Kensington Palace Tours

Kensington Palace showing a park, chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace featuring interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace showing interior views, chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and interior views
Kensington Palace featuring chateau or palace, heritage architecture and a garden


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.

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Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
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Treehouse Hotel London

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Reviews of Kensington Palace

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
476
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
375
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
52
3 - Okay 6%
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Walked there from this hotel but because our room was 40 minutes late in being ready, we missed the last entry to the Palace. Grrr.

5/5 - Excellent

JMT

Minutes away from Citadines South Kensington!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don't miss the current display (December, 2019) of 3 of Queen Victoria's diamond tiaras...one with huge emeralds.

5/5 - Excellent

PartyOf3

Walked from Our Lady of Victories church via the park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Totally walkable from the hotel

4/5 - Good

Annissa

Beautiful state rooms and a great place to check out a palace since Buckingham palace is only open for 10 weeks. A lot of info and displays devoted to Queen Victoria.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Kensington Palace

Royal Garden Hotel

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5 out of 5
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Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

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4 out of 5
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Central Park Hotel

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Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
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Grand Royale Hyde Park

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Grand Royale Hyde Park
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Hyde Park

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Hyde Park

4 out of 5
150 Bayswater Road, London, England
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Hyde Park
Mitre House Hotel

Mitre House Hotel

3 out of 5
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The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road, London, England
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
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

When visiting Kensington Palace, be sure to explore the vibrant surrounding area, which offers a variety of activities. Enjoy captivating theater performances nearby, indulge in shopping at unique boutiques, and take advantage of the diverse shopping options available. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion or charming local shops, Kensington has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

For shopping near Kensington Palace, explore Portobello Road Market, just 0.6 miles away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. Westfield London Shopping Centre is also nearby, about 1 mile away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Harrods, also 1 mile away, for luxury goods.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 5 miles from Kensington Palace. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath, located 4 miles away, provides relaxing green spaces. Experience luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 5 miles away, where you can indulge in upscale amenities and activities.

Adventure

At IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station, experience breathtaking views on a cable car ride 8 miles from Kensington Palace. For climbing enthusiasts, the Castle Climbing Centre offers thrilling challenges 6 miles away. Additionally, Back of Beyond Adventures provides exciting water sports, also located 6 miles from the palace.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Kensington Palace offers a vibrant mix of entertainment. Catch a show at the Eventim Apollo or the London Palladium Theatre, both rich in culture and romance. For a relaxed evening, enjoy a film at the Electric Cinema, just a mile away, perfect for a cozy date night.

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

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

During your visit to Kensington Palace in London, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Explore the beautiful Kensington Gardens and nearby points of interest like Buckingham Palace. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or simply a stroll through charming streets and urban parks, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • Hyde Park: Enjoy a serene escape in this expansive urban park, just 1 mile from Kensington Palace. With beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and plenty of walking paths, it's a perfect spot for a family picnic or leisurely stroll. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
  • Buckingham Palace: Only 2 miles away, this iconic historic palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Experience the rich culture and history as you explore the stunning architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a must-see event that showcases British tradition.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Located 2 miles from Kensington Palace, this bustling street is famous for its bright lights and vibrant atmosphere. It's a hub of entertainment and shopping, making it an ideal stop to experience London’s lively city vibe and enjoy nearby restaurants and theaters.

Best time to go to Kensington Palace

The best time to visit Kensington Palace is dependent 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 during your visit to Kensington Palace, consider traveling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and combine hotel stays with flights for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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