Kensington Palace
A historic royal palace and its stunning gardens, offering a glimpse into the lives of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Kensington Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic royal palace and its stunning gardens, offering a glimpse into the lives of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
"A beautiful royal residence with fascinating exhibits, though some find the gardens the true highlight."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry time in advance to avoid queues and guarantee admission. Some find it pricey .
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Kensington Gardens are free and offer beautiful walks, a great alternative if you skip the palace interior .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victoria Revealed
Palace Interiors
Step into the world of Queen Victoria, exploring her childhood and reign through personal artifacts and stories.
Diana: Her Fashion Story
Palace Interiors
Admire iconic outfits worn by Princess Diana, showcasing her style evolution and impact on fashion.

Kensington Gardens
Surrounding Gardens
Wander through these magnificent royal gardens, a peaceful oasis with stunning floral displays and serene landscapes.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Garden Strolls vs. Palace Interiors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry time in advance to avoid queues and guarantee admission. Some find it pricey.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Kensington Gardens are free and offer beautiful walks, a great alternative if you skip the palace interior.
☕ Afternoon Tea Delight
Enjoy a classic British experience at The Orangery, but book tea separately from palace entry.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the provided audio guide for deeper historical insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry time in advance to avoid queues and guarantee admission. Some find it pricey.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Kensington Gardens are free and offer beautiful walks, a great alternative if you skip the palace interior.
☕ Afternoon Tea Delight
Enjoy a classic British experience at The Orangery, but book tea separately from palace entry.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the provided audio guide for deeper historical insights.
📸 Scaffolding Alert
Be aware that facade work may be ongoing, potentially impacting exterior photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kensington Palace is praised for its beautiful gardens and insightful exhibitions on Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Visitors appreciate the historical context and the elegant atmosphere. However, some find the ticket price steep for the amount of content inside, and exterior photography can sometimes be hindered by scaffolding.
"Decided to take a tour before our second tour of the day. And I can honestly say I really loved visiting this palace. In my opinion, this palace is better than the Buckingham Palace. It’s less crowded yet provides a lot of rich history still. Decided to walk there from our hotel and walk through the Kensington Palace, which is a beautiful garden and pond area. Also walking distance is Princess Diana‘s memorial Garden. I definitely recommend this place and would visit again."
Nia Gee
"Another must see landmark when in London. Very cool to go through and see the very rooms that numerous English Monarchs and royalty were born in, lived in and even died in.
This is also one of the places that has stuff related to Princess Diana, so if you’re a fan, highly recommend visiting (especially the shop!)
Went during a weekday morning and not too just at all which was nice. You can take photos throughout the visit as well."
Austin Henson
"We made a last-minute decision to visit and began by wandering through the gardens, enjoying a delicious ice cream, before heading to the entrance.
The staff were incredibly friendly and polite, and I appreciate that bag searches were carried out for security. When collecting the optional audio tour, the staff were readily available to help with directions and offer their knowledge, which was very helpful.
Inside the apartments, we were delighted to find actors dressed in period clothing portraying historical figures, such as a courtier and the queen with her lady-in-waiting. This was an excellent and interactive show, especially for children, with plenty of opportunities for both adults and kids to engage throughout the palace tour.
To conclude our visit, there's a small, well-stocked gift store, though a bit pricey, and a cafe. The entire visit took us about two hours.
I highly recommend this experience to anyone considering a visit!"
Sam Thompson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kensington Palace is easily accessible via the London Underground. The nearest stations are High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines) and Queensway (Central line).
Santander bikes are also a popular option for a scenic ride through the parks.Yes, it's a pleasant walk from areas like South Kensington or Hyde Park.
You can walk from Buckingham Palace through the parks, or take public transport back if you're tired.High Street Kensington station is generally the closest and most convenient for accessing Kensington Palace and its gardens.
Absolutely! Cycling is a great way to explore London, and Santander Cycles are readily available near Kensington Gardens.
On-street parking is limited and expensive in this area. It's highly recommended to use public transport or cycle to reach Kensington Palace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is recommended. Check the official Kensington Palace website for current pricing and to book your timed entry slot.
Yes, booking tickets online in advance is strongly advised to secure your preferred entry time and avoid disappointment, as entry is often via timed slots.
Yes, Kensington Gardens are free to enter and explore. You only need a ticket if you wish to visit the exhibitions inside the palace itself.
A ticket typically grants access to the palace's exhibitions, such as 'Victoria Revealed' and 'Diana: Her Fashion Story,' along with the King's and Queen's State Apartments.
Refund policies can vary. It's best to check the terms and conditions when booking your ticket or contact Historic Royal Palaces directly for specific inquiries.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the palace interiors. Some find it takes about an hour.
Key exhibits include 'Victoria Revealed,' showcasing Queen Victoria's life, and 'Diana: Her Fashion Story,' featuring iconic outfits of Princess Diana.
Yes, an audio guide is usually available and highly recommended to enhance your understanding of the palace's history and its royal residents.
Kensington Palace frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and events. It's advisable to check their official website for the latest information.
While the historical exhibits might be more engaging for older children, the gardens offer plenty of space for younger ones to run around and explore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers afternoon tea and light meals. It's a separate booking from palace entry.
Many find it a lovely, albeit touristy, experience. It's recommended to book this in advance, and be aware it's separate from palace admission.
Yes, the Kensington area boasts numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The Churchill Arms, known for its Thai food, is a popular nearby option.
Picnics are generally welcome in Kensington Gardens, offering a more budget-friendly dining option amidst the beautiful surroundings.
The Orangery typically serves classic afternoon tea, sandwiches, pastries, and other light refreshments in an elegant setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted in designated areas, but flash photography and tripods are often restricted. Check for signage within the palace.
The Sunken Garden, the exterior facade (weather permitting), and the grand interiors offer excellent photo opportunities.
Some visitors have reported ongoing scaffolding work on the palace facade, which can impact exterior photography. It's wise to check recent visitor updates.
Drones are strictly prohibited within the Royal Parks, including Kensington Gardens, for safety and privacy reasons.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the palace and gardens beautifully.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kensington Gardens
Many visitors enjoy simply strolling through the gardens, finding a quiet bench to relax, or admiring the Long Water and the Round Pond. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or to simply soak in the royal atmosphere. The gardens provide a sense of grandeur and peace, making them a must-see even if you choose not to enter the palace itself.
The Royal Residences: Past and Present
The exhibitions within the palace offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these royals. 'Victoria Revealed' delves into the personal and public life of Queen Victoria, showcasing items from her extensive wardrobe and personal effects. 'Diana: Her Fashion Story' highlights the Princess's iconic style and its impact, featuring some of her most memorable outfits. These exhibits provide a tangible connection to the history and personalities that have shaped Kensington Palace.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette and Experience
It's important to note that The Orangery operates as a separate entity from the palace itself, meaning you'll need to book your afternoon tea reservation independently of your palace entry ticket. Many visitors find it a delightful way to round off their visit, offering a moment of refined relaxation. However, some Reddit users suggest that while it's a nice experience, it might not be a 'must-do' if you're on a tight schedule or budget.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit