Kensington Palace Tours and Activities

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

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Reviews of Kensington Palace

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
66
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
74
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Shara

We didn't take the tour of the palace, however we enjoyed the gardens very much.

Popular places to visit


Top Kensington Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
Central Park Hotel

Central Park Hotel

3 out of 5
49/67 Queensborough Terrace, London, England
Central Park Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

4 out of 5
68-86 Cromwell Road, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton
Grand Royale Hyde Park

Grand Royale Hyde Park

4 out of 5
1-9 Inverness Terrace, London, England
Grand Royale Hyde Park
The Caesar Hotel

The Caesar Hotel

4 out of 5
26-33 Queens Gardens, Hyde Park, London, England
The Caesar Hotel
Mitre House Hotel

Mitre House Hotel

3 out of 5
178-186 Sussex Gardens, London, England
Mitre House Hotel
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
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

Visiting Kensington Palace offers a delightful mix of activities, including excellent shopping options nearby. You can explore charming boutiques and high-street stores, making it a perfect spot to enjoy some retail therapy. Additionally, the area is rich in art and theatre experiences, ensuring a well-rounded cultural outing. After a day of shopping, take a leisurely stroll through the palace gardens to unwind and soak in the historic atmosphere.

Shopping

In Kensington Palace, enjoy Portobello Road Market, only 966m away, with its vibrant city vibes and unique stalls. Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 1.6km away, offers a mix of entertainment and shopping, while Harrods, also 1.6km away, is a must-visit for luxury goods.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, just 8.0km from Kensington Palace, perfect for sports fans. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, offers serene landscapes for relaxation. Indulge in luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 8.0km away, where you can enjoy exquisite surroundings.

Adventure

At Vertical Chill, located 4.8km from Kensington Palace, you can experience indoor climbing amidst exhilarating vibes. For a unique view of the city, take a ride on the IFS Cloud cable car, situated 12.9km away, or unleash your competitive spirit at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant night in Kensington with a show at the Eventim Apollo or the London Palladium Theatre, both offering a rich blend of culture and entertainment. For a more laid-back vibe, catch a romantic film at the nearby Electric Cinema, where cinematic magic awaits.

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

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

When visiting Kensington Palace in London, you'll discover a variety of attractions suited for all types of travellers, from culture buffs to families. Explore the charming streets, urban parks, and piazzas nearby, and don't miss the nearby museums and royal palaces. Whether you're wandering through Kensington Gardens or soaking up the history of the palace itself, this area offers a delightful experience for every visitor.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hyde Park offers lush greenery and serene walking paths. Enjoy family picnics, boating on the Serpentine, or simply soaking up the vibrant outdoor atmosphere. At 1.6km from Kensington Palace, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Buckingham Palace: This iconic historic palace is the official residence of the British monarch. At 3.2km away, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and admire the stunning architecture, steeped in royal culture and history.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A bustling street filled with bright lights and energy, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant hub of entertainment and shopping. Located 3.2km from Kensington Palace, it's a must-visit for its lively city vibes and iconic landmarks.

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

For a budget-friendly trip to Kensington Palace, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Sundays for the best rates. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Also, keep an eye out for discounts and great rates to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Kensington Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Kensington Palace hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia