Kensington Palace, London - a statue in the middle of a park with a building in the background
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Kensington Palace

4.5
·30k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Kensington Palace, London - a statue in the middle of a park with a building in the background

Kensington Palace

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(30k reviews)

"A beautiful royal residence with fascinating exhibits, though some find the gardens the true highlight."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victoria Revealed

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

Diana: Her Fashion Story

Palace Interiors

Admire iconic outfits worn by Princess Diana, showcasing her style evolution and impact on fashion.

Kensington Gardens

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

Kensington Palace is a royal residence, so expect security. Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred entry time and avoid disappointment. Some visitors suggest it's not worth the full ticket price if you're on a tight schedule.Reddit

Garden Strolls vs. Palace Interiors

While the palace interiors offer historical exhibits, the surrounding Kensington Gardens are free to explore and offer a beautiful respite. Decide if your priority is the history within or the scenic beauty without.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tea at The Orangery
Why
Elegant experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Asta Darling She is a beauty 😍 This dress is thought to be the only surviving dress worn by Queen Charlotte. 👑 Libby Thompson in our Conservation Team has been preparing this remarkable g...
@historic.royal.palaces
95.9K likes • 1.1M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry time in advance to avoid queues and guarantee admission. Some find it pricey.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Kensington Gardens are free and offer beautiful walks, a great alternative if you skip the palace interior.Reddit

£25.40 to see Harry Styles’ jacket and a premier league footballer. #kensingtonpalace #londonlife #london #touristattraction #britishhumour #PlacesToVisit #ukcomedy #satire #LearnOnTikTok
@philc84
75.7K likes • 950.3K views
Royal Afternoon tea at the Palace 🤴🏻 ⁣ ⁣ The Orangery at Kensington Palace is a stunning and historic venue that offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of British royalty.⁣ ⁣ After a sev...
aleks_london_diary
15.5K likes • 484.5K views

☕ Afternoon Tea Delight

Enjoy a classic British experience at The Orangery, but book tea separately from palace entry.Reddit

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

Enhance your visit with the provided audio guide for deeper historical insights.Reddit

Have you visited this royal palace? ✨👑 Kensington Palace is sometimes overlooked by tourists, but nestled in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, it’s a must visit when in London. The birthplace of Quee...
kate_in_london_
334 likes • 5.6K views

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.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Kensington Gardens are free and offer beautiful walks, a great alternative if you skip the palace interior.Reddit

☕ Afternoon Tea Delight

Enjoy a classic British experience at The Orangery, but book tea separately from palace entry.Reddit

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

Enhance your visit with the provided audio guide for deeper historical insights.Reddit

📸 Scaffolding Alert

Be aware that facade work may be ongoing, potentially impacting exterior photos.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(30k reviews)

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

Beautiful gardens
Insightful exhibitions
Royal history

What People Dislike

High ticket price
Scaffolding impact

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).TikTok Santander bikes are also a popular option for a scenic ride through the parks.Reddit

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from areas like South Kensington or Hyde Park.Reddit+1 You can walk from Buckingham Palace through the parks, or take public transport back if you're tired.Reddit

High Street Kensington station is generally the closest and most convenient for accessing Kensington Palace and its gardens.TikTok

Absolutely! Cycling is a great way to explore London, and Santander Cycles are readily available near Kensington Gardens.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the palace interiors. Some find it takes about an hour.Reddit

Key exhibits include 'Victoria Revealed,' showcasing Queen Victoria's life, and 'Diana: Her Fashion Story,' featuring iconic outfits of Princess Diana.TikTok

Yes, an audio guide is usually available and highly recommended to enhance your understanding of the palace's history and its royal residents.Reddit

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.Reddit+1

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.Reddit

Yes, the Kensington area boasts numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The Churchill Arms, known for its Thai food, is a popular nearby option.Reddit

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.Instagram

📸 📸 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.Instagram

Some visitors have reported ongoing scaffolding work on the palace facade, which can impact exterior photography. It's wise to check recent visitor updates.Reddit

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

Kensington Gardens offers ample space for children to run and play, making it a great option for families. While the palace exhibits might be more suited for older children interested in history, the gardens themselves are a hit. Look for the Peter Pan statue for a touch of magic! Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the gardens for a budget-friendly and relaxed family meal.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The most budget-friendly way to experience Kensington Palace is to focus on the Kensington Gardens, which are free to enter.Reddit You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, the Albert Memorial, and the Peter Pan statue without spending a penny on admission. If you do wish to see the palace interiors, booking tickets online in advance might offer slight savings, and consider packing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy in the gardens to save on dining costs.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Kensington Palace and its gardens offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The Sunken Garden is a popular spot for stunning floral photography.Instagram The palace facade itself, when free of scaffolding, provides a grand backdrop. Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for your shots. Remember to check for any photography restrictions inside the palace.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens, adjacent to Hyde Park, offers a tranquil escape and is a highlight for many visitors. It's a free-to-enter space that complements the palace visit beautifully. You can wander through the Sunken Garden, a meticulously designed floral display that's particularly stunning in bloom. Don't miss the Albert Memorial, a magnificent tribute to Prince Albert, and the Peter Pan statue, a whimsical addition that delights visitors of all ages.

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.Reddit+1

The Royal Residences: Past and Present

Kensington Palace has a rich history as a royal residence, serving as home to several prominent royals. It was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and later became the London residence of Princess Diana.Instagram Today, it continues to be a working royal palace, with parts of it still occupied by members of the Royal Family, such as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

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.TikTok 'Diana: Her Fashion Story' highlights the Princess's iconic style and its impact, featuring some of her most memorable outfits.Instagram These exhibits provide a tangible connection to the history and personalities that have shaped Kensington Palace.

Afternoon Tea Etiquette and Experience

For a quintessential British experience, consider indulging in afternoon tea at The Orangery, located within Kensington Palace grounds.Instagram This elegant setting offers a chance to enjoy a traditional spread of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of delicate pastries, all accompanied by a choice of fine teas.

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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