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Home , Hillsborough Castle, Kew Palace

GROUP VISITS GUIDE

2021-2022 INTRODUCTION AND CONTENTS

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 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 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 COURT

How to use this guide KENSINGTON PAGE 20 We have designed a helpful key to assist in the planning of PALACE your group visit and to ensure your customers have a fun packed day and make the most of their time at the palaces.

Look out for these icons on the “Must see PALACE PAGE 26 attractions” pages for each palace to best tailor THE ROYAL KITCHENS, your group’s experience. THE GREAT PAGODA, QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S COTTAGE Steps and uneven staircases HILLSBOROUGH PAGE 32 Wheelchair access AND GARDENS Youth groups – children, families, multigenerational friendly Large groups – space for large BANQUETING PAGE 38 group visits HOUSE Small groups – suitable for groups up to 20 people at a time

Private tours available on request AT YOUR SERVICE PAGE 3 TICKETING OPTIONS PAGE 4 Gardens – activities for groups with CATERING PAGE 6 an interest in gardens GET SOCIAL WITH US PAGE 40

1 AT YOUR SERVICE

Historic Royal Palaces has a Sales Blue 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 Explainers will be on hand coach parking or pick-up and as well as advising coach and tour to 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 [email protected] 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 palaces Sign up here for Fanfare and on our website hrp.org.uk. to coach drivers and locally Quick-Blasts. registered Blue Badge Guides. Website Groups that include members of Added value Visit the dedicated group planning will avail of Group discounts apply to parties pages on the Historic Royal Palaces the group price as long as there are of 15 visitors or more and regular website, hrp.org.uk/travel-trade, for 15 people in total. Full members of interpretation events are included the latest information and help in Association of Group Travel in general admission. planning your itineraries and online Organisers (AGTO) are eligible for group booking. free admission when bringing a Money saving catering vouchers and group of at least 15 paying visitors. group menus are available in palace cafes. Guiding in the palaces Blue Badge and Accredited Guides Agency Voucher Scheme and can guide inside the Tower of account facilities for coach and tour London and Hampton Court operators upon application. Palace. No guiding is currently allowed inside due to space restrictions however

3 TICKETING OPTIONS

Historic Royal Palaces have All palaces operate on a timed Please contact groupsandtravel- developed group friendly ticket admission basis, so you must reserve [email protected] for registration and options that allow easy access to a date and time slot in advance. User Manual details and criteria for the palaces for your customers Details of opening and closing times joining the Agency Voucher scheme. and simplified payment terms for and time slots are detailed on the volume Travel Trade suppliers. palace pages in this guide. Royal Pass One ticket to over 900 years of royal Online Group Ticketing Once booked, tickets are sent with history! Groups Organisers, coach and tour your confirmation email. For six or operators can book their tickets less visitors, tickets can be presented This Travel Trade only, flexible for the , Hampton on a mobile device, for more than six combination ticket offers unbeatable Court Palace, Kensington Palace visitors, tickets must be printed and value. The pass is valid for one year and and distributed to group members prior from the date of issue for one visit Gardens via our website to arriving at the gate. per valid palace, therefore giving hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. Group rates the traveller flexibility to plan their apply to orders for 15 tickets or more, All tickets are scanned at the own itinerary. payment by credit card is required point of entry, avoiding queuing at time of booking. Tickets are sent to exchange vouchers for palace The Royal Pass gives the traveller with the confimation email. Tickets tickets and allowing more time for entry to the Tower of London, must be printed and distributed to customers to enjoy the palaces. and the group members in advance of Kensington Palace. arriving at the gate. Agency Voucher Scheme members can cancel bookings via the B2B This pass is exclusive to group We are now accepting walk-up portal portal up to the day of arrival. organisers and Travel Trade clients groups at the Tower of London and To amend a booking, please email and cannot be purchased at the Hampton Court Palace although [email protected] palaces directly. pre-booking is advised. Tickets for no later than one week before the Kensington Palace and Hillsborough planned visit date. For details of pass prices contact Castle and Gardens must be pre- [email protected]. booked

Agency Voucher Scheme and B2B portal Members of the Historic Royal Palaces Agency Voucher Scheme must pre-book customers through the B2B portal. With a secure login, bookings can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

4 CATERING DEALS RETAIL THERAPY

Our meal voucher scheme for HAMPTON COURT PALACE KENSINGTON PALACE groups of 15 or more (20 or more Tiltyard Café Situated on the Orangery lawns, for Hillsborough Castle), provides Option 1 - Morning tea or coffee overlooking the sunken garden, the great meal deal options across before 12.00 Pavilion offers an alternative on-site the palaces throughout the day. including a freshly baked muffin catering space whilst the Orangery Simply select the one that best or pastry. undergoes restoration and rebuilding suits your itinerary! £6.00 per person work. TOWER OF LONDON Option 2 - Light lunch Breakfast before 11.30 New Armouries Café A bowl of seasonal soup and rustic Start the day with a ‘Full English’ – Option 1 - Morning tea or coffee bread or a freshly made sandwich, streaky bacon, field mushroom, BANQUETING HOUSE before 11.00 both with a choice of non-alcoholic vine tomatoes, sausage, black Whilst there are no on-site catering including a freshly baked muffin drink and a slice of cake. pudding and scrambled eggs, facilities at the Banqueting House, or pastry. £10.50 per person including a choice of tea or coffee. close by there are numerous £6.00 per person £12.50 per person restaurants, cafes and bars. Option 3 - Hot lunch Option 2 - Light lunch Main course dish served from Morning Cream Tea before 12.00 A bowl of seasonal soup and rustic our hot counter and a dessert pot Orange scented and currant scones At Kew Palace groups can arrange bread or a freshly made sandwich, or slice of cake with a choice of served with Cornish clotted cream refreshments with Whether inspired by the iconic black Visitors can also select products from both with a choice of non-alcoholic non-alcoholic drink. and English strawberry jam. Served caterers by calling +44 (0) 20 8332 5186. ravens or the legendary Royal Beasts our in-store tablets and have gifts drink and a cake or dessert. £17.95 per person with a range of loose leaf teas and at the Tower of London, by the shipped direct to home. £10.50 per person tisanes or coffee. HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE stunning gardens at Hampton Court Option 4 - Traditional Cream Tea £6.50 per person AND GARDENS Palace or the sumptuous ceilings and Don’t forget our full range of Option 3 - Hot lunch A delicious homemade scone with Groups of 20 or more can enjoy a interiors at Kensington Palace, our palace inspired gifts can be Main course dish served from the strawberry jam and clotted cream Afternoon Tea range of catering offers in our new palaces provide a unique shopping purchased online at hot counter with a dessert pot and your choice of tea or coffee. A selection of sandwiches, an orange catering facilities located in the Wel- opportunity for your clients. www.historicroyalpalaces.com or slice of cake and a choice of £6.25 per person scented scone served with Cornish come Centre. From morning coffee non-alcoholic drink. clotted cream and English strawberry and tea, lunches and traditional Therefore, while planning your itin- £17.95 per person The Snug jam and a selection of dainty pastries afternoon teas, enhance your groups eraries, make sure to allow time for Situated within the Tiltyard Cafe, served with a range of loose-leaf teas visit and enquire with our caterers. a visit to our royal shops where we Option 4 - Traditional Cream Tea the Snug is a cosy area perfect for and tisanes or coffee. Contact details: offer a wide selection of chinaware, A delicious homemade scone with groups of up to 25 people to enjoy £19.95 per person Contact details jewellery, toys, clothing, accessories strawberry jam and clotted cream a morning coffee or afternoon tea. Hillsborough Castle and much more; all of which would and your choice of tea or coffee. Lunch +44 (0) 3166 6000 make a perfect souvenir of your £6.25 per person Our caterers Ampersand will be Group lunch options are also [email protected] clients’ trip as well as a great gift for happy to discuss your group’s available, please contact our caterers their friends and family back home. Contact details: requirements, contact them to discuss your requirements. Tower of London directly for further details. Contact our retail team on +44 (0) 20 3166 6002 Contact details: [email protected] to discuss delivery [email protected] Contact details: Kensington Palace and discount rates for bulk Hampton Court Palace +44 (0) 20 3166 6112 purchases. +44 (0) 20 3166 6972 booking@kensingtonpalacepavilion.

[email protected] co.uk

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 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS

Yeoman Warders Bloody Tower Crown Jewels Yeoman Warders, better known as the Explore the most infamous prison The breath-taking world famous Beefeaters, entertain all our visitors at the Tower of London and the collection of fabulous finery and that come to the Tower throughout intriguing tales that inspired the regalia – discover the gloriously the year with their guided tours and name “Bloody Tower”. Discover the ornate, intricately made Crown immense knowledge of this ancient stories of the Princes in the Tower Jewels and learn how they have palace and fortress. and Sir Walter Raleigh, a favourite inspired acts of greed, violence of , who spent 13 years as and even spawned stories of a prisoner during the reign of James I. evil curses.

Royal Beasts White Tower Explore the tales of the many exotic The White Tower is an enduring animals kept at the Tower, from lions, icon of the London skyline, albeit tigers, to elephants and alligators, nowadays dwarfed by, and in in the Royal Beasts exhibition. contrast to, the modern city. This Discover the polar bear who fished striking historic building dating in the Thames for his lunch, the back to 1075 today houses the Line of ostrich who ate nails and many other Kings exhibit, a display of royal ar- surprising stories. Experience the mour, life-sized wooden horses and sights, sounds and even smells of the figures of kings throughout animals through interactive displays the centuries. and find out what happened when the royal beasts escaped...

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 PLAN YOUR VISIT GUIDED TOURS AND DAYS OUT IDEAS

Give your groups an even more Private viewing of the Top Tips Recommended Visit Time We suggest at least 3 hours memorable visit by booking a Crown Jewels Opening times guided tour or private visit Available in the morning from 08.15, 1 May - 5 September 2021, • Book your groups timeslot Crown Jewels 40 min Bloody Tower 15 min experience the stunning regalia away Daily: 09:00 - 17:30hrs online via our website to secure Royal Beasts 20 min Fortress and battlements 40 min Morning meet and greet from the crowds. Prices are Last admission: 17.00hrs their admission Book a 15-minute welcome talk for £1,350 +VAT for up to 15 guests, Medieval Palace 20 min Yeoman Warder tour 45 min your group. A Yeoman Warder will additional guests are £90+VAT per 8 September - 3 October 2021, • Walk-up groups are now accepted White Tower including 40 min meet your group at the Ravens Cages person with a maximum of 40 Wednesday - Sunday: and tickets can be purchased at Line of Kings for a 15 minute intro to the Tower people. Advance payment required. 10.00 - 16.30hrs the Group Ticket Desk and a photo opportunity. For For availability and bookings, Last admission: 15.30hrs Admission prices information on availability and contact [email protected]. • The Ceremony of the Word takes prices, please contact 5 October - 22 October 2021 place outside Waterloo Block Individual price – gate and online Group price [email protected]. Evening Tours Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00 - 16.30hrs daily at 14.45. See the inspection Experience the Tower in a different Off peak Peak Off peak Peak Last admission: 15.30hrs of the military guard and light. Meet your Yeoman Warder at collection of the secret word Adult £28 .90 £29 .90 £26 .60 £27 .50 18.30 for an hour-long tour around Audio Guides 23 October - 31 October 2021 of the day Concession £23.20 £24.00 £21.30 £21.90 the Fortress before experiencing Groups of 15 or more can pre-order Daily: 09.00 - 16.30hrs the worlds longest running Military Child £14.40 £14.90 £13.30 £13.80 our audio guides at a discounted Last admission: 15.00hrs • Save time in your itinerary ceremony - the Ceremony of the Family 1 adult £50.50 £52.20 n/a n/a price of £3.50 per person. Guides by pre-booking Meal Deal Keys. Prices are £1,650+ VAT, for up can be booked by contacting 2 November - 23 December 2021 catering vouchers Family 2 adults £79.40 £82.10 n/a n/a to 15 guests, additional guests are [email protected] Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00 - 16.30 hrs £110+ VAT per person with a and then collected at the entrance. Last admission: 15.30hrs • Package your group visits with Key maximum capacity of 40 people. guidebooks and take advantage 24-26 December and 1 January: of bulk buying in advance. Closed CATERING Coach parking FACILITY A 24-hour coach park with 16 27 December - 31 December 2021 SHOPS bays (height restriction 4.7m/15’50) is located in Lower Thames Street. Daily: 09.00 - 16.30hrs Last admission: 15.00hrs COACH PARKS Coaches can set-down or pick-up passengers free of charge providing Please refer to www.hrp.org.uk BUREAU DE they remain no longer than 15 CHANGE for details on when peak and minutes. The charge is £10 per hour. off peak pricing applies TOILETS: Overnight parking between GENTLEMAN 17.00 and 09.00 is £25. Contact Booking TOILETS: [email protected] Book your time slot online LADIES hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. For assistance with your booking TOILETS: DISABLED requirements, email [email protected]. UNDERGROUND TRAIN LINE Group catering OVERGROUND TRAIN LINE Please see pages 6 and 7 for catering information.

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 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS

King William III State Apartments Tulip Festival A grand and lavishly laid out Returning in 2022 collection of State Apartments built In spring 2022, Hampton Court by the new monarchs, William and Palace will become a kaleidoscope Mary. Walk through the rooms of of colours as thousands of tulips this elegant palace and imagine bloom throughout the gardens and the beautifully dressed courtiers the courtyards. A special trail will revelling in the politics and gossip guide visitors around the stunning of court life. Gaze out of the displays, revealing the history of windows to the magnificent King’s the tulips, believed to date back to Privy Garden. Mary II (1662-1694). Our expert gardening team will also be on hand to provide tips and infor- Henry VIII’s Apartments mation to keen gardeners during Gold and Glory: Henry VIII and their visit. Included in admission. the French King Walk in the footsteps of England’s From 20 May – 5 September 2021 most famous King and his six wives. Discover the story behind the Lavishly presented apartments Grand European Summit between include Henry’s Great Hall, the Henry VIII and François I in Great Watching Chamber and the Privy Garden 1520, known as the Field of Cloth processional route, allegedly The Privy Garden is one of the most of Gold. Meet the organisers, haunted by Catherine Howard, The Maze accurately reconstructed gardens courtiers and kings, and explore Henry’s fifth wife. Commissioned around 1700 by at Hampton Court because so dazzling treasures from the William III, this large and complex much was recorded about the Tudor and French courts maze is one of the oldest surviving original 1702 garden. The beautiful including gold, weaponry and hedge mazes in the country and geometry of the garden seen against Queen’s Apartments spectacular artworks from the covers a third of an acre – make the stunning palace façade is a site Climb the Queen’s Staircase to . sure your groups have their wits not to be missed. discover the impressively decorated about them if they choose to brave grand State Apartments originally the maze! built for Queen Mary II, redecorated by Queen Anne and occupied by Georgian Kitchen Garden Henry VIII’s Kitchens George II and Queen Caroline, the See how the fruit, flowers and Experience the Tudor Kitchens, the last monarchs to live at Hampton The Great Vine vegetables were planted, tended and well-oiled machine that powered Court Palace. Planted by Lancelot Capability harvested for the kings table in the Henry VIII’s magnificent court. Brown in 1768, this is the oldest vine 18th century in this enormous Immerse yourself in a bygone era in the world. See the many bunches garden, full of produce. with grand displays of food, authentic of grapes develop through the smells, the heat of the fireplaces, and summer ready for harvest in late the sounds of the busy kitchen staff. August, early September.

16 17 PLAN YOUR VISIT GUIDED TOURS AND DAYS OUT IDEAS

Give your groups an even more Top Tips Recommended Visit Time We suggest at least 4 hours memorable visit by booking a Opening times guided tour or private visit 31 March - 5 September 2021, • Book your groups timeslot Henry VIII’s Apartments 40 min Queen’s State Apartments 30 min 23 October to 31 October 2021 online via our website to secure Henry VIII’s Kitchens 40 min The Gardens 1 hr Palace Accredited Guides Daily: 10.00 – 17.30hrs their admission These bespoke tours can be tailored William III’s Apartments 40 min The Maze it depends... Last admission: 16.00hrs to your groups individual interests. • Walk-up groups are now Gold and Glory: Henry VIII 30 min Our guides can cover anything from 8 September- 22 October 2021, accepted and tickets can be and the French King ghost stories and salacious gossip of Weds-Sun: 10.00 - 17.30hrs purchased from the admissions the Tudor and Georgian Courts, the Last admission: 16.00hrs desk upon arrival origins of the Baroque Palace, to the 1 November- 17 December 2021 Admission prices 19 May 2021 - 28 February 2022 imprisonment of Charles I in the • Enhance your group visit by Weds-Sun: 10.00 - 16.00hrs Tudor Apartments. Tours start Last admission: 14.30hrs booking a Palace Accredited Individual price – gate and online Group price from £132. Please contact Guide for a tour of the palace Adult £25.30 £23.30 [email protected]. 18 December - 23 December 2021, and gardens Concession £20.20 £18.60 27 December 2021 - 2 January 2022 Daily: 10.00 - 16.00hrs Child £12.60 £11.60 Morning Tours • Save time in your itinerary by Experience the delights of Last admission: 15.00hrs Family 1 adult £44.20 n/a pre-booking Meal Deal catering Hampton Court Palace without 24-26 December: Closed vouchers Family 2 adults £69.50 n/a the usual crowds. Choose a theme from History Where It Happened, Booking • Hampton Court Station is just Glorious Gardens or Magnificent Book your time slot online half an hour from London Key Artwork, all led by our expert Audio Guides www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. Waterloo Station in zone 6 guides. After your tour, you will Available free of charge, digital For assistance with your booking and can be accessed using CATERING have the opportunity to enjoy FACILITY audio guides can be collected from requirements, email a Transport for London zone breakfast in a private apartment 6 Travelcard or a prepaid the Information Centre in Base [email protected]. SHOPS before discovering more about the Court, providing a user friendly, Oyster Card – see www.tfl.gov.uk palace. Your one-hour experience modern way to explore our stunning Coach parking for more information COACH PARKS will take place between 09.00-10.00, palace. Please email groupsandtrav- Coach parking is available free of at £650 + VAT for up to 10 guests. • Coach parking is free on TOILETS: [email protected] for further charge for 8 coaches on Hampton GENTLEMAN Tours available Monday-Friday exc information. Court Green or at a cost of £25 per Hampton Court Green, a bank holidays. 15-minute walk from the main TOILETS: day on weekdays, £15 per day on LADIES weekends and Bank Holidays at entrance of the palace. Coach Evening Tours the coach park next to Hampton parking is also available at TOILETS: View the majestic splendour of DISABLED Court Rail Station (Prices correct Hampton Court Station Hampton Court Palace in a different for a charge. at time of going to press). OVERGROUND light as dusk starts to set. Choose TRAIN LINE from A Touch of History, Ghost Group catering Tours, Art at the Palace or Salacious Please see pages 6 and 7 for Gossip. Your after-hours experience catering information. 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 19 KENSINGTON 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 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.

21 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS

Palace Gardens The beautifully transformed gardens reconnect the building with the landscape of 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 Victoria - A royal childhood where the great tale of the Stuart Royal Style in the Making Life Through A Royal Lens In the very rooms that Queen dynasty reaches its tragic conclusion. 3 June 2021 – 2 January 2022 3 March – 16 October 2022 Victoria grew up in, discover a Set in the newly conserved This exhibition will explore the surprisingly playful, creative and historic Orangery, this exhibition impact of and inventive child who would one day will explore the unique relationship Prince Albert’s patronage of rule over the largest empire the between fashion designer and photography during its infancy world had ever known. royal client. Visitors will get a and showcases never before seen sneak peek into the rarefied world private photos taken by members of the atelier, unpicking how some of the Royal Family including of Britain’s finest designers rose to works by fashion photographer Victorian Tiaras the challenge of creating clothing and husband to Princess Gaze at the glittering suite of gems destined for the world stage. Margaret, Lord Snowdon. specially commissioned for Victoria The iconic wedding dress and by her beloved Albert. The display 25-foot train of Diana, Princess includes the magnificent diamond of Wales will be one of the many and emerald diadem, emerald star items on display. necklace, earrings and brooch.

22 23 PLAN YOUR VISIT GUIDED TOURS AND DAYS OUT IDEAS

Top Tips Recommended Visit Time We suggest 2 hours Opening times 7 June - 30 September 2021 Victoria: A royal childhood 30 min Kings State Apartments 30 min • Book your groups timeslot Wednesday-Sunday: online via our website to secure Life through a royal lens 30 min Queens State Apartments 20 min 10.00-18.00hrs their admission Last admission: 16.30hrs Royal style in the making 30 min Palace Gardens 30 min 1 October -31 October 2021 • Allow 15-20 minutes for your Wednesday-Sunday: group to walk through Admission prices 02 June – 30 September 2021 10.00-18.00hrs Kensington Gardens from the Last admission: 16.00hrs coach park on Bayswater Road Individual price – gate and online Group price to ensure they arrive on time for Adult £23 .00 £21.20 1 November 2021 - 1 March 2022 their timed admission Concession £18.40 £17.00 Wednesday-Sunday: Child £11.50 £10.60 10.00-16.00hrs • For those with access Family 1 adult £40.20 n/a Last admission: 14.30hrs requirements please email Family 2 adults £63.20 n/a the Contact Centre to 24-26 December: Closed make arrangements Admission prices 1 October – 2 January 2022 Booking booking.confirmations@ Book your time slot online Individual price – gate and online Group price hrp.org.uk Give your groups an even more hrp.org.uk/travel-trade. £19 .50 £18.00 Adult memorable visit by booking a For assistance with your booking guided tour or private visit • Enhance your group visit Concession £15.60 £14.40 requirements, email and include refreshments Child £9.70 £9.00 [email protected] Early Morning Tours in the Pavilion. Delicious Family 1 adult £34.00 n/a brunches, lunches and afternoon Join one of our Palace Host Guides Coach parking Family 2 adults £53.50 n/a teas can be arranged for at 09.00 for a fascinating guided There is a coach park north of the pre-booked groups tour of the State Apartments and palace on Bayswater Road. Open Key the Victoria: A royal childhood 24 hours, it costs £38 for up to 12 • Take a stroll around the palace exhibition an hour before the palace hours, 12-24 hours £48. officially opens. After the tour, grounds in the spring or summer CATERING FACILITY discover more of the palace at Pay and display or pay by phone. to view the beautiful planting SHOPS leisure as it opens to the public from Prices correct at the time of going in the Sunken Garden in its 10.00. This unique experience costs to press. Contact Euro Carparks full glory. COACH PARKS £650 plus VAT for up to 10 guests, 020 7563 3000. thereafter £65 per person plus VAT BUREAU DE CHANGE Please allow 10-15 minutes for maximum 60 per tour. groups to walk through Kensington TOILETS: GENTLEMAN Gardens to the palace entrance.

TOILETS: LADIES Group catering Please see pages 6 and 7 for TOILETS: DISABLED catering information.

UNDERGROUND TRAIN LINE

24 25 KEW PALACE THE ROYAL KITCHENS, QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S COTTAGE AND THE GREAT PAGODA

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.

27 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS

The Great Pagoda at Kew 1 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 the Pagoda was built and how the royal family used this unique building in the 18th century. Enjoy spectacular views of modern London and look out for the 80 specially designed rooftop dragons. An additional ticket is required to climb to the top. Opening subject to government guidelines.

George: The Mind Behind the Myth From4 June - 26 September 2021 2020 marked 200 years since the death of George III. George grew Kew Palace Royal Kitchens up at Kew Palace, but later in Enter the intimate world of 18th Situated in an adjacent building, his life, it became a place of century royalty. Over three floors, so as not to pollute the palace with incarceration and torment during meet George III and his family in the cooking smells, discover the his periods of mental illness. very rooms they inhabited. Explore ingredients and methods used to Queen Charlotte’s cottage Through objects and interpretation the Queen’s Boudoir where Queen prepare food for the royal table. Situated in Kew Gardens, and open in the palace rooms, explore Charlotte would spend hours at Stroll through the kitchen garden at weekends in the summer months, George III’s illness, treatment needlework, spinning and knotting. where the produce is still grown this is where the royal family enjoyed and public attitudes to how we Learn what some guests had to say using the Georgian methods. picnics and tea parties during long think and talk about mental about the King’s hospitality in The summer walks through the gardens. illness today. King’s Dining Room and discover Built as a country retreat, and not a Princess Elizabeth and Queen residence this is a perfect example of Charlotte’s bedrooms. historic royals at play, and relaxing behind closed doors.

28 29 PLAN YOUR VISIT GUIDED TOURS AND DAYS OUT IDEAS

Top Tips Recommended Visit Time At least 4 hours including Kew Gardens Summer Opening times Palace 1 hr The Great Pagoda 30 min Kew Palace • Pre-book your group admission 04 June - 26 September 2021 timeslot for Kew Palace Kew Gardens 2 hrs Royal Kitchens and Garden 30 min Daily: 11.00 (Last entry 16.00) when booking Kew Gardens as the palace can get very busy Queen Charlotte’s cottage 30 min The Royal Kitchens and Queen (summer weekends only) Charlotte’s Cottage will be open • Don’t forget to visit Queen on selected days throughout the Charlotte’s Cottage nestled in year. Please speak to a member Admission prices the bluebell woods of staff at Kew Palace for more information. • Pay a visit to the Great Pagoda Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage are included and marvel at the beautifully during opening season in admission to Kew Gardens. Please visit The Great Pagoda is open for carved dragons, which return to www.kew.org or contact [email protected] for prices and bookings. pre-booked tours. adorn the rooves for the first Winter Opening times time since 1784. The Great Pagoda 27 January - 03 June) Group visits to the Great Pagoda must be pre-booked. Email [email protected] for more information Kew Palace, the Kitchens, Queen Charlotte’s Cottag and The Great Pagoda are closed for the winter season. Key Give your groups an even more Palace and kitchens tours Kew Gardens closures will affect CATERING memorable visit by booking a Enhance your group visit to Kew your visit. Please check garden FACILITY guided tour or private visit Palace and enjoy an intimate daytime closures before your visit on the tour that includes the palace and Royal COACH PARKS Kitchens with our costumed palace Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Exclusive morning and evening experts, £10 per person. website. TOILETS: tours of Kew Palace GENTLEMAN Booking Discover this intimate royal family To pre-book your joint visit to TOILETS: home that hosted both the happy LADIES Kew Gardens and Kew Palace and sad times of King George III and Royal Kitchens contact TOILETS: and his family with one of our expert DISABLED [email protected] or call guides. Morning tours (09.00-10.00) +44 (0) 20 8332 5648. OVERGROUND are £650+VAT for up to 15 people, TRAIN LINE thereafter £65+VAT per person. Coach parking OVERGROUND Evening tours (18.00-19.00) are Please visit www.kew.org for TRAIN LINE £450+VAT for 15 people, thereafter details of pick-up and drop off or £30+VAT per person. Contact email [email protected]. [email protected] for availability. Group catering Groups can arrange refreshments with the caterers at Kew Gardens by calling +44 (0) 20 8332 5186.

30 31 HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE AND GARDENS

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is the spectacular official residence of the Royal Family in . 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.

33 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS

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 Explainers 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.

34 35 PLAN YOUR VISIT GUIDED TOURS AND DAYS OUT IDEAS

Top Tips Castle Tour and Garden admission price 02 June – 31 August 2021 Recommended visit time 2 hours • Book your groups Castle Individual price Group price Guided Castle tour tour timeslot online via our Adult £14 .20 £13.10 45 minutes website to secure their Concession £11.30 £10.40 Garden visit admission. Group sizes are Child £7.10 £6.50 restricted to 25 people per tour 1 hour, but there’s lots to explore Family 1 adult £24.80 n/a so stay as long as you like! • Arrive 45 minutes before your Family 2 adults £39.00 n/a Castle tour timeslot to ensure Opening times you don’t miss your tour Gardens only admission 01 April 2021 - 28 February 2022 01 June - 30 September 2022 (closed 25 September 2022) Wednesday – Sunday: 10.30 - • Our new Coach Park is located Individual price Group price close to the Weston Pavilion 18.00hrs – Castle admission by Adult £9.90 £9.20 where you’ll find toilets, 15 minute time slots Concession ticketing and a café and shop. £7.90 £7.30 Ensure you allow enough time Child £4.90 £4.60 Gardens only admission in your itinerary for your group Family 1 adult £14.80 n/a 5 August 2021 - 02 January 2022 Wednesday – Sunday: 10.00- to enjoy this area too Family 2 adults £24.70 n/a 16.00hrs – Castle admission by Group bookings Private Evening Tour • Just 30 minutes from or 30 minute time slots For assistance with your group Discover stories of celebration, en- 24-26 December: Closed an hour and a half from Key booking requirements, email tertainment, diplomacy and nego- on the main road between the [email protected] tiation as our exert Explainers guide two cities, Hillsborough is a Group bookings taken daily CATERING you and your clients through an FACILITY according to availabiltiy convenient stop off for Coach parking exclusive tour of Hillsborough Cas- your itinerary. COACH PARKS The coach park has direct access from tle’s rich history and stunning state the A1 dual carriageway. There are 12 rooms. Tours take place between TOILETS: GENTLEMAN coach parking spaces free of charge 18.00-18.45 and cost £600+VAT for MAP ON on a first come first served basis for up to 25 guests. Additional guests TOILETS: castle and garden visitors. are £18+VAT per person. Maximum LADIES THE WAY group size is 50 guests. TOILETS: Access from Weston Pavilion DISABLED to Castle

OVERGROUND A pleasant stroll through the gardens 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 [email protected] prior to your visit for more information. The castle itself is fully wheelchair accessible.

36 37 BANQUETING 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 in 2021 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 suppliers by hiring the venue for a conference.

To enquire for your next event please contact [email protected] for further information.

39 GET SOCIAL 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 T: +44 (0) 333 320 6000 of our palaces, our works and your group visits E: [email protected] Book your groups online at www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade Join our online communities… Find out more about the palaces For historical insights, forthcoming events and www.hrp.org.uk behind-the-scenes access to the palaces and the people that tell their stories, like us on Facebook, follow us on Ask the Travel Trade Team Twitter and Instagram, join our LinkedIn group or T: +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 watch our videos on Youtube. E: [email protected]

Images of the palaces www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade

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 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 01 March 2021 to 28 be escorted by adults/seniors to the ratio of 1-6 area within a palace or its grounds without February 2022. 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)

40 WWW.HRP.ORG.UK

TOWER OF LONDON HAMPTON COURT PALACE KENSINGTON PALACE

BANQUETING HOUSE KEW PALACE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE AND GARDENS