Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens and Queen Charlotte's Cottage

Kew Palace has a rich history spanning nearly 400 years – from its modest beginnings as the home to a rich Flemish merchant, through to the arrival of the royal family and the ‘madness' of King George III. Step inside and explore this intimate and beautiful royal retreat.

The first royal residents were George II, his wife Queen Charlotte and their ever-growing family. However, Kew Palace will always be associated with the ‘madness’ of George III. The palace was purchased by the Georgian King as an annex to the White House (which sadly no longer stands) to accommodate his expanding family, and somewhere for George III to be shut away during his infamous episodes of ‘madness’. Come and decided for yourself if the King really was mad.

Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, built for the Queen as a picnic retreat in a quiet part of Kew Gardens, is open to visitors at weekends from April to September.

The Royal Kitchens at Kew are open to visitors for the first time in over 200 years. Step back in time to 6 February 1789 when George III was given his knife and fork back after his first bout of ‘madness’. All this is included in the Palace admission price and kids go free! 

Visit information

Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens are open April – September.
Queen Charlotte’s cottage is open weekends only, April – September.

Kew Palace is looked after by Historic Royal Palaces. Find out about the exciting events planned over the summer at www.hrp.org.uk

Please note that you must have both a Kew Gardens ticket and a Kew Palace ticket to visit the Palace and the Royal Kitchens as access to these buildings is through the Gardens.

The cost of admission to Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens is additional to the Kew Gardens admissions prices.