Kensington Palace

About Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since the late 17th century, when William III and Mary II bought what was then a modest Jacobean mansion and had it rebuilt by Christopher Wren. Set on the western edge of Kensington Gardens in central London, it has housed a long line of royals since, from Queen Victoria, who was born and raised here, to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today. It is both a working royal home and a public visitor attraction, so the parts you can tour are only a section of the wider complex.

The visitor route takes in the King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartments, with painted ceilings, grand staircases, and period rooms that trace different reigns. There are usually changing exhibitions drawn from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which has shown historic court dress and clothing worn by figures such as Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and other royals. Victoria's early life features heavily, since the rooms where she grew up form a dedicated part of the displays. The surrounding gardens, including the Sunken Garden and the broad walks of Kensington Gardens, are free to enter and worth time on their own.

Most visits run roughly one and a half to two hours inside the palace, more if you linger over the exhibitions. It pairs easily with the rest of Kensington Gardens, nearby Hyde Park, and attractions around South Kensington. The palace sits a short walk from several Underground stations, with High Street Kensington and Queensway among the closest. Booking a timed entry ticket in advance is sensible in summer and during school holidays, when same-day slots can sell out.