Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens

Discover the smallest and most intimate of the royal palaces. Now when you visit Kew Gardens you can visit Kew Palace at no extra charge. On busy days, entry to Kew Palace will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

  •  
  • Close Thanks for liking this page. Tell us why by adding a comment at the bottom.
Children holding hands in front of Kew Palace

Kew Palace

Did you know?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday at Kew Palace

A Royal retreat

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 Caroline 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 decide for yourself if the King really was mad.

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’.

Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, built for George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, as a picnic retreat in a quiet part of Kew Gardens, is open to visitors at weekends and on Bank Holidays from April to September. Find it near the Conservation Area.

Visit information

  • Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens are open daily from 9.30am until 5.30pm (last entry at 4.45pm).
  • Queen Charlotte’s Cottage is open each weekend and on Bank Holidays.
  • When you visit Kew Gardens you can visit Kew Palace at no extra charge.
  • Kew Palace is looked after by Historic Royal Palaces. Find out more at www.hrp.org.uk

 

8 comments on 'Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens'

Alison Venning says

29/03/2013 6:37:56 PM | Report abuse

I visited today with a friend to see the newly opened Kew Palace and was very impressed not just by the building and restoration work but how well informed the guides were. We were lucky enough to come across the same woman three times and the depth and breadth of her knowledge really enhanced this fascinating trip. It was a very cold day but whoever she was braved the wind and cold and made our visit really enjoyable and informative. We also loved the kitchen and the cooking demonstrations. And the gardens and trees looked beautiful as ever even if things are a little late this year - full of promise. Thanks very much.

Bob Willis says

13/07/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

As Verger of St Mary's Church Bitton, Nr Bristol, I am keen to see if there is any way in which the connection with Kew that was developed in the 1800's by the Rev'd Ellacombe through his plant donations and work as a plantsman can be re-established. Rev'd Ellacombe wrote a number of books on plants including " In a Glos. Garden". He also hybrides a snowdrop and sedum. Your comments would be welcomed. Bob Willis

Feedback Team says

14/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment KT. We've done a little research into this and found out that after Kew Palace came under the control of the Board of Works Surveyor in the 1890s, the old kitchen block of the Palace was used as flats for staff. We think the old kitchen block is one of the outbuildings too.

KT says

14/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Kew Palace was not divided into flats in the 1960s but some of the remaining outbuildings were. This included portions of the Georgian kitchens which our now cleared of tenants and under restoration. Also, Photography IS allowed in Kew Palace (just no flash).

Digital Media Team says

26/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Rosemary. We've passed your question on to the archive team. We'll post any update in this thread. In the meantime, check out their blog for more fascinating stories about Kew's history http://www.kew.org/blogs

Rosemary Tite (Bridle) says

25/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Could you please let me know if Kew Palace was divided into flats and occupied by Kew workers in the 1960s?

Kew Digital Media Team says

12/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Dear Ellie, I'm afraid photography is not allowed inside the Palace - please see the following page for more information: http://www.hrp.org.uk/KewPalace/FAQs.aspx#12 Best wishes, Kew Digital Media Team

Ellie says

11/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

would you be able to take pictures inside the palace? flash photography or otherwise?

Garden attractions

Follow Kew

Keep up to date with events and news from Kew

Related Links

Related Tags

  1. amazing
  2. beautiful
  3. english garden
  4. innovative
  5. for kids
  6. inspiring
  7. creative
  8. imaginative
  9. exotic
  10. fun
  11. popular
  12. interesting
  13. english heritage
  14. romantic
  15. around the world
  16. adventurous
  17. landscapes
  18. ancient
  19. rare
  20. active
  21. challenging
  22. high
  23. discovered
  24. old
  25. unusual
  26. donate
  27. for friends
  28. gifts that help
  29. the UK
  30. successful
  31. irreplaceable
  32. ground breaking
  33. treasures
  34. at risk
  35. endangered
  36. fragile
  37. sustainable
  38. useful
  39. royal
  40. for plant lovers
  41. special interest
  42. powerful
  43. high up
  44. Kew at home
  45. ornamental
  46. pretty
  47. wet
  48. hot
  49. extraordinary
  50. garden plants
  51. wild
  52. rare
  53. flowering

Your Kew

We invite photographers to capture the sights at Kew and Wakehurst. These images are a selection of images submitted by photographers from around the world. We hope you enjoy them. You can see more on Flickr.

See your favourite reasons to visit