Best for
Royal history fans, Diana and Victoria history enthusiasts
Time needed
1.5–2 hours
Worth it?
Yes, though check what's currently open given the ongoing Queen's Apartments closure
Skip if
You've limited royal-palace time and Buckingham Palace is a higher priority
About Kensington Palace
Bought by William III and Mary II in 1689 as a country retreat away from the damp air by the Thames that worsened William's asthma, Kensington Palace was expanded by Christopher Wren and remained a full royal residence through the Georgian era. Queen Victoria was born and spent her childhood here, and famously learned of her accession to the throne in the palace's Red Saloon in 1837 at the age of 18.
In more recent history, Kensington Palace was home to Diana, Princess of Wales from her marriage in 1981 until her death in 1997, and remains home to working members of the Royal Family today, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. Visitors can tour the King's State Apartments, largely unchanged since the early 18th century, and explore "Fashion Rules" and related exhibitions displaying dresses worn by royal women across generations.
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The Queen's State Apartments are currently closed for a major re-presentation project until spring 2027, which affects the current scope of a visit — worth checking before booking if that wing is a priority for you.
Surrounded by Kensington Gardens, the palace pairs naturally with a wider walk through the park, past the Diana Memorial Playground and the Round Pond, both a short stroll away.
What to See: Highlights
- 1The King's State Apartments, largely unchanged since the early 1700s
- 2The Red Saloon, where Queen Victoria learned she was Queen in 1837
- 3Royal fashion exhibitions displaying historic royal dresses
- 4The palace's connection to Diana, Princess of Wales's residence from 1981–1997
- 5Sunken Garden and surrounding Kensington Gardens
- 6A still-working royal residence, home to the Prince and Princess of Wales
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Insider Tips
Check current opening status before booking — the Queen's State Apartments are closed until spring 2027
Book tickets online in advance for a modest discount and to guarantee entry
Combine with a walk to the Diana Memorial Playground and Round Pond nearby
The Sunken Garden outside is free to view without a palace ticket
Budget 1.5–2 hours for the apartments and current exhibitions
Book a Guided Tour
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Getting There
Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
Open in Google Maps →- 1High Street Kensington (Circle, District lines) or Queensway (Central) — both roughly a 10-minute walk through the park.
Where to stay
Hotels in London
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You're interested in Queen Victoria's early life or Princess Diana's residence here
- You want to see genuine 18th-century State Apartments
- You're already walking through Kensington Gardens
- Royal fashion history and exhibitions interest you
Skip if...
- You've limited time and can only visit one royal palace — Buckingham Palace has broader appeal
- The Queen's State Apartments closure (until 2027) removes what you specifically wanted to see
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
Buckingham Palace
The monarch's official London residence, watched over daily by the Changing of the Guard, with its lavish State Rooms opening to visitors only during a short summer window.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
London's largest and most central royal park, split into Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, with the Serpentine lake, Speakers' Corner, and the Diana Memorial Fountain and Playground.
Diana Memorial Playground
A free Peter Pan-themed playground in Kensington Gardens built in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, centred on a large wooden pirate ship for climbing and imaginative play.