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Group visits guide 2020-21 Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 1

page 8 Historic Royal is Treat your groups Tower of charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court , to over 900 years , Palace, Palace, the Royal Kitchens, the Great of secrets, stories , Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and Hillsborough and . We page 14 are pleased and proud to welcome group and royal history at Hampton visitors and help them explore the stories Court Palace of the monarchs and people who have some of the greatest shaped society in some of the greatest palaces ever built. This Group Visits Guide palaces ever built. is designed to give group organisers inspiration for excursions and days out Banqueting page 20 and to make the process as seamless as Follow in the possible. With so much to uncover at so House many attractions your only problem is footsteps of the which to choose first! great, good, devious How to use this guide and dastardly, taking We have designed a helpful key to assist Kensington page 26 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 again and again. page 32 to best tailor your group’s experience. the Royal Kitchens, the Great Pagoda, Steps and uneven staircases Queen Charlotte’s Cottage Wheelchair access

Youth groups – children, families, multigenerational friendly Hillsborough page 38 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. As historical sites, our palaces do Team can also help you promote Admission voucher scheme and and sell your tours and have uneven or cobbled surfaces account facilities for coach and and narrow staircases in places. excursions with supplies of free tour operators upon application. leaflets, posters and images, Full accessibility information 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 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 Website palaces to coach drivers and organiser. locally registered Blue Badge Visit the dedicated group 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! price as long as there are 15 for the latest information and Our mid-Fanfare e-update will people in total. Full members help in planning your itineraries focus on last minute offers and of Association of Group and online group booking. 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 , must book groups via the B2B This trade only, flexible , portal which allows palace combination ticket offers 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 and Gardens. date of issue for one visit per procedure and offers valid palace, therefore giving the Upon confirmation of booking, discounts over the group traveller flexibility to plan their e-tickets are sent via email. Once gate rate. For Hillsborough 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. [email protected]. uk for further details. Central 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 [email protected] 6 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 7

Retail Catering deals 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 there are numerous restaurants, the day. Simply select the one that best cafes and bars. suits your itinerary! Kensington Palace Situated on the , The Tower of London Hampton Court Palace overlooking the sunken , Kew Palace At Kew Palace groups can New Armouries Café Café the Pavilion offers an alternative on-site catering space whilst the arrange refreshments with Option 1 – Morning tea or coffee Option 1 – Morning tea or coffee Orangery undergoes restoration 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 within the Weston Pavilion and of tea or coffee. £10.30 per person drink and a slice of cake. offers groups of 15 or more an £10.30 per person £11 per person Whether inspired by the iconic Visitors can also select products Option 3 – Hot lunch opportunity to pre-book Morning Cream Tea black ravens or the legendary from our in-store tablets and have 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 Don’t forget our full range £17.35 per person or slice of cake with a choice of served with Cornish clotted cream go refreshments, the Stable Yard of Hampton Court Palace and and English strawberry jam. Served of palace inspired gifts can non-alcoholic drink. Team Room has a choice of hot Hillsborough Castle and Option 4 – Traditional Cream Tea £17.35 per person with a range of loose leaf teas and be purchased online at A delicious homemade scone with tisanes or coffee. drinks, cakes and snacks. Gardens or the sumptuous jam and cream plus a hot drink of Option 4 – Traditional Cream Tea www.historicroyalpalaces.com £6.50 per person Morning Cream Tea ceilings and interiors at your choice. A delicious homemade scone with A choice of teas or coffee served with £6.25 per person strawberry jam and clotted cream and Afternoon Tea Kensington Palace and homemade scones, cream and jam. your choice of tea or coffee. A selection of sandwiches, an orange Banqueting House, our palaces £5.25 per person 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 catarina.jacques-de-Souza@ The Snug opportunity for your clients. 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 +44 (0) 20 3166 6991 Snug is a cosy area perfect for groups Therefore, while planning your 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. Lunch £18.95 per person time for a visit to our royal shops Our caterers Ampersand will be Group lunch options are also available, where we offer a wide selection happy to discuss your group’s Lunch please contact our caterers to discuss Group lunch options are also available, of chinaware, jewellery, toys, requirements, contact them directly your requirements. please contact our caterers to confirm for further details. clothing, accessories and much Contact details availability and discuss your more, all of which would make a requirements. Contact details Stephen Pach perfect souvenir of your clients’ Veronica Sirbu [email protected] [email protected] Contact details trip as well as a great gift for their +44 (0) 20 3166 6112 Hannah Davey +44 (0) 20 3166 6975 +44 (0) 28 9286 1395 friends and family back home. [email protected] Contact our retail team on [email protected] to discuss delivery and discount rates for bulk purchases. 8 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 9

This iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site has almost 1000 years of intriguing tales Tower of London to tell. Meet the Yeoman Warders, marvel at the fabulous finery of the 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 to the Tower throughout the gloriously ornate intricately Bloody Tower The White Tower is an enduring year with their guided tours and made Crown Jewels and learn Explore the most infamous icon of the London skyline, albeit immense knowledge of this how they have inspired acts of prison at the Tower of London nowadays dwarfed by, and in ancient palace and fortress. greed, violence and even 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 Sir Walter Raleigh, a favourite of armour, life-sized wooden horses New for Fortress and Royal Beasts , who spent 13 years The and figures of kings throughout 2020 as a prisoner during the reign battlements the centuries. Explore the tales of the many Ravens exotic animals kept at the Tower, of James I. Enjoy great views over modern Talks from lions, tigers, to elephants London and the 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 . 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...

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Guided tours and Plan your visit... days out ideas Give your groups an even more Royal Beasts memorable visit by booking a Top tips Recommended 20 minutes Booking Book your group online and save guided tour or private visit visit time Medieval Palace Get ahead of the at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. We suggest at least 3 hours 20 minutes crowd! A morning visit For any assistance with your Group Welcome Private viewing avoids the crowds in White Tower including Bloody Tower booking requirements, please 15 minutes Talks of peak summer months Line of Kings call +44 (0) 333 320 6000 or 40 minutes Fortress and battlements email booking.confirmations@ Book a 15-minute welcome talk Jewels for your group. A choice of a Save money and time Crown Jewels 40 minutes hrp.org.uk. Available in the morning Yeoman Warder or Coins & and book your group 40 minutes Yeoman Warder tour from 08.15 experience the Kings warden to meet your 45 minutes Opening times stunning regalia away from online via our website group and delight them with the crowds. Price based on Summer tales of the Tower or the Royal The Ceremony of the a minimum 15 people, from 01 March to 31 October Mint at the Tower. From £63 inc Admission prices £85 per person plus VAT, Word takes place Tuesday to Saturday VAT per group, availability maximum 150, advanced outside the Waterloo 01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 09.00 – 18.00 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 the military guard and Adult £28.90 £26.60 £24.70 Evening Tours collection of the secret Concession £23.10 £21.30 £19.67 Winter Experience the Tower in a different light. Meet your Child £14.40 £13.30 £12.26 01 November to 28 February A new ‘Highlights of the Tower’ word of the day Yeoman Warder at 20.30 Tuesday to Saturday tour option is included on the Family (1 adult) £43.30 n/a n/a for an hour long tour Save time in 09.00 – 17.00 device and points out the key around the Fortress before Family (2 adults) £72.20 n/a n/a Sunday and Monday stories and must see your itinerary by experiencing the ancient 10.00 – 17.00 attractions within the Fortress. pre-booking Meal Deal Ceremony of the Keys. The Last admission 16.00 Groups of 15 or more can catering vouchers Key cost is £35 per person plus Closed 24, 25, 26 December pre-order our audio guides at a Catering and 01 January VAT for a minimum of 20, facility discounted price of £3.50 per Package your group maximum 50 people, advance Shops person. Guides can be booked visits with guidebooks payment required. Coach Parks Coach parking by contacting towergroups@ and take advantage Bureau de A 24-hour coach park with acoustiguide.co.uk and can be change of bulk buying in 16 bays (height restriction collected at the entrance. Toilets: advance 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 Overnight parking between train line Ravens 17.00 and 09.00 is £25. Contact [email protected] 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 Court Palace is an awe-inspiring and flamboyant showcase of kingship. Hampton It’s vast and never ending vistas, courtyards, gardens and parkland, along with its magnificent State Apartments rival the great palaces of Europe and are designed Court Palace 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 and gossip of court life. This is Key the best place to view the exhibition Georgian magnificent King’s Privy Garden. 2020 Kitchen Garden Henry VIII’s See how the fruit, flowers and Gold and Glory: vegetables were planted, Henry VIII and Kitchens Queen’s tended and harvested for the Experience the Tudor Kitchens, Apartments kings table in the 18th century the French King 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. to discover the impressively Discover the story behind the magnificent court. Immerse Must decorated grand State Grand European Summit yourself in a bygone era with see event Apartments originally built between Henry VIII and grand displays of food, 2020 The Great Vine François I in 1520, known as authentic smells, the heat of for Queen Mary II, redecorated Henry VIII The Maze the Field of Cloth of Gold. the fireplaces, and the sounds by Queen Anne and occupied vs Francois I: Planted by Lancelot Capability Meet the organisers, courtiers of the busy kitchen staff. by George II and Queen Caroline Brown in 1768, this is the oldest Commissioned around 1700 by 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 live at Hampton Court Palace. bunches of grapes develop complex maze is one of the from the event itself including From 23-31 May 2020 through the summer ready oldest surviving hedge mazes in factual letters, accounts Hampton Court Palace hosts for harvest in late August, the country and covers a third of and artworks from the Henry VIII’s The Rematch. Henry VIII . early September. an acre – make sure your groups Apartments invites François I to his have their wits about them if pleasure palace for a festival they choose to brave the maze! Walk in the footsteps of of jousting, wrestling and foot ’s most famous King combat as well as drinking and his six wives. Lavishly and entertainment. Privy presented the apartments Garden include Henry’s , 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 , 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.

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Guided tours and Plan your visit... days out ideas Give your groups an even more Recommended Mantegna’s Triumphs Opening memorable visit by booking a Top tips of Caesar 20 minutes visit time times guided tour or private visit Enhance your group William III’s Apartments visit by booking a We suggest at least 4 hours 40 minutes Summer Mid-March to mid-October Palace accredited Palace Accredited Henry VIII’s Apartments Queen’s State Apartments 30 minutes Daily 10.00 – 18.00 Tour Guides Guide for a tour of the 40 minutes Last admission 17.00 Our team of accredited tour palace and gardens Henry VIII’s Kitchens Chocolate Kitchen 15 minutes 40 minutes Cumberland Art Gallery Winter guides can enhance your group Mid-October to mid-March visit providing introductory or Save time in your 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 at £132 per group. Request your Admission prices Booking ‘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/ emailing groupsand travel-trade. For any assistance and Feasting Adult £24.50 £22.60 £20.90 [email protected] with your booking requirements, Weekdays from 09.00, meet Concession £19.60 £18.10 £16.72 please call +44 (0) 333 320 6000 the descendants of Henry VIII’s Daytime Tours to ensure your group or email booking. great shire horses before the doesn’t miss a thing Child £12.20 £11.30 £10.36 Choose from a selection of [email protected]. 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 Hampton Court Station 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 Key free of charge for 8 coaches Glorious gardens and Rogues Great Fountain Garden and accessed using a Catering on Hampton Court Green or to Royals; Unruly residents. facility Home Park before arriving

Transport for London at a cost of £25 per day on Your 3-hour experience Shops back at the palace for a spot zone 6 Travelcard or a weekdays, £15 per day on between 10.00 – 17.00, Coach Parks of breakfast in a private Bureau de weekends and Bank Holidays maximum 30 guests at £1,000 prepaid Oyster card  apartment. Complete your visit change at the coach park next to plus VAT plus your choice of – see www.tfl.gov.uk Toilets: with a tour of the palace by your Gentleman Hampton Court Railway Station. breakfast, light lunch or for more information personal guide. £2,500+VAT Toilets: (Prices correct at time of afternoon tea. (Mon-Fri, Ladies for up to 20 guests. going to press). weekend sup £1,000 plus VAT). Coach parking is free Toilets: on Hampton Court Disabled Overground Audio Guides Green, a 15-minute train line Group catering walk from the main Please see pages 6 and 7 for Available free of charge, digital entrance of the palace. catering information. 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

This revolutionary building was created for court entertainments, so imagine yourself as Banqueting part of the dazzling company of courtiers who attended the exuberant court masques and danced and drank beneath the magnificent Rubens-painted ceiling. But spare a thought House 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, . 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

Guided tours and Plan your visit... days out ideas Give your groups an even more Top tips Recommended The Banqueting House will memorable visit by booking a occasionally close early for guided tour or private visit visit time private events. Please check Ensure to pre-book We suggest 1 hour. www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting- 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 These fascinating tours are led Hidden History Talks run daily, afternoon closure Year round Monday-Sunday: 10.00 – 17.00 by one of our expert guides two/three times per day, Time your visit with Last admission: 16.30 and provide a more in-depth subject to availability of staff 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. on request. Book a guided tour, Admission prices 01 March 2020 – 28 February 2021 The Handling 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 insight of this fantastic Discover the incredible history an authentic piece of history in Concession £6.00 £5.60 £5.13 of Whitehall Palace with our building for your your hands, whilst learning 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. Being a short visit, weekends and school holidays Key Booking subject to availability of staff. the Banqueting House Catering Book your group online and save facility is ideal to package at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. Shops For assistance with your booking with other nearby Coach Parks requirements, please call attractions such as Bureau de the change +44 (0) 333 320 6000 Toilets: , just across Gentleman Toilets: Coach parking the road, the National Ladies There are 12 metered coach Gallery or National Toilets: Portrait Gallery at Disabled bays along the Victoria Overground Embankment. Mon-Fri £4.00 , 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 hour 08.30 – 13.30 then free the Crypt at St Martin- until midnight. Free on Sunday. (Details correct at time of going

in-the-Fields estminster Pier

W to press). Churchill 26 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 27

A palace of secret stories and public lives, Kensington Palace, situated in beautiful parkland Kensington in the centre of London, was designed as a royal residence for William III & Mary II by Sir . More recently, it has been the of Princess Margaret, Diana , and is Palace 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 Diana: Designing the women who would one day Life through Palace Gardens 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 Princess of Wales’ sense of building with the landscape This exciting new exhibition King’s State Queen’s State style through a piece of her of 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.

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Guided tours and Plan your visit... days out ideas Give your groups an even more King’s State Apartments memorable visit by booking a Top tips Recommended 30 minutes Opening times visit time 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 1 hour 30 minutes 320 6000 Winter Victoria: A royal childhood Allow 15-20 minutes 01 November to 28 February 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 18 January – 14 May 2020 Booking Road to Group entry to Kensington Adult £17.00 £15.70 £14.54 ensure they arrive on Palace must be booked in time for their timed Concession £13.60 £12.60 £11.59 advance. Call +44 (0) 333 320 admission Child £8.50 £7.90 £7.22 6000 or email booking. [email protected] 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. Open 24 hours, it costs £38 for Private Morning Garden History Concession £17.20 £15.90 £14.63 Enhance your group up to 12 hours, 12-24 hours £48, Tours Tours Child £10.70 £9.90 £9.12 visit and include £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 Contact Euro Carparks 020 7563 The Pavilion. Delicious Family (1 adult) £32.20 n/a n/a a fascinating guided tour, which tours bring a host of intriguing brunches, lunches 3000. Please allow 10-15 minutes takes place an hour before the and surprising stories of the for groups to walk through 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 facility leisure as it opens to the public admission, the tours take place with less able passengers, please pre-booked groups Shops from 10.00. This unique from May to September on contact groupsandtraveltrade@ Coach Parks experience costs £650 plus VAT Tuesdays, Thursdays and Take a stroll around the hrp.org.uk for closer drop-off The Pavilion Bureau de change for up to 10 guests, thereafter Saturdays at 12.00 and 14.00, palace grounds in the  arrangements. Toilets: £65 per person plus VAT, subject to availability of guides Gentleman spring or summer to Sunken Garden maximum 30 per tour. on the day. Toilets: view the beautiful Ladies Group catering planting in the Sunken Toilets: Please see pages 6 and 7 for Audio Guides Garden in its full glory Disabled catering information. Underground train line 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

Explore the royal landscape at Kew. The intimate palace brings to life the joys Kew Palace 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 family in the 18th century, the 163ft tall building and the Great Pagoda 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 the top! As you climb, learn why Kew Palace Royal Kitchens 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 Situated in Kew Gardens, and family in the very rooms they the ingredients and methods London and look out for the open at weekends in the inhabited. Explore the Queen’s used to prepare food for the 80 specially designed rooftop summer months, this is where Boudoir where Queen Charlotte royal table. Stroll through the dragons. An additional ticket is the royal family enjoyed picnics would spend hours at kitchen garden where the required to climb to the top. needlework, spinning and produce is still grown using and tea parties during long summer walks through the knotting. Learn what some the Georgian methods. 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

Guided tours and Plan your visit... days out ideas Give your groups an even more Top tips Recommended Queen Charlotte’s cottage Opening times memorable visit by booking a 30 mins guided tour or private visit visit time (summer weekends only) Kew Palace Pre-book your group 3 April – 27 September 2020 At least 4 hours including Kew Gardens admission time slot for Daily 10.30 – 17.30 Kew Gardens 2 hours 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 3 April – 27 September 2020 Royal Kitchens and Garden Daily 10.30 – 17.30 very busy 30 minutes Last admission 17.00 For a personally Admission prices Queen Charlotte’s Cottage guided tour of the 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 £6 per person Gardens. Please visit www.kew.org or contact [email protected] for prices and bookings. The Great Pagoda 3 April – 27 September and Don’t forget to visit 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. Pay a visit to the Key Catering Please check www.kew.org Great Pagoda and 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 Gentleman and Royal Kitchens contact ELIZABETH GATE available at the palace and this intimate Royal family home Toilets: [email protected] or call Ladies include the Royal Kitchens with with a choice of visiting options +44 (0) 20 8332 5648 Toilets: our costumed palace experts, depending on your group’s The Great Pagoda Disabled Underground tours cost £6 per person. interests with our expert guides 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 . Coach parking is Kew Pagoda and Queen free of charge on Kew Road Charlotte’s cottage cost £650 after 10.00. +VAT for up to 10 people, GARDENS thereafter an additional £65 KEW Group catering +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. evening tour 18.00 – 19.00. 38 hrp.org.uk Call Travel trade +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 39

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is the spectacular official residence of the Hillsborough Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Explore the stunningly renovated State Rooms, including the Grand Room and Red Room where key political figures and Castle and royalty alike have gathered, before venturing outside to discover the delights in the Gardens 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 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 , 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 visit time Consider one of our Castle Tour (including Garden admission) 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 or repeat groups 45 minutes Concession £10.20 £9.38 Garden visit Pre-book your timed 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 Family 2 adults £31.80 n/a for Hillsborough Arrive no later than 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 Our new Coach Park Timed admission up to every Adult £8.90 £8.20 £7.60 is located close to the 15 minutes 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 Please note last admission

Catering Group bookings Access from facility is 1 hour before closing. Group bookings for castle The Stable Yard Tea Shops Weston Pavilion tours must be made at least Room, located Coach Parks 48 hours in advance, to Castle opposite the Castle Toilets: Lake Gentleman minimum 15 people. A pleasant stroll through the entrance offers drinks gardens takes approximately Weston Pavillion Toilets: To book your castle tour and snacks and is a Ladies 20 minutes from the Weston call +44 (0) 333 320 6000 great place to rest Coach Park Pavilion to the Castle itself. or email booking. whilst awaiting your There is transport available for Walled Garden [email protected] Castle Tour visitors who require mobility Entrance assistance or for those who are Just 30 minutes from Coach Parking time restricted. Please contact Exit to Village Belfast or an hour and Tiltyard Cafe The new coach park has direct booking.confirmations@ hrp.org.uk prior to your visit a half from Dublin on Georgian Kitchen Garden from access from the A1 dual carriageway ensuring that for more information. the main road between Castle Tour entrance Courthouse access to Hillsborough Castle The castle itself is fully 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] www.historicroyalpalaces.com Corporate gifts T: +44 (0) 20 3166 6857 E: [email protected] Parties and events T: +44 (0) 20 3166 6399 E: [email protected] 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 A child is defined as aged between 5 years and Historic Royal Palaces is a registered charity pre-paid groups will receive a full refund of monies (number 1068852) 15 years old. Children visiting the Magic Garden 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 the www.hrp.org.uk