What does the activity include?
Your visit to The Queen’s Gallery will include the following:

- The Queen's Gallery is approached through a striking portico leading to a soaring double-height entrance hall and staircase. On the upper level of The Queen's Gallery there are seven galleries or rooms, used in a variety of combinations, for special exhibitions of paintings, prints, drawings and watercolours, furniture, porcelain, miniatures, enamels, jewellery and other works of art.

- A chance to view the fascinating ‘Treasures from the Royal Collection’ exhibition has been brought together from royal residences across the UK. Highlights include world-famous paintings by Rembrandt, Canaletto and Winterhalter, spectacular jewels, dazzling works by Fabergé, as well as furniture, sculpture, arms and armour, and historic pieces of porcelain that are still used for ceremonial occasions today.

- Also, until the 28th September 2008, you will also have chance to see the unique Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery - This extraordinary exhibition has been selected from the collections of the Royal Library in collaboration with the distinguished naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. It brings together the works of four artists and a collector who have shaped our knowledge of the world around us. All lived at a time when new species were being discovered around the world in ever increasing numbers. Many of the plants and animals represented in the exhibition were then barely known in Europe. Today some are commonplace, while others are extinct.

- From 17th October 2008, this will be replaced by Masters of Flemish Painting – This first ever exhibition of the finest Flemish paintings in the Royal Collection opened to great acclaim at The Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh in 2007. Comprising 51 works created during the period 1500-1665 in the Southern (Spanish-ruled) Netherlands, it includes masterpieces by Hans Memling, Van Dyck and Teniers and a wonderful group of landscapes by Jan Brueghel and Rubens depicting the blessings of harmony and fertility. Pieter Bruegel’s Massacre of the Innocents forms a powerful centrepiece to the exhibition. This deceptively beautiful scene of a Flemish village under snow is now regarded as one of the most savage satires in the history of art.

You will then be able to sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at The Rubens Hotel, situated opposite the Royal Mews, just a short stroll from The Queen’s Gallery including: - A selection of delicate finger sandwiches,
- Freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream
- A selection of homemade tea pastries,
- A choice of freshly brewed teas and coffees.

Where does the experience take place?
London

What should I wear?
Please wear casual comfortable clothing. Kindly note there is walking involved during your visit to The Queen’s Gallery therefore we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes.

When does the activity take place?
The Queen’s Gallery operates a timed ticket system with admission every 15 minutes and is open daily from 10am – 5.30pm (last admission 4.30pm).

The Gallery will be closed on the following dates: 23 & 27th June, 29th September – 16 October, 25th, 26th December. There may be additional closure dates, please check with us.

Afternoon tea is served daily at The Rubens Hotel between 3pm and 5pm.

We recommend you book at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available before the expiry date listed on the voucher. This is only a guideline and we advise you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. You must book and take your experience before the expiry date. All bookings are subject to availability..

What about the weather?
The weather will not affect this experience.

Can I bring spectators?
The voucher is valid for two people only.

What else do I need to know?
Minimum age is 17 years. Please advise if you have any allergies when booking your afternoon tea.
You may spend as long as you like visiting The Queen’s Gallery but as a guideline please allow approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. To get the most out of your day we recommend you visit the Gallery before taking afternoon tea. Kindly note that the restaurant can get busy at peak times so it is advisable to arrive in plenty of time and there may be a wait for a table.

Kindly note that food and drink are not available to purchase from The Queen’s Gallery. Additional refreshments to those included in your afternoon tea may be purchased at the hotel.

Please bring your experience voucher with you on the day, as you will need to present this at The Queen’s Gallery to gain admission. Once you have booked a date for your experience, you will be sent a confirmation letter, please take this with you on the day and present to staff at The Rubens Hotel when you arrive for your afternoon tea. Failure to bring these items will result in charges being made.

The Queen’s Gallery is fully accessible for wheelchair users and there are suitable toilet facilities. There are steps up to the hotel so assistance for wheelchair users will be required.

The nearest tube station is Victoria or Green Park.

Your voucher is valid for nine months from the date of issue. Personal accident & cancellation insurance are included.