Kensington Palace London : practical information

If the walls of this Royal Palace, which served as the residence of the British monarchy for over 300 years, could talk, there would certainly be a lot to say!

This immense building opens its doors to you so that you can discover what went on behind the scenes of the monarchy: flats, personal objects, the most luxurious ornaments, clothes, letters, jewels…

All of which provide a wealth of information and anecdotes about this prestigious place. Walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria or Princess Diana as you visit one of England’s most important royal estates!

What are the opening times of Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace is open every day at the following times:

• 10am to 6pm from March to October.

• From 10am to 4pm from November to February.

The palace is closed at Christmas on 24, 25 and 26 December.

Do I need to book in advance to visit Kensington Palace?

Booking tickets in advance helps to avoid long queues, as Kensington Palace is, of course, one of the most visited attractions in London!

How much do tickets to Kensington Palace cost?

Here are the prices in pounds sterling and euros (2021 prices):

• Adult: £17.50 (€20.96)

• Children: £8.70 or €10.42

Who lives at Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace is not just a museum, but also the official residence of some members of the current Royal Family (in the more modern parts that are not open to the public), such as William and Kate, their children, and Princess Eugenie, Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter. William and Kate also own a country house in Norfolk (Anmer Hall).

Where is Kensington Palace?

Here is the address of Kensington Palace: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX.

How do I get to Kensington Palace?

By underground

2 lines serve the palace: High Street Kensington, District Circle line and Queensway, Central line, zone 1.

By bus

Lines 9, 10, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, 390 and 452 stop close to Kensington Palace.

Who built Kensington Palace, this awesome castle ?

Kensington Palace was originally a country house built by the Earl of Nottingham in the early 17th century before it was bought by King William III in 1689. King William III commissioned the architect Sir Christopher Wren to build pavilions at each corner, royal flats for the british Royal Family, a royal chapel and a court of honour, all with the aim of adding a sense of grandeur to the estate. He turned Nottingham House into a Palace. When Queen Mary died from smallpox in 1694, William was overcome with grief. Despite this he finished the building. It became the central London’s royal residences since the 17th century for kings, queeens and young royals.

Did you know ?

During the Great War in 1914, Princess Louise allowed injured soldiers to rest and recover in her private apartments.

Kensington Palace was Princess Diana’s home after she married Prince Charles.

Kensington Palace was the centre of the Georgian Royal Court in the 18th century.

In the Jewel Room is the only known tiara designed by a consort for his Queen, decorated with gems specially commissioned for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert.

The real society Queen was Princess Margaret, she held some of London’s most dazzling parties at Kensington Palace.

Composer Handel was invited to the palace to perform for King George II, who was such a fan that he gave Handel British citizenship.

What can you see at Kensington Palace (Kensington gardens, jewel room….) ?

Apart from the architecture of the building, the magnificent gardens, the lake and the greenhouse on the outside, the inside is a direct access to the hushed world of royalty:

• The Victoria Revealed collection: an exhibition of personal objects and Queen Victoria’s wardrobe, including her wedding dress and jewellery.
• The private flats created for Queen Mary II in the 17th century. Visitors can walk through the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments and the Gardens (Sunken gardens).
• Rooms once occupied by the royal family: the Coupola Room, the King’s Gallery, Queen Victoria’s bedroom, Mary of Modena’s bed, etc.

Don’t forget to take tea in the Orangery before you leave! Among attractions kensington palace is the place to visit.