should i visit kensington palace

Hi, I'm Candace

Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration · June 10, 2024

Your Ultimate Guide + Tips For Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024 (from a local)

Looking to visit Kensington Palace? Here’s my top Kensington Palace tips including everything you need to know about visiting the royal abode — from a local Londoner and London travel blogger (in other words, you’re in good hands) enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

Perched on the edge of Hyde Park, Kensington Palace is London’s 2nd most royal residence (right behind Buckingham Palace) and the home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — Prince William and Cate Middleton, at least before they moved to Windsor .

Its history spans back over 300 years as everything from a home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana to more current affairs such as the announcement grounds for Prince Harry and Meghan’s engagement.

Visiting Kensington Palace and feeling like you’ve stepped into royal life is an experience like no one, but you’ll want to be prepared.

In this post I’ll be sharing a quick history of Kensington Palace , how to get to Kensington Palace , the best Kensington Palace tickets, passes and tours , Kensington Palace opening times and the best time to go to Kensington Palace , what to do and see in Kensington Palace , how much time to spend at Kensington Palace and the best practical tips for visiting Kensington Palace along with a Kensington Palace map to help you navigate your day with ease — enjoy!

Your Ultimate Guide + Tips For Visiting Kensington Palace (from a local)

P.S. – Coming to London? Have the perfect trip planned for you with our 3,5, or 7-Day London Tourist Itineraries 🇬🇧

A Quick History: Kensington Palace

Before its royal days Kensington was a beautiful mansion home to Sir Daniel Finch, the Secretary of State at the time.

When William III and Mary II assumed the monarch in 1689, they found their Whitehall Palace abode near the Thames to be too agitating to their son’s asthmatic conditions. This started a hunt for a new home and the eventual purchase of Kensington Palace for £20,000 from Daniel Finch.

Since then it has served as a royal residence for ‘minor royals’ for nearly 300 years, with the most notable residents including:

• The childhood home of Queen Victoria and where she met Prince Albert
• The home of William III and Mary II
• The home of Queen Anne and Anne’s son William
• The previous home of Princess Diana and Prince Charles
• The home of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Cate Middleton) and their children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte up until their Windsor move in 2022
• The announcement place of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s engagement (Prince Harry and Megan Markle)

Other royal residents also call Kensington Palace home (easy to do with 547 rooms) including The Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

P.S – As you can imagine, the royals like their privacy — so don’t expect to see them popping about during your visit!

Is Kensington Palace Worth Visiting?

Before you decide to spend your day roaming Kensington Palace you may be wondering ‘is Kensington Palace worth visiting?’.

Personally speaking, yes. If you’re interested in British history, royalty, or even just exploring London, it’s worth visiting. Especially if you already have the Go City Explorer Pass or The London Pass — Kensington Palace is included on both!

Pro-tip: Although I highly suggest seeing inside the palace, if you would like to experience Kensington Palace for free, you can still visit Kensington Gardens or enjoy views of the palace from outside while you’re exploring Hyde Park

Getting to Kensington Palace

Getting to Kensington Palace is relatively easy as there are lots of transport links. Before you go, I highly suggest downloading Citymapper to help plan your journey.

By Underground: The closest tube station to Kensington Palace is High Street Kensington station which is 10-minute walk from Kensington Palace on the District & Circle Lines and a 10-minute walk from Queensway station on the Circle Line. It’s also about a 20-25 minute walk from both Notting Hill station and Paddington station.

By Bus: Bus 9,49,52,70 and 452 will drop you off on Kensington High Street, about a 10-minute walk from the palace. Bus 94, 148, and 274 will drop you off on Bayswater Road, about a 10-15 minute walk from Kensington Palace.

By River Cruise: If you’re already in the middle of sightseeing pre-Kensington Palace, you can take an Uber Boat from Central London to Battersea Power Station Pier station to do some river sightseeing along the way. Once you get off, go to Stop CJ and take bus 452 towards Ladbroke Grove, it’s 15-minute bus ride to Kensington Palace.

By Train: The closest train station to Kensington Palace is Paddington Station — which serves the Paddington Heathrow Express, TFL Rail Heathrow and the National Rail , followed by a 20-25 minute walk to the palace.

Walking: If you’re exploring Central/West London neighbourhoods such as Knightsbridge , South Kensington, Kensington , Notting Hill , Chelsea, Paddington or Holland Park you’ll most likely be under an hour’s walk from Kensington Palace. This is a great way to see more London sites before your visit, so be sure to check Citymapper to see if you can simply walk over!

Already in Hyde Park?: Kensington Palace sits right on the edge of Hyde Park so if you’re already in the park itself — you’re in luck! Keep in mind Hyde Park is massive ( here’s a map ) so depending where you are in the park it could take up to a 45-minute walk within the park to get to Kensington Palace itself.

P.S – If you’re driving, there’s no parking at Kensington Palace currently so they will need to drop you off at Kensington High Street.

Do I Need Tickets to Visit Kensington Palace?

Although you can visit the Kensington Gardens and surrounding Hyde Park for free, you need a ticket to go tour inside Kensington Palace (and really have the full experience).

You can get the tickets at the door or in advance, but tickets tend to be cheaper if you book online.

Best Kensington Palace Tours :

Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Ticket – The Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Ticket will give you general access to explore Kensington Palace including Victoria: A Royal Child display, The Jewel Room, The King’s State Apartments, Staircase and Gallery, The Queen’s State Apartments and any current exhibitions taking place in the palace (and Kensington Gardens, open to the public). Click to book .

Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea – The Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea will give you access to all of above — with the benefit of a private guide and a deeper dive into the history of the palace and the royal family, including a royal high tea of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea and coffee. Click to book.

Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit – The Westminster Walking Tour and Kensington Palace Visit will combine a royal stroll along London’s top 30 attractions, ending with a visit to Kensington Palace. Click to book.

The London Pass – The London Pass gives you access to over 80+ attractions (including Kensington Palace) over a set amount of consecutive days. This will give you the equivalent of a general entry ticket to Kensington Palace when you visit.

Go City Explorer Pass – The Go City Explorer Pass gives you access to 70+ attractions (including Kensington Palace), based on the amount of attractions you’d like to visit across London. This also will give you the equivalent of a general entry ticket to Kensington Palace when you visit.

P.S – Check out the difference between The London Pass and the Go City Explorer Pass to choose which one’s right for you!

Kensington Palace Opening Hours & The Best Time To Go To Kensington Palace

Summer hours in Kensington Palace (from March 2nd – October 30th) are Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 6:00pm with last admission at 5pm .

Winter hours in Kensington Palace (from October 31st to March 1st) are Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 4:00pm with last admission at 3pm .

The Sunken Garden, which includes the statue of Princess Diana is only open during opening hours in both the Summer and Winter period.

You may also be wondering, ‘when is the best time to go to Kensington Palace?’.

Between October to February crowds are reasonable at most hours , so although getting there early would be best, you won’t have too many long queues either way.

But if you’re visiting in summer, it’s a whole other story.

Between the hoard of school groups, eager tourists, royal enthusiasts and summer park goers, Kensington Palace is sure to be crowded. To avoid the queues I suggest going 20-minutes before opening time on a weekday or close to an hour before closing during a weekday .

Read More: The Best Things to do in Kensington, London

Kensington palace highlights: what to do in kensington palace, the king’s state apartments & the king’s staircase:.

The King’s Gallery & The King’s Staircase are a great way to feel like you’ve stepped into Georgian times.

This is where the King would host events and the court in his time and is an instant way to get the royal experience at Kensington Palace.

The Queen’s State Apartment:

After William II and Mary II came to the thrown, they bought Kensington Palace to be their ‘home away from home’.

Thus the Queen’s State Apartment was where Mary II would rest, relax, and of course, entertain.

P.S – My favourites here are The Queen’s Staircase and The Queen’s Gallery

Victoria: A Royal Childhood:

Before she came Queen Victoria, she was Princess Victoria — born and raised in Kensington Palace.

Fair warning, Victoria’s childhood wasn’t exactly pleasant, but the exhibition but does an excellent walk through into what life was really like being raised as a royal during that time.

The Jewel Room:

The Jewel Room features treasured gems from both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, from dazzling tiaras to earrings and brooches.

All encapsulating the 19th century craftsmanship of the time.

Life Through a Royal Lens:

Life Through a Royal Lens is a rare chance to see an unpolished version of the royals in their most intimate moments.

From never-before-seen pictures of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip to family photo albums, it’s all here.

Visit the Sunken Garden:

The Sunken Garden was one of Princess Diana’s favourite parts of Kensington Palace, now serving as an ode to her memory.

Although you can’t go directly to her statue (commissioned by Prince Harry and Prince William to honour her service), I suggest getting as close as you can and taking in all the peace and serenity of the area.

Have Afternoon Tea at The Kensington Palace Pavilion and Tea Room:

One thing I regret not doing while at Kensington Palace was indulging in their delicious Afternoon Tea.

Taking place in the Kensington Palace Pavilion and Tea Room it’s the perfect way to end a day of royal exploring, with the backdrop of Kensington Palace of course.

Pro-tip: Use the latest Kensington Palace map from the Historic Royal Palaces to navigate your visit!

How Much Time To Spend at Kensington Palace?

To experience all of the main displays and exhibitions at Kensington Palace as well as Kensington Gardens, I suggest spending a minimum of 1½ to 3 hours.

This will give you time to see to The King’s State Apartment, Gallery & Staircase, The Queen’s State Apartment, Victoria: A Royal Childhood, Life Through a Royal Lens, The Jewel Room, exhibitions, visit Sunken Gardens and have an Afternoon Tea.

You’ll also be surrounded by the rest of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, so if you wanted to pop into the shops on Kensington High Street and have a picnic after/before or after your visit — you could easily spend the day here!

Practical Tips Fireround: Kensington Palace

Bathrooms at Kensington Palace:

There are 3 bathrooms on-site at the Stone Hall, the café or the Pigott Galleries at Life Through A Royal Lens.

Photography at Kensington Palace:

You can take photos inside Kensington Palace, without flash, but videography is not permitted (even on your phone!). There are also a few items that can’t be photographed in the palace due to loan arrangements.

Food & Drink at Kensington Palace:

If all that Kensington Palace exploring has left you hungry (or thirsty) you can visit either The Café or The Pavilion. The Café is best for a quick hot drink or refreshment, sandwiches, cakes and ice cream.

But if you’re looking for more The Pavilion offers a full Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea menu.

Wifi at Kensington Palace:

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Kensington Palace.

Accessibility at Kensington Palace:

If you need to bring a carer to Kensington Palace, you’re entitled to a free carer ticket which you can redeem at the visitor check-in. Describer and BSL interpretation tours are also available for the King’s State Apartments and Victoria: A Royal Childhood, but they must be booked in advance. Find more information .

Things to do Near Kensington Palace:

If you’re near Kensington Palace — definitely take the opportunity to explore the rest of Hyde Park, Kensington & South Kensington, and Harrods in Knightsbridge. You can also do my Knightsbridge to Kensington High Street Walk which ends at Kensington Palace.

Happy Londoning,

Read More on Kensington:

• The Best Things to do in Kensington, London
• Where to Brunch in Kensington: 10 Best Breakfast Spots
• A Royal Stay: 5 Stunning Hotels in Kensington, London
• Hotel Review: A Stay at the Resident Kensington
• The Best Kensington Hostels in London (from a Londoner)
• Knightsbridge to Kensington High Street Walk: London Walk Series (Episode #3)

Get on the List

You’ll also love.

Latest from Instagram

Follow @candaceabroad

Moving to London? Check out my Digital Moving Guide!

join the monthly newsletter

Subscribe for itinerary inspiration, travel inspo & exclusive content straight to your lovely inbox.

Affiliate disclosure

Theme by 17th Avenue Designs

Disclosure & Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Candace Abroad Theme by 17th Avenue

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kensington Palace in 2024

Kensington palace ultimate guide.

From the outside, Kensington Palace seems like a deserted, almost eerie building, perched on the edge of Hyde Park. But inside the palace there is a treasure trove of royal rooms, items, paintings and even wardrobes that any royal enthusiast will appreciate.

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for almost 300 years, and today it serves as the official London residence for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

During the 17th century, the palace was surrounded by lush countryside, and was considered to be the “perfect rural retreat” for members of the royal family. King William III and Queen Mary II first moved into the palace to help treat the king’s asthma, as it was believed that the air surrounding Kensington Palace could “help cure without medicines.”

But a dark cloud has always lingered over Kensington Palace, as it is said to be haunted by several different spirits. Not only that, but those who once resided inside the palace lived a depressing, and often isolated life. Both Princess Diana and Princess Margaret were said to have been unhappy when they lived at Kensington Palace, and Queen Mary II contracted smallpox within weeks of moving in (she died shortly after at the age of 32). Furthermore, Queen Anne got pregnant 17 times when living at Kensington Palace, but none of her children survived to adulthood.

As a matter of fact, Kensington Palace was such a sad and dismal place for so many females who once lived there, one of the staircases was painted with portraits of valets, maids and babies in the hopes of “dispelling the curse” hanging over the palace.

Nevertheless, some pleasant as well as important royal events have taken place inside Kensington Palace throughout its history. Not only was Queen Victoria both born and raised there, she also met her future husband Albert inside the palace, and was even given the news of her accession at Kensington Palace in 1837 as well.

Kensington Palace Highlights

Despite its depressing history, Kensington Palace is essentially a hidden gem in Hyde Park, and thousands of tourists visit the palace each year. It's the perfect place to visit after joining a free tour of Westminster.

The ticket to Kensington Palace includes access to several halls and and permanent exhibitions:

• Victoria: A Royal Childhood - The rooms where Queen Victoria was born and raised. This exhibition includes displays of her childhood possessions and detailed information about her upbringing at the palace.
• The King's State Apartments - The opulent rooms used by George II. Access is through the King's Staircase, painted by William Kent, and famously decorated with lively characters from Georgian court life.
• The Queen's State Apartments - These rooms were once used by Queen Mary II. They include her dining room, bedroom, and the Queen's Gallery, providing a glimpse into her private life.
• The Jewel Room - This room features the jewelry designed for Queen Victoria by her husband, Prince Albert, including some of her most cherished pieces.
• The King's Gallery - Transformed by William Kent, this gallery showcases some of the finest paintings in the Royal Collection, offering insights into the art and culture of the Georgian period.

Additionally, the ticket provides access to temporary exhibitions and to the beautiful Palace Gardens, as well as the Sunken Garden, which features elegant floral displays and a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting kensington palace.

Recommended visiting time for Kensington Palace is around two to three hours, depending on how much time you want to spend glancing over all the different exhibits.

The palace hosts a “History Bites” talk every day, during which a palace expert educates listeners on various different subjects related to the palace. These talks take place in the visitor areas of the palace, and there is no need to book in advance.

Visitors are also welcome to explore the palace at their own leisure, and can grab a Kensington Palace guide book for £6 during their visit to read up on its history, as well as all the different rooms they can visit.

There is a restaurant inside Kensington Palace (The Orangery) which offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and the Palace Cafe also serves sandwiches, cakes and pastries (admission inside the palace is not required).

Ticket prices and Opening hours

Kensington Palace is open every day except December 24th, 25th and 26th.

From March 1st to October 31st, the palace is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with last admission at 5:00 p.m.). Be aware that the palace closes at 4:00 p.m. during the winter months, and 6:00 p.m. during the summer months.

The ticket prices for visiting Kensington Palace are as follows:

• £24 for adult (18-64 years)
• £12 for children (5-17 years)
• £19 for concessions (65+ years, full-time students, and disabled visitors)
• Free for children under 5

Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.

There are also annual memberships available for £55 which include unlimited entry into London’s six most famous palaces for a year. There are also discount tickets available for groups of 15 people (or more) as well.

The Kensington Palace restaurant (The Orangery) is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day, and the Palace Cafe is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Are you gearing up for a visit to Kensington Palace? You might be interested in joining some of the many free tours in London departing daily.

Free Tours in Your Language

Visiting Kensington Palace – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 16, 2024

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to Kensington Palace

Visiting Kensington Palace – Tickets & Tours

Kensington palace facts and figures, kensington gardens, when is the best time to visit kensington palace, what to see at kensington palace, what other uk attractions are located near kensington palace, tips for planning your visit to kensington palace, visit these other london attractions and landmarks – tickets, tours & faqs.

Nearest Tube station – High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines) or Queensway (Central line)

How long to set aside for your visit?

It will take about two hours or more to explore the palace and its glorious gardens.

Tickets 

• Kensington Palace ticket

Good to know – Kensington Palace entry is included with The London Pass and the Go City  London Explorer Pass  

Combi tours 

Do note that some tours may not include entry to Kensington Palace, but only the gardens

• Kensington Palace gardens tour with Royal afternoon tea
• Three London Palaces walking tour plus Royal high tea

• Westminster walking tour with visit to Kensington Palace
• Evening London bike tour including Kensington Palace
• Private London walking tour with Kensington Palace

Visiting Kensington Palace

• Princess Diana lived at Kensington Palace. Princes William and Harry also spent some of their early years here. After their mother’s sudden death in 1997, the grounds outside the grand building were carpeted in floral tributes from members of the public. 
• Queen Victoria grew up at Kensington Palace. She also first met Prince Albert there. The V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum in nearby South Kensington is named after the lovestruck Royal couple. Victoria lived there until she became Queen. 
• The so-called Kensington System was a stringent and detailed set of rules laid out by Victoria, Duchess of Kent and the mother of Queen Victoria. The system was meant to increase the young royal’s dependency on her mother, but in fact made her more strong-willed and independent than ever. 
• The late Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II and the Countess of Snowdon, was one of the true socialites of Kensington Palace. She held lots of parties there during the 1960s, which were attended by the likes of the Beatles, actor Peter Sellers, ballet dancers Margot Fonteyn and ​​Rudolph Nureyev, actresses Britt Ekland and Elizabeth Taylor and even comedian Spike Milligan.
• King William III first bought Kensington Palace for health reasons. His fragile disposition reacted badly to the fog, dampness and smoke of central London, so he bought the building, which was then located in a village outside the capital. Ironically he died of pneumonia at the palace. It was formerly known simply as Nottingham House. 
• A book of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci was discovered at the palace in 1770. This was over 180 years after the Mona Lisa artist died. Drawings by Henry VIII’s court painter were also discovered during the 1700s – two centuries later. 
• The palace was used for practical purposes during both World Wars. In World War I, it was used for clerical reasons and the staff concerned had to adhere to rationing. When World War II was going on, Kensington Palace Gardens were used for military defence, but were also hit by a bomb which damaged parts of the palace, including the State Apartments. 
• Did you know that one of the Peter Pan books was set in Kensington Gardens? Author J. M. Barrie penned Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens as he lived locally. Various parts of the gardens feature in the fictional tale about the boy who never wanted to grow up. The Peter Pan statue in the gardens dates from 1912, only a few years after the book’s publication. 
• Despite her unhappy childhood spent at the palace, Queen Victoria saved the iconic palace during the final years of her life. Due to neglect, there was talk of the palace being razed to the ground in around 1897, but the Queen managed to turn its fortunes around. By 1899, the restored State Rooms at the palace were open to the public. 
• You can hire parts of the palace for a Royal (style) wedding or another event. Spaces such as the King’s Drawing Room, the Cupola, the Queen’s Gallery, the Privy Chamber and the King’s Gallery can be rented out.  

Kensington Palace Opening Times

Kensington Palace is open between Wednesday and Sunday, apart from planned closures such as exhibition preparation, restoration work or Royal events like the coronation of King Charles III. 

The palace opens between 10 am and 6 pm, with the last entry an hour earlier. It’s closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

The gardens are open to the public from 6 am daily. Closing times vary throughout the year. They range between 4.15 pm during most of December to 9.45 pm between early June and mid-July. 

The times reflect the hours of darkness in London. This is why they are seasonal. The UK’s shortest day is in mid to late December, and the longest in mid to late June. Entry to the gardens alone is free. 

Check opening times for the dates of your visit here. 

• Kensington Palace is open from Wednesday to Sunday and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. 
• If you can, visit on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday rather than on Saturday or Sunday. This is because weekends are busier. 
• The summer season is also a busy time for the palace. The UK school holidays run from mid-July to the start of September, so you can expect the palace to be busy during this period.
• For a more peaceful experience, get there before the palace opens for the day. Alternatively, visit in the afternoon, around two hours before closing time. 
• If you want to visit Kensington Palace Gardens only, or separately, you can do this between 6 am and nightfall. Closing times for the gardens vary according to the season and sunset times, though they are always open to pedestrians at 6 am. Entry to the gardens is free. 

There is plenty to see at Kensington Palace, plus you also have the gardens to explore. Inside, the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, the King’s Staircase, the Jewel Room and the King’s Gallery are among the main attractions. 

Kensington Palace also hosts a regular programme of events. At the time of writing, for example, events included a Crown to Couture exhibition about historic and contemporary costumes. Victoria: A Royal Childhood also told the tale of the famous Queen’s formative years. 

Kensington Gardens is also a major attraction in its own right. Some of the highlights of this outside space include the Sunken Garden, the wildflower meadow in spring and summer, the shady Cradle Walk (aka Nanny Walk) and the Formal Gardens. 

• The Serpentine Galleries (in Kensington Gardens)
• The V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• The Science Museum
• The Design Museum
• The Leighton House Museum
• The Royal Albert Hall
• Kensington High Street
• The Churchill Arms 
• Holland Park
• Knightsbridge – Harrods!
• Notting Hill

• If you can, buy tickets for Kensington Palace in advance. This means you can avoid queueing up to get in. It’s often busy here, especially in summer and at weekends. 
• The palace is closed for two days each week, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Part or all of it can also close for restoration work, the setting up of exhibitions and Royal events. 
• Though you’ll have to pay to tour the palace, entry to the gardens is free. They open daily at 6 am and close at around sunset. You can see the palace from the outside here. 
• Book an afternoon tea at the palace if you have time. It’s a splendid setting for such a quintessential British tradition. You can book this alongside your ticket via the links given at the top of this guide. 
• You can experience afternoon tea at the Kensington Palace Pavilion but if you prefer you can also find plenty of places to pick up food and drinks or eat at on Kensington High Street. 
• Do allow time for the gardens. They’re one of the highlights of the palace experience. They are free to enter, though, so returning on another day may be an option you could consider. 
• If you’re a fan of the late Princess Diana – the first wife of King Charles III – then don’t miss the Sunken Garden. This is said to have been one of her favourite spots of all. 
• It’s worth thinking about which London museums you want to visit before planning your day at the palace. Several prominent museums – including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A are also in the Kensington area. This can save on travel time and costs. Entry is free to all three, though it’s worth checking whether online booking is required.
• Take the tube to the palace. High Street Kensington is a good one to go for, as it’s on both the Circle and District lines. You can also find lots of shops, cafes and so on right by the station. If you have access to the Central line, though, Queensway could be more convenient. 
• Try to plan your visit for a sunny day, if possible. This is tricky in a country with an often-wet climate, but exploring Kensington Gardens is far more pleasant when the sun is shining!
• The Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• The London Eye
• Windsor Castle
• Hampton Court Palace
• St Paul’s Cathedral

London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner Ebook (+ 4 BONUS ebooks)

Inside Kensington Palace, The Complete Guide

Kensington Palace is a historic treasure trove steeped in over 300 years of royal history. Nestled amidst the lush Kensington Gardens, the palace has witnessed countless tales of love, power, and intrigue.

The Stuart monarchs, King William III and Queen Mary II, acquired the country estate in the late 17th century and transformed it into a palace. Since then, Kensington Palace has played a pivotal role in the lives of British monarchs and nobility.

On a visit, you can step back in time and explore the regal halls, opulent apartments, and enchanting gardens where young royals like Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and William and Kate lived.

In fact, the palace is a bit of a shrine to Diana, since her death in 1997.

You will see “history hotspots” around the palace where events that shaped the nation took place.

The palace is also home to a fairly good collection of royal portraits. Not the quality you’ll find at the National Portrait Gallery, but still solid nonetheless.

In this Kensington Palace guide, I tell you everything to see at the palace and give you must know tips for visiting.

>>> Click here to pre-book a timed entry ticket

Guide To Kensington Palace: What To See

Here are the highlights you’ll see on a visit. As you explore, you’ll follow a well-marked museum path with clear arrows guiding your way.

The royal apartments are those of the Stuart monarchs, William III and Mary II, Queen Mary II, Queen Anne, and King George I. They were the first British royal dynasty to call Kensington home.

You won’t see the private apartments of the modern royals. Those are strictly off limits.

King’s Staircase & Mural

The King’s Staircase was designed by William Kent. It’s marble and wrought iron.

George I also commissioned him to paint the the tromp l’oeil staircase murals in 1726. The imaginary architecture framing the painting was inspired by palaces in Rome . Every person depicted in the mural was once a visitor to the palace.

King’s State Apartments

The staircase leads you up to the first circuit of rooms, the King’s State Apartments.

You’ll pass through the Presence Camber, the Privy Chamber, the Cupola Room, the Throne Room, and the King’s Drawing Room. They all have interesting ceilings.

The Throne Room was where the monarchs and courtiers were immediately greeted by the throne and canopy of state, symbols of the monarchy. Even if the king were absent, visitors would still be expected to bow to the throne.

The Presence Chamber has a Pompeiian style fresco of Apollo in his chariot, inspired by villas like the House of Augustus in Rome.

The Privy Chamber has a magnificent ceiling painted by William Kent in 1723. It depicts the Roman gods of Mars and Minerva surrounded by allegories of the arts and sciences.

Kent was also responsible for the ceiling in the Cupola Room. The strange object you see in the center of the room is an oversize music box that played music by Handel.

The King’s Drawing Room caused a famous royal argument. In 1735, while King George was away, Queen Caroline replaced the Italian paintings with artworks by Anthony Van Dyke.

This infuriated the king! He insisted they be re-installed. Even the “Fat Venus” painting by Giorgio Vasari that Caroline hated.

King’s Gallery

The King’s Gallery was built for William II in 1700. But it was redecorated in 1725 by Kent.

It’s now done up in red damask and red curtains. Seven large ceiling frescos show scenes from the life of Ulysses.

There are paintings by the 16th and 17th century Italian artists, including Veronese, Bassano, and Tintoretto.

Queen’s State Apartments

In the Queen’s apartments, the museum lifts the curtain on the lives of Mary II, Queen Anne, and the House of Stuart family.

As was the fashion of the day, the rooms are deliberately plainer and more intimate than those of the king.

You will stroll through the Queen’s Gallery, the Queen’s Closet, the Queen’s Dining Room, and the Queen’s Bedroom.

The Queen’s Gallery has portraits of William and Mary. This was a social room, where the queen’s ladies in waiting would gather.

If the queen needed an escape, she withdrew to the Queen’s Closet. It’s a wood paneled room hung with blue silk damask and filled with lacquer furniture. It displays Mary’s porcelain collection and was once filled with pillows for her pugs.

The Jewel Room displays jewelry that Prince Albert commissioned for Queen Victoria.

There is a magnificent diamond and emerald tiara, emerald necklace, earrings and a broach. You can see the exquisite craftsmanship of 19th century goldsmiths and Prince Albert’s unique design tastes.

There are also two diamond tiaras, the Kokoshnik tiara and Fife tiara. They belonged to her granddaughter, Princess Louise.

Victoria often chose to wear a tiara instead of a crown to avoid an overt display of superiority over her husband.

Victoria: Royal Childhood Exhibit

Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace on May 24, 1819. On that day, she was 5th in line for the throne.

Her parents traveled to England from Germany so that their baby could be born in England. She arrived safely, with her mum saying she was “a pretty little Princess, plump as a partridge.”

This exhibit follows the young princess’ journey from her birth to the bitter feuds that plagued her adolescence to her formative years as one of Britina’s most significant monarchs.

As a young girl, Victoria loved dressing up, writing stories, and making costumes for her dolls. She loved going to the opera and ballet.

During that time, the palace was governed by a strict set of rules known as the “Kensington System,” devised by the Victoria’s mother and her advisor, Sir John Conroy.

This system aimed to control and isolate the young princess and restrict her contact with the outside world. Not surprisingly, this lead to conflicts within the royal family and Victoria’s rebellion.

At age 18, Victoria became queen and moved into Buckingham Palace. Her coronation took place at Westminster Abbey .

At age 20, Victoria married Prince Albert. It was a love match that produced 9 children.

Palace Gardens

Much care and expense has been lavished on the palace gardens, which changed depending on the royal in residence and the current fashion.

In 2012, the gardens were again transformed, reconnecting the building with its landscape setting.

One thing that remains is Queen Anne’s magnificent Orangery. It’s a Baroque style brick building designed by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh.

It was originally used to house and protect citrus trees and other tender plants during the winter months.

The Sunken Garden is one of the pretties parts of the garden. It was a favorite haunt of Princess Diana. And a bronze statue of Diana was unveiled in 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday.

Prince Harry and Meghan posed for their engagement photos in the Sunken Garden in 2017.

The best part is that you don’t need a ticket to visit the gardens.

Who Lived At Kensington Palace?

So who lived at Kensington Palace and what were some of the famous goings on?

In its 300 year history, the palace was a venue for personal rivalry and intrigue. The palace even bills itself as the original fashion catwalk.

The first couple to make Kensington a royal palace were William and Mary, who reigned from 1689 to 1702. Mary wasn’t pleased with the match, but they became a loving couple.

In the late 17th century, Queen Anne, the younger sister of Mary, lived there.

Her close relationship with her confidant and rumored lover, Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, was the subject of much court gossip.

In 1710, they had a rousing fight in the Queen’s Closet and fell out forever. The Churchills were ostracized from the royal court.

In the 18th century, Kensington Palace was the residence of King George II and Queen Caroline. Their tumultuous marriage was marked by numerous extramarital affairs and scandals, some of which played out within the palace walls.

The king didn’t even get along with his son, who would become George III (the king who lost the colonies).

In May 1818, the future Queen Victoria was born in the palace.

On June 20, 1837, she was awoken early in the morning and told she was the new sovereign. As I mentioned above, she relished her independence and banished her mother to the other end of the palace.

Princess Margaret, the sister of Elizabeth II, lived at Kensington Palace with Lord Snowden, a fashionable photographer.

They led a vibrant social life and hosted glamorous parties for a time. But they eventually divorced over extramarital divorces, which caused “open warfare” at the palace.

In 1982, then Prince Charles and Princess Diana moved in to Apartments 8 and 9. Diana transformed from a shy young woman into a stylish princess and hands on mother. Prince William and Harry grew up in the palace.

After the couple separated, Diana continued to live in Apartment 9. In her palace sitting room, the “people’s princess” gave her famous candid interview to Marin Bashir, in which she smashed taboos about what a royal could say in public.

Upon Diana’s death, thousands of flowers and bouquets were left at the palace. It’s one of the most iconic images of the palace.

In 2013, Prince William and Kate Middleton, then known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, moved in to Apartment 1A for a few years. They converted Diana’s Apartment 9 into administrative offices.

Today, the palace is still a haunt for young royals.

Practical Guide & Tips For Kensington Palace

Address : Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. The entrance is near the Queen Victoria statue, which is currently under restoration. The palace is a stop on the hop on hop off bus tour .

Hours : From March 1 to October 31, open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. In winter, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Admission :

25.40 euros adults, 20.30 euros seniors and students, and 12.70 euros for children under 15.

Click here to pre-book a timed entry ticket. There will be two entry lines corresponding to the time on your ticket. So be sure to get in the correct line.

The palace is also included in the  London Pass . You may want to book a royal Kensington walking tour .

There are leather bound guides for each room, describing its contents and the paintings. You can take still photos. But you can’t use flash or take videos. No selfie sticks or tripods either.

If you are expecting to see the royal dress collection, it’s actually housed at Windsor Castle . Princess Diana’s dresses have been on display in the past. There is currently a temporary exhibit of her wedding dress, with its famous 25 foot train, in the Orangery.

Special Exhibitions :

The palace puts on special exhibitions. They seem to be geared toward fashion. When I’ve visited, I’ve seen an exhibit on Princess Dianas’s dresses and another on Crown to Couture. Unfortunately, the last exhibit obscured some of the historical paintings.

Afternoon Tea :

If you can’t resist an elegant tea, Kensington Palace offers them in the pavilion. You’ll definitely need to book a spot in advance anytime between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm.

>>> Click here to book a garden tour with high tea

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Kensington Palace. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Museums in London
• Day Trips from London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art

If you need a guide to Kensington Palace, pin it for later.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Historic Kensington Palace

Jolanta Wojcicka / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• United Kingdom

Kensington Palace in London has both a public area and a private area, and never the twain shall meet. William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, live here, as do other members of the royal family. Don’t expect to see any of them. They like their privacy.

The public part of the palace is managed by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces , which receives funding neither from the government nor the royal family.

A visit to Kensington Palace comprises both indoor and outdoor experiences. The palace itself is in Kensington Gardens, a public park with flower gardens, lots of trees, and space to roam. The Serpentine Lake and Peter Pan Statue are in nearby Hyde Park.

Here are a few fascinating facts about this palace.

Prettyawesome / Shutterstock

1. Princess Diana Once Lived There

Diana, Princess of Wales, once lived in the private part of Kensington Palace. Her fashion sense was renowned. On occasion there are temporary exhibitions of her dresses at Kensington — these are rare, popular shows.

There’s a permanent exhibit at Kensington Palace featuring one of Diana’s dresses and various designers’ original sketches for some of her outfits. Some have Diana’s handwritten notes.

Diana was said to have been fond of the Sunken Garden, sometimes complimenting the gardeners if she saw them. In 2017, the Sunken Garden was temporarily transformed into the White Garden as a memorial, 20 years after Diana died.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement in the White Garden.

chrisdorney / Shutterstock

2. Many Monarchs Contributed To Its Development

More than 300 years ago, this was a country home well outside London. The new king and queen, William III and Mary II, bought it in 1689. With Sir Christopher Wren as their architect, they expanded the house to create what is now known as Kensington Palace.

Mary’s sister Anne was the next queen. One of her lasting contributions was the Orangery, a decorative conservatory overlooking the gardens.

After Anne came King George I. For George, the designer William Kent created unique wall and ceiling paintings that are still highlights, especially the Cupola Room and the King’s Staircase.

Queen Victoria grew up in Kensington Palace but didn’t change it. As queen, she moved to Buckingham Palace. The large white marble statue of the 18-year-old Queen Victoria outside the palace was sculpted by her daughter, Princess Louise.

Andrew and Annemarie / Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

3. There Are A Number Of Visitor Routes Through The Palace

All visitor routes start in the vestibule. Visits are self-guided.

To learn more about Queen Victoria’s story, ascend the beautiful double staircase to the landing. Through the door is the Red Saloon, and beyond that are rooms highlighting Victoria’s life story.

To get to the King’s State Apartments, use the King’s Staircase. For the Queen’s State Apartments, head in the opposite direction.

The State Apartments are each a series of rooms that become less public and more private as you proceed. There’s not much furniture in the King’s State Apartments, because people weren’t expected to sit in the king’s presence.

Much of the art and objects displayed in these rooms come from the Royal Collection. The Royal Collection Trust has detailed information.

When you’re done exploring, don’t forget to visit the cafe and shop, also near the vestibule. The Historic Royal Palaces shops typically have a good selection of gifts and books that you won’t find elsewhere. Afterward, walk from the palace to the nearby Orangery to admire the gardens en route.

mary416 / Shutterstock

4. The Palace Has An Outlander Connection

The man whose statue stands outside the palace is King William III. Through his Dutch father, William was Prince of Orange. His mother was a daughter of King Charles I. William married his first cousin, Mary.

William lived in a world of political intrigue, alliances, power struggles, and religious conflict.

It was the 1600s. Although the United Kingdom did not exist yet, the King of England was also the King of Ireland and Scotland. There was deep division between Protestants and Catholics. The Protestants in England were determined to keep Catholics away from positions of power.

William and Mary were Protestants. In 1685, Mary’s father became King James II of England and Ireland and King James VII of Scotland. Although James was a Catholic, he was tolerated as king. His reign was expected to be fairly short, and his heirs, Mary and Anne, were Protestants.

Then, unexpectedly, James’s second wife had a baby boy, a Catholic. He was automatically first in line for the throne. This was unacceptable.

James II was persuaded to step down and was eventually forced into exile. This was the so-called Glorious Revolution, in which Mary and her husband deposed her father.

The exiled Stuarts never gave up their claim to the throne. Their story is the historic backdrop for the book and television series Outlander .

The four-poster Stuart bed in the Queen’s Bedroom at Kensington Palace is believed to be the one in which that fateful baby, James Francis Edward Stuart, was born at Saint James’s Palace in London in 1688.

James Stephanoff / Wikimedia Commons

5. The Queen’s Closet Makes An Appearance In The Favourite

The award-winning 2018 film The Favourite , starring Olivia Colman, dramatizes the later life of Queen Anne. The Favourite isn’t 100 percent historically accurate, but it is based on real people and their relationships. Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, was Anne’s long-time friend and confidant. She was extremely powerful politically and socially because of this friendship.

However, the friendship ended in a terrible fight in the Queen’s Closet. This isn’t what we think of as a closet. It’s one of the comfortable rooms in the Queen’s State Apartments.

Matt Brown / Flickr

6. William Kent’s Work Can Be Found Throughout The Palace

When Queen Anne died in 1714, there were more than 50 Catholics in the line of succession, but by this time, they were excluded by law. The prize went to the Protestant House of Hanover, and that’s how Britain ended up with a German king, George I.

George hired the painter-designer William Kent to improve Kensington Palace. The first place you’ll notice Kent’s work is as you walk up the King’s Staircase. It’s like entering a private world. Kent used trompe l’oeil techniques to bring visitors into the space with a series of arched balconies full of well-dressed people, the sky behind them, all looking alive and fully three-dimensional.

Another of William Kent’s masterpieces is the Cupola Room. The domed ceiling is painted in rich colors, and again, there is extensive use of trompe l’oeil to make flat surfaces look three-dimensional.

At the center is a magnificent four-sided clock, added later.

Queen Victoria was baptized in this room in 1819.

Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock

7. Queen Victoria Spent Her Childhood At Kensington

The last film I’ll mention is The Young Victoria . The girl Victoria lived a lonely, isolated life under the strict Kensington System run by her widowed mother and Sir John Conroy. Things changed when Victoria turned 18 and almost immediately became queen upon the death of her uncle, King William IV.

Historic Royal Palaces has recreated Victoria’s playroom, adding some of her actual possessions. You can feel how a little girl would have rattled around in there all by herself. She wasn’t allowed to play with many other children.

The chief curator, Lucy Worsley, suggests that the dreaded Kensington System did help prepare Victoria for the onerous job of being the monarch. Maybe — but it could have been kinder.

You may get to see one of the young Victoria’s dresses. It’s surprising how very tiny she was.

On the first morning of her new life as queen, Victoria had to meet with her Privy Council. This is a memorable scene in the film. Victoria delivers a clear and compelling speech that lets all the powerful men know she has a mind of her own.

That historic event happened in the Red Saloon, the room at the top of the graceful double stairs. It’s set up much as it was on that day in 1837.

What To Know Before You Go

The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum are about a 20-minute walk from Kensington Palace. Along the way, check out the gigantic Albert Memorial. Queen Victoria was married to Prince Albert for 21 years and a widow for 39. This was her most extravagant tribute to him.

Please check the website for the most current Kensington Palace information, including ticket and accessibility information. The gardens and temporary exhibits change, and there may be special events.

Kensington Palace is one of five Historic Royal Palaces in London. If you love seeing palaces, a membership may make sense.

For more to see and do in London, see this page .

Canadian writer Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She travels regularly to London, England, often solo, and has lots of tips for walking and sightseeing there. Jill blogs about London history on LondonHeritageHotspots as well as on Instagram . She loves to plan family history trips for people, especially when their roots connect them to the British Isles. Her website, Genealogy And Travel is devoted to genealogy travel and family history tourism, no matter where you are. You don't have to fly to get in touch with your ancestry.

An experienced road tripper, Jill has driven across Canada and the U.S. multiple times. She and her geologist husband have explored some of Australia and the North Island of New Zealand by car, and are hoping to go back for more. Jill likes gardens, forests, and anything with plants, really. "Adventure without risking life and limb" is her travel motto, and the byline for her blog, Middle of the Road Less Travelled .

Visiting Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace was once the home of Princess Diana and now its residents include at least two future monarchs.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: August 19, 2024

Visiting Kensington Palace in London

Home to some of the most famous (and infamous) characters in the British Royal Family, Kensington Palace is one of the best things to see in London.

You can get incredible access inside the building, but it's worth doing some planning, so here are my top tips for visiting Kensington Palace.

• A brief history of Kensington Palace
• The best things to see at Kensington Palace
• Some tips on taking a Kensington Palace tour
• The best way to get tickets for Kensington Palace
• And having afternoon tea at Kensington Palace

She stares down at me from the picture on the wall, smiling, a portrait of a happier time.

A white dress; a thin figure; short blonde hair; pearly teeth; and dazzling eyes.

This is the Princess Diana who the people remember.

In a room full of portraits here at Kensington Palace in London, it’s this one of Princess Diana that draws the most attention. It’s not surprising – her presence here always did.

You only have to cast your mind back to the hundreds of thousands of flowers placed at the gate outside after her death to see how the building and the woman were so intrinsically linked.

Once she became a royal, she never truly stopped being one. Kensington Palace may have been her sanctuary at times but it was also her prison.

And that’s why visiting Kensington Palace is so interesting. Right here in the heart of London, you can see the rooms she lived in, the corridors she walked – and you can feel a connection to the legend and the person.

Kensington Palace is included with the London Pass from Go City, which can save you a lot of money if you’re doing a lot of sightseeing.

There are tributes to the Princess Diana here – the portrait, a collection of her dresses, modern wallpaper created with sketching of her. But, although we may associate the palace with her, many imposing women have come before.

Before Diana it was Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister. She used Kensington Palace as her residence and would host parties with some of the world’s most glamorous and interesting celebrities.

She was a controversial figure, perhaps more interesting in socialising than official duties, but it helped raise the status of the building in the eyes of royal watchers.

King Edward VIII (her uncle) had once previously called it the “aunt heap” because of the number of lesser royals who had been given rooms there. Princess Margaret certainly made it more lively.

History of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace gets its name because it was once a private home in the village of Kensington. (Back in the early 1600s when it was built, London did not stretch out this far.)

It became a royal residence in 1689 when King William III and Queen Mary II, as joint monarchs, bought it so they could live away from Whitehall Palace and out of the city (mainly because William was asthmatic).

The monarchs used architect Christopher Wren to turn it from a country house into a palace, which he did by adding sections to what was already there.

After Mary, and then William, died, Queen Anne took Kensington Palace to be her home. She asked Christopher Wren to complete the renovations. She also added the gardens and commissioned the famous Orangery.

The last ruler to use Kensington Palace as their official residence was King George II, who died in the building in 1760.

After that, Kensington Palace was used to house minor royals, who would share the building by living in different apartments.

Princess Margaret was probably the most senior royal to live in Kensington Palace until Prince Charles and Princess Diana moved to the palace in 1981 as their official residence.

Now, of course, it is home to Prince William and his family – meaning that it is the official residence to the first, second, third, and fourth in line to the throne!

For the full experience with stories about all the famous residents, I would recommend this VIP tour of Kensington Palace that also includes a royal tea experience.

Because it is still used by the royal family, you won’t see a lot of the inside when you visit Kensington Palace, but there’s something special about knowing William and Kate could be just metres away.

Considering that, it’s actually surprising there isn’t more security (although maybe it’s here and just well hidden).

Things to see at Kensington Palace

The areas of Kensington Palace you can visit are essentially a museum made up of some of the older and more historical rooms.

But these exhibitions at Kensington Palace are very interesting – particularly if you don’t already have a detailed knowledge of the history of the British Royal Family.

King’s State Apartments

The largest permanent exhibition at Kensington Palace is the King’s State Apartments, the series of rooms that was used for official tasks like audiences and meetings.

As you walk through the rooms – the Presence Chamber, the Privy Chamber, the Cupola Room, and so on – you’ll notice that there is not much furniture because staff and visitors would stand when they were meeting the monarch.

But there are some exquisite sculptures and works of art on display here. The most important collection is in the King’s Gallery.

But, having said that, don’t miss the painting by Vasari of Venus and Cupid in the King’s Drawing Room. And the King’s Staircase that you enter from is a masterpiece in itself.

Queen’s State Apartments

This collection rooms were originally created for Queen Mary II in 1690 and there’s quite a lot that hasn’t changed since then.

Unlike the other rooms, the Queen’s State Apartments were made for living and so you get a much homelier feel here.

The Queen’s Dining Room was where Mary and William would eat together in private and the Queen’s Gallery is where Mary would read and do needlework, for instance.

You’ll see more wonderful pieces of art here and get an insight into the life of the royals from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Temporary exhibitions

There are always a couple of temporary exhibitions at Kensington Palace that are usually on display for at least one or two years before being changed.

These exhibitions generally focus on previous residences of the palace and the recent collections on display have been about Princess Diana’s fashion and the life of Queen Victoria.

I find these temporary exhibitions really interesting because they usually give you a lot more personal information than you normally find in the official stories of the Royal Family.

Kensington Palace tours

Although there is good signage within the palace, there’s only so much information you can get from information boards.

Most of the interesting facts and stories that I’m learning about is coming from the tour guide who is showing me through Kensington Palace.

My guide, Alison, seems to be able to answer any tricky question I throw her. (“What does the Queen see when she looks out her window at Buckingham Palace?” I throw in at one point just to test her – and she does admirably.)

The history is just as interesting as the stories you read in the magazines these days, though. The most imposing figure presented through the museum is Queen Victoria, the longest-serving British monarch until Queen Elizabeth II.

She was living in Kensington Palace when she became queen at the age of 18. Although she moved to Buckingham Palace after her coronation, the rooms where she grew up have now been dedicated to her life.

On display are fascinating items like childhood toys, presents and even her wedding dress. Photographs show her decline in mood after the death of her husband, Prince Albert.

My guide, Alison, explains that Victoria blamed her eldest son for her husband’s because he got sick after travelling to confront him about a scandal.

The Kensington Palace tour is fascinating and ultimately it is more about the people and their stories than the building itself.

The best option available is this VIP Kensington Palace tour , which will show you through the building and the garden – and includes a royal tea experience.

Alternatively, there’s this good tour where the guide will show you around Kensington and tell you lots of stories, but then leave you to explore the palace at your own pace.

Some other options that include Kensington Palace or its surrounds are here:

Even if you don’t get a real sense of what it is like to live in Kensington Palace today, you will come away with an excellent understanding of some of the people who once called it home.

Tickets for Kensington Palace

Regardless of whether you’re going to take a tour of Kensington Palace or not, it’s worth being a bit prepared to save yourself time.

There can often be a long line to buy a ticket, so trying to avoid the busiest parts of the day would be a good start. You can save some time when you visit Kensington Palace by booking a ticket in advance for a specific time slot.

Tickets for Kensington Palace are quite expensive so it’s worth considering whether one of the tourist cards for London would save you money if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing.

The best option is the London Pass from Go City , where you can choose different durations from 1 day to 10 days. It gives you free entry to about 80 attractions in London, including Kensington Palace, along with other benefits.

It may seem like a big upfront cost, but you definitely save a lot of money if you’re planning to see a few sights. You can buy the London Pass here .

Another option, although it may not seem the obvious thing to do, is become a member of the Historic Royal Palaces . (If you’re not a UK resident, it’s best to do it in person than online, because otherwise they’ll try to mail your card to you.)

The membership gets you unlimited entry to Kensington Palace, Tower of London , Hampton Court Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. (Which, for example, would cost £89 for standard adult tickets to see them all.)

For an individual membership, it costs £65, or just £100 for two adults at the same address. The real value is for a family (two adults and up to six children), which is £120.

Where is Kensington Palace?

The official address of Kensington Palace is Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX. You can see it on a map here .

How do you get to Kensington Palace?

If you’re coming by the Underground, the closest stations are High Street Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines) or Queensway (Central line). Both stations are less than ten minutes’ walk away. If you’re coming by bus, you can use routes 70, 94 and 148 along Bayswater Road, or routes 9, 49, 52, 70 and 452 along Kensington High Street.

When is Kensington Palace open?

Kensington Palace is open every day from March to October from 10:00 – 18:00. From November to February, the palace is open from 10:00 – 18:00. Last admission is an hour before closing time.

How much is entry to Kensington Palace?

Admission to Kensington Palace costs £24 for an adult and £12 for children under 16.

Do you need to buy tickets in advance?

Kensington Palace uses a time entry ticket system and it means you may have to wait if you buy a ticket when you get there. I would recommend getting a ticket in advance so you don’t have to wait a long time in a queue. I would also suggest using the London Pass from Go City to save a lot of money if you’re going to be doing other sightseeing while you’re here.

You can find out more information at the official Kensington Palace website .

And, if you need a rest after exploring the palace, or if you’re looking for a special London experience, there’s one more thing I want to tell you about.

Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace

How British to take afternoon tea. And how royal to have one’s afternoon tea in Kensington Palace Gardens!

After being closed for several years for refurbishment, the Orangery is again open for tea. The baroque-styled restaurant was built in 1704-05 for Mary’s younger sister, Anne, who became Queen when William died.

The official afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea or coffee, although there are other options to have a drink or something to eat.

Remember, this VIP Kensington Palace tour also includes a royal tea experience, so it’s a great way to combine everything!

Regardless of how you plan your visit, this is a fascinating insight into the royal history of London – some of it well before we were born, but some of it part of meaningful moments during our lifetime.

Yes, it’s been the home of royalty, but it’s one that many people feel a connection to.

11 thoughts on “Visiting Kensington Palace”

I felt the same in terms of not really getting to see much of the building itself. It was the main reason I visited and I left feeling a bit disappointed. I did however love the main staircase inside regardless of whether it is modernised or not and the gardens in full bloom are beautiful.

The way it has been presented is much more as a museum than an authentic representation of what the palace would have been like (or is like). I get the feeling people often don’t know what to expect (I was one of them). I enjoyed hearing all the stories from my guide, though, and it was actually a good way to learn a lot more about British royal history.

I completely agree about the walking/guided tours. I’m all for self exploration and discovery, but some places (like this one!) is “hollow” without someone knowledgeable bringing it to life. Thanks for the post – I’ve really enjoyed hearing about it!

I’m just like you. You get so much information out of guided tours, it’s important to know which places are worth doing one. I found the same thing with the Tower of London too – there is lots to see but it’s the stories and the history that really make it worthwhile.

I really enjoyed our visit to Kensington Palace – I found it much more interesting than Buckingham Palace. Mainly because of the theories that it’s haunted and that a lot of the women who’ve lived there have been there during unhappy times in their lives. Did you learn about the spookiness of the place? I wrote a blog about it too >> http://double-barrelledtravel.com/the-cursed-palace-top-5-haunted-tales-of-kensington-palace/

Great post! I didn’t actually learn too much about the spookiness of it so that’s a great read. The women were definitely unhappy there often, that’s true. Maybe I’ll have to go back and look for the ghosts next time!!

Well, first of all, I want your camera. Beautiful photos. Striking, brilliant colours. I might have visited this residence years and years ago, but I’ve forgotten now. What a treat for people who aren’t able to travel to London. Your tour was great.

Thanks, Christopher. There’s actually nothing too special about my camera – I use a Canon 600D which is an entry-level DSLR from a few years ago. I do edit the shots a bit to give them a bit more brightness and colour normally but don’t do anything else fancy. I try to make an effort to not take the same shots as other tourists, though. I think if you play around with angles and stuff, you can make things look a lot more interesting.

I’ve been to Buckingham Palace when it is open for a brief time in the summer, but not to Kensington Palace. I would love this tour because I am a bit obsessed with the Royals!

Interesting post and pretty pictures! It sounds like a guide definitely made it more worthwhile. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Mary. Yeah, I really enjoyed all the stories and extra information.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Find me on the socials:, subscribe for news and deals:.

top stories:

Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace

I’ve always been fascinated by the history of British Royalty, I mean princesses, ball gowns and far-fetched tales – Whats not to like?

Thus, during a trip to Notting Hill (London) late this summer, I decided to make time to visit the nearby Kensington Palace, and I totally fell in love! For one, no place is more steeped in royal history…. Ok, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and Balmoral also lay a pretty good claim to the aforementioned statement. However, my point is, Kensington Palace has a strange sense of celebrity around it. For example, it’s where William and Kate have opted to bring up their children. More than this, it was also the childhood home of Queen Victoria and countless other historic royals.

In this way, I feel that Kensington Palace should be on everyone’s to do list when visiting London! Need more convincing? Below I’ve compiled an  ultimate guide to visiting Kensington Place.   So keep reading for all the information, tips and advice you could possibly need for this very elegant and charming Palace.

SIDE NOTE: for those who have been following my Bali Island Hopping Adventure . Fear not, I have not forgotten my Ubud instalment! It’s on the way. 😉

Key information – 

The first question that needs to be addressed is: can the public visit Kensington Palace? The obvious answer here is yes , otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this post ;). Here’s some more information you may find handy:

Kensington Palace Opening Hours –

Unlike the more famous Buckingham Palace , Kensington is open all year round! However visiting hours vary according to whether its Summer  (01 March – 31 October) whereby the grounds are open 10am-6pm, or Winter  (01 November – 28 February) whereby it shuts at the earlier time of 4pm.

Palace tickets –

Tickets to visit Kensington Palace can be bought via the official website for £15.50 (entry is free for children under 15). This said, during peak periods tickets normally sell out ahead of time. So, be prepared and book early!

However, if like me, you leave everything to the last minute (shame on you) then you can also buy tickets from lastminute.com . From here they’re a little more expensive – around £17, but the website can be a lifesaver when dates are seemingly sold out on the palace’s website.

Failing this, there is one final way to get your Kensington Palace tickets: on the day. It is possible to turn up at the palace and buy your tickets ‘on the door’. Having said this, I would try and avoid this third option as there can be a long wait. ‘Walk up’ entrance is totally dependant on the number of people already waiting in line with pre-bought tickets.

TOP TIP:  Even with tickets, there can be a queue to get into the palace. For example, I had to wait around 20 minutes. Therefore, if you have a busy day planned I suggest arriving just as the doors open to avoid the crowds. 🙂

Getting To Kensington Palace –

Based in the center of London, the easiest way to get to Kenginston Palace is by tube. The closest station is Queensway,  which is only a two minute walk away, through the very scenic grounds of Hyde Park.

For more Kensington Palace visitor information,  check out their website.

Permanent Exhibitions at Kensington Palace – 

Now all the boring information is out of the way, we can move onto the interesting part of my  Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace : what you can expect to find.

The palace has several permanent exhibits that are both fascinating and beautiful:

King’s State Apartment –

The first exhibit you’ll come across once you’ve passed through security, and had your ticket scanned, is the King’s State Apartment . Here you’ll find Kensington Palace’s most opulent rooms, which to be honest, were my favourite… I am after all a girl of fine tastes. 😉

The grandeur and history of these historic rooms begin’s in the stair-well. All you have to do is look up to be amazed by intricate ceiling paintings and gold leafed trims:

Next, glide up the King’s Staircase  where a vivid reaction of George I’s court (by William Kent) throws you into 18th century court life. The artwork comes alive with the characters depicted. Meanwhile, the whole room is elegant, somewhat feminine, but altogether beautiful – the perfect introduction to Kensington Palace.

Moving through the apartment you’ll encounter many more interesting rooms such as the Presence Chamber and the Privy Chamber , which grants fabulous views over the front lawns. However, what blew me away the most was the Kings Gallery. 

Here, the rich red walls scream royalty and wealth. More than this though, the artwork that adorns the walls is simply stunning. I was pleased to recognise one famous piece,  by Anthony van Dyck, of Charles I on horseback,  which sits perfectly between the most beautiful golden edged doors.

However, art has never been my strong point, so I was clueless about the other masterpieces in the room. Luckily, at Kensington Palace,  each room comes equipped with written room guides. These detailed books contain everything you could possibly need to know! Thus, I was able to look up the painting’s and gain a much better idea of what was depicted.

Queen’s State Apartment –

A slight walk through the palace’s hallways brings you to the second permanent exhibit at Kensington Palace, the Queen’s State Apartment . Substantially less grand than the king’s apartment, the staterooms here are somewhat more homely. This is not surprising since they were where Queen Mary II and later royal consorts lived.

Despite being less lavish, for me, these rooms were super interesting! They help to create an image of how the palace would have looked when William III and Mary II brought Kensington and decided to turn this ordinary mansion into a home fit for royalty in 1689.

What’s more, although relatively plain and dark, the rooms are still impressive! Especially the oak staircase that remains little changed since its construction in 1690. Another highlight for me was the Queen’s bedroom where the bed displayed is said to be the birthplace of James Edward Stuart, son of King James II.

Queen Victoria Revealed –

There are currently a few further exhibits at Kensington Palace that are open for a limited time. The first of which explores the life of the palace’s most famous resident: Queen Victoria.

Named Queen Victoria revealed , this exhibit is open until the  12th of November 2017  and features many of the Queen’s personal objects such as the dolls she made as a little girl and her beautiful coronation gown. Meanwhile, the exhibit also explores her life, children, and beloved husband, Prince Albert.

As a fan of the ITV show: Victoria , it was captivating to learn more about the real-life monarch, while walking the same halls she did as a child.

TOP TIP – There is a lot of information to read and absorb in this exhibit so I would recommend touring it first while you’re still fresh to get the best out of your visit!

Enlightened Princesses –

An extension of ‘Queen Victoria Revealed’, this mini-exhibit tells the lives of three German princesses: Caroline, Augusta, and Charlotte. All of whom married into the British royal family and consequently had a huge impact on developments within 18th century Britain.

(the exhibit is also open until the 12th of November 2017)

Diana’s Fashion Story –

One final exhibit was opened this summer as a touching tribute to Princess Diana. Marking 20 years since her untimely death, the exhibit follows her ‘fashion story’ from a shy aristocrat to the most photographed women in the world.

In high contrast to the dark and historic rooms in the rest of the palace, the exhibit is bright and modern, almost as if to reflect Diana’s character! The collection on display is extraordinary and will delight fashion nuts and those simply interested in Diana a-like. Even more captivating than the dresses themselves are original fashion sketches and comments from Diana’s favourite designers. These add a personal touch to the exhibit, and I couldn’t help but be moved by the kind words spoken about the ill-fated princess.

However, I do have to say that I felt a little rushed touring the exhibit. Due to the amount of people in the room, I was naturally pushed forward onto the next dress without having time to read the description. This took away from the experience somewhat, and to be honest made me feel a tad claustrophobic.

None the less, as the exhibit is open till 2019 , I assume the crowds will be less intense once the initial excitement has died down a little!

TOP TIP:  following on from my above point, as the palace’s most popular exhibit, you have to queue to enter ‘Diana’s Fashion Story’ . If this queue appears long, head upstairs to see the Queen’s State Apartment first – when you return the queue should be a lot shorter thanks to the flow of visitors through the palace.

Palace’s Sunken Garden –

One thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kensington Palace, especially in spring and summer, is the beautiful Sunken Garden . Located just to the right of the palace, this small yet stunning garden is terraced, paved and decorated with ornamental flower beds and subtle fountains.

Disappointingly, you can’t actually go into the garden. However, its bordered by a natural tunnel that provides shady and magical viewpoints. These viewpoints are the perfect spot for a picnic, as you can sit on the wall overlooking the garden, taking in the hundreds of different plants, while also getting a break from the chaotic pace of London thanks to the tranquil setting.

During my visit to the palace, the Sunken Garden was remodelled into the ‘white garden’ as a further tribute to Princess Diana. Having the Garden in solely one colour was breath-taking. However, come next spring it’ll be returned to an equally as beautiful rainbow of colour.

TOP TIP:  you don’t need a ticket to visit the gardens at Kensington Palace! Thus, you can take in their beauty even if touring exhibits isn’t your thing.

Eating at Kensington Palace –

After all that walking and exploring, you’ll probably find yourself a little peckish. Thankfully there are two places to catch a bite within the Palace grounds:

The Palace Cafe –

Adjacent to the palace’s gift shop, your first dining option at Kensington is a simple cafe. Open to everyone, not just visitor’s to the palace, this little cafe always appears busy. Thus, I opted not to eat here during my visit as it was packed and has more of a family vibe.

This said, the food looked good and has largely positive ratings on TripAdvisor . In this way, the Palace Cafe is the perfect spot to refuel if you’re looking for a cuppa and/or slice of cake.

The Orangery Restaurant – 

If you’re looking for something more substantial than a snack, and a more upmarket vibe – the palace’s Orangery Restaurant hit’s the nail on the head!

Possibly one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in London, the Orangery’s massive windows bring an abundance of light into the dining room. Meanwhile, a modern clean finish provides the perfect balance between old and new.

Famed for its afternoon tea, there’s nothing more ‘quintessentially British’ than tucking into Jam and Scones after touring one of the countries most famous palaces! More than this, the restaurant also has a pretty good lunch menu, which is surprisingly not too expensive, with main’s averaging around £15.

This said you’ll have to pre-book if you plan on eating here. I tried to get a table for one after my visit to Kensington Palace and was gutted when they couldn’t even squeeze little old me in –  thus Book your table for the Orangery now through Open Table.

So there you have it, my  Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kensington Palace.  Thanks for reading, and I hope you have an amazing time at the palace and enjoy your visit as much as I did!

Got any questions? Or have your own tips about Kensington palace to share? Get in touch in the comment section below 🙂 

PIN FOR LATER:

31 comments.

I have always wanted to visit Kensington Palace! I have seen such gorgeous photos and YOURS are stunning and make me want to visit right now!!

It’s so pretty that’s for sure!

It’s interesting I visited the palace probably 15 years ago and they had a exhibit of Diana’s dresses then. The Queen Victoria exhibit also sounds really interesting.

Oh really I had no clue! Yeah it was crazy to learn all about her children especially and how they moved to live all over the globe 🙂

Beautifully written blog post. I love london but have never actually been here! I tend to visit in the winter when everything looks so dull but your photos make it look really stunning! I will definitely visit it now!

Damn London’s overcast skies haha – you should definently try and visit in spring/summer the city really comes alive 🙂

Yeah I have been lucky to go in better weather but didn’t have much chance to get good photos!lol! Will put this on my to do list though!

Wow! Thats a really detailed guide and lovely photos! Thanks for this amazing post! Bookmarked 🙂

This is a helpful and detailed guide! I am bummed that I didnt get a chance to visit on my last trip to London. Your photos have definitely convinced me that I need to book a return trip!

Thankyou for your lovely comment! The only problem with London is there’s so much to fit in, a return trip is certainly advised 😉

The Kings Staircase… A DREAM! I feel like I’ve seen that in so many movie scenes!

I know its so pretty!! I have to admit to walking up a few times haha

I LOVED Kensington Palace when we visited in 2015! I hope I get to go back. Hyde Park was definitely a highlight. The Kings Staircase I loved imagining royalty walking around. Such a beautiful place.

Agreed Hyde Park is the perfect backdrop… Me too haha

I’m currently living in London and always looking for new things to do and new places to visit, this is great! I’m adding it my list right now.

Glad to have helped 🙂

This is a very thorough post with great pics. Kensington Palace definitely seems like a great outing, will think about adding it to my list next time I’m in the UK!

Thank you for reading!!

Dang, I wish I would have known about this when I visited London! Unfortunately, I was only there for a few days, so perhaps if I visit again, I’ll remember this.

Only problem with London! So much to do in such a little time 🙂

I’m so sad I missed this when I went in March! I went to the more popular Buckingham palace. This looks like a great place to explore for a few hours. Your pictures are great!

Buckingham palace is on my to do list for next year!! Thank you 🙂

Such a beautiful day at Kensington Palace! I was in London 2 years ago and road my bike around the area but never went inside for a tour. Reading this post makes we wish I would have! I will have to do this on my next trip.

The area is so lovely in itself!!

Great post! Lovely to get a sneak peak into Kensington Palace. After working in London for over a year I can’t believe I haven’t visited yet… There’s so much more to do and see than I realised too! I’m definitely going to plan a day trip to explore, and especially sample an afternoon tea at The Orangery! Thanks for sharing such lovely pics and detailed insights 🙂

There’s so much in London I’m yet to do as well so I feel you aha! Thanks for your lovely comment, hope you enjoy your visit 🙂

It looks like a beautiful palace. I love exploring historic palaces when I visit Europe. I didn’t realize that you could tour Kensington, so this is great information!

Me too I find it so interesting! Thanks for reading 🙂

What a comprehensive guide! So much useful information, maybe one day I will make it out to visit!

Such a detailed post. Very useful. Bookmarked. 🙂

Thanks for reading and your lovely comment 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Policy

RELATED LINKS

On this page, royal london, most popular sights, tickets & sightseeing passes, things to see and do, from our blog.

OPEN TOP SIGHTSEEING BUSES

London tours, popular tours from london, free self-guided walks.

• Guide to hotel areas
• Bed & breakfast
• Backpacker hostels
• Airbnb London
• Central London tours
• Tours from London
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours
• Harry Potter tours
• Stonehenge tours
• Downton Abbey tours
• Windsor tours
• Cotswolds tours
• Private tours
• Ticket & pass offers
• Central London attractions
• Attractions outside London
• Harry Potter attractions
• Tower of London
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT
• London City
• London Southend
• Southampton

Kensington Palace, London

Kensington palace's history.

Kensington Palace has a rich royal history. It can boast of being the birth place of Queen Victoria and the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, not to mention being the home of a host of Georgian monarchs who have all left their mark on this impressive Palace.

You can explore their vast state apartments which contain an array of beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Kensington Palace is located at the western end of Kensington Gardens which extends seamlessly from Hyde Park, London's largest royal park.

In recent times the late Princess Diana is often associated with Kensington Palace, and around Kensington Palace there are reminders of her life from the official memorial to her, a children's playground, she even has a local cafe that she used to frequent with her children dedicated to her memory.

Why not make it an extra special London day out and combine your Kensington Palace tickets with Fish and Chips meal from Poppie's Restaurant ?

BOOK TICKETS   What you'll see   Opening times & location   About Kensington Palace tickets   Kensington Palace with attraction pass/2FOR1   Other royal palaces in London  

KENSINGTON PALACE TICKETS

Visit the former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, official London home of HRH William and HRH Kate

• Admission to Kensington Palace and Gardens • King's and Queen's State Apartments • Paintings from the Royal Collection • Sunken garden • The King’s Drawing Room, the Cupola Room and Queen Caroline’s Closet • Changing exhibitions

KENSINGTON PALACE AND FISH & CHIPS MEAL

Kensington Palace tickets & Fish & Chips meal

• Admission to Kensington Palace and Gardens • King's and Queen's State Apartments • Paintings from the Royal Collection • Fish & Chips Meal from Poppie's Restaurant

Kensington Palace - what will I see?

Once inside, you explore the extravagant rooms and spaces that have figured in many royal dramas through the ages. Wander through the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, where you’ll see rare works from the Royal Collection.

The Queen's apartments were where Mary, and later royal consorts, lived. This is where they had their bedroom, took their meals, entertained their friends and distinguished guests, and relaxed.

The King’s apartments looks at more formal aspects of royal life where the monarch received courtiers, ministers and foreign ambassadors.

At the Jewel Room you can see an incredible suite of jewellery, including specially commissioned gems for Queen Victoria, such as her beautiful tiara.

Kensington Palace Gardens

Finish your Kensington Palace tour by heading outside to walk through the exquisite and popular Kensington Palace Gardens. Here you can visit the Sunken Garden, where you can see the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, commissioned by her sons and unveiled in 2021, for what would have been her 60th birthday. (Specific opening times apply.)

Kensington Palace official website

Kensington Palace - opening times and location

We recommend allowing around 2 hours to visit.

Kensington Palace opening times

Kensington Palace is is open 7 days a week all year round, except 24 - 26 December.

Doors open at 10am and closing time is 6pm with last entry 1 hour prior. In the winter months, November to February closing time is 4pm.

Location of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace Palace is situated within Kensington Gardens a royal park that is seamlessly joined to Hyde Park. There is lots to do and see within Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and especially at weekends there are large events from concerts to fun runs.

Within easy walking distance is Portobello Market, the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods Department Store and the South Kensington Museums (Science Museum, National History Museum and V&A Museum).

Nearest Underground station

Queensway Underground Station (Central Line) is opposite a main entrance to Kensington Gardens. It's a 5-10 minute walk past the Princess Diana Children's Playground to the palace itself.

Hop-on, hop-off buses

All of London's hop on, hop off sightseeing buses have a stop for Kensington Palace on the south side of Kensington Gardens. Big Bus also have a stop on the north side of Kensington Gardens at Bayswater very close to Queensway Underground Station.

Worth knowing

We have a self-guided Kensington walk that visits Kensington Palace, as well as Portobello Market, South Kensington Museums and much more.

Kensington Palace tickets

Tickets are priced for adults age 18 - 64 years . Concessions are available for children, full-time students, seniors and people with a disability.

Tickets must be booked in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Visitor numbers are limited and many dates and timeslots are sold out in advance.

Third party sellers

Tickets from third party sellers (banner link below) typically match the price of tickets from the Kensington Palace official website, (link above).

Queues at Kensington Palace

Entrance queues at Kensington Palace are not really an issue, as the pre-booking system which requires you to book in advance runs smoothly.

Group ticket savings for 15 or more people

Groups of 15 people or more can save on ticket prices . Online group tickets are valid only for the date selected and cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Passes and promotions

London Pass holders must pre-book tickets in advance through the London Pass website.

Save more on Kensington Palace tickets with a pass or promotion

Combo Ticket: Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace

Enjoy a double dose of Royal pleasure. Combine entry tickets to both Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace, two of England's most important heritage sites.

Your package includes a special digital guide for an entrancing exploration of London.

KEW GARDENS AND KENSINGTON PALACE TICKETS

Kew Gardens + Kensington Palace entry tickets

• Entry tickets to Kew Gardens • Entry tickets to Kensington Palace Entry tickets • Save on booking together

Kensington Palace & London's attraction passes and 2 FOR 1

2 for 1 promotion.

Railways 2 for 1 Promotion  - The railways 2 for 1 entrance promotion is valid at Kensington Palace, and you need to pre-book your tickets in advance online.

London passes

The London Pass - Kensington Palace is supported by London's most popular attraction pass, (with over 90 top London attractions ), which you visit over the number of days of your choosing. Other top attractions on the London Pass list include the Tower of London , Tower Bridge , Big Bus , London Eye , Westminster Abbey , Madam Tussauds , London Bridge Experience , Windsor Castle , Chessington World of Adventures , View from the Shard , Hampton Court Palace, London Zoo , and St. Paul's Cathedral . The London Pass offers incredible savings over buying individual attraction tickets.

Go City London Explorer Pass - this pass is similar to the London Pass only instead of allowing entry for a set number of days, it gives entry for up to 60 days, and you purchase by the number of attractions you wish to visit.

To purchase either of these passes follow the banner links below.

LONDON PASS BY GO CITY

The more you visit, the more you save

• Access 90+ London attractions including Tower of London, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Zoo, Chessington World of Adventures, London Bridge Experience, Thames River Cruise, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, The View from Shard, Windsor Castle, Big Bus , and many more... • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 day passes available.

GO CITY LONDON PASSES

Save up to 50% on top London attractions

• Choose from two passes: All-Inclusive (unlimited) and Explorer (over 60 days) • Attractions and tours including: Tower of London, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND, Big Bus, Windsor Castle, The London Dungeon, Up at The O2, London Zoo, View from the Shard, City Cruises, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and more...

Other royal palaces in and around London

Tower of London Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, today the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. In its time it has been a royal palace, a fortress, a prison, an armory, a treasury and an astronomical observatory. The Tower of London now displays the Crown Jewels.

Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of The Queen and has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. The Queen would call Windsor Castle her home.

The Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the Castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Today it is the administrative headquarters of the Crown and is the main venue for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Hampton Court Palace Henry VIII's place, and also a top day out for adults and kids alike. Don't forget the fabulous maze, as well as demonstrations, talks, etc. Proper 'Living History.'

Kew Palace (with Kew Gardens) Open from March - September, Kew Palace, once the home of George III and Queen Charlotte, requires a valid ticket for Kew Gardens to enter. See the Great Pagoda (which can be climbed with a separate ticket), Queen Charlotte's Cottage and the Palace itself with Royal Kitchens.

Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Windsor Castle - all included with London Pass

The London Pass can save you £££'s on walk-up entry prices for over 80 of London's top attractions.

Included in the pass are the Tower of London , Kensington Palace , Windsor Castle , Kew Palace & Gardens , The King's Gallery , and Hampton Court Palace . In addition other top attractions such as London Zoo , Westminster Abbey , St. Paul's and View from the Shard are included.

POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Top 10 Things To See at Kensington Palace in London in 2024

Angel Castellanos Last Updated: September 26, 2023

Heading to London and not sure whether to visit Kensington Palace or what to see there? The answer is yes! The palace has been home to members of the royal family for 300 years. It’s full of history and a definite must-see. To make sure you don’t miss the highlights, I’ve listed the top things to see at Kensington Palace with a bit of history to guide you.

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  London Guide and the top restaurants near the palace. Also, the best way to visit is on a  guided London tour —you won’t have to worry about tickets and your guide will make sure you see it all!

The 10 Best Things To See at Kensington Palace

If you’re in London, visiting Kensington Palace is a must. For over three centuries, it was home to the kings and queens of England. Its walls have seen many historical events that shaped the nation.

In the 19th century, a young princess was born here. Queen Victoria grew up in the palace and became one of the most famous queens in British history. She moved out of Kensington Palace and was the last reigning monarch to live there.

For most of the 20th century, Kensington Palace was also home to minor royal family members. So many of Queen Victoria’s relations and grandchildren were living at the palace in the early part of the 20th century that King Edward VIII famously called the palace “the Aunt heap.”

In recent decades, Diana, Princess of Wales, called the palace home. Who could forget the moving images of the sea of flowers laid against the south fence as the nation mourned her? Her children, Prince William and Prince Harry, continued to live in Kensington Palace until recent years.

It’s this long Royal history that makes Kensington Palace an important place and a must-see on your trip to London. To help you get the most out of your visit, here are the top things to see at Kensington Palace. Want to know all about the history of London’s great monuments? See the city with an expert guide in our top-rated London tours .

Not ready to book a tour? See if London tours are worth it .

10. Bronze Statue of King William III

The statue on the south side of Kensington Palace is of King William III. It was presented to King Edward VII in 1907. The statue is a fine example of bronze casting and is considered an essential work of art in its own right.

King William III was one of the most influential and important figures in British history. This statue is a testament to his legacy. He ruled as King of England and Scotland from 1689 to 1702 and played a crucial role in shaping Britain’s political and cultural landscape during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

William, the Stadtholder, or ruler of the United Netherlands, married his cousin Mary. She was James II’s elder daughter. After several false starts, William invaded. James abdicated the throne, and a joint rule between the English Mary and her Dutch husband, William, was proposed and accepted.

William, who had asthma, could not live comfortably by the river at the damp old Palace of Whitehall. They acquired Nottingham House in Kensington as a more central London base.

With the help of the architect Sir Christopher Wren, William and Mary began to make great revisions and additions to Nottingham House. At this point, it became Kensington Palace.

Location: Statue of William III of Orange

9. The Iconic Statue of Queen Victoria by Princess Louise

You’ll find the statue of Queen Victoria outside Kensington Palace on Broad Walk, facing the large round pond. Many visitors don’t know that Princess Louise, the sixth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was a talented artist and the sculptor behind this imposing statue. Her home studio was inside Kensington Palace.

The statue, in honor of her mother’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, features a young Queen Victoria sitting on a throne. She is portrayed in her coronation robes, with a crown on her head and a scepter in her hand. Inscribed are the words “Queen Victoria, Empress of India, Born May 24, 1819, Ascended the Throne June 20, 1837, Died January 22, 1901.”

The statue of Queen Victoria is a testament to the love and admiration that Princess Louise had for her mother and serves as a reminder of the queen’s reign, which was, until recently, the longest in British history.

Location: Queen Victoria Statue

Popular London Tours

Best Selling Tour

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

Top Selling Tour

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to get to know the real Westminster Abbey. With skip-the-line entry, you get some quiet time in the nave of the abbey with your guide and small group before exploring the tombs of notable kings, queens, philosophers, and more. Depending on the day, you’ll even get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why .

8. The Sunken Garden

Surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, the sunken garden outside Kensington Palace is a tranquil oasis in the heart of London. You might remember it from HRH Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex’s engagement to Meghan Markle.

The garden is a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a series of formal flowerbeds arranged in a symmetrical pattern, which feature a vibrant display of blooms throughout the year. The garden is also home to a beautiful fountain. The latest edition is the touching memorial statue to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

The sunken garden was created in the late 19th century and restored to its former glory in recent years. In the official biography of Queen Mary of Teck (the Grandmother of the late Queen Elizabeth II), royal biographer Hennesy-Pope notes that she spent many hours here while growing up in the palace. Her future father-in-law, King Edward VII, opened the gardens the way we see them today in 1909.

The garden is open to the public and free to visit. You can enjoy a stroll through the garden or simply sit and take in the peaceful surroundings. It’s a true hidden gem and a must-visit for anyone looking for a moment of calm amid busy London life.

Location: Princess Diana Memorial Garden

7. The Orangery

The Orangery at Kensington Palace is a historic external building and an architectural gem. Nicholas Hawksmoor (who has a fantastic restaurant named after him) built the Orangery in the late 17th century for Queen Anne. It served as a greenhouse for the palace’s orange trees.

If you’re looking for a place for afternoon tea, look no further. You can go to the small café as you exit the palace or you can have tea in the stunning Orangery, which is one of the top places to have Afternoon Tea in London .

Inside the Orangery, you’ll find an elegant interior. There are high ceilings, large windows, and intricate details. The building’s original architectural features have been carefully preserved and incorporated into the modern design, which add a touch of historic charm to the space. Beautiful gardens, including the Sunken Garden, surround the Orangery.

Location: The Orangery

6. The King’s State Apartments

The King’s State Apartments at Kensington Palace are a series of beautifully furnished rooms fit for royalty. These opulent rooms aim to impress visiting dignitaries and courtiers.

Within the State Apartments, you’ll see the King’s Staircase (pictured), The Presence Chamber, The Privy Chamber, The Cupola Room, and the King’s Gallery. All of these magnificent spaces will transport you to 17th-century England.

The apartments are in their original grandeur due to meticulous restoration. They feature ornate ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, and stunning works of art. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the gilded moldings, intricate carvings, and the richly colored fabrics adorning the walls and furnishings.

Each room has its own unique style and character. They reflect the tastes and preferences of the monarchs living in the palace. From the formal Drawing Room to the regal Throne Room, each space is a testament to the opulence and luxury of life at the palace during the reigns of King William III and Queen Mary II.

Today, the King’s State Apartments at Kensington Palace are open to the public. When you visit, you’ll get a glimpse of the British monarchy’s rich history and lavish lifestyle.

Location: Kensington Palace

5. The King’s Gallery

The King’s Gallery at Kensington Palace is a magnificent long gallery that King William III once used for private and public functions. This grand space, which runs the length of the palace, is lined with large windows. They flood the space with ample natural light and offer stunning views of the palace gardens.

Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, built this wing of the palace. The gallery is adorned with ornate moldings, gilded details, and elaborate ceiling paintings. Together, these features create a regal atmosphere.

The King’s Gallery is home to a collection of stunning paintings, many commissioned by King William III and Queen Mary II in the late 17th century. Visitors can admire the exquisite works of art displayed along the walls, including portraits of notable figures from the time of King William III. You’ll also see critical historical events and scenes from classical mythology portrayed.

Many of the portraits are works by leading artists of the day. They feature prominent figures from the court of King William III and members of the royal family. The landscape and seascape paintings give you a glimpse into the natural world of the time. You’ll also see scenes from classical mythology depicting well-known stories from Greek and Roman legends. My favorite is the giant painting of the doomed King Charles I on horseback by dutch master Van Dyck.

The King’s Gallery is also known for its acoustics. It was designed to enhance music and conversation. Whether you’re a lover of art or a student of history, the paintings in the King’s Gallery at Kensington Palace are a must-see.

4. The Queen’s Apartments

The Queen’s Apartments at Kensington Palace are a series of luxurious rooms that the queens of England once used. These elegant spaces are rich in history. They reflect the tastes and preferences of the many monarchs who have lived in the palace over the centuries.

Queen Anne had a famous friendship with Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. Their relationship is the basis of the Hollywood movie, “The Favourite.” These are the rooms where their tumultuous relationship played out.

The apartments feature richly colored fabrics, ornate moldings, and elegant furnishings, carefully preserved to maintain their original grandeur. You’ll love the intricate details of the gilded moldings, the delicate carvings, and the beautiful chandeliers. Each room has a unique character, reflecting the different personalities and tastes of the queens living in the palace.

From the stately bed chambers to the grand Drawing Room, each space is a testament to the opulence and luxury of life at the palace. Today, the Queen’s Apartments are open to the public, so you can get an idea of what it might be like to live like royalty.

3. Princess Victoria’s Bedroom

The iconic monarch once used this bedroom at Kensington Palace. The room features a large four-poster bed, surrounded by richly colored fabrics and elegant furnishings that maintain their original grandeur.

The bedroom is part of Queen Victoria’s State Apartments, which she lived in as a young princess and later as a queen. They include her bedroom, dressing room, and private sitting room.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of beautiful interiors, or simply looking for a fascinating experience, don’t miss these rooms that shaped the history of the monarchy.

2. The Blue Drawing Room

The Blue Drawing Room is one of the many highlights of Kensington Palace. It’s considered one of London’s finest examples of Georgian architecture (1714-1830).

The 18-year-old Queen Victoria first met her Ascension Council in the Blue Drawing Room. This council was a group of advisors and officials who helped prepare Victoria for her role as queen.

They provided her with information and guidance on the responsibilities and duties of the monarchy. This initial meeting was a significant moment in young Victoria’s reign. It marked the beginning of her journey as queen and set the stage for her long and influential reign.

This room served multiple purposes for various events during her reign. Private audiences, official receptions, and state banquets were held here. Today, you can visit the Blue Drawing Room at Kensington Palace.

1. The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is a rotating exhibition with a fascinating display of official royal dresses and garments of national importance.

It includes a variety of garments and accessories from different periods in history. There are pieces from British royal family members such as King George III, Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and Queen Elizabeth II.

There’s a wide range of items on rotation from elegant evening gowns, stunning wedding dresses, and ceremonial robes to practical daywear and military uniforms. If you’re interested in history and fashion, this is definitely for you.

Not ready to book a tour? Discover the top things to see at Windsor Castle .

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

About Angel Castellanos

Angel Castellanos, www.AngelsTravelLounge.com , is a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist that has appeared on BBC News, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS, Univision, Frommers Radio, USA Today. Angel is also an acclaimed speaker appearing as a featured travel expert with the Travel & Adventure Show and New York Times Travel Show. 80+ Countries, 5 Continents and counting. He's passionate about travel to Europe, especially to Italy & France, countries he's visited every year of his adult life.

Reader Interactions

• Travel Blog
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Visiting Kensington Palace, London – Prices, Tours And More

From the grandeur of the King’s State Rooms, to learning all about Queen Victoria’s time on the throne, and seeing Princess Diana’s stunning dresses, it’s time to visit Kensington Palace in London.

It’s funny, when you live somewhere you often don’t get around to ticking off the big tourist attractions. I was 28 when I finally visited the Tower Of London and I’ve still not toured Buckingham Palace or climbed up to the top of Tower Bridge.

Last month I finally had the opportunity to visit Kensington Palace – the home of so many present day royals, and of course plenty of kings and queens from days gone by. It’s where William and Mary held huge parties, the place where Queen Victoria was born, and the place where Charles and Diana brought up their children, William and Harry.

I booked my Kensington Palace tickets in advance with GetYourGuide (just £16 per person) and spent a few hours exploring both the palace and the gardens. Sadly your ticket won’t gain you entry to William or Harry’s pads (!) but it’s fascinating to see inside the staterooms. In fact, the week I visited was the week of the royal wedding, but Nottingham Cottage (Harry and Meghan’s home) was well out of view!

With over 300 years of royal history to digest, I decided to start my visit at the newest addition – the exhibition of Princess Diana’s dresses. Diana: Her Fashion Story showcases some of her most famous outfits. I really enjoyed reading about the occasions she wore each outfit for and seeing photos of her looking so effortlessly glamorous. She was such a style icon. There was so much detail on the gowns, from beautiful beading to elaborate sequins, and of course many of the outfits showcased fashion styles that were long forgotten!

*Please note, the exhibitions at Kensington Palace change throughout the year! When I visited this one was on, but there may be something different when you visit!*

Some of the original sketches were on the wall, and there were quotes around the exhibition recounting people’s memories of Diana.

I particularly loved the Zandra Rhodes dress which she wore on a trip to Japan. The colour? That was picked to complement the Japanese cherry blossom. Isn’t it pretty? There really was something so special about seeing her dresses in her former home… in fact it gave me chills just thinking about it!

Climbing The King’s Grand Staircase was quite a moment! The walls and ceiling are completely covered in detailed paintings and panelling. It was incredible to think of the work involved.

Upstairs are the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, which have a mix of different styles of rooms – all very grand! The Cupola Room was my favourite, with an 18 th century musical clock in the centre and impressive panelling adorning the walls. George I threw many celebrations in that room, and you could just imagine the space being filled with music and dancing.

It was also fun to see some historic board games. Who knew that the royals from history enjoyed a board game or two? The rules for ‘Games Of Court’ were very amusing, including ‘You negotiate a treaty with Spain. Move forward,’ and ‘John Gay writes a poem about you. Move forward.’

Meanwhile, the outfits were pretty intriguing too. The court dresses (mantuas) of the time featured humorously wide skirts, but they were flat at the front and back. Rather impractical, they were a display of wealth and status. Yep, the bigger and more elaborately-decorated your skirt, the richer you were.

The Victoria Revealed exhibition charted Queen Victoria’s life, from birth, to historic moments including becoming Queen, celebrating her jubilees and finally her death. I didn’t know a huge amount about Victoria, but I found it fascinating walking up the stairs to the Red Saloon where she held her first privy council as queen at the age of 18. I’m double her age and can only imagine how daunting that must have been, especially when the news of her father’s death was so fresh.

She didn’t live in Kensington Palace once she was Queen, choosing instead to move to Buckingham Palace, but the exhibition is inspired by her own journals and has plenty of personal items on display. There’s a chance to really understand all the different sides to her too – after all she was more than Queen, she was also a mother (to 9 children!) and devoted wife to Albert too.

She and Albert loved music, art, and literature and there are plenty of items to peruse in the exhibition. Some of her crowns, broaches and tiaras are also on show, one of which was designed by Albert. It really was a wonderful romance by the sounds of it! When he died at the age of 41, Queen Victoria was inconsolable and spent the rest of her reign wearing black, and rarely appearing in public.

After exploring the palace, it was time to venture out to Kensington Palace Gardens. You can walk around the edge of the beautiful Sunken Gardens, along a tree-covered path. This was one of Diana’s favourite places, and she often spent mornings chatting to the gardeners. I could see why she loved it so much.

The gardens were a lovely place to round off my tour of Kensington Palace… oh no wait, there’s one last place to visit. The gift shop! I couldn’t help but look. They had everything from royal wedding tea, to HRH tea towels and jewellery fit for a queen (well one on a budget!)

I hope you enjoy visiting Kensington Palace! You can find out more about visiting and book your tickets here .

If you’re looking for more fun activities in London, don’t miss my guides to quirky things to do in London , unusual hotels in London and some of my favourite unique restaurants in London !

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Kensington Palace: An 18th Century Gem in London

Kensington palace – why you should visit this 18th century historical gem, kensington palace – a royal residence.

These days, Kensington Palace is the royal residence for the young royals, who are the direct descendants of Queen Victoria . The Palace is the official London residence for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was the former home of late Princess Diana. The Palace has a long history of being a residence for the British Royal Family since the 17 th century when King William III and Queen Mary II took residence just before Christmas of 1689.

A little background to Kensington Palace

The building was originally a 2-storey Jacobean mansion in the village of Kensington which the Royal couple purchased in the summer of 1689. They then enlisted Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) to design and build a palace that was fit for a King & Queen. A few additions were made to Kensington Palace during the reign of King George I like the Privy Chamber and the Cupola Room. The mural on the walls of the King’s Grand Staircase was painted by William Kent during this period also (more on this below).

To know more of the Palace’s 300-year-old royal history and secrets, you can purchase the new book by Historic Royal Palaces, ‘ Kensington Palace: Art, Architecture and Society’ which unfolds the Palace’s story from the time of its foundation to present state.

MyCityMyTown London Series on Kensington Palace

What drew me to the Palace this time was the Exhibition held in honour of 200 th year of Queen Victoria’s birth, Discover the real Victoria, made in Kensington, which also coincides with my 3rd instalment of MyCityMyTown Retracing my footsteps Series . 

I was excited to visit this exhibition as I am a great admirer of Queen Victoria, as well as the Palace. It was a perfect opportunity as I haven’t been here for a few years, having only a faint memory of the artwork and the internal architecture of this beautiful palace.

Learn more about the exhibition and what I thought of it in my article: Victoria-An intimate look at the woman behing the crown and her childhood.

Highlights of my visit to Kensington Palace London

I will share with you the highlights of the palace visit . I have also written several other blogs related to Kensington Palace which you can read more of by clicking the links provided at the end of this post. I think a visit here should be high on one’s list because the palace itself is an architectural delight and the gardens are splendid for a rest afterwards.

1 | The Cupola Room

The Cupola Room  took me by surprise. I don’t recall visiting this room on my previous visits. I was completely and utterly lost for words when I saw the elaborate designs in this room and how splendidly it was decorated. It was different to the rest of the palace rooms. Designed by William Kent (1685 – 1748), who was commissioned by George I in the mid-1720s, he was involved in every aspect of the room’s design, furnishings and decorations

The room is Roman inspired four-sided dome with a steeply curved ceiling and a Garter Star in the centre.

1.1 | Temple of the Four Great Monarchies of the World

Right in the centre of the room is an ornate musical clock surmounted on a pedestal, called the ‘ Temple of the Four Great Monarchies of the World ’ which was purchased in 1743 by Princess Augusta and was placed in this room soon afterwards. The name of the clock refers to Assyria, Persia, Greece and Rome – the four great empires of antiquity. These are represented on each of the faces of the clock. I discovered that the clock’s mechanism to play music has stopped. The clock was designed by Charles Clay, a clockmaker who specialised in musical clocks in the form of miniature temples. 

The walls are adorned with painted pilasters, marble chimney pieces and gold gilded statues. The whole room dazzles in the flickering candlelight – pure elegance.

You can read more about William Kent here , who went on to design the King’s Grand Staircase.

2 | This King’s Grand Staircase

The King’s Grand Staircase is the first link to the King’s State Apartments. The walls surrounding the staircase was painted by William Kent in 1720, depicting George I’s court.

This 18 th century artwork is full of intriguing characters, about 45 of them including Kent himself with his mistress. It has presented historians with a puzzle because only 12 of them could be identified from records.  This grandiose of a staircase is a “must-see” as you will be walking in the footsteps of royalty and the great and good of Georgian London, all 45 historic steps.

3 | The Ceilings in Kensington Palace

As you can imagine, there are many rooms here, such as the Privy Chamber, the Presence Chamber, the Kings Gallery, the King’s Drawing Room, the Queen’s Gallery, and the Queen’s Grand Staircase. In whichever room you are in, don’t forget to look-up, because you will marvel at some of these pretty sights 😊

My final thoughts on my visit to Kensington Palace

In short – Kensington Palace should be on your list!

Kensington Palace is one of the Royal Palaces I enjoyed visiting and the architecture in some of these rooms were mind-blowing. I would recommend that it should be on your list of places to visit in London. You can combine a visit to the Palace with a visit to the Palace Gardens and enjoy a Royal High Tea – a very popular and sell-out event!

I ho pe you would be inspired to visit, explore and discover the stories and secrets behind these walls.

Complete your visit to Kensington Palace with a Royal High Tea, Book your space using the link below. Only limited spaces available.

Book a visit to Kensington Palace and a Royal High Tea

Suggested Reading

Kensington Palace Gardens

200th Anniversary of Queen Victoria’s Birth

Why the Historic Royal Palaces Annual Membership is good for me

Practical information on Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace: Opening times

Daily except 24-26 December.

Summer (01 March – 31 October)

Monday-Sunday: 10:00-18:00

Last admission: 17:00

Winter (01 November – 28 February)

Monday-Sunday: 10:00-16:00

Last admission: 15:00

Getting to Kensington Palace London:

London Underground and trains

High Street Kensington station (10 – 15 minute walk) – for the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines

Queensway station (10 – 15 minute walk) – for the Central line

Notting Hill Gate station (20 – 25 minute walk) – for Central, District and Circle lines

Paddington station (20 minute walk) – for National Rail

Routes 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Bayswater Road

Routes 9, 10, 49, 52, 70 and 452 stop along Kensington High Street

Q-Park Queensway (10 minute walk)

Euro Car Parks, Hyde Park/Bayswater Road (10 minute walk)

Ways to explore London

Buy London Explorer Pass for discounted access to attractions – great value for money city card.

Buy your train tickets from Trainline – a great user friendly App for contactless tickets

Join a tour group and learn more about the city of London from a knowledgeable guide. Take a look at the following:

OUR TOP SELLING ACTIVITIES FOR LONDON

• Ticket to Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio with Transfers ;
• River Thames Dinner Cruise ;
• The London Eye Ticket with Fast Track Option ;
• A Combined ticket for the London Eye and the Thames River Cruise;
• Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition;
• Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket ;
• Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour;
• The Shard Entry Ticket;
• Jack the Ripper Walking Tour;
• Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London;
• Madamme Tussauds Experience;
• Kew Gardens Admission;
• Windsor Castle Entry Ticket.

SELL OUT DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON

• A Day Tour to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath;
• Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford in a day;
• Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and White Cliffs from London;
• Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover;
• A Full Day at Cotswolds with Lunch.

Have a super awesome time exploring Kensington Palace and its Gardens.

Pin this article on Pinterest!

Introducing Georgina, the insightful Content Creator behind Timeless Travel Steps. A champion of off-season journeys and cultural immersion for the mature traveller, Georgina has explored 4 continents and over 30 countries. Her blog offers practical tips and personal insights into responsible, comfort-oriented travel along with slow travel destinations. Accompanied by classical, country, and jazz tunes, Georgina's solo adventures and time with her adult children, A & M, enrich her unique travel narrative. Join her for inspiring, immersive global explorations.

Similar Posts

Mighty Dover Castle England in 1 Day

Very Best Views of The Needles (2023): 4 Top Viewing Points on the Isle of Wight

Cutty Sark, Greenwich: Tickets, Afternoon Tea + Tips

Lady Arbella Stuart The Forgotten Uncrowned Queen of England

English Heritage Membership Benefits

What to See at the Queen’s House, Greenwich in Under 2 Hours [2024/25]

• London's Royal Parks
• Things to see & do
• Policing & safety
• Major events in the Royal Parks
• Nature & wildlife
• Climate & conservation
• Read, watch & listen
• Media centre
• Access & communities
• Teams & partners
• Safeguarding
• Volunteer with us
• Run, cycle & swim
• Donate or fundraise in memory
• Leave a gift in your will
• Dedicate a bench
• Philanthropy & major giving
• Other ways to support
• Our partnerships
• Commercial & licences
• Filming & photography
• Procurement
• Dog walking licences
• Fitness training licences
• Coach permits

Kensington Palace

The palace is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Other residents include Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Duke and Duchess of Kent and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Areas of Kensington Palace are open to the public. Visitors can walk through the King's State Apartments, the Queen's State Apartments and the Gardens. There are also exhibitions plus a shop and The Orangery cafe.

To book tickets to Kensington Palace and for more information, visit the Historic Royal Palaces website .

History of Kensington Palace

King William and Queen Mary asked Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul's Cathedral, to turn Nottingham House into a palace. His extension is largely what you see today.

The clerk of works, Nicholas Hawksmoor, was told to do the job quickly and cheaply so that's why Kensington Palace was built with bricks, rather than stone.

It was completed in six months and William and Mary moved in on Christmas Eve 1689. Over the next few years, the couple added a gallery, the Queen's Apartments and a new entrance. They opened the gardens to the public on Sundays when they went to Richmond.

Mary didn't have long to enjoy her new palace because she died from smallpox in 1694. In 1702, William fell off his horse, broke his collar bone and died a few days later.

Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace and lived here until 1837. Diana Princess of Wales had an apartment at the palace from 1981-1997.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Search Locations
• Login / Register
• Television-Show

The Crown Season 5 Filming Locations: In Detail

The Crown Season 5 filming locations include Ardverikie, Lancaster House, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Wellington College, Cobham Hall School, Winchester College, Burghley House, Brompton Cemetery, Greenwich ORNC, Lincoln’s Inn and the London Coliseum. Further scenes were filmed on the Netflix show’s extensive sets around Elstree Studios.

As the Netflix drama moves into the 1990s, it revisits some of the established locations for the royal palaces, and adds new settings. We’re also in for a change of cast, led by Imelda Staunton as the Queen, with Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret.

Marcia Warren steps in the Queen Mother, while Timothy Dalton plays Peter Townsend for a brief reunion. Dominic West takes over as Prince Charles, with Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana and Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles.

New figures for The Crown Season 5 include Mohamed Al-Fayed (Salim Daw) and his son Dodi (Khalid Abdalla), Penny Knatchbull (Natascha McElhone) and John Major (Jonny Lee Miller). Flashbacks also give us glimpses of earlier cast members and filming locations.

Where Was The Crown Season 5 Filmed?

The Crown Season 5 was filmed in Chatham, Greenwich, the Moray Firth, Ardverikie, Knebworth, Wellington College, Brompton Cemetery, Somerley House, Eastbourne Pier, Winchester College, Wrotham Park, Lancaster House, Lincoln’s Inn, and more stunning locations.

However, with the show growing bigger each season, the number of sets at Elstree has also grown. The Britannia, royal residences and Downing Street are among the custom-built backdrops.

The Crown Series 5 Filming Locations

John brown and company shipyard.

We see the ship in two eras. After Claire Foy’s Elizabeth has launched the ship, we see Imelda Staunton’s Queen at Chatham Historic Dockyard as she boards the Britannia to sail to Balmoral.

And here’s where to watch the real Britannia launch! It’s right here on the BBC Scotland News Facebook page .

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Crown Season 5 Britannia scenes were filmed on the real Royal Yacht and a replica built at Elstree Studios . The recreated top deck of the Royal Yacht’s appears in the dinner scene at the start of Episode 5. Other parts of the ship were duplicated elsewhere at the Netflix show’s Elstree base.

In an interview with Elle Décor , production designer Martin Childs confirmed the filming locations for the Britannia in Season 5 of The Crown. And it’s confirmed that the lower decks were used. We think these are the engine room scenes, which show off the machinery visible from above on the tour.

You can visit the real Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, to the north of Edinburgh. Visitors can see the real engine rooms, Prince Philip’s art supplies, family lounges and bedrooms on the now-decommissioned Britannia. There’s also a permanent Royal Deck Tea Room , if you want to dine like the royal family in the scenes from The Crown Season 5.

Balmoral Castle

Interior shots for the Balmoral scenes have been filmed at Knebworth throughout the Netflix show’s run. Knebworth House confirmed that it’s a filming location for The Crown Season 5, sharing the news online the day before its release .

Knebworth’s dramatic architecture makes it a popular filming location, and The Crown’s substitute for Balmoral’s Scottish Baronial style. You can visit this location easily – check for opening days and special events! https://www.knebworthhouse.com/

The exterior belongs to Ardverikie in Newtonmore - also known as Glenbogle from Monarch of the Glen. And the surrounding land appears in the show as well.

Balmoral Estate

Balmoral scenes for The Crown Season 5 were filmed around Kinloch Laggan and Lossiemouth. Kinloch Laggan is where Ardverikie is situated, and this is a real Highland location. Like the real Balmoral Estate, it’s in the Cairngorms National Park . This year, other locations add to the landscape for loch scenes.

The Crown’s loch scenes were filmed around the Moray Firth near Lossiemouth and the Covesea Lighthouse. The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald caught Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville in costume for the scenes.

In the Season 1 Episode 1 loch scenes, Princess Margaret and the Queen spend time together in a boat on the loch.

Range Rover Scenes

Prince Philip’s driving scenes were filmed in Hertfortshire. Back in October 2021, Jonathan Pryce was spotted filming the Range Rover driving scenes - part of Prince Philip’s life outside the palace. In Season 5, we see the Duke of Edinburgh following his love of driving and of carriage racing.

Lowther Horse Show

According to the Stamford Mercury , the Lowther Horse Show scenes were filmed at Burghley’s grounds.

As the series goes on Prince Philip and Penny Knatchbull's friendship attracts controversy – until Prince Philip asks the Queen to give her approval. While the Netflix series raises questions about the relationship, there’s no doubt that Prince Philip was devoted to carriage racing.

The Duke of Edinburgh competed in the sport, notably the Royal Windsor Horse Show, until the early 2000s. As described in the episode, he sought it out as an alternative to polo .

Kensington Palace

Wellington College has been used as Kensington Palace in The Crown from Season 3 onwards. It appears again in Episode 4, “Annus Horribilis”, and other scenes involving Princess Diana. The Princess of Wales famously lived in one of the palace’s apartments after her split from Prince Charles.

London Streets

Lincoln’s Inn Fields appear in The Crown’s London street scenes as Princess Diana agrees to be interviewed for Andrew Morton’s book. The gateway is visible, along with the surrounding terraces.

Buckingham Palace

Wrotham Park has been used as the Queen’s audience room since The Crown Season 1. Over the years, The Crown has filmed Buckingham Palace scenes at Wilton House, Goldsmiths Hall and Greenwich Old Royal Naval College.

The palace’s portico scenes used to be filmed in Greenwich, but have been switched for a replica in Elstree Studios. Other palace interiors are filmed on custom sets at Elstree too.

The Ritz Paris

The Crown’s Ritz hotel filming location is Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. The Rothschild mansion appears in Season 5 Episode 3 “Mou Mou”. Look out for the dining room’s mantelpiece and mirrors. This room is seen in the meeting to buy the Ritz, and later when Mohamed Al-Fayed speaks with Sydney Johnson, personal valet to the Duke of Windsor.

Of course, the real Ritz Paris has taken on a different role in the story of the Royal Family, Princess Diana, and the Al-Fayeds. But in Season 5 Episode 3, we’re focusing on the Al-Fayed patriarch’s story and love of prestigious settings.

Bois du Boulogne/Villa Windsor

The Crown’s Bois du Boulogne locations are Halton House and West Wycombe Park. Halton House appeared as the former Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s French retreat in the Netflix show’s earlier seasons. It makes a return in Season 5 Episode 3. Look out for the exterior as the former king trains his valet.

Halton recently appeared in Enola Holmes 2 as the Lyon family home – one of many screen moments. It was built for the Rothschilds, who still own the nearby Waddesdon Manor, and as a result they share some architectural links.

West Wycombe Park is another original Bois du Boulogne filming location from The Crown Season 1 that appears in Season 5 Episode 3. Look out for it in the interior shots as Mohamed Al-Fayed and Sydney Johnson inspect Wallis Simpson’s house after her death. Halton House’s entrance and West Wycombe Park’s as the Queen’s representative removes Edward VIII’s abdication desk and letters.

As shown in the Netflix series, Sydney Johnson worked at the house in its heyday and during its renovation. The real valet to the former Edward VIII said, of the Villa Windsor’s restoration:

“I feel on top of the world… the restoration is so authentic I expect to see the duchess stepping down the staircase asking, ‘How do I look?’” Sydney Johnson, Valet to the Duke of Windsor and Mohamed Al-Fayed

If you want to see the real Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s décor, Architectural Digest has captured it in amazing detail . Everything from the clocks to the North Persian carpets is recorded.

Look out for Harrods in the shots of Mohamed Al-Fayed looking over his newest purchase. This looks very much like the real Harrods department store in Kensington, complete with its illuminations.

The real Harrods is a fixture of Knightsbridge to this day. But the prestigious shopping destination’s relationship with the Royal Family has changed over the years.

In 2000, Prince Philip withdrew his royal warrant. The store had held royal warrants since the 1950s. But after the Duke of Edinburgh declined to renew, Mohamed Al-Fayed spoke out to say he wouldn’t seek to renew the Queen or Prince of Wales’ warrants. Harrods then-owner elaborated:

“We are proud of the Harrods reputation as the world’s finest store and we naturally welcome discerning shoppers from all over the world… The royal family, with the exception of Prince Philip, are welcome to shop at Harrods at any time.” Mohamed Al-Fayed

Sydney Johnson’s Grave

The Crown cemetery location for Sydney Johnson’s grave is Brompton Cemetery in London. In The Crown, we see Mohamed Al-Fayed paying his respects over the gravestone. The engraving reads Sydney Johnson, Valet to the King.

Brompton Cemetery opened in 1840, and is still a working cemetery to this day. But it’s also a Grade I-listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens and a precious green space. You can find guides to the well-known figures who are buried there, and popular walking routes, on the Royal Parks website.

Moscow Streets

The Netflix show’s Moscow scenes were filmed in Bradford. In The Crown Season 5, the Queen’s car is seen driving through the streets of the Russian capital, actually Bradford’s Forster Square area.

The Telegraph and Argus caught filming in progress , with Russian signage appearing on Holdsworth Street, Canal Road and Valley Road.

Windsor Castle

Look out for Burghley Castle as The Crown’s Windsor Castle location in Season 5. The famous Windsor Castle fire scenes were filmed at Burghley, and smoke billowing over its roof . A replica of one of its rooms was also used as a fire-damaged Windsor in scenes of the Queen and Prince Philip surveying the damage.

Burghley also provides St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle after the repairs. It appears in the scenes of Prince William and the Queen having tea at Windsor during his time at Eton. Look out for it again when the Queen and Director General of the BBC have a tough conversation after Martin Bashir’s interview is screened.

You can visit this Crown location – check the opening dates for the house, grounds and restaurant.

Guildhall Jubilee Lunch

Look out for the exterior of the ORNC buildings at the opening of the episode, as the Queen exits the car. She is seen walking into the Painted Hall, climbing the steps to its distinctive black and white floor.

The artwork has a royal theme of its own. Among the scenes depicted around the Painted Hall, you’ll find the accessions of William and Mary, and George I. And you can indeed find the paintings for yourself, because it’s open to the public – check the website for current admission details .

The Queen really did make her famed “annus horribilis” comment during the Guildhall Jubilee Lunch . In reality, the Ruby Jubilee banquet on 24th November 1992 took place just days after the fire at Windsor Castle.

The real Guildhall , with its 600-year-old Great Hall, is the home of the Corporation of the City of London, who hosted the event. While it didn’t appear in this episode of The Crown, it is a popular filming location in its own right.

The Eton town and school locations in The Crown are Winchester College in Hampshire and the Cobham Hall School in Kent. Prince William’s car passes the entrance to the Winchester College in Season 5 Episode 7, “No Woman’s Land”, before the press call.

Winchester was founded in 1382, pipping Eton to the post by about 60 years. Princes William and Harry’s former school was founded in 1440, on the banks of the Thames. As seen in The Crown when the Queen considers inviting William for tea, Eton sits just on the edge of Windsor.

Eton College

Kent’s Cobham Hall School appears in glimpses of Eton’s courtyard and interior shots. Look out for the Gravesend school in the press call and William’s lesson on Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.

It was confirmed as a filming location by Visit Kent , along with other local spots appearing in the likes of Enola Holmes 2 . While Eton is an all-boys school and Winchester has only recently become co-educational, Cobham Hall is an all-girls day and boarding school.

It was founded by socialite Bhicoo Batlivala , who had attended another prestigious school, Cheltenham Ladies’ College. But the building itself boasts its own royal connections. Cobham Hall has been home to the Barons of Cobham, Earls of Lennox and Earls of Darnley. Over the centuries, the residents have hosted royalty of their era, from Elizabeth I to the Duke of Windsor.

Broadcasting House

It looks like a real glimpse of Langham Place in Season 5 Episode 8, “Gunpowder”, with CGI assistance bringing the BBC’s Broadcasting House back to the 1990s. Built in 1932 , the Broadcasting House building was later updated with the glass-lined piazza space that occasionally appears in BBC features.

Eastbourne Pier

The Crown Season 5 Episode 8 features shots of Eastbourne’s pier and seafront . Look out for several angles in quick succession at the start of the sequence before the Bashir footage is reviewed.

Eastbourne’s shingle beach is another location seen in the episode, as the race to halt or allow the broadcast begins.

The Queens Hotel

Royal Variety Performance

The Royal Variety Performance scene was filmed at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane in London . The London Coliseum’s exterior is seen as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrive for the Royal Variety Performance on their wedding anniversary. The real auditorium appears as well, with shots from various angles throughout the second half of the episode.

As a side note, while the London Coliseum has hosted the event, it wasn’t the venue that year. On 19th November 1995, the day before Princess Diana’s interview with Martin Bashir aired, the Royal Variety Performance was held at the London Dominion.

The Queen and Prince Philip would have watched acts including Cirque du Soleil, Allan Stewart, Des O’Connor, Riverdance and Elaine Paige. Thanks to the Royal Variety Charity’s archive, you can check out the line-up right here .

Prince Charles’ Hong Kong scenes were filmed in London’s West End . The area already has a strong connection to China and Hong Kong, through local expat communities and Chinatown’s restaurants and importers.

Journals and essays written by King Charles III were shared with the press after he took the final trip in the Royal Yacht Britannia. In the texts , he wrote about his thoughts on the journey itself and the Hong Kong handover.

The Theatre

While the Princess of Wales’ fashion choices influenced the costumes shown in The Crown, they don’t appear at the same events. As Yahoo Life UK point out, the blue dress Diana is seen wearing to Swan Lake harks back to a Jaques Azagury dress she wore to an event at the Serpentine Gallery in 1995.

The Crown’s Highgrove location is the Somerley Estate in Dorset. Somerley appeared in Season 4 as Highgrove, and is also set to reappear in Season 6. Filming took place in October 2022 , before Season 5 had arrived on Netflix.

While Somerley isn’t open to the public, you can stay at this Crown location. There are holiday lets on the estate – or you can host a wedding or special event at the house. https://somerley.com/ That said, you can visit the real Highgrove gardens . In fact, King Charles III’s private residence in Gloucestershire has hosted garden tours for 25 years.

Recent Posts

Where was The Crown filmed? Your guide to Season 5's filming locations

Everyone’s favourite real-life British Monarchy drama, The Crown, is returning to the small screen for its fifth season this November – and we’ve hunted down all the coolest filming locations that you can explore. The royal series follows the life and reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Season 5 will see her face what was perhaps the toughest period of her reign: the 90s.

With a whole new cast of stars – including Elizabeth Debicki as Diana and Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II – we’ll enjoy a fictionalised retelling of the historical events and intense drama of the 90s, including the breakdown of three royal marriages and a huge fire at Windsor Castle.

As with previous seasons of the show, access to Buckingham Palace itself wasn’t possible, but the The Crown’s producers did splash the cash on filming locations in lavish castles, stately homes and beautiful estates across the UK and Spain . If you’re wondering where The Crown filmed instead, we’ve found a few of the top locations featured in Season 5.

This season’s release will be all the more poignant as the first season of TV show to be released since the deaths of Prince Philip in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

Even on holiday in Spain, Diana (played by Elizabeth Deblecki) and Prince Charles (Dominic West) couldn’t escape from the paparazzi. The Crown’s film crew recreated 1991 holiday memories in Spain using the Spanish island of Mallorca for the series. A glamorous speedboat set the stage for when the royal couple and their children were papped at the beachside town of Andratx. Of course, you too could rent a speedboat in Mallorca (or join our Best of Spain tour).

We know the Queen loved Scotland and so the nation continues to star heavily in Season 5. Yes, this season we can expect more scenes at Balmoral Castle, the royal summer residence in Aberdeenshire. Again, The Crown used Ardverikie House and its estate near Inverness as the filming locations for the famous castle. This 19th-century former traditional Highland sporting estate sits on the shores of Loch Laggan and bears a huge likeness to the true royal residence. You can step inside the massive 38,000-acre estate and tour the reception rooms if you book a night’s stay there.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Scotland

Princess Diana had plenty of high-profile encounters with the paparazzi in the 90s, and to recreate these scenes there’s nowhere better than London. The Crown crew used filming locations in Croydon, near the Fairfield Halls. After separating with Prince Charles, Diana kept Kensington Palace as her residence and The Crown filming for this took place across two locations – Harefield Grove in Hillingdon, and Brocket Hall near Welwyn Garden City. Both stately homes are from the late 18th and early 19th centuries and have been used for other film productions through the decades. Want the royal treatment yourself? You can stay at Brocket Hall, which is also a golf course and hotel.

Where was Buckingham Palace when The Crown crew picked filming locations? Well, a home that grand actually needed several estates and a movie studio set to recreate. Playing the part of Buckingham Palace were Lancaster House on Pall Mall in London, Wrotham Park in Barnet, and Wilton House near Salisbury. For the exterior shots, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich stepped in.

RELATED BLOG: Travel locations our favourite TV shows were filmed in

Lincolnshire

Windsor Castle is practically a character in the latest season of The Crown as it faces disastrous events. Stepping in as the famous castle was none other than Burghley House in Stamford. This Crown filming location is a 16th-century house still owned by the family of Sir William Cecil, who first built the estate. You might recognise it from Season 4!

In 1995 the Queen and Prince Philip took Prince Charles and Diana to Moscow on a royal visit. So how do The Crown film a Russian town in the UK? It heads to Little Germany in the town of Bradford, West Yorkshire. The crew redressed Forster Square to look like the Russian Capital.

GET INSPIRED BY: Amazing Britain

The magnificent seafront Queens Hotel in Eastbourne is featured in the final scenes of Season 5. The Netflix big-budget royal drama took over the halls of the grand old hotel – and not for the first time. This magnificent Victorian-era hotel starred in The Crown in Season 3 too. If you want to visit yourself, book at night and enjoy ‘the UK’s sunniest place’. The charming seaside resort town is the perfect place for a short, relaxing break.

The Crown Season 5 will stream on Netflix from 9 November 2022. Will you be watching or visiting any of these The Crown filming locations? Leave us a comment…

Want to hear more from us?

Sign up to receive inspiring travel articles, offers & news

" * " indicates required fields

Privacy Overview

Sign up for our emails (popup).

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

• British Royal Family
• British Royal Family News

Prince Harry Is ‘Pretty Damn Normal, All Things Considered,’ According to Friend

Harry, who turns 40 on Sept. 15, and wife Meghan Markle are “a pretty ordinary couple existing in an absolutely extraordinary situation,” Bryony Gordon writes

Joshua Sammer/Getty 

A friend of Prince Harry ’s is speaking out ahead of his 40th birthday.

The Duke of Sussex will turn the milestone age on Sept. 15, and Bryony Gordon of the Daily Mail is speaking out about her friend ahead of his big day, calling him “pretty damn normal.”

Gordon wrote that she became friends with the royal about eight years ago, “and ever since, life has been peppered with questions from people curious to know more about his character,” she wrote in a piece published Sept. 12.

“And when I tell them my honest opinion, that he is kind, funny and pretty damn normal, all things considered, I often see a flash of disappointment cloud their faces, followed quickly by words to the effect of ‘well, you would say that, you know him,’ as if knowing someone should disqualify you from having a trusted opinion about them,” she continued.

She added, “I’ve heard a lot of fairly negative things said about him, character assassinations that bear no resemblance to the man I’ve come to count as a friend, the one who cares passionately about injured veterans, and who’s done more than most to change perceptions of mental health in this country,” referring to the UK.

Carl Court/Getty 

Gordon became friends with Prince Harry in 2016 — the same year he met now-wife Meghan Markle , though Gordon met him a couple of months prior. The royal and Gordon met when Prince Harry, along with Prince William and Kate Middleton , launched their mental health campaign Heads Together. Gordon asked him to be the first guest on the mental health podcast she was about to launch, Bryony Gordon’s Mad World , and “to my surprise, he said yes,” she wrote. “Even more surprising was the honesty that poured out of him as we recorded the podcast in Kensington Palace.”

She added, “He was nervous about what he wanted to tell me — nervous enough that I found myself trying to calm and reassure him. But there was good reason for his anxiety. At the time, the royals were not known for anything other than a stiff upper lip. It was not the done thing for them to talk about their feelings.”

Harry opened up to Gordon — who affectionately calls him “Haz” — about the grief surrounding the death of his mother, Princess Diana, following a car accident in Paris on Aug. 31, 1997.

“I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12 and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years has had quite a serious effect on not only my personal life, but my work as well,” Harry told Gordon at the time the podcast episode aired in April 2017. “It was 20 years of not thinking about it, and then two years of total chaos.”

Gordon wrote she never expected to hear from Harry again, but she did, and the two kept in touch through various mental health projects. In early 2018, not long after their engagement and before their May wedding that year, Gordon met Meghan, “whom I have also come to count as a friend, meeting for lunch and working with her as she got behind charitable causes in the UK,” Gordon wrote.

Gordon visited their then-home, Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor, and was with them at Buckingham Palace the day they left the UK in 2020. As Harry prepared to publish his memoir, Spare , in January 2023, Gordon traveled to their home in Montecito, California, to interview him.

Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images

“I spent an afternoon at the house, the kids [ Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet ] running around happily as we drank tea,” Gordon wrote. “Harry proudly showed me the DIY photo wall he’d recently created, featuring pictures of his mum.”

When she left, Gordon did so with a jar of their homemade jam, “which I then left in the back of a taxi in a jet-lagged stupor,” she wrote. “Somewhere in Los Angeles, a cab driver has one of the earliest batches of American Riviera Orchard’s produce.”

Of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as a couple, Gordon described them as “a pretty ordinary couple existing in an absolutely extraordinary situation,” she wrote. “There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people. A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.”

She added, “This is not what people want to hear, but it is what I’ve found, time and time again.”

KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty

Prince Harry exclusively tells PEOPLE ahead of his 40th birthday that his priority remains fatherhood. “The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without doubt, my kids,” Harry says via his spokesperson. “I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad.”

A friend previously told PEOPLE, “ Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly , not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats,” they said. “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm.” 

The friend added, “As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

For his big birthday this weekend, PEOPLE previously reported that Prince Harry planned to celebrate with Meghan, 43, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, followed by a gathering with close friends internationally.

Related Articles