Visit Kensington Palace London

A Journey Through Queen Victoria's Life And More

Take a tour of Kensington Palace and see the palaces that were home to kings, queens, and princesses. The palace is where Queen Victoria was born, as well as where Princess Diana and Princess Margaret resided. Today, Kensington Palace in London remains the official residence of the Royal Family, featuring several private apartments and offices that serve as their primary living quarters. You can now enjoy visiting Kensington Palace in London.

In London, we couldn't resist the chance to visit this historic royal residence, which we now share with you. We will take you through our experience and share all the tips you need before you go, from exploring its grand State Apartments to strolling through its gardens.

Here is your insider's guide to the palace, combining history, personal impressions, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Queen Victoria Statue in Front of Kensington Palace in London

Statue of Queen Victoria Outside Kensington Palace, London

☰ Index

Navigate Your Visit with This Quick Index

🏙️ Quick Facts About Kensington Palace
🚇 Getting to Kensington Palace
🎟️ Tickets & Entry Info
🏛️ Visiting Kensington Palace London
📝 Tips For First-Time Visitors
🤔 Questions We Asked Ourselves Before Going
🧠 Fun & Fascinating Facts
📍 What Else to See Nearby
❓ FAQ – Visiting Kensington Palace

Disclaimer: This guide is written based on our experience at Kensington Palace. The information we share here is based on our personal experience while visiting. Please note that when you visit, certain things might be different.

Quick Facts About Kensington Palace London

Before visiting, you must know the basic and quick facts about Kensington Palace in London.

📍 Location: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX9QU

🕒 Opening Hours: The opening hours of the palace vary depending on the season. There are some days when the palace will be closed. Any closed dates will be greyed out while booking. When selecting a date to book, it will request that you select a time.

🎟️ Admission: To enter the palace, there is a fee, which we advise purchasing the tickets beforehand.

🚇 Nearest Tube: Queensway (Central Line) and Highstreet Kensington (Circle and District Lines).

🍴 Kensington Palace in London Amenities: Cafeteria, Gift Shop, Facilities, Lift, Audio Guides

📸 Photo Friendly: Definitely! Yes.

Royal busts and naval tapestry inside Kensington Palace State Rooms.

Historic Tapestry and Sculptures Inside Kensington Palace State Rooms

How to Get To Kensington Palace In London

The palace of Kensington is located within Kensington Gardens. Its location is very central in London; however, you have to walk through the gardens to reach the palace. Despite this, no vehicles pass through the gardens, so all transportation will stop you outside the gardens. The transportation options are as follows:

🚇 By Tube: Take the Central (Red) line from central London to Queensway and Circle (Yellow) and District (Green) to High Street Kensington.
🚆 By Train: The closest train station is Paddington Station, and from here you must take either the metro or a taxi to the palace.
🚊 By Tram: No tram service is available in central London.
🚌 By Bus: Several bus stops are just outside the Kensington Gardens. Visit Transport for London's website for live bus updates.
🛥️ Uber Boat by Thames Clipper: The closest ferry stop is Cadogan Pier; however, you must catch an additional transportation option to get to the palace.
🚗 By Car: There are no parking or drop-off facilities on-site or nearby.
🚖 By Taxi: Taxis are available all over the city to catch. It will stop you just outside the Kensington Gardens.

🔗 Read More: Use our guide on how to get around London to get a better understanding of London's transportation.

The Red-draped gallery lined with portraits and bathed in natural light.

The King’s Grand Red-Draped Corridor at Kensington Palace

How to Book A Visit To The Kensington Palace

Make sure you pre-book your tickets before going to the Palace to ensure that you will be able to enter. On-site, you can purchase them, but you will have to wait for the next available slot.

Despite having a ticket, you may still have to wait in line or until your timeslot opens; however, you are always guaranteed entry. There will also be a short security line; however, it will not take very long.

When we visited, we chose the 10:00 AM time slot and encountered mild queues.

By clicking the booking link below, you will be directed to the official Kensington Palace Website, our trusted partner.
Select a date that works for you and the number of participants.
Select a time that is convenient for you.
Click the 'Continue to Checkout' button.
If any details are requested, please provide them.
Proceed to the payment page and go ahead and pay.
You can complete your booking by entering your card details.
✅ Booking confirmed! Check your email for a mobile ticket and confirmation.

🔒 Book Your Kensington Palace Tickets Here

Visitors queue outside Kensington Palace in London during renovation works.

A Visitor Queue at Kensington Palace

Our Visit to Kensington Palace: What It Was Like

Since we have been to Kensington Palace, we can tell you what we experienced and how our visit went.

We will break down our experience at the palace, which was simply outstanding. During our visit, the palace was going through several renovations; however, this did not disrupt our visit.

🛂 Arrival & Security

Our timeslot visit was at 10:00 am, which was the first slot. We arrived at Kensington by metro and then walked through Kensington Gardens to arrive at the palace. Upon arrival, there were two queues and an attendant. We had already purchased the tickets beforehand, so we were in the queue waiting to go in. An attendant checked our tickets, and then we went through security. After security, we went to grab our audio guides to start our tour. This is a self-guided tour, so you listen and walk around.

💡 Tip: Tickets can be bought on-site; however, they are not guaranteed, especially during peak times. So, we highly recommend pre-booking.

Ornate State Room with Royal Portraits in Kensington Palace London.

Opulent Red-walled State Room With Royal Paintings and Decorated Ceiling

🚀 The Audio Guide Experience

As soon as you pass the security area and walk into 'The Hub', there are a couple of tables with staff handing over mobile phones and headphones. These are used so that you can learn about the history whilst exploring at your own pace. The use of the audio guide made our experience even more immersive and enjoy the details that we wouldn't have noticed if we didn't have the audio guide.

🌆 The King's State Apartments

As we followed the audio guide, the first area we went to was the King's State Apartments. At first, you walk up these King's staircase where every step you take, there is a detail that catches your eye. The audio guide gives you a story about every room and something memorable that happened. We toured and admired the beauty of the state apartments. We spend around 45 minutes exploring.

🪜 The Queen's State Apartments

The Queen's State Apartments were on the other side of the palace, where you must walk through several corridors to get there. Once you arrive, you climb the Queen's Staircase and start exploring the rooms around the apartment. Immediately, you notice the difference in style and architecture. The structure of the apartment is very different to that of the King. This area took us around 30 minutes to explore.

Before moving to the Dress Codes exhibition, there is a small film giving you further information about the palace. It is very short, so it is worth watching.

🚻 Dress Codes Exhibition

This exhibition of the palace is all about the dress codes from the 1780s to today. We were very struck by the difference in dress codes of the past compared to today. You get to see some incredible pieces of royal clothing and the powerful impact of fashion when boundaries are pushed and the dress code evolves. This exhibition is open until 30th November 2025.

👑 Victoria: A Royal Childhood

I think this was my favourite part of the palace since we got to explore several important rooms where Queen Victoria spent her childhood, such as her playroom, the room where she was born and where she had her education. You get to see her dollhouse, a royal performance that used to be held during that time, and also a representation of when she became Queen of England.

Ornate ceiling and golden chandelier details at Kensington Palace.

Intricately painted ceilings, golden chandeliers, and architectural grandeur

☕ The Gift Shop and Cafeteria

Once you finish your tour, you must drop off the mobile and headphones with the staff and head to the gift shop and cafeteria. There are some beautiful souvenirs you can buy and keep as memorabilia, which we did ourselves. Before you leave, you can take a coffee at the cafeteria or head to The Orangery for afternoon tea.

🌸 The Sunken Garden

Apart from the palace, we visited the Sunken Garden, which was a great addition to our visit. You can spend some time walking around and admiring the beauty that surrounds the exterior of the palace.

💭 Final Thoughts

Our visit lasted around 3.5 to 4 hours, which included the tour, and visit to the gift shop and the sunken garden.

Would we do it again? Most Definitely!

🔒 Step Inside Royal History – Reserve Your Spot Today!

Modern designers reinterpreting royal dress codes in exhibition.

The Dress Codes Exhibition At Kensington Palace

Tips For First-Time Visitors to Kensington Palace

Just before visiting, here are a few tips to consider if you are going for the first time.

🎟️ Before You Go

Book your ticket online to skip the queue.
Check ahead on how to get there to avoid any delays.
There is quite a walk from the public road or any transportation area, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and an umbrella just in case.
Learn about Kensington Palace beforehand to know what to expect.
Familiarise yourself with the entrance locations and opening hours.
There is no dress code for the Kensington Palace; however, appropriate dressing is a must.

🧭 While You Are There

Give yourself at least 3 to 4 hours to explore.
Take an audio guide (included in price) to feel more immersive while exploring.
Take as many photos as you can while exploring.
Ask an attendant when you have any questions.
Walk around the gardens and also have afternoon tea.
Visit the souvenir shop or have a snack at the cafeteria.

🔒 Don’t Miss Out! Secure Your Palace Entry in Advance

A relaxing moment at Kensington Palace outdoor café.

Outdoor café scene at Kensington Palace

Questions We Asked Ourselves Before Going

Before our visit, we had several questions in mind that we thought might be worth sharing with you with our answers.

How long will my visit last at Kensington Palace and Gardens?

Funnily enough, we thought that our visit would be very short; however, we were very surprised that our experience lasted around three to four hours, including a visit to the Kensington Gardens. We took our own time exploring the palace, reading and listening to the audio guide and taking in all the history.

Is Kensington Palace in London worth visiting?

Kensington Palace is most definitely worth visiting, especially if you are interested in history and the Royal Family. We have always been intrigued by the Royal Family and its history that surrounds it, and this visit gave us a small but fascinating glimpse into it.

What can I see inside Kensington Palace? Are the royal apartments open to the public?

Once inside, you will have the chance to explore the entire Kensington Palace, from exploring the childhood of Queen Victoria to the King's and Queen's state apartments. Exhibitions are regularly exhibited, so make sure you check out their website for more details. Whilst we attended, there was the Dress Codes exhibition to discover the power of fashion from the late 18th century till today.

Will I be able to take photos inside the palace?

Yes, photography and videography are allowed; however, flash and tripods are prohibited. Be cautious not to take direct photography/videography of the staff.

💸 Was it worth the price?

Yes, definitely!

Yes, for what it is worth, the price reflects the experience. From the respectful staff to the audio guides, amazing tour experience.

🔒 Walk in the Footsteps of Royals – Book Your Visit Now

Tourists Exploring Historic Art Inside Kensington Palace State Room

18 Mind-Blowing Facts about Kensington Palace in London

👑 It’s Still a Royal Home! - Prince William and Princess Kate still have access to their former home, Apartment 1A, at Kensington Palace, even though they are now based in Windsor.

🏰 Over 330 Years of Royal History - In 1689, William III and Mary II chose Nottingham House as their country retreat, which later evolved into a fashionable royal residence.

👶 Queen Victoria Was Born and Became Queen Here! - It was at Kensington Palace that Victoria was born in 1819 and lived here until she was 18.

🖋️ The Queen’s First Signature - Queen Victoria’s first official act as queen happened here, appearing in her dressing gown and signing the official papers in her nightgown in the Red Saloon.

🌸 The Sunken Garden Is a Tribute - Princess Diana's favourite flowers were planted in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in 2021, along with a statue unveiled by her sons

🪄 It Was Once a Small Country Mansion - It was originally built in 1605 as a modest Jacobean mansion called Nottingham House, but it was transformed into Kensington Palace in 1689 when William III and Mary II acquired it.

🫁 Asthma and illness - As a result of his asthma and illness, King William III made architectural modifications, such as adding windows and fireplaces, to create a healthier royal residence.

🎨 Inside a Royal Art Gallery - The King's Gallery, built in 1725 for George I, displays impressive royal portraits and historic art in its original Georgian grandeur.

🌍 The Palace Has a Global Fanbase - It is one of London's most admired and frequently visited historical royal attractions, with over 400,000 visitors annually from around the globe.

🛏️ Victoria Slept in a Tiny Bed! - Queen Victoria's childhood bed, used on royal tours, was rediscovered at auction and repurchased for £4,250. It is now proudly displayed at Kensington Palace.

🕰️ It Was Almost Demolished - By the late 1800s, the palace was falling apart. Queen Victoria intervened, and by the 1890s, public pressure led to the palace restoration.

📚 You Can See Victoria’s Dolls - The museum preserves and displays Queen Victoria's childhood dolls, sketchbooks, and crafts, offering a unique glimpse into her life before she became monarch.

🦚 Royal Gardens With Peacocks - The Kensington Gardens once housed exotic birds like peacocks and flamingos, symbolising royal luxury and adding to the palace's historical garden collections.

💼 Used as Army Offices - As part of National Wartime duties, parts of Kensington Palace were repurposed as army records and staff offices during World War I.

🎂 Queen Victoria’s First Birthday Party - An official royal family gathering marked the beginning of Queen Victoria's historic royal journey on her first birthday in 1820 at Kensington Palace.

🪞 Gilded State Apartments - Gold finishes and murals from the 18th century still adorn The King's State Apartments, showcasing the grandeur of Georgian-era royal life.

🛡️ Guarded by Beefeaters Once - During Queen Victoria's reign, the Palace was guarded by royal warders like the Tower's Beefeaters, preserving security and ceremonial presence.

🎥 It’s a Filming Location Too - Documentaries and scenes from The Crown have taken place at Kensington Palace, which serves as both a filming location and symbol of royal heritage.

🔒 Make Your London Trip Unforgettable – Reserve Palace Tickets

Relax at the Kensington Palace Café and Royal Gift Shop

Kensington Palace café And gift shop interior view

The King’s Drawing Room where refined Georgian world back to life.

The King’s Drawing Room At Kensington Palace London

Things to See & Do Near The Palace

During your visit to Kensington Palace, you can explore many great attractions just a short distance away. Below, we've compiled a list of our favourite things to do nearby that we have personally visited and wanted to share with you.

🌳 Wander Through Kensington Gardens - Take a stroll through these beautifully kept royal gardens. Look closely and you'll find ponds, tree-lined paths, fountains, and even Peter Pan.

☕ Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Orangery - In a gorgeous 18th-century building near Kensington Palace, this is the place to indulge in royal-style tea, scones, and cake.

🌿 Explore Hyde Park - Just located next door, Hyde Park, you can take boat rides on the Serpentine, enjoy long walks, and enjoy London's occasional blue skies.

🍻 Have a Pint at The Churchill Arms - There's something magical about this flower-covered pub teeming with Winston Churchill memorabilia.

🛍️ Shop Along Oxford Street - Whether you're looking for flagship fashion stores or budget-friendly finds, Oxford Street is a short bus or tube ride away.

🦖 Visit the Natural History Museum - This stunning building has everything from dinosaurs to dazzling gems, which makes it a favourite of both families and curious minds alike.

🧪 Explore the Science Museum - There are hands-on exhibits and futuristic technology. It's a great place for kids and adults.

🎨 Step Inside the V&A Museum - Victoria & Albert Museum houses design, fashion, sculpture, and centuries of art in a breathtaking building.

👜 Visit Harrods - Despite being a one-of-a-kind shop with a lot of over-the-top items, there is still something for every budget at Harrods.

Use our great guide to find other things to do in London.

A serene view of the Kensington Palace formal garden.

Serene View of the Kensington Palace Sunken Garden

People enjoying the round pond at Kensington Gardens, blending nature with royal history.

Relax by the Round Pond in Kensington Palace Gardens, London

Your Top Questions About Kensington Palace In London

Is it necessary to book a Kensington Palace tour in advance?

During weekends and holidays, tickets can sell out quickly, so it's best to book in advance.

What are the opening hours of Kensington Palace?

If you want to ensure you know the latest opening times and if there are any unexpected closures, you should check the official website.

Is it possible to take photos inside Kensington Palace?

Yes, photography and videography is allowed.

Does Kensington Palace have access for wheelchairs?

The upper floors are not accessible by lift. There is, however, ground-floor accessibility for wheelchairs and staff assistance available.

Does the Kensington Palace tour have an audio guide available?

On site, you can find free audio guides, but you can also download one in advance from the Historic Royal Palaces website.

Are guided tours available at Kensington Palace?

As a matter of fact, guided tours and live talks are available to visitors every day and are included in the admission price. You can find the schedule at the entrance when you arrive.

Where are the nearest Tube stops closest to Kensington Palace?

Both High Street Kensington (District/Circle lines) and Queensway (Central line) are within 10–15 minutes' walk.

Is Kensington Palace included with the main London tourist passes?

Yes, admission to Kensington Palace is included with several tourist passes, like the London Pass and with Historic Royal Palaces membership.

Is there anything else I can explore at Kensington Palace?

The stunning gift shop and cafeteria, Sunken Garden and The Orangery for afternoon tea are among the highlights.

Visiting Kensington Palace in London is more than a historic site: it's a journey through royal history, childhood memories, and British heritage that spans centuries. The most amazing part about this historic site is that each room tells its own story, from Queen Victoria's early years to Princess Diana's family legacy.

This is a perfect way to spend a few hours in London if you enjoy mixing culture, architecture, and peace. It's not overwhelming, yet meaningful in its way.

🔒 From Queen Victoria to Today – Step Inside Kensington Palace

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