Why visit Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace has served as a royal residence for over 300 years and remains the official London home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Originally a modest Jacobean mansion known as Nottingham House, it was purchased in 1689 by William III and Mary II as a retreat from the smoke and damp of Whitehall Palace. They commissioned Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral, to transform it into a royal palace — completed in just six months using brick rather than stone to save time and money.
- To skip the explanation and just book Kensington Palace tickets, head this way.
Kensington Palace is famous as Queen Victoria’s birthplace — she was born here in 1819, raised within these walls under what became known as the “Kensington System,” and learned she was queen in 1837 when woken with news of her uncle’s death. The palace has since been home to numerous royals including Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales, whose fashion legacy continues to inspire exhibitions here. The State Rooms at Kensington Palace were first opened to the public by Queen Victoria in 1898, beginning the palace’s dual role as both private royal residence and public museum.
Historic Royal Palaces manages Kensington Palace as an independent charity operating without public funding. The organisation also cares for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, and Kew Palace. All funds for conservation, exhibitions, and educational programmes come from admissions, memberships, and donations. The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace houses five centuries of clothing, with pieces worn by Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II, and Diana, Princess of Wales forming part of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
What to see at Kensington Palace
The King’s State Apartments at Kensington Palace showcase lavish rooms decorated for George I, each one grander than the last. The King’s Staircase features vivid paintings by William Kent depicting court life during George I’s reign — palace guards once judged visitors’ clothes and jewels acceptable before permitting them to ascend. Meanwhile, the King’s Gallery is the longest and largest apartment, kept almost identical to George I’s 1725 decoration, displaying one of Britain’s finest collections of royal art.
The Queen’s State Apartments include the Queen’s Dining Room, Drawing Room, Staircase, Gallery, and Closet. These elegant spaces show where Queen Mary II took her meals, relaxed, and entertained guests during the 1690s. The rooms reflect the power and taste of a queen who project-managed the palace’s transformation herself.
Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition occupies the rooms where Princess Victoria was born and raised. The re-imagined childhood spaces include toys similar to those Victoria played with (replicas visitors can touch), period costumes for photo opportunities, and displays explaining the restrictive Kensington System under which she was raised. The Jewel Room displays gems commissioned for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert.
Kensington Palace Gardens surround the palace with landscaped grounds including the famous Sunken Garden (transformed into the White Garden in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales), the Cradle Walk, wildflower meadows, and pathways perfect for peaceful strolls. The gardens feature a statue dedicated to Diana in the Sunken Garden.
Visiting Kensington Palace in London: practical information
Kensington Palace opening times and admission
Kensington Palace is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm for most of the year, with last admission at 5.00pm. However, Kensington Palace closes on Mondays and Tuesdays in winter, plus 24th to 26th December, 31st December, and 1st January. Check the calendar on the website before rocking up, though.
Admission prices to Kensington Palace are: adults £20.60 (£22.70 with optional 10% donation towards Historic Royal Palaces’ charitable work) and children £10.30. Children under 5 enter free.
Historic Royal Palaces members visit free with no pre-booking required. £1 tickets for Kensington Palace are available for up to six people per household for anyone receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance — proof required on arrival. Booking Kensington Palace tickets online in advance is strongly recommended as popular dates often sell out.
Free audio guides at Kensington Palace are included with admission — curators, historians, and conservators share fascinating stories and hidden secrets throughout the tour. Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring Kensington Palace.
Getting to Kensington Palace in London
Kensington Palace is located in Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Reaching Kensington Palace by Underground: Queensway and Notting Hill Gate stations on the Central Line, and High Street Kensington station on the District and Circle Lines are closest.
Getting to Kensington Palace by bus: routes 70, 94, 148, and 390 serve Bayswater Road; routes 9, 10, 49, 52, 70, and 452 serve Kensington High Street.
Reaching Kensington Palace by train: Kensington (Olympia) and Paddington Station are the nearest train stations.
Cycling to Kensington Palace: Santander Cycles docking stations operate at Black Lion Gate and Palace Gate in Kensington Gardens.
Parking near Kensington Palace: accessible parking is available at the palace (advance booking only). No general visitor parking exists on site.
Kensington Palace accessibility and facilities
Kensington Palace accessibility includes ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout. Wheelchairs are available on request. Staff assist with step-free access. The historic nature of the building means some areas present challenges, but most spaces are accessible. Kensington Palace is a member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance scheme.
Facilities at Kensington Palace include a café serving food and refreshments (50% discount on food with £1 tickets, children under 12 eat free from children’s menu with adult meal purchase). The gift shop is open to everyone without requiring palace admission, selling unique royal-inspired souvenirs, books, and gifts. Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available. Water refill points operate in the café.
Photography is permitted for personal use (no flash or film) unless otherwise specified in certain exhibition areas. Large bags, rolling luggage, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted. The palace gardens are accessible during opening hours, and visitors can bring picnic blankets for outdoor dining in Kensington Gardens.
Tips for visiting Kensington Palace
- Book Kensington Palace tickets online well in advance — popular dates sell out, especially weekends and school holidays.
- Visit afternoons (post-2.00pm) to avoid large tour groups whilst still having 2+ hours before closing.
- Download the visitor guide app before arriving for information about events and facilities.
- Don’t miss the King’s Staircase paintings by William Kent — the detail is extraordinary.
- Allow time for the Sunken Garden and palace grounds — they’re included with admission and beautifully maintained.
- Consider Historic Royal Palaces membership if visiting multiple palaces — includes free admission, 10% shop discounts, and exclusive events.
- Combine with nearby attractions: Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum are all within walking distance.
- Check current exhibitions before visiting — you may want to book in if the theme appeals.
- Bring proof of eligibility for £1 tickets if applicable — there are substantial savings for families on low incomes.
Nearby attractions to Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens surround the palace with 275 acres featuring the Albert Memorial, Serpentine Gallery, Italian Gardens, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, and the Peter Pan statue. Hyde Park adjoins Kensington Gardens to the east with the Serpentine lake, speakers’ corner, and extensive paths. The Royal Albert Hall sits nearby — one of London’s most prestigious venues for concerts and events. The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Science Museum form Exhibition Road’s museum quarter (approximately 15 minutes’ walk). Notting Hill offers colourful houses, Portobello Road Market, and independent shops.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting Eltham Palace.
- Essential information for visiting the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
- The Freud Museum London: A practical visitor guide.
- Visitor tips for going to the London Dungeon.
- A practical guide to visiting Kenwood House.
