Kensington Palace
Explore and get insights into this 300-year-old historical landmark, Kensington Palace. Browse through our collection of Kensington Palace attractions and visit them at a discounted price.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore State Rooms, discover Queen Victoria's childhood home, and wander through enchanting gardens with these tickets for Kensington Palace.
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From the lavish lifestyle of kings and queens to the intimate stories of royal life, Kensington Palace offers a journey through the history of royal abodes.
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Discover a Regency Christmas at the Victoria's Childhood Christmas exhibition where you'll see how Princess Victoria spent the holiday season.
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Fancy a change of pace? Skip entering and exploring the palace and treat yourself to a spot of afternoon tea at The Orangery instead.
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Did you know? King William III bought Kensington Palace because he suffered from asthma and the air was cleaner there than in London.
More details
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Explore State Rooms, discover Queen Victoria's childhood home, and wander through enchanting gardens with these tickets for Kensington Palace.
-
From the lavish lifestyle of kings and queens to the intimate stories of royal life, Kensington Palace offers a journey through the history of royal abodes.
-
Discover a Regency Christmas at the Victoria's Childhood Christmas exhibition where you'll see how Princess Victoria spent the holiday season.
-
Fancy a change of pace? Skip entering and exploring the palace and treat yourself to a spot of afternoon tea at The Orangery instead.
-
Did you know? King William III bought Kensington Palace because he suffered from asthma and the air was cleaner there than in London.
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Experience afternoon tea in the grounds of Kensington Palace, following in the footsteps of generations of British royalty.
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The tea service features four traditional sandwiches including smoked salmon with cream cheese and egg mayonnaise with fresh cress.
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Walk through historic Kensington Gardens to view Prince Albert's Victorian gardens and the newly installed Princess Diana statue in the Sunken Garden.
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Your host shares stories about royal tea traditions while you dine overlooking the same gardens used by the current royal family.
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Fun fact: The Sunken Garden, where you'll see Diana's statue, features 4,000 flowers planted each spring, including the Princess's favorite white roses.
More details
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Experience afternoon tea in the grounds of Kensington Palace, following in the footsteps of generations of British royalty.
-
The tea service features four traditional sandwiches including smoked salmon with cream cheese and egg mayonnaise with fresh cress.
-
Walk through historic Kensington Gardens to view Prince Albert's Victorian gardens and the newly installed Princess Diana statue in the Sunken Garden.
-
Your host shares stories about royal tea traditions while you dine overlooking the same gardens used by the current royal family.
-
Fun fact: The Sunken Garden, where you'll see Diana's statue, features 4,000 flowers planted each spring, including the Princess's favorite white roses.
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Marvel at the seat of British power when you visit the 1000-year-old Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Admire the glorious Crown Jewels, a collection that includes British coronation regalia, over 23,578 precious gems, along with other rare diamonds such as the blue Stuart Sapphire, the Cullinan I, and the Koh-i- Noor.
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Get to know the life and legacy of one of Great Britain’s most famous monarchs, Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.
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Stroll around the luxurious rooms of the King's State Apartments and marvel at the sheer grandeur of these exquisite chambers.
More details
-
Marvel at the seat of British power when you visit the 1000-year-old Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-
Admire the glorious Crown Jewels, a collection that includes British coronation regalia, over 23,578 precious gems, along with other rare diamonds such as the blue Stuart Sapphire, the Cullinan I, and the Koh-i- Noor.
-
Get to know the life and legacy of one of Great Britain’s most famous monarchs, Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.
-
Stroll around the luxurious rooms of the King's State Apartments and marvel at the sheer grandeur of these exquisite chambers.
5% off
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Relax your mind and body at London's Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts the world's largest Victorian glasshouse.
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Explore the Princess of Wales Conservatory where you can see carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap, and visit Marc Quinn's exhibition Light into Life.
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Experience British history at Kensington Palace, home to young royals for 300+ years, where you can see the rooms where Queen Victoria grew up.
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Marvel at exquisite 18th-century royal fashion and artworks from the Royal Collection, and marvel at the dazzling emerald diadem kept at the Jewel Room.
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Fun fact: Kew Gardens is home to the country's smallest royal palace.
More details
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Relax your mind and body at London's Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts the world's largest Victorian glasshouse.
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Explore the Princess of Wales Conservatory where you can see carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap, and visit Marc Quinn's exhibition Light into Life.
-
Experience British history at Kensington Palace, home to young royals for 300+ years, where you can see the rooms where Queen Victoria grew up.
-
Marvel at exquisite 18th-century royal fashion and artworks from the Royal Collection, and marvel at the dazzling emerald diadem kept at the Jewel Room.
-
Fun fact: Kew Gardens is home to the country's smallest royal palace.
5% off
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Step into regal history as you explore Kensington Palace, from the King's State Apartments to Victoria's childhood home with an audio guide.
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Unveil the royal lifestyle and intimate stories of palace life through enlightening exhibitions like Untold Lives, and admire precious gems in the Jewel Room.
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Hop aboard the London Eye, Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, to spot London's famous landmarks alongside the River Thames.
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Soar above London on a 30-minute ride on the iconic London Eye, enjoying panoramic views of the city's famous landmarks.
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Fun fact: There was a live TV show called "Eye on London" filmed in one of the capsules in 2011.
More details
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Step into regal history as you explore Kensington Palace, from the King's State Apartments to Victoria's childhood home with an audio guide.
-
Unveil the royal lifestyle and intimate stories of palace life through enlightening exhibitions like Untold Lives, and admire precious gems in the Jewel Room.
-
Hop aboard the London Eye, Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, to spot London's famous landmarks alongside the River Thames.
-
Soar above London on a 30-minute ride on the iconic London Eye, enjoying panoramic views of the city's famous landmarks.
-
Fun fact: There was a live TV show called "Eye on London" filmed in one of the capsules in 2011.
10% off
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Visit three opulent, royal London architectures with a single, value-for-money combo ticket.
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Marvel at the seat of British power when you visit the 1000-year-old Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-
Admire the glorious Crown Jewels, a collection that includes British coronation regalia, over 23,578 precious gems, along with other rare diamonds such as the blue Stuart Sapphire, the Cullinan I, and the Koh-i- Noor.
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Explore the Royal Armouries’ collection in the White Tower, which was built by William the Conqueror.
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Wander through the various chambers of the Hampton Court Palace, where the marriages of Henry VIII rewrote history.
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Pay a visit to the State Apartments of Henry VIII, discover the Great Chamber lined with Thomas Wolsey’s tapestries, and learn about the battle for power at the Tudor Court.
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Get to know what constituted Tudor cooking and what all counted as entertainment back in those times by exploring Henry VIII’s Kitchens.
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Be amazed by the spectacular interiors of the Chapel Royal, which has been in use for over 450 years and continues to remain an active place of worship.
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Round off your visit by exploring the vast 60-acre garden which is set within a loop of the Thames. Each season brings out its different looks and shades.
-
Get to know the life and legacy of one of Great Britain’s most famous monarchs, Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.
-
Stroll around the luxurious rooms of the King's State Apartments and marvel at the sheer grandeur of these exquisite chambers.
-
Learn some of the tragic stories and secrets about the Stuart dynasty while exploring each section of the palace in detail.
More details
-
Visit three opulent, royal London architectures with a single, value-for-money combo ticket.
-
Marvel at the seat of British power when you visit the 1000-year-old Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-
Admire the glorious Crown Jewels, a collection that includes British coronation regalia, over 23,578 precious gems, along with other rare diamonds such as the blue Stuart Sapphire, the Cullinan I, and the Koh-i- Noor.
-
Explore the Royal Armouries’ collection in the White Tower, which was built by William the Conqueror.
-
Wander through the various chambers of the Hampton Court Palace, where the marriages of Henry VIII rewrote history.
-
Pay a visit to the State Apartments of Henry VIII, discover the Great Chamber lined with Thomas Wolsey’s tapestries, and learn about the battle for power at the Tudor Court.
-
Get to know what constituted Tudor cooking and what all counted as entertainment back in those times by exploring Henry VIII’s Kitchens.
-
Be amazed by the spectacular interiors of the Chapel Royal, which has been in use for over 450 years and continues to remain an active place of worship.
-
Round off your visit by exploring the vast 60-acre garden which is set within a loop of the Thames. Each season brings out its different looks and shades.
-
Get to know the life and legacy of one of Great Britain’s most famous monarchs, Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.
-
Stroll around the luxurious rooms of the King's State Apartments and marvel at the sheer grandeur of these exquisite chambers.
-
Learn some of the tragic stories and secrets about the Stuart dynasty while exploring each section of the palace in detail.
5% off
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Select from 45+ must-see London experiences, from the London Eye and Tower of London to Frameless, Shrek’s Adventure, Madame Tussauds, and London Zoo.
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You can also pick from options like Thames River cruises, hop-on hop-off bus tours, walking tours, and top attractions like Chelsea FC Stadium Tour, Kensington Palace.
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With access to 2 to 7 attractions, you can shape your trip to be quick and breezy or pleasantly packed, whatever suits your style.
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Experience Tower of London or Westminster Abbey with Headout's exclusive AI audioguide, uncovering immersive stories and hands-free exploration.
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With a single pass, you can access London attractions smoothly without juggling tickets, saving money and avoiding the hassle of repeated online bookings.
More details
-
Select from 45+ must-see London experiences, from the London Eye and Tower of London to Frameless, Shrek’s Adventure, Madame Tussauds, and London Zoo.
-
You can also pick from options like Thames River cruises, hop-on hop-off bus tours, walking tours, and top attractions like Chelsea FC Stadium Tour, Kensington Palace.
-
With access to 2 to 7 attractions, you can shape your trip to be quick and breezy or pleasantly packed, whatever suits your style.
-
Experience Tower of London or Westminster Abbey with Headout's exclusive AI audioguide, uncovering immersive stories and hands-free exploration.
-
With a single pass, you can access London attractions smoothly without juggling tickets, saving money and avoiding the hassle of repeated online bookings.
-
Unleash your imagination at Frameless London, the UK's largest permanent multi-sensory art experience featuring 4 immersive galleries.
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Experience art in a new dimension as you wander through galleries like Beyond Reality, where masterpieces like Munch's 'The Scream' come to life.
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Feel the life of the royalty at Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the official residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
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Awe at the beauty of Princess Diana's statue in the Sunken Garden and check out Queen Caroline's terracotta bust in the King's State Apartments.
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Did you know? Kensington Palace was the official residence of Princess Diana after her divorce from Prince Charles.
More details
-
Unleash your imagination at Frameless London, the UK's largest permanent multi-sensory art experience featuring 4 immersive galleries.
-
Experience art in a new dimension as you wander through galleries like Beyond Reality, where masterpieces like Munch's 'The Scream' come to life.
-
Feel the life of the royalty at Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the official residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
-
Awe at the beauty of Princess Diana's statue in the Sunken Garden and check out Queen Caroline's terracotta bust in the King's State Apartments.
-
Did you know? Kensington Palace was the official residence of Princess Diana after her divorce from Prince Charles.
5% off
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Similar things to do in London
About Kensington Palace
Dating back to the 17th century, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence, accommodating both royal and civilian occupants. It is currently home to the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and their families. The Kensington Palace is managed by the Historic Royal Palaces foundation and has been open to the public since 1899. Notable highlights of the palace include King's and Queen's Apartments, King's Staircase and Queens Gallery.
In the 18th century, Kensington Palace was the hub of the Georgian Royal Court, and had a strict dress code. Women wore wide skirts and had elaborate hairstyles with feathers, while men donned wigs, embroidered suits, and silk stockings.
Queen Anne, who resided at Kensington Palace, experienced significant personal tragedy, enduring 18 pregnancies with only five children born alive, and just one son surviving infancy.
Kensington Palace was Princess Diana’s home after her marriage to Prince Charles and during their separation. It was where she raised her sons, William and Harry, and where she conducted her famous interview with Martin Bashir. Visitors can view some of Diana’s iconic dresses in the "Dress Codes" exhibition, which explores the history and significance of royal fashion.
Kensington Palace supported both World Wars, offering space for clerical staff during WWI and being fortified with anti-aircraft defenses during WWII. However, it suffered damage from an incendiary bomb in 1940, impacting the State and Queen's Apartments.
Among Kensington Palace’s secrets are surprising discoveries like a book of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci found in 1770, and a collection of paintings by Hans Holbein. Rumors of hauntings persist, with sightings of specters like Peter the Wild Boy and Queen Sophia.
Why visit Kensington Palace?
Highlights
King's Gallery
The King's Gallery at Kensington Palace is a grand state apartment, originally transformed for George I in 1725 by William Kent. It features red damask, oak joinery, and ceiling canvases depicting scenes from the life of Ulysses. Built for William III, it served as a meeting place for military planning and intimate moments. It was where William III played with his nephew, the Duke of Gloucester, and where he eventually passed away from pneumonia
King's Staircase
The King's Staircase at Kensington Palace features vivid paintings by William Kent, depicting George I's court in the 18th century. Guards in red uniforms stand among the figures, including Kent himself and his partner, actress Elizabeth Butler. The paintings also include lesser-known figures like Ulric, a Polish page, and Peter, a young boy, living alone in German woods.
Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace was originally designed in 1908, modeled after the Pond Garden at Hampton Court Palace. It features terraced lawns, paving, ornamental flower beds, and a central pond. In 2017, the garden was replanted with white flowers in tribute to Princess Diana, inspired by her dresses and photographs by Mario Testino. Today, visitors can enjoy its peaceful ambiance.
Plan your visit
Main Entrance
Located on Kensington Palace Gardens in Kensington, west of central London, the main entrance leads you directly into the palace grounds. The closest underground station is High Street Kensington, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Typically, the waiting time to enter can vary depending on the day and season, ranging from 15 minutes during quieter periods to over an hour during peak times.
- Last admission is at 5pm in the summer (1 March – 31 October) and at 3pm in the winter (1 November – 28 February).
- Christmas closures: Kensington Palace is closed from 24 to 26 December.
- The Sunken Garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5:45pm.
Kensington Palace has a souvenir shop to purchase merchandise.
Toilets, including disabled toilets are available at Kensington Palace.
Baby nursing rooms are available at Kensington Palace.
Cafés are available at Kensington Palace.
Free wi-fi is available at Kensington Palace.
First aid is available at Kensington Palace.
Service animals are permitted at Kensington Palace.
Wheelchairs are available to use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
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