Wander through royal halls then tuck into a delicious lunch at a cosy, historic pub.
WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?
Kensington Palace sets the tone for the whole of Kensington Gardens. Wherever you walk in the public gardens, the Palace catches your eye from every pathway. In fact, it is not unusual to see a helicopter land in the 'back garden', delivering the great and the good securely home.
The birthplace of Queen Victoria, it was once a small, suburban villa, known as Nottingham House, a country retreat. Over the many years it has been transformed into a home for Britain's young royals. It was the home to Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret, and is now the official London residence for The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
It was Sir Christopher Wren who took on the commission to transform the little house into a palace. Royals first moved into their newly converted property in 1689.
It's a joy to walk around. There's a lot to see, and a lot to discover. Clothes, jewellery, furniture and art are all on display, and of course there is a garden to see, including the sunken garden and the Princess Diana statue. There is a permanent exhibition celebrating the childhood of Queen Victoria including a charming scrapbook and Victoria's dollhouse. Rooms have been recreated to include the decorative schemes she would have known as a young girl. It all forms part of London's rich history.
TELL ME MORE
After the palace, go through the park and take the Bayswater exit, turn right and walk up to Lancaster Gate, for lunch at The Stablehand. Another slice of Victorian London, this used to be an old archery range. It's now a quintessentially British gastropub. All the ingredients for your meal have been sourced within the British Isles, and the dishes reflect our food history. Think fish pie and treacle pudding, or maybe you're more of a bubble and squeak, Eton mess sort of an eater - and of course there is nothing like a fishcake.
A stroll through the park, a walk around a Palace, followed by an inviting dining room, and a classic lunch. Perfect.
The point is each one of these gardens will provide a fabulous day out. World-class horticulture to inspire us to make our own spaces just a bit greener.
THE ALL IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Location: London
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Available Wednesday to Sunday (subject to availability)
- Approx. 3 hours
- Under 18's to be accompanied by a participating adult.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
All you have to do is pay for the gift experience you wish to purchase. We’ll send a voucher including booking information to you or directly to the recipient. You or your recipient needs to check the information on the voucher and book your experience date.