Kew Palace is a minor royal residence in the United Kingdom that has been used by the British royal family since the early 1700s. Its scale makes it more akin to a great manor house than a true palace, but stateliness, elegance, grace, and history are all present. Its apartments are now a museum dedicated to the royals who once lived there. It was known as the Dutch House when the royals first moved in.
A number of the rooms in Kew Palace have been recreated in the style of King George III. Rooms on the second floor, in particular, have been untouched for hundreds of years. Visitors can find vestiges of George III’s studies previous to his illness within the walls of Kew Palace, particularly in his library, which held literature on sketching, adventure, and science. After Princess Amelia, his daughter, died, his mind deteriorated much more, and visitors can see the princess’ bedroom.
Ancient Plant
One unique, record-breaking plant lives among the lush green foliage and humid heat of our tropical Palm House – the Eastern Cape giant cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii).
This cycad is the world’s oldest pot plant, weighing more than a tonne and standing over four meters tall.
The incredible specimen was brought back to the Gardens by Kew’s first plant hunter, botanist Francis Masson, in 1775. He found the plant in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa, which is where the species originated.
The palm-like plant’s long journey from South Africa to London would have taken several months if it had been transported on a wooden sailing ship.
It is home to the country’s tiniest royal palace.
The Grade I listed Kew Palace reopened in 2006 after a decade-long repair process. The smallest of the British royal residences, it was George III’s favorite weekend retreat (1760 – 1820). The palace, which is about the size of a small manor house, was given to the people by Queen Victoria in 1837.
Suffragettes set fire to the Tea House.
Suffragettes Lilian Lenton and Olive Wharry set fire to the Tea House in Kew Gardens on February 20, 1913, in one of a spate of arson attacks in the capital. They were sentenced to 18 months in Holloway jail after being apprehended.
They both went on hunger strikes while incarcerated. They were eventually released after a month.
BEDROOMS OF PRINCESSES
The first-floor bedroom of Princess Elizabeth features an opulent Grecian sofa bed.
Princess Augusta and Princess Amelia have bedrooms on the second floor. Kew was never more than a nice home, not a palace in the traditional sense, but we should take Horace Walpole’s claim that the princesses had to hang their garments on the backs of their bedroom doors with a grain of salt!
Maps
Contact
Opening Hours
Video
FAQ's
Kew Palace is inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – how do I visit the palace?
To reach the palace you need a ticket for The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Once inside the gardens Kew Palace is free to access. Historic Royal Palaces members get a discount on admission tickets to Kew Gardens upon presentation of their membership card.
How do I visit Queen Charlotte's Cottage?
Queen Charlotte’s cottage is located within the grounds of Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, tickets for which can be found on their website. Opening times for the cottage can be found here. Please note, this is subject to short notice change.
How do I visit the Great Pagoda?
The Great Pagoda sits within the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and a gardens admission ticket is required. An additional ticket is needed to climb the Great Pagoda. Historic Royal Palaces members can climb the pagoda for free. Present your membership card at the Kew Gardens gate on entrance to book your time slot. Members also enjoy a 10% discount on Kew Gardens admission. The Great Pagoda reopens for pre-booked guided tours from 5 June 2021.
I am a member of Historic Royal Palaces – how do I book my visit?
Members of Historic Royal Palaces need a Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ticket to access the palace. Members are entitled to a discounted admissions ticket. To validate the discounted rate please bring your Historic Royal Palaces membership card with you and present it to ticketing staff at the ticket kiosks at Kew Gardens. Members are entitled to free admission to the Great Pagoda, and will be given the next available time slot on the day by showing their membership card.
Can I take photos in the palace?
You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) within the palace in most cases. Some items or imagery may be prohibited from being photographed and this will be clearly signposted, or ask a member of staff if you are unsure. Filming is not permitted within the palace. The use of tripods and selfie-sticks is prohibited. Images of the palace are available for sale from our Photographic Library. Requests for commercial photography, filming or sketching should be made in advance.
How do I book a Guided Tour?
Hosts are available throughout the palace and can answer any questions you may have. If you are a small group we may be able to provide a pre-booked guided tour, subject to availability. Email kewpalace@hrp.org.uk to discuss your needs.
Where can I leave my bag while visiting Kew Palace?
No left luggage facilities are available at Kew Palace, but lockers are available in the grounds of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Lockers can be found nearby at the Elizabeth and Victoria gates and are operated with a £1.00 coin.
I think I left some property behind, how do I retrieve it?
If you lose something during your visit please contact the nearest member of staff. Alternatively, contact kewpalace@hrp.org.uk and ops@kew.org and we’ll do our best to try to reunite you with your property.
Can I have a wedding photo-shoot or engagement shoot at the palace?
Wedding and engagement photography within Kew Palace is available exclusively to our brides and grooms.
What is the dress code at the palace?
There is no specific dress code for visitors to Kew Palace. We do ask that you dress respectfully as families are likely to be present. If there are offensive slogans or other clothing items deemed to be inappropriate you may be approached by a member of staff.
How do I get more information on the displayed collections?
For general information, browse History and Stories and Explore. For detailed information relating to the collections on display, email curators@hrp.org.uk
