Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace which includes a park, heritage architecture and château or palace
Kensington Palace featuring heritage architecture, a castle and interior views
Kensington Palace showing heritage elements, interior views and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace featuring a park, château or palace and heritage architecture


Journey though history and learn about the lives of the British Royal Family at this official London residence, set in the magnificent Kensington Gardens.

London’s Kensington Palace has been home to various members of the royal family since the 17th century. Still a working royal residence today, sections of the palace and gardens are open to visitors, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of some of Britain’s most significant royals. 

Starting out as a mansion in 1605, the palace has undergone various expansions and alterations over the centuries. In more recent times Kensington Palace gained worldwide fame as the home of Diana, Princess of Wales. 

Like many of Britain’s royal residencies, parts of Kensington Palace are now open to the public. The palace is divided into four areas known as “story zones,” with guides and multimedia installations on hand to bring the past to life. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by Luminous Lace. This striking contemporary installation mimics a royal lace pattern and is crafted from miles of luminescent wire and 12,000 Swarovski crystals. 

Follow in the footsteps of past monarchs by climbing the King’s Staircase to the opulent King’s State Apartments. Then take the Queen’s Staircase to see the sumptuous furnishings and artworks in the Queens Gallery, Queen’s Drawing Room and Queen’s Bedroom. 

Visit the Fashion Rules exhibition to admire Princess Diana’s couture dress collection, as well as many belonging to Princess Margaret and the current Queen. Learn about the public and private life of one of Britain’s greatest monarchs, Queen Victoria, in Victoria Revealed. 

The Palace Gardens play a staring role as well, particularly in the warmer months. The gardens connect to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park where you’ll find the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Visit the Palace Café and Gift Shop for souvenirs and refreshments. For a treat, enjoy an elegant breakfast or decadent afternoon tea in The Orangery, which overlooks the palace grounds.

Kensington Palace is centrally located in Chelsea and is an easy walk from several Tube stations. The palace is open year-round 7 days a week, except for a few days around the Christmas holiday and the end of January. Ticket prices include access to the palace, gardens and exhibitions. 

Plan a trip to see Kensington Palace

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Hyde Park Radnor Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
The Pelham London - Starhotels Collezione

Reviews of Kensington Palace

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
109
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
105
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visit coffee shop early as gets very busy

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lords cricket ground

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

it's a big, non-impressive looking building, with large, plain grounds. not sure what I was expecting, but was sure expecting more.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Didn't go inside but sunken garden worth seeing

3/5 - Okay

Rosemarie

Beautiful gardens

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only went into the cafe - the food was over priced & stale. Service slow & unfriendly

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace offers a delightful blend of activities including visiting its stunning gardens, exploring historic exhibitions, and enjoying the nearby art galleries. Visitors can also indulge in shopping at the fashionable boutiques surrounding the palace or catch a vibrant theatre performance in the area. With its rich history and cultural offerings, Kensington Palace is a splendid destination for a memorable day out in London.

Shopping

Portobello Road Market, just 966m from Kensington Palace, offers a vibrant atmosphere with unique gifts and antiques. Harrods, located 1.6km away, is perfect for luxury shopping. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre is a fantastic option, situated 1.6km away.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium, a vibrant sports venue 8.0km from Kensington Palace, offers an electrifying atmosphere. For tranquillity, Hampstead Heath, located 6.4km away, provides serene walking paths and lush greenery. Lastly, indulge in opulence at Wimbledon Tennis Club, a luxurious retreat 8.0km from the palace.

Adventure

At Vertical Chill, challenge yourself with indoor climbing, located 4.8km from Kensington Palace, offering a thrilling outdoor vibe. Experience the IFS Cloud Gondola, 12.9km away, for breathtaking views of London. For karting enthusiasts, Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km away, promises a fast-paced adventure.

Nightlife

Kensington Palace offers a vibrant nightlife with the Eventim Apollo and London Palladium Theatre, both showcasing captivating performances infused with culture and romance. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy a film at the Electric Cinema, where entertainment and charm blend seamlessly, all within 1.6km or two of the palace.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

While visiting Kensington Palace, tourists can explore a variety of local attractions, including charming streets, urban parks, and picturesque squares. The area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and those seeking to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant ambience. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the lovely gardens or enjoy a leisurely picnic in the nearby parks, making the most of your time in this historic setting.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hyde Park offers a serene escape with its beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and vibrant outdoor activities. Perfect for families and those seeking a leisurely stroll, it's a beloved spot for picnics and open-air concerts.
  • Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is steeped in history and grandeur. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture, witness the Changing of the Guard, and immerse themselves in British culture.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus is a lively hub in the heart of London. Explore the vibrant shops, theatres, and restaurants that make it a quintessentially London experience.

Best time to go to Kensington Palace

The best time to visit Kensington Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kensington Palace

To save money on your trip to Kensington Palace, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best deals, and aim for a Sunday stay, as it's the cheapest day. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and check for last-minute deals. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for greater savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without additional costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kensington Palace are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Kensington Palace about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kensington Palace is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Kensington Palace is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Kensington Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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