The most intimate of royal palaces, Kew Palace was built as a private house in 1631 and used by the royal family between 1729 and 1818. In happier times, George III, Queen Charlotte and their 15 children enjoyed a relatively simple domestic routine at Kew. Step into this tiny doll’s house of a palace and sense the joy’s and sorrows of past royal lives in close proximity, as King George III and his family are bought to life through reminiscences and fascinating personal artefacts.In later years the atmosphere darkened as family rivalries became more intense and relationships soured. Kew became a retreat for the ailing king and a virtual prison for his elder unmarried daughters. Experience a riot of colour in authentically re-created Georgian rooms, before wandering through the eerie rooms of the upper floor, left untouched for centuries. Also set within Kew Gardens is Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, built in the 1770’s and decorated as a fascinating rustic-style cottage complete with thatched roof, this is where the family enjoyed informal picnics and afternoon teas.
The People’s Library at Kew Palace allows visitors to explore the history of the palace and its residents using touch screens and copies of rare and unpublished material.
TOP MUST WATCH ATTRACTION:
George III's waistcoat:
This turquoise silk damask waistcoat that is probably one of the last items of clothing King George III wore before his death. It is one of the earliest examples of costume adapted for illness
Queen Charlotte's Cottage:
Discover our hidden gem, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, nearby in Kew Gardens. This delightful cottage was the family’s rustic retreat and venue informal picnics.
Doll's house: See the doll’s house made by the children of George III. With its distinctive wallpaper and embroidered bed-pulls, it looks much like the palace interior known by the Georgian princesses.
Princesses’ bedrooms:
Princess Elizabeth decorated her bedroom in the latest style. Come and decide what you make of her interior design skills. View restored and unrestored rooms.
Madame Tussaud bust of George III: The amazing bust of George III is a reproduction taken from an original mould kept in Madame Tussauds’ archive. It’s astoundingly realistic. Why not see it for yourself and come face to face with a king!
Jigsaw Cabinet:
This extraordinary cabinet contains some of the earliest jigsaw maps in existence, showing us the world as it would have been seen by the young George IV.
Queens Charlotte's chair:
During her final days Queen Charlotte found it difficult to lie down and was more comfortable in this chair. She eventually died while resting here on Tuesday 17 November, 1818.
People's Library:
At Kew’s interactive People's Library explore the history of the palace and its residents, using touch screens, handling collections and copies of rare and unpublished materials.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Kew Palace ticket prices
Your ticket includes access to the palace, plus admission to Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and much more!
| For visits 2 April - 26 September 2010 |
Gate price |
Group rate
(min. 10 visitors) |
| Adults |
£5.00 |
£4.50 |
| Child under 16 |
Free |
Free |
Concessions
Student with ID or senior citizen (over 60) |
£4.50 |
£4.05 |
| Annual membership(unlimited entry to all five palaces) |
From £39 |
|
Please note:
An admission ticket to Kew Gardens must be purchased to gain access to Kew Palace.
Admission to Queen Charlotte’s Cottage is free however donations are gratefully appreciated
Tickets are currently not available online or by phone
Historic Royal Palaces' members are entitled to free admission to Kew Palace. However entry to the gardens must be paid for at the rates listed