GROUP VISITS GUIDE 2022-2023 - Historic Royal Palaces
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GROUP VISITS GUIDE 2022-2023
I N T RO D U CT I O N A N D C O N T E N TS
We are a team of people who love and look after six Treat your groups to over 900 years of drama,
of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create devotion, secrets stories and royal intrigue at some
space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone of the greatest palaces ever built. Your visits will
to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the follow in the footsteps of the great, good, devious
monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let and dastardly, providing memories of a great day
children explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity out, your customers will want to return again
and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone. and again.
This Group Visits Guide is designed to give organisers of TOWER OF PAGE 8
group travel and travel industry professionals inspiration LONDON
for excursions and days out and to make the process as
seamless as possible. With so much to uncover at so many
attractions, your only challenge is which to choose first!
HAMPTON PAGE 14
How to use this guide COURT PALACE
We have designed a helpful key to assist in the planning of
your group visit and to ensure your customers have a fun
packed day and make the most of their time at the palaces.
KENSINGTON PAGE 20
Look out for these icons on the “Must see PALACE
attractions” pages for each palace to best tailor
your group’s experience.
Steps and uneven staircases KEW PALACE PAGE 26
THE ROYAL KITCHENS,
THE GREAT PAGODA,
Wheelchair access QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S
COTTAGE
Youth groups – children, families,
multigenerational friendly HILLSBOROUGH PAGE 32
CASTLE AND
arge groups – space for large
L GARDENS
group visits
Small groups – suitable for groups
up to 20 people at a time BANQUETING PAGE 38
HOUSE
Private tours available on request
Gardens – activities for groups with
an interest in gardens
AT YOUR SERVICE PAGE 3
TICKETING OPTIONS PAGE 4
CATERING PAGE 6
GET SOCIAL WITH US PAGE 40
1
AT YO U R SE RV I C E
Historic Royal Palaces has a Sales Badge Guides are given free Easy to get to
Team to assist group organisers admission to escort their clients. For group visits, all palaces have
in planning visits to the palaces Palace Hosts will be on hand to coach parking or pick-up and
as well as advising coach and tour answer any questions your drop-off facilities. All the London
operators with itinerary and clients may have. palaces can be reached by rail,
excursion planning. underground and four palaces
For further information, please contact by riverboat.
Sales support groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk
The Sales Team can help you with Accessibility
all your arrangements for your Fanfare Our palaces welcome all visitors and
group’s perfect day out including Published three times a year, Fanfare we try to ensure everyone’s visit is
assistance with planning itineraries, is our newsletter with news on successful and enjoyable. Registered
information on our group forthcoming exhibitions, seasonal disabled visitors are charged the
ticketing options, dedicated group events and special tours to help you relevant ticket price and carers are
ticket offices and on-site catering. plan your excursions. admitted free of charge.
The sales team can also help you
promote and sell your tours and Quick-Blast! As historical sites, our palaces do
excursions with content and images, News of last-minute offers and timely have uneven or cobbled surfaces
which can be downloaded from announcements of new exhibitions and narrow staircases in places. Full
hrp.org.uk/travel.trade. and events will be sent in our accessibility information including
Quick-Blasts! wheelchair access and information
Free admission on sign language tours can be found
Free admission is given at all Sign up here for Fanfare and on our website hrp.org.uk.
palaces to coach drivers and locally Quick-Blasts.
registered Blue Badge Guides. Website
Groups that include members of Added value Visit the dedicated group planning
Historic Royal Palaces will avail Group discounts apply to parties pages on the Historic Royal Palaces
of the group price as long as there of 15 visitors or more and regular website, hrp.org.uk/travel-trade, for
are 15 people in total. interpretation events are included the latest information and help in
in general admission. planning your itineraries and online
Guiding in the palaces group booking.
Blue Badge and Historic Royal Money saving catering vouchers and
Palaces Accredited Guides can group menus are available in palace
guide inside the Tower of London cafes.
and Hampton Court Palace.
No guiding is currently allowed Agency voucher scheme and
inside Kensington Palace due to account facilities for coach and tour
space restrictions however Blue operators upon application.
3
TICKETING OPTIONS
Historic Royal Palaces have purchased upon arrival and paid Once booked, tickets are sent with
developed group friendly ticket for via cash or card. If time slots your confirmation email. For six or
options that allow easy access to apply on the day, groups will be less visitors, tickets can be presented
the palaces for your customers allocated the next available time on a mobile device, for more than six
and simplified payment terms for slot. Pre-booking is advised for visitors, tickets must be printed and
volume Travel Trade suppliers. Kensington Palace and Hillsborough distributed to group members prior
Castle and Gardens. to arriving at the gate.
Online Group Ticketing
Groups Organisers, coach and tour Agency Voucher Scheme and All tickets are scanned at the
operators can book their tickets B2B portal point of entry, avoiding queuing
for the Tower of London, Hampton Members of the Historic Royal to exchange vouchers for palace
Court Palace, Kensington Palace Palaces Agency Voucher Scheme tickets and allowing more time for
and Hillsborough Castle and must pre-book customers through customers to enjoy the palaces.
Gardens via our website the B2B portal. With a secure login,
hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. Group rates bookings can be made 24 hours a Agency Voucher Scheme members
apply to orders for 15 tickets or more, day, 7 days a week for the Tower of can cancel bookings via the B2B
payment by credit card is required London, Hampton Court Palace, portal portal up to the day of arrival.
at time of booking. Tickets are sent Kensington Palace and Hillsborough To amend a booking, please email
with the confimation email. Tickets Castle and Gardens. groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk
must be printed and distributed to no later than one week before the
the group members in advance of All palaces operate on a timed planned visit date.Please contact
arriving at the gate. admission basis, so you must reserve groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk for
a date and time slot in advance. registration and User Manual details
Walk up groups are also accepted at Details of opening and closing times and criteria for joining the Agency
the Tower of London and Hampton and time slots can be found on the Voucher scheme.
Court Palace. Tickets can be palace pages in this guide.
4
CAT ERING DEALS RETA I L T H E RA PY
Our meal voucher scheme for HAMPTON COURT PALACE KENSINGTON PALACE
groups of 15 or more provides Tiltyard Café Situated on the Orangery lawns,
great meal deal options across Option 1 – Light lunch overlooking the sunken garden,
the palaces throughout the day. A bowl of seasonal soup and rustic the Pavilion offers an alternative
Simply select the one that best bread or a freshly made sandwich, on-site catering space whilst the
suits your itinerary! both with a choice of non-alcoholic Orangery undergoes restoration
drink and a slice of cake. and rebuilding work.
TOWER OF LONDON
£12.50 per person
New Armouries Café Option 1 – Cream Tea
Option 1 – Light lunch Option 2 – Hot lunch (Before 12:00hrs)
A bowl of seasonal soup and rustic Main course dish served from Orange scented and currant scones BANQUETING HOUSE
bread or a freshly made sandwich, our hot counter and a dessert pot served with Cornish clotted cream Whilst there are no on-site catering
both with a choice of non-alcoholic or slice of cake with a choice of and English strawberry jam. Served facilities at the Banqueting House,
drink and a cake or dessert. non-alcoholic drink. with a range of loose leaf teas and close by there are numerous
£12.50 per person £19.50 per person tisanes or coffee. restaurants, cafes and bars.
£9.50 per person
Option 2 – Hot lunch Option 4 – Traditional Cream Tea KEW PALACE
Main course dish served from the A delicious homemade scone with Option 2 – Afternoon Tea At Kew Palace groups can arrange
hot counter with a dessert pot or strawberry jam and clotted cream A selection of sandwiches, tea refreshments with Kew Gardens Whether inspired by the iconic black Visitors can also select products from
slice of cake and a choice of and your choice of tea or coffee. cakes an orange scented scone caterers by calling +44 (0) 20 8332 5186. ravens or the legendary Royal Beasts our in-store tablets and have gifts
non-alcoholic drink. £7.50 per person served with Cornish clotted cream
HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE at the Tower of London, by the shipped direct to home.
£19.50 per person and English strawberry jam and
AND GARDENS stunning gardens at Hampton Court
The Snug a selection of dainty pastries served
Palace or the sumptuous ceilings and Don’t forget our full range of
Option 3 – Traditional Cream Tea Situated within the Tiltyard Cafe, with a range of loose-leaf teas and Groups can enjoy a range of catering
interiors at Kensington Palace, our palace inspired gifts can be
A delicious homemade scone with the Snug is a cosy area perfect for tisanes or coffee. offers in our new catering facilities
palaces provide a unique shopping purchased online at
strawberry jam and clotted cream groups of up to 25 people to enjoy £24.00 per person located in the Weston Pavilion.
opportunity for your clients. www.historicroyalpalaces.com
and your choice of tea or coffee. a morning coffee or afternoon tea. From morning coffee and tea,
£7.50 per person Option 3 – Lunch lunches and traditional afternoon
Therefore, while planning your itin-
Our caterers CH&Co will be Group lunch options are also avail- teas, enhance your groups visit and
eraries, make sure to allow time for
Contact details: happy to discuss your group’s able,please contact our caterers to enquire with our caterers.
a visit to our royal shops where we
Tower of London requirements, contact them discuss your requirements.
Contact details: offer a wide selection of chinaware,
flavie.treton@chandcogroup.com directly for further details.
Hillsborough Castle jewellery, toys, clothing, accessories
Contact details:
+44 (0) 3166 6000 and much more; all of which would
Contact details: Kensington Palace
groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk make a perfect souvenir of your
Hampton Court Palace alex.cojocariu@chandcogroup.com
clients’ trip as well as a great gift for
michal.perfeniuk@chandcogroup.
their friends and family back home.
com
Contact our retail team on
shop@hrp.org.uk to discuss delivery
and discount rates for bulk
purchases.
6
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 ancient White Tower.
Explore all the roles this impressive fortress has had to play
throughout the centuries – from medieval palace, armoury,
to infamous prison and execution site.
9
M UST S EE ATTRACTIONS MUST S E E ATT RACT I O N S
Bloody Tower
Explore the most infamous prison
at the Tower of London and the
intriguing tales that inspired the
name “Bloody Tower”. Discover the
stories of the Princes in the Tower
and Sir Walter Raleigh, a favourite
of Elizabeth I, who spent 13 years as
a prisoner during the reign of James I.
Yeoman Warders
Royal Beasts
Yeoman Warders, better known as the
Explore the tales of the many exotic
Beefeaters, entertain all our visitors
animals kept at the Tower, from lions,
that come to the Tower throughout
tigers, to elephants and alligators,
the year with their guided tours and
in the Royal Beasts exhibition.
immense knowledge of this ancient
Discover the polar bear who fished
palace and fortress.
in the Thames for his lunch, the
ostrich who ate nails and many other
surprising stories. Experience the
sights, sounds and even smells of the
White Tower
Crown Jewels animals through interactive displays
Must see for 2022 The White Tower is an enduring
The breath-taking world famous and find out what happened when
From June – September 2022, the icon of the London skyline, albeit
collection of fabulous finery and the royal beasts escaped...
Tower of London’s historic moat nowadays dwarfed by, and in
regalia – discover the gloriously
will transform into a sea of vibrant contrast to, the modern city. This
ornate, intricately made Crown
colour to celebrate Her Majesty striking historic building dating
Jewels and learn how they have
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. back to 1075 today houses the Line of
inspired acts of greed, violence
Contact groupsandtraveltrade Kings exhibit, a display of royal ar-
and even spawned stories of
@hrp.org.uk for further mour, life-sized wooden horses and
evil curses.
information. figures of kings throughout
the centuries.
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 royal residence.
10 11
P LA N YOUR VISIT GU I D E D TO U RS A N D DAYS O U T I D EAS
Give your groups an even more Private viewing of the Secrets of the Tower Tour
Top Tips Recommended Visit Time We suggest at least 3 hours
memorable visit by booking a Crown Jewels On this tour, your groups will get
Crown Jewels 40 min Bloody Tower 15 min guided tour or private visit Available in mornings from 09:15 - exclusive access to areas that are
• Book your group’s timeslot 10:00 (08:15 - 09:00 during school normally out-of-bounds. Visitors
online via our website to secure Royal Beasts 20 min Fortress and battlements 40 min Morning meet and greet holidays) or evenings from 18:30 will get under the skin of this ancient
their admission Book a 15-minute welcome talk for - 20:00, experience the stunning fortress and discover the secrets
Medieval Palace 20 min Yeoman Warder tour 45 min
your group. A Yeoman Warder will regalia away from the crowds. that lurk beneath the surface. Tours
• The Ceremony of the Word takes White Tower including 40 min Superbloom 30 min meet your group at the Ravens Cages Morning tours are £1,350+ VAT for commence at 9.30am-10.30am
place outside the Waterloo Block Line of Kings for a 15 minute intro to the Tower up to 15 guests, additional guests (Mon-Thurs). £1,200 + VAT.
daily at 14.45. See the inspection and a photo opportunity. For £90+VAT per person with a max Maximum group size 10 guests.
of the military guard and information on availability and of 40 people. Evening tours £1,650
Admission prices 1 March 2022 - 28 February 2023
collection of the secret word prices, please contact +VAT. Evening tours include an
of the day Individual price – gate and online Group price groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk. optional sparkling wine reception. Opening times
1 March – 31 October 2022
• Save time in your itinerary Adult £29.90 £27.60 Sunday – Monday
Evening Tours
by pre-booking Meal Deal £24.00 £22.10 Experience the Tower in a different 10:00-18:00hrs
Concession
catering vouchers Audio Guides light. Meet your Yeoman Warder at Last admission: 17.00hrs
Child £14.90 £13.80 Groups of 15 or more can pre- 20.30 for an hour-long tour around Tuesday – Saturday:
• Package your group visits with £52.20 n/a order our audio guides at a the Fortress before experiencing
Family 1 adult 09:00-18:00hrs
guidebooks and take advantage discounted price of £3.50 per the worlds longest running Military
Family 2 adults £82.10 n/a Last admission: 17.00hrs
of bulk buying in advance. adult and £3 per child. Guides ceremony - the Ceremony of the
can be booked by contacting Keys. Prices are £800+ VAT, for up Coach parking
towergroups@acoustiguide.co.uk to 20 guests, additional guests are A 24-hour coach park with 16 bays
Key
and then collected at the entrance. £40+ VAT per person with a (height restriction 4.7m/15’50) is
CATERING maximum capacity of 50 people. located in Lower Thames Street.
FACILITY Coaches can set-down or pick-up
passengers free of charge providing
SHOPS
they remain no longer than 15
minutes. Overnight parking is
COACH PARKS
also available from 17.00 to 09.00.
UREAU DE
B Contact car.parks@cityoflondon.
CHANGE co.uk for prices.
TOILETS:
GENTLEMAN Group catering
Please see pages 6 and 7 for
TOILETS: catering information.
LADIES
OILETS:
T
DISABLED
UNDERGROUND
TRAIN LINE
OVERGROUND
TRAIN LINE
12 13
HAMPTON
COURT PALACE
Hampton Court Palace is an awe-inspiring and flamboyant
showcase of kingship. It’s vast, endless vistas, courtyards,
gardens and parkland, along with its magnificent
State Apartments rival the great palaces of Europe;
all designed to impress those that visit.
15
M UST S EE ATTRACTIONS MUST S E E ATT RACT I O N S
The Maze Henry VIII’s Kitchens
Tulip Festival
Commissioned around 1700 by Experience the Tudor Kitchens, the
19 April – 2 May 2022
William III, this large and complex well-oiled machine that powered
In spring 2022, Hampton Court
maze is one of the oldest surviving Henry VIII’s magnificent court.
Palace will become a kaleidoscope
hedge mazes in the country and Immerse yourself in a bygone era
of colours as thousands of tulips
covers a third of an acre – make with grand displays of food, authentic
bloom throughout the gardens and
sure your groups have their wits smells, the heat of the fireplaces, and
the courtyards. A special trail will
about them if they choose to brave the sounds of the busy kitchen staff.
guide visitors around the stunning
the maze!
displays, revealing the history of
the tulips, believed to date back to
Mary II (1662-1694). Our expert
gardening team will also be on The Great Vine
hand to provide tips and infor- Planted by Lancelot Capability
mation to keen gardeners during Brown in 1768, this is the oldest vine
their visit. Included in admission. in the world. See the many bunches
of grapes develop through the
summer ready for harvest in late
August, early September.
Henry VIII’s Apartments King William III State Apartments
Walk in the footsteps of England’s A grand and lavishly laid out
most famous King and his six wives. collection of State Apartments built
Privy Garden
Lavishly presented apartments by the new monarchs, William and
The Privy Garden is one of the most
include Henry’s Great Hall, the Mary. Walk through the rooms of
accurately reconstructed gardens
Great Watching Chamber and the this elegant palace and imagine
at Hampton Court because so
processional route, allegedly the beautifully dressed courtiers
much was recorded about the
haunted by Catherine Howard, revelling in the politics and gossip
original 1702 garden. The beautiful
Henry’s fifth wife. of court life. Gaze out of the
geometry of the garden seen against
windows to the magnificent
the stunning palace façade is a site
King’s Privy Garden.
not to be missed.
Queen’s Apartments
Climb the Queen’s Staircase to
discover the impressively decorated
Georgian Kitchen Garden grand State Apartments originally
See how the fruit, flowers and built for Queen Mary II, redecorated
vegetables were planted, tended and by Queen Anne and occupied by
harvested for the kings table in the George II and Queen Caroline, the
18th century in this enormous last monarchs to live at Hampton
garden, full of produce. Court Palace.
16 17P LA N YOUR VISIT GU I D E D TO U RS A N D DAYS O U T I D EAS
Give your groups an even more
Top Tips Recommended Visit Time We suggest at least 4 hours
memorable visit by booking a Opening times
Henry VIII’s Apartments 40 min Queen’s State Apartments 30 min guided tour or private visit 3 January – 27 March 2022
• Book your group’s timeslot
Wednesday – Sunday
online via our website to secure Henry VIII’s Kitchens 40 min The Gardens 1 hr Palace Accredited Guides 10:00-16:00hrs
their admission These bespoke tours can be tailored
William III’s Apartments 40 min The Maze it depends... Last admission: 15.00hrs
to your groups individual interests.
• Enhance your group visit by Our guides can cover anything from 30 March – 30 October 2022
booking a Palace Accredited ghost stories and salacious gossip of Wednesday – Sunday
Admission prices 1 March 2022 - 28 February 2023
Guide for a tour of the palace the Tudor and Georgian Courts, the 10:00-17:30hrs
and gardens origins of the Baroque Palace, to the Last admission: 16.00hrs
Individual price – gate and online Group price
imprisonment of Charles I in the
• Save time in your itinerary by £26.10 £24.10 Tudor Apartments. Tours start 31 October – 19 February 2023
Adult
pre-booking Meal Deal catering from £132. Please contact Wednesday – Sunday
vouchers Concession £20.90 £19.30 10:00-16:00hrs
groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk.
Child £13.00 £12.00 Last admission: 15.00hrs
• Hampton Court Station is just Morning Tours
half an hour from London Family 1 adult £45.60 n/a Please note opening times vary during
Experience the delights of
Waterloo Station in zone 6 Family 2 adults £71.70 n/a Hampton Court Palace without
UK school holidays and the Festive
and can be accessed using Fayre (2-4 December), please check
the usual crowds. Choose a theme before you visit.
a Transport for London zone from History Where It Happened,
6 Travelcard or a prepaid Key
Glorious Gardens or Magnificent Coach parking
Oyster Card – see www.tfl.gov.uk Artwork, all led by our expert
for more information CATERING Audio Guides Coach parking is available free of
FACILITY guides. After your tour, you will Available free of charge, digital charge for 8 coaches on Hampton
have the opportunity to enjoy audio guides can be collected Court Green, a 15-minute walk
SHOPS breakfast in a private apartment from the Information Centre from the main entrance of the
before discovering more about the in Base Court, providing a user palace. Coach parking is also
COACH PARKS
palace. Your one-hour experience friendly, modern way to explore available at Hampton Court
TOILETS: will take place between 09.00-10.00, our stunning palace. Please Station for a charge. Please refer
GENTLEMAN at £650 + VAT for up to 10 guests. email groupsandtraveltrade@ to the National Rail website
TOILETS:
Tours available Monday-Friday exc hrp.org.uk for further informa- for prices.
LADIES bank holidays. tion.
Group catering
OILETS:
T
DISABLED Evening Tours Please see pages 6 and 7 for
View the majestic splendour of catering information.
OVERGROUND Hampton Court Palace in a different
TRAIN LINE
light as dusk starts to set. Choose
from A Touch of History, Ghost
Tours, Art at the Palace or Salacious
Gossip. Your after-hours experience
will take place between 18.30-20.00
in the Summer and 17.00-19.00 in
the Winter at £2,000+VAT for up to
30 guests.
18 19KENSINGTON
PALACE
A palace of secret stories and public lives, Kensington Palace,
situated in beautiful parkland in the centre of London, was designed
as a royal 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 family. A visit reveals the surprising
stories of many of the palace’s inhabitants over the centuries.
21M UST S EE ATTRACTIONS MUST SE E ATT RACT I O N S
Palace Gardens
The beautifully transformed gardens
reconnect the building with the
landscape of Kensington Gardens
providing picturesque walks and
fantastic vistas.
King’s State Apartments
Climb the magnificent King’s
Staircase where Georgian courtiers
peer down on you, marvel at the
impressively decorated rooms and
discover the fashionable world of
the curious court of George II and
Queen Caroline.
Queen’s State Apartments
Explore the small intimate rooms
where the great tale of the Stuart
Victoria - A royal childhood dynasty reaches its tragic conclusion.
Life Through A Royal Lens
In the very rooms that Queen
4 March – 16 October 2022
Victoria grew up in, discover a
This exhibition will explore the
surprisingly playful, creative and
impact of Queen Victoria and
inventive child who would one day
Prince Albert’s patronage of
rule over the largest empire the
photography during its infancy
world had ever known.
and showcases never before seen
private photos taken by members
of the Royal Family including
Victorian Tiaras works by fashion photographer
Gaze at the glittering suite of gems and husband to Princess
specially commissioned for Victoria Margaret, Lord Snowdon.
by her beloved Albert. The display
includes the magnificent diamond
and emerald diadem, emerald
necklace, earrings and brooch.
22 23P LA N YOUR VISIT GU I D E D TO U RS A N D DAYS O U T I D EAS
Give your groups an even more
Top Tips Recommended Visit Time We suggest 2 hours
memorable visit by booking a Opening times
guided tour or private visit 1 January – 28 February 2022
Victoria: A royal childhood 30 min Queens State Apartments 20 min
• Book your group’s time slot Wednesday – Sunday
to secure their admission Life through a royal lens 30 min Palace Gardens 30 min Early Morning Tours 10:00-16:00hrs
Join one of our Palace Host Guides Last admission: 15:00
• Allow 15-20 minutes for your Kings State Apartments 30 min at 09.00 for a fascinating guided
group to walk through tour of the State Apartments and 3 March – 31 October 2022
Kensington Gardens from the Admission prices 3 January 2022 – 3 March 2022 the Victoria: A royal childhood Wednesday – Sunday
coach park on Bayswater Road exhibition an hour before the palace 10:00-18:00hrs
to ensure they arrive on time for Individual price – gate and online Group price officially opens. After the tour, Last admission: 17:00
Adult £16 .00 £14.80 discover more of the palace at
their timed admission
leisure as it opens to the public from 2 November – 1 January 2023
Concession £12.80 £11.80 10.00. This unique experience costs Wednesday – Sunday
• For those with access
£650 plus VAT for up to 10 guests, 10:00-16:00hrs
requirements please email Child £8.00 £7.40
thereafter £65 per person plus VAT Last admission: 15:00
the Contact Centre to maximum 60 per tour.
Family 1 adult £28.00 n/a
make arrangements Kensington Palace will be closing early on
info@hrp.org.uk Family 2 adults £44.00 n/a selected dates in 2022. Please refer to the
Historic Royal Palaces website for details.
• Enhance your group visit
and include refreshments Admission prices 4 March 2022 – 30 October 2022
Booking
in the Pavilion. Delicious Individual price – gate and online Group price Book your time slot online
brunches, lunches and afternoon hrp.org.uk/travel-trade.
Adult £20.00 £18.40
teas can be arranged for For assistance with your
pre-booked groups Concession £16.00 £14.80 booking requirements, email
info@hrp.org.uk
• Take a stroll around the palace Child £10.00 £9.20
grounds in the spring or summer Family 1 adult £35.00 n/a Key Coach parking
to view the beautiful planting There is a 24 hour coach park
in the Sunken Garden in its Family 2 adults £55.00 n/a
CATERING FACILITY north of the palace on Bayswater
full glory. Road. Pay and display by phone.
SHOPS
Admission prices 31 October 2022 – 1 January 2023 Contact Euro Carparks for prices.
COACH PARKS
Individual price – gate and online Group price Group catering
Adult £16 .00 £14.80 BUREAU DE CHANGE Please see pages 6 and 7 for
catering information.
Concession £12.80 £11.80 TOILETS: GENTLEMAN
Child £8.00 £7.40
TOILETS: LADIES
Family 1 adult £28.00 n/a
TOILETS: DISABLED
Family 2 adults £44.00 n/a
UNDERGROUND
TRAIN LINE
PALACE CLOSED 2 January 2023 – 28 February 2023
24 25KEW PALACE
THE R OYA L K ITC HENS, Q U EEN C HA R LOTTE’S
C OTTAG E A ND THE G R EAT PAG O DA
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 household in the Royal
Kitchens and where they enjoyed family outings and tea at
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage. Lastly the Great Pagoda, designed
by William Chambers for the royal family in the 18th century,
the 163ft tall building was so exotic that a suspicious public
were unconvinced it would remain standing.
27M UST S EE ATTRACTIONS MUST S E E ATT RACT I O N S
1
The Great Pagoda at Kew Queen Charlotte’s cottage
Kew Palace Royal Kitchens The Great Pagoda, recently restored Situated in Kew Gardens, and open
Enter the intimate world of 18th Situated in an adjacent building, to its 18th century grandeur, is open at weekends in the summer months,
century royalty. Over three floors, so as not to pollute the palace with to those brave enough to take its 253 this is where the royal family enjoyed
meet George III and his family in the cooking smells, discover the steps to the top! As you climb, learn picnics and tea parties during long
very rooms they inhabited. Explore ingredients and methods used to why the Pagoda was built and how summer walks through the gardens.
the Queen’s Boudoir where Queen prepare food for the royal table. the royal family used this unique Built as a country retreat, and not a
Charlotte would spend hours at Stroll through the kitchen garden building in the 18th century. Enjoy residence this is a perfect example of
needlework, spinning and knotting. where the produce is still grown spectacular views of modern historic royals at play, and relaxing
Learn what some guests had to say using the Georgian methods. London and look out for the 80 behind closed doors.
about the King’s hospitality in The specially designed rooftop dragons.
King’s Dining Room and discover An additional ticket is required to
Princess Elizabeth and Queen climb to the top.
Charlotte’s bedrooms.
28 29P LA N YOUR VISIT GU I D E D TO U RS A N D DAYS O U T I D EAS
Top Tips Recommended Visit Time At least 4 hours including Kew Gardens
Summer Opening times
Palace 1 hr The Great Pagoda 30 min For information on opening
• Pre-book your group admission dates and times, please refer to
timeslot for Kew Palace Kew Gardens 2 hrs Royal Kitchens and Garden 30 min www.hrp.org.uk/kew-palace
when booking Kew Gardens as
the palace can get very busy Queen Charlotte’s cottage 30 min Kew Gardens closures will affect
(summer weekends only) your visit. Please check garden
• Don’t forget to visit Queen closures before your visit on the
Charlotte’s Cottage nestled in Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Admission prices
the bluebell woods website, www.kew.org/kew-
gardens/visit-kew-gardens/
• Pay a visit to the Great Pagoda Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage are included opening-and-closing-times
and marvel at the beautifully during opening season in admission to Kew Gardens. Please visit
carved dragons, which return to www.kew.org or contact groups@kew.org.uk for prices and bookings. Booking
adorn the rooves for the first To pre-book your joint visit to
time since 1784. The Great Pagoda Kew Gardens and Kew Palace
and Royal Kitchens contact
Groups can pre-book their visit to the Great Pagoda or pay on the day.
groups@kew.org or call
Email groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk for more information
+44 (0) 20 8332 5648.
Coach parking
Key Please visit www.kew.org for
Give your groups an even more details of pick-up and drop off
CATERING memorable visit by booking a or email groups@kew.org.
FACILITY
guided tour or private visit Group catering
COACH PARKS
Groups can arrange refreshments
Exclusive morning and evening with the caterers at Kew Gardens
TOILETS:
GENTLEMAN tours of Kew Palace by calling +44 (0) 20 8332 5186.
Discover this intimate royal family
TOILETS:
LADIES
home that hosted both the happy
and sad times of King George III
OILETS:
T and his family with one of our expert
DISABLED
guides. Morning tours (09.00-10.00)
OVERGROUND are £650+VAT for up to 15 people,
TRAIN LINE thereafter £65+VAT per person.
OVERGROUND Evening tours (18.00-19.00) are
TRAIN LINE £450+VAT for 15 people, thereafter
£30+VAT per person. Contact
events@hrp.org.uk for availability.
30 31HILLSBOROUGH
CASTLE AND
GARDENS
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is the spectacular official
residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Explore the
stunningly renovated State Rooms, including the grand Throne
Room and Red Room where key political figures and royalty alike
have gathered, then venture outside to discover the delights
of the 100-acre gardens, whatever the season.
33M UST S EE ATTRACTIONS MUST S E E ATT RACT I O N S
The Walled Garden The Weston Pavilion
The Walled Garden dates to the 18th The Weston Pavilion has all
Century and is a large, four-acre the services you will require on
site historically used to produce arriving or departing the attraction.
fruit, vegetables and flowers for the Ticketing facilities, toilets, a chance
house. Restored and re-presented, to relax in the Hillsborough Castle
explore this beautiful working and Cafe and an opportunity to partake
productive garden, complete with in some retail therapy in the shop.
dipping pond, crop rotations,
seasonal produce served in the café
and potting sheds. Herbaceous
borders and an apple orchard can The Gardens
also be seen. Wander at leisure through the
historic gardens, which were
developed from the 1760’s onwards.
Explore intriguing contrasts between
Castle tour ornate formal gardens, woodland
Discover stories of celebration, and meadows. Keep an eye out for
entertainment, diplomacy and specimen trees and rare plants as you
negotiation as our expert Hosts explore the grounds.
take you on a 45-minute tour of
Hillsborough Castle’s fascinating
history and stunning State Rooms.
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. Royal Hillsborough
The village of Hillsborough has
been granted royal status, the
first village or town in Northern
Ireland to receive this exceptional
title. Add Royal Hillsborough to
your itinerary and experience the
magic of the village for yourself!
34 35P LA N YOUR VISIT GU I D E D TO U RS A N D DAYS O U T I D EAS
Top Tips Castle Tour and Garden admission price 01 March 2022 – 28 February 2023
Recommended visit time
2 hours
• Book your group’s timeslot online Individual price Group price Guided Castle tour
via our website to secure their Adult £15.25 £14.00 45 minutes
admission. Group sizes are Concession £12.20 £11.20
restricted to 25 people per tour Garden visit
Child £7.60 £7.00 1 hour, but there’s lots to explore
Family 1 adult £26.60 n/a so stay as long as you like!
• Arrive 45 minutes before your
Castle tour timeslot to ensure Family 2 adults £41.90 n/a
you don’t miss your tour Opening times: Gardens
Gardens only admission 01 April 2021 - 28 February 2022 March 2022
• Our Coach Park is located close Wednesday – Sunday
to the Weston Pavilion where 10:00-17:00hrs
Individual price Group price
you’ll find toilets, ticketing and Last admission: 16:00
Adult £10.00 £9.20
a café and shop. Ensure you
Concession £8.00 £7.40 April – September 2022
allow enough time in your
Child £5.00 £4.60 Wednesday – Sunday
itinerary for your group to enjoy
10:00-18:00hrs
this area too Family 1 adult £15.00 n/a
Last admission: 17:00
Family 2 adults £25.00 n/a
• Just 30 minutes from Belfast or Group bookings Private Evening Tour October 2022
an hour and a half from Dublin For assistance with your group Discover stories of celebration, Wednesday – Sunday
on the main road between the Key booking requirements, email entertainment, diplomacy and 10:00-17:00hrs
two cities, Hillsborough is a groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk negotiation as our expert Hosts Last admission: 16:00
convenient stop off for CATERING guide you and your clients through
your itinerary. FACILITY
Coach parking an exclusive tour of Hillsborough Opening times: Castle
COACH PARKS The coach park has direct access from Castle’s rich history and stunning 6 April – 25 September 2022
the A1 dual carriageway. There are 12 state rooms. Tours take place between Wednesday – Sunday
TOILETS:
coach parking spaces free of charge 18.00-18.45 and cost £600+VAT for Tours: 10:30-17:00hrs
MAP ON
GENTLEMAN
on a first come first served basis for up to 25 guests. Additional guests Castle admission by pre-booked
castle and garden visitors. are £18+VAT per person. Maximum 15 minute time slots
TH E WAY
TOILETS:
LADIES
group size is 50 guests. Last tour time slot: 16.00hrs
OILETS:
T Access from Weston Pavilion
DISABLED
to Castle Group bookings taken daily
OVERGROUND A pleasant stroll through the gardens according to availabiltiy
TRAIN LINE takes approximately 20 minutes from
OVERGROUND
the Weston Pavilion to the Castle
TRAIN LINE itself. For visitors who require
mobility assistance or for those who
are time restricted please contact
hillsboroughcastle@hrp.org.uk
prior to your visit for more
information. The castle itself is fully
wheelchair accessible.
36 37BANQUETING
HOUSE
This revolutionary building was created for court entertainments
where a dazzling company of courtiers attended the exuberant
masques and danced and drank beneath the magnificent
Rubens-painted ceiling. But spare a thought for Charles I, who
in 1649, was beheaded on a scaffold outside to the ‘dismal,
universal groan’ of the crowd.
The Banqueting House is closed for visits and sightseeing in 2022 but
remains available for private events, gala dinners and receptions.
Banqueting House is the perfect backdrop for any event.
Host a grand dinner and reception for up to 400 guests or impress
your guests by hiring the venue for a conference.
To enquire for your next event please contact
events@hrp.org.uk for further information.
39G ET SO C IAL WITH US
Historic Royal Palaces has even more ways for Contact details
you to access regular updates and to take part Buy tickets for 15 or more people
in conversations about the past, present and future E: info@hrp.org.uk
of our palaces, our works and your group visits Book your groups online at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade
Find out more about the palaces
Join our online communities… www.hrp.org.uk
For historical insights, forthcoming events and
behind-the-scenes access to the palaces and the people Ask the Travel Trade Team
that tell their stories, like us on Facebook, follow us on E: groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk
Twitter and Instagram, join our Historic Royal Palaces
- Groups and Travel Trade Linkedin page or watch Images of the palaces
our videos on Youtube. www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade
Souvenirs and shopping
E: shop@hrp.org.uk
www.historicroyalpalaces.com
Corporate gifts
E: corpgifts@hrp.org.uk
Parties and events
E: events@hrp.org.uk
www.hrp.org.uk/hireavenue
TERMS AND CONDITIONS concessionary rate, Groups of children booking or any individual palace reserve the right to
our Education sessions and admissions should withdraw from public access any route, room or
Pricing validity is from 1 March 2022 - 28 be escorted by adults/seniors to the ratio of 1-6 area within a palace or its grounds without
February 2023. Historic Royal Palaces retain the for up to 6 years old and 1-10 for 7-16 years at all notice. Whilst every care is exercised in the
right to adjust prices during this period, should palaces. Groups of children booking the standard compilation of this manual, HRP or any individual
circumstances dictate. rates should be escorted adults/seniors to the palace cannot be held liable for any information
ratio of 1-15 for 6 years and up. that is inaccurate or subsequently changed.
Payment may be made by cash, major credit cards
(excluding Diners Card) and via the Agency It should be noted that Historic Royal Palaces Support materials (which are generally available
Voucher Scheme. (HRP), or any individual palace, may at any time free of charge) such as leaflets and images are
alter the opening times and/or availability of Crown Copyright and should only be used for the
A child is defined as aged between 5 years and access to any palace. In the event of palace purpose stated and not altered in any way without
15 years old. Children visiting the Magic Garden closure any pre-paid groups will receive a full express written agreement from HRP.
over the age of 3 will be charged. Young person’s refund of monies paid, but neither HRP nor any
16-18 years may obtain concessionary admission. individual palace will be liable for any Historic Royal Palaces is a registered charity
Senior citizens (65 and over) are admitted at the consequential loss arising from such closure. HRP (number 1068852)
40WWW.HRP.ORG.UK
TOWER OF LONDON HAMPTON COURT PALACE KENSINGTON PALACE
BANQUETING HOUSE KEW PALACE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE
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