Visit Kensington Palace

Claim to Fame

Kensington Palace is a royal residence with over 300 years of history — once home to Queen Victoria and now the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

📌 Navigating Kensington Palace : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Public washrooms are available in Kensington Palace.
Hours of Operation: Kensington Palace is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Important Information: Kensington Palace is a royal residence with historic and modern exhibits.
Admission Fee: An admission fee is required to enter Kensington Palace.
How Long to Visit: A visit to Kensington Palace typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
Parking: Parking is available near Kensington Palace.
Family Friendly: Kensington Palace is family-friendly, with exhibits and activities for all ages.
Photography: Photography is allowed, but no flash photography inside Kensington Palace.
WIFI: Free public WIFI is available in some areas of Kensington Palace.
Picnic Area: There are no designated picnic areas within Kensington Palace grounds.
Handicap Accessible: Kensington Palace is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside Kensington Palace.
Guided Tours: Guided tours of Kensington Palace are available and highly informative.
Restaurant or Cafe: Kensington Palace has a cafe offering light meals and beverages.
Gift Shop: The gift shop at Kensington Palace offers royal-themed souvenirs and books.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Kensington Palace

Set within the beautiful Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace blends royal tradition with public access. Visitors can explore its elegant staterooms, historical exhibitions, and tranquil gardens — all while standing in the very halls where monarchs once lived and ruled. It's a place where past and present royalty meet.

What to Expect

Your visit includes access to several historic apartments, including the King’s State Apartments — ornate 18th-century chambers once used by King George II. The Queen’s Apartments offer a more intimate glimpse into royal life, with original furnishings and portraits. Exhibitions often showcase garments worn by royals, including iconic dresses of Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II.

The Sunken Garden, recently redesigned in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, offers a peaceful outdoor escape with seasonal floral displays and water features. The Palace Café and gift shop round out the experience.

Background and Cultural Context

Originally built in the 17th century as Nottingham House, the building was transformed into a royal palace by William III and Mary II in 1689. It became a favorite residence of Queen Victoria, who was born there in 1819. The palace has remained deeply connected to the British monarchy, serving as the London home for young royals and hosting major historical events.

Kensington Palace is operated by Historic Royal Palaces, a charity that maintains its heritage and opens it to the public while preserving its role as a working royal residence.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings are ideal for a quieter experience, especially midweek. Spring and early summer offer beautiful blooms in the gardens. Advance tickets are recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons or when special exhibitions are running.

How to Get There

Kensington Palace is located on the western edge of Hyde Park in Kensington Gardens. The nearest London Underground stations are Queensway (Central Line) and High Street Kensington (Circle and District Lines), both about a 10-minute walk from the palace. Several bus routes also serve the area.

Photo Opportunities

The palace façade from the Sunken Garden
Royal dresses on display in the exhibition halls
Statue of Queen Victoria in front of the palace
Formal gardens and reflecting pools
Historic interiors and grand staircases

Travel Tips

Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the palace and grounds.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but check for signs in special exhibitions.
There’s a nice café with indoor and garden seating — a perfect break spot.
The palace is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Check the official website for temporary exhibits and events.

FAQs

Is Kensington Palace still a working royal residence?
Yes — parts of the palace are private residences for members of the royal family, including Prince William and Princess Catherine.

Do you need tickets to enter Kensington Gardens?
No — the gardens are free and open to the public year-round. Only the palace interior requires a paid ticket.

Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code, but comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking and cobbled paths.

Final Thoughts

With its deep ties to royal history and current relevance as an active royal residence, Kensington Palace offers a unique perspective on the British monarchy. Whether you're a history lover, a fan of Princess Diana, or just looking for a peaceful garden stroll in central London, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Things To Do near Kensington Palace

Hyde Park

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Hyde Park is 2.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.8 Mile(s)

Harrods

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Harrods is 2.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.8 Mile(s)

Buckingham Palace

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Buckingham Palace is 5.2 Kilometer(s) / 3.2 Mile(s)

Churchill War Rooms

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Churchill War Rooms is 6.4 Kilometer(s) / 4 Mile(s)

British Museum

The Distance from Kensington Palace to British Museum is 7.2 Kilometer(s) / 4.5 Mile(s)

West End Theatre District

The Distance from Kensington Palace to West End Theatre District is 7.2 Kilometer(s) / 4.5 Mile(s)

London Eye

The Distance from Kensington Palace to London Eye is 7.6 Kilometer(s) / 4.7 Mile(s)

Tate Modern

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Tate Modern is 9.8 Kilometer(s) / 6.1 Mile(s)

Tower of London

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Tower of London is 12.4 Kilometer(s) / 7.7 Mile(s)

Tower Bridge

The Distance from Kensington Palace to Tower Bridge is 12.6 Kilometer(s) / 7.8 Mile(s)

📘 London Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT +1, during the summer months.

Weather: London has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 22°C (72°F), while winters are cool with temperatures averaging 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Rain is frequent but typically light.

Population: London has a population of over 9 million people, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom. It is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in the world, with more than 300 languages spoken.

Size: London spans an area of about 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles) and is divided into 32 boroughs plus the City of London. The River Thames flows through the city, shaping its layout and history.

Language: English is the official language in London. Due to its diversity, many other languages are spoken across the city, including Bengali, Polish, Arabic, French, and Urdu.

Currency: The currency used is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common across public transit and shops.

Safety: London is considered safe for tourists, though petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transport. Police presence is strong in central and tourist-heavy areas.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is common if service is not included. Tipping is less expected in pubs, but appreciated for exceptional service.

Electricity and Plugs: The United Kingdom uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug type G is standard. Visitors from countries with different plug types will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

Water: Tap water in London is safe to drink and meets strict quality standards. It is treated and monitored regularly, and commonly served in restaurants upon request.

Annual Visitors: London welcomes over 20 million international visitors each year. It is one of the most visited cities in the world, with landmarks such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the West End theatre district.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including EU and Commonwealth nations, can enter the UK for short stays without a visa. Others may require a Standard Visitor visa. A valid passport is required for all visitors.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the UK. Travelers should ensure routine vaccines like MMR, flu, and COVID-19 are up to date. Healthcare is excellent, but visitors may need insurance to cover treatment.

Transportation: London has a vast and efficient public transportation system including the London Underground (“Tube”), buses, overground trains, and river ferries. Contactless cards and the Oyster system are widely used for payment.

Food: London’s food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from classic British fare like fish and chips to world cuisines. Street food markets, fine dining, and multicultural neighborhoods make the city a global culinary hub.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Londoners value politeness, queuing, and personal space. A simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way. Public behavior is generally reserved, and loud conduct is discouraged in shared spaces like public transport.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent, and prepaid SIM cards with data are easy to obtain at airports and shops.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for visitors to London. While the NHS provides excellent care, non-residents may be charged for services. Insurance also helps with trip interruptions or lost belongings.

Did You Know? - Facts About Kensington Palace

The palace gardens are renowned for Their beauty and are a popular destination for both tourists and Londoners.

Kensington Palace, set in Kensington Gardens, has been a residence of The British Royal Family since The 17th century.

The palace was The birthplace of Queen Victoria and her childhood rooms are open to The public.

Parts of Kensington Palace are open to The public, including The State Rooms, which display many paintings and oTher objects from The Royal Collection.

Kensington Palace has been The official London residence of several members of The royal family, including The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.