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Private tours of Kew Palace

Experience the Georgian world of Queen Charlotte and George III

Experience the Georgian world of Queen Charlotte and George III

Explore the home of Queen Charlotte

Take an intimate look at Kew Palace, former home to Queen Charlotte and King George III, and the magnificent Great Pagoda on private tours of these glorious Georgian buildings, from just £15 per person.

See the rooms where George III and Queen Charlotte lived in this private palace retreat away from the hustle and bustle of London. Hear stories of the Georgian palace in its prime from your costumed tour guide.

Image: Queen Charlotte's bedroom. Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2023

This room was the scene of Queen Charlotte's death on 17 November 1818. The Queen died in the black horsehair chair pictured here; her daughters Augusta and Mary by her side.

Our Tours

Private Tours of Kew Palace

This private tour offers a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the palace. This unique experience includes a tour of Queen Charlotte's bedroom, preserved as it was during her lifetime, and the bedrooms of her daughters. 

Led by an expert guide in full Georgian attire, you'll hear stories of Kew Palace in its prime, and uncover the people who lived, loved, and lay in state here.

You'll take in the Tudor Undercroft (which predates 'The Dutch House') and the atmospheric attics – complete with 17th-century witch markings.

Visit the Royal Kitchens and discover how the servants of the Royal Family lived, worked, and prepared meals for George and Charlotte. These  uniquely preserved rooms hide many surprises such as original fixtures and fittings, a Georgian refrigerator and even George III's bath.

Your Private Tour

Private tours of Kew Palace are perfect for smaller gatherings of 4-15 people, including birthday celebrations, anniversaries and team away days. Choose a morning tour for just £15 per person, or get the ultimate Georgian experience with an out-of-hours tour while the palace is closed.

Morning Tours (palace only)

Time: 11.00-12.00 daily
Price: £15 per person + VAT (4-15 people)

After-Hours Tours (palace and kitchens)

Morning tours: 09.30-11.00 daily
Evening tours: 17.30-19.00 daily

Price: £45 per person + VAT (4-15 people)

Book Now

To book your tour, please email: [email protected] (please note important information below before booking)

This room was the scene of Queen Charlotte's death on 17 November 1818. The Queen died in the black horsehair chair pictured here; her daughters Augusta and Mary by her side.

Queen Charlotte's bedroom, scene of the Queen's death on 17 November 1818. Her daughters Augusta and Mary were by her side.

The Queen's Boudoir ceiling (17th century). The only surviving 17th century decorated plaster ceiling at Kew Palace. A geometric lattice of narrow ribs frame hand-moulded medallions depicting the five senses. The green/turquoise walls of the room and curtained windows can be seen at the base of the image.

The Queen's Boudoir, used as a private drawing room by Queen Charlotte and the princesses, for daily pastimes.

Princess Elizabeth's Bedroom, looking south-west. Showing a replica Grecian couch-bed, draped with a crimson chintz domed tester. Historic records have provided detailed accounts of Princess Elizabeth's (1770-1840) bed, from which this Grecian couch-bed has been recreated.

Princess Elizabeth's Bedroom. Historic records have provided detailed accounts of Princess Elizabeth's (1770-1840) bed, from which this Grecian couch-bed has been recreated.

The South Front Hallway, looking south towards the back view of two female Historic Royal Palaces performers. They are wearing early 19th century costume and standing at the open exit doorway.

The South Front Hallway, looking south.

Image: © Historic Royal Palaces

The King's Dining Room, looking south-east. Showing Mahogany Sheraton dining chairs (c1800) set round a table set out with replica pies and poultry as if for a meal. This room was originally the hall of the Jacobean mansion that once stood on the site.

The King's Dining Room, originally the hall of the Jacobean mansion that once stood on the site.

Image: © Historic Royal Palaces

Private Tour of the Great Pagoda

Experience a private guided climb of the Great Pagoda, with your personal costumed guide. Learn the history of this awe-inspiring building, from its inspiration in 18th century China to the unique role it played in the Second World War.

Climb the 253 steps to the top to enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across Kew Gardens and West London.

The tour also provides an insight into the unique restoration project and the detailed investigation work carried out to reintroduce the famous Pagoda dragons.

Your Private Tour

Private tours of the Great Pagoda are just £30 per person and include unrivalled panoramic views across Kew Gardens and West London.

Time: 09:45-10:30 daily
Price: £30 per person + VAT (4-15 people)

Book now

To book your tour, please email: [email protected] (please note important information below before booking)

The newly restored Great Pagoda at Kew, which now has 80 dragons adorning it.

The newly restored Great Pagoda at Kew. It was designed by architect Sir William Chambers as a gift for Princess Augusta, daughter of Queen Charlotte. The Pagoda is 10 storeys and almost 50 metres high.

The newly restored Great Pagoda at Kew, which now has 80 dragons adorning it.

Two of dragons on the restored Great Pagoda. The eye-catching dragons dazzled onlookers for 20 years before disappearing in the 1780s. They were restored to the pagoda in 2018 after extensive research.

The Great Pagoda, showing a close up side view of a dragon carving roof decoration. The dragon is crouched with a curled tail and with its wings folded. Colours are primarily green and gold with touches of blue and red, including a red tongue. Kew Gardens is seen from above in the background. The Pagoda reopened to the public on 13 July 2018 following a five-year restoration project.

A view from the Pagoda, which offers panoramic views over Kew Gardens and west London.

Image: © Historic Royal Palaces

The Great Pagoda ground floor after restoration 3 July 2018. Looking towards the closed doorway and showing interpretation detail, printed directly onto the south-west wall. Showing a diagram of the Great Pagoda and information entitled 'The Dragons' about the 2018 replacement of 80 hand-carved dragons which originally adorned the pagoda.

Explore the Great Pagoda with a costumed guide to find out more about its fascinating history, including its surprising role in the Second World War.

Important Information about our Tours

These tours cover the palace only.

Before booking, please note:

  • Tours must be booked a week in advance.
  • For a private tour of Kew Palace during garden open hours, you'll need to book a ticket to Kew Gardens (at the gates on the day of your visit, or via the Kew Gardens website beforehand).
  • Tours start at the front of Kew Palace, where you'll be greeted by a costumed host.
  • There is a lift in the palace that provides access from the ground to the second floor, however, due to the nature of the building, it cannot reach the undercroft or attics.
  • In order to preserve the historic fabric of the building, large bags (larger than standard aircraft carry-on size) may not be brought inside.

These tours cover the palace and kitchens.

Before booking, please note:

  • Tickets to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew are not included in a Kew Palace tour; if you wish to visit the Gardens before/after your tour, you can book a ticket via the Kew Gardens website.
  • Tours depart from Elizabeth Gate.

Before booking, please note:

  • Tickets to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew are not included in this ticket; if you wish to visit the Gardens after your tour, please book a ticket via the Kew Gardens website.
  • Tickets must be booked a week in advance.
  • The Great Pagoda is a challenging climb of 253 steps.
  • Please do not attempt the climb if you have any health conditions you feel may be made worse by the experience.
  • Children under 5 years old are not permitted on the experience due to safety restrictions.
  • In order to preserve the historic fabric of the building, large bags (larger than standard aircraft carry-on size) are not permitted.