid groups will receive a full refund of monies
15 years old. Children visiting the Magic Garden (number 1068852)
paid, but neither HRP nor any individual palace will
over the age of 3 will be charged. Young person’s be liable for any consequential loss arising from
16-18 years may obtain concessionary admission. such closure. HRP or any individual palace reserve
Senior citizens (65 and over) are admitted at the the right to withdraw from public access any route,
concessionary rate. Groups of children booking room or area within a palace or its grounds without
our Education sessions and admissions should be notice. Whilst every care is exercised in thewww.hrp.org.uk
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