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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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.
"I had the pleasure of visiting Kensington Palace with my family in the evening, and it was a truly memorable experience.
Kensington Palace is one of London’s most elegant historic landmarks, blending royal history with beautifully curated exhibits. Once the childhood home of Queen Victoria and the residence of Princess Diana, the palace holds deep significance in Britain’s royal heritage. Today, it is still a working royal residence for members of the Royal Family while also open to the public.
The exhibits are outstanding—ranging from the regal State Apartments to special collections of royal fashion, portraits, and artifacts. Each gallery tells a story of the monarchs who lived here, and the attention to detail makes the experience both educational and inspiring.
One of the best features is the audio guide, which is included for visitors. It brings the palace to life with engaging stories, helping tourists understand the history, architecture, and personalities behind the palace walls. Combined with the lush Kensington Gardens just outside, the visit feels like stepping into living history.
Overall, Kensington Palace offers the perfect balance of royal history and cultural experience—a must-visit for anyone exploring London. 👑✨"
Mary Musa
"Pleasantly surprised! I went here by myself and really enjoyed my visit. I am not a history buff by any means but the guided audio tour made it really interesting walking around the 3 apartments and then the best part was catching one of the guides doing their timed talks about Caroline and her life. He was so engaging and the story was interesting. The gardens were lovely and the cafe delicious. I had a lemon pound cake and a cheese tomato toasty that had a lot more flavor than I expected. I think it was spiced well. There are a few stairs going up and down the palace but manageable. It also helped that it didn’t feel too overwhelming and big. It took me about 2.5 hours to look at everything at a very leisurely pace. I went on a Friday afternoon and there was no wait to get inside and a very manageable amount of people inside so it didn’t feel too touristy. Would definitely recommend if interested at all in the royal history or how they used to live."
Elle
"When we got there we were greeted by 4 actors dressed in the correct period attire and singing and continued their roles all through the palace. My wife even got to meet the Queen herself! (Queen Victoria, played by an actress) she absolutely loved it and was nerding out alot lol. Beautiful gardens and palace where Princess Diana lived. Plenty of history and worth a visit."
Sam Farlow
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.+1 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.+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.
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
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
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
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.
These exhibits provide a tangible connection to the history and personalities that have shaped Kensington Palace.Afternoon Tea Etiquette and Experience
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.
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