Facilities

Photography and filming

Visitors are welcome to take photographs within most areas of Kew Palace. 

Historic Royal Palaces has a photography policy that applies to media / commercial photography. When taking photographs at our site, you may be approached by our staff and asked about the purposes of your photography or filming. Historic Royal Palaces reserves the right to request you stop your activities if these are believed to be in breach of the policy.

The photography of certain, individual items may not be allowed due to loan arrangements. Please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Commercial and media photography

Requests for commercial and media photography, filming and sketching should be made in advance by contacting our Media and PR Team.

Photographic equipment

Equipment such as tripods, monopods, selfie sticks (interiors) and gimbals may not be used at the site unless arrangements have been made in advance with our Media and PR or Conservation teams.

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is exclusive to couples hiring Kew Palace for their wedding day. To find out more about hiring Kew Palace for your event, visit our Hire a Venue page.

Other visitors

We ask that you respect the privacy of our other visitors while taking photographs at our site. Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding organisation and takes its responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously. We may sometimes ask therefore that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors.

Health and safety

Kew Palace, and the Royal Kitchens are very old and have some uneven surfaces. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions.

Light levels can be low in some places, so please allow time for your eyes to adjust, particularly when using the stairs.

The Great Pagoda

The Great Pagoda is a challenging climb of 253 steps. Please do not climb if you have any health conditions that may be worsened by the climb. Children under 5 are not permitted above the ground floor.

Kew Gardens

Parts of Kew Gardens have steep slopes and drops from height, so please be aware of these, especially if you have children with you.

Where water features are present, please ensure children are supervised at all times.

Look out for our safety signs and follow the advice given to avoid spoiling your day.

Prohibited articles

In the interest of security, visitors are granted admission to the palace on the condition they may be searched before entering the premises. The following items are strictly banned:

• Weapons, including knives
• Fireworks and smoke bombs
• Pepper spray or any other articles intended to cause injury
• Any article which is illegal to possess under UK law