Historic royal residence in central London
Kensington Palace Tickets & Visitor Guide
Explore the royal residence in the heart of London
Step inside Kensington Palace and explore the official London residence of members of the Royal Family. Discover magnificent State Apartments, royal treasures, beautiful gardens and fascinating exhibitions that bring Britain’s royal history to life.
Kensington Palace Tickets
What’s Included?
Palace Access
Your admission includes access to the available public areas of Kensington Palace, along with seasonal exhibitions and displays.
Royal History
Discover a historic royal residence that has been home to generations of monarchs and members of Britain’s Royal Family.
Palace Gardens
Explore the surrounding gardens and visit the Sunken Garden, featuring elegant floral displays and the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Explore Kensington Palace
Explore a Royal Residence in the Heart of London
Walk through magnificent State Apartments, uncover stories of famous royal residents and enjoy one of London’s most historic palaces within the beautiful surroundings of Kensington Gardens.
Why You’ll Love It
Follow Royal Footsteps
Explore a working royal residence and walk through the childhood home of Queen Victoria.
Royal State Apartments
Discover ceremonial rooms, historic chambers and magnificent interiors connected to centuries of royal life.
Family Day Out
Learn fascinating stories about the British monarchy through exhibitions and displays suitable for families, history lovers and royal enthusiasts.
Beautiful Memories
View royal fashion and historic treasures before enjoying colourful gardens and excellent photography opportunities.
Kensington Palace Information
Nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for more than 300 years.
The palace has been associated with some of Britain’s most famous royals, including Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales, and parts of the palace continue to serve as residences for members of the Royal Family.
Visitors can explore spectacular rooms and exhibitions that reveal the stories, personalities and events that helped shape the British monarchy.
From grand ceremonial State Apartments to more intimate royal rooms, Kensington Palace offers a fascinating insight into both public duties and private royal life.
Featured Palace Experiences
The King’s State Apartments
Explore grand ceremonial rooms designed for audiences, meetings and royal entertaining, including the King’s Staircase, Presence Chamber and Cupola Room.
The Queen’s State Apartments
Discover elegant chambers originally created for Queen Mary II and used for private living, dining and entertaining.
Victoria: A Royal Childhood
Learn about Kensington Palace’s most famous royal child and discover the story of Queen Victoria’s early life and rise to the throne.
Royal Fashion
See exhibitions featuring royal garments, jewellery, personal objects and historic items connected to generations of royal residents.
Seasonal Exhibitions
Explore changing exhibitions and displays that reveal different aspects of royal history, fashion and palace life.
Kensington Palace Gardens
Enjoy landscaped gardens, historic pathways and picturesque views that provide a peaceful escape from central London.
The King’s State Apartments
The magnificent King’s State Apartments are among the highlights of a visit to Kensington Palace.
These grand ceremonial rooms were created for royal audiences, formal meetings and impressive court entertainment.
Visitors can climb the richly decorated King’s Staircase, explore the Presence Chamber and admire the Cupola Room, one of the palace’s most striking historic interiors.
The Queen’s State Apartments
The Queen’s State Apartments provide a more intimate view of royal life at Kensington Palace.
Originally created for Queen Mary II, the rooms were used for private living, dining and entertaining during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Conservation update: the Queen’s State Apartments are scheduled to undergo major conservation and redisplay works from June 2026. Available rooms and visitor routes may therefore change.
Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.
Exhibitions and displays reveal stories from her early years, the people who shaped her childhood and the events that led to her becoming queen.
Visitors can walk through a palace closely connected with one of Britain’s most influential monarchs and gain a more personal insight into her life.
Kensington Palace Gardens
The palace sits within the elegant surroundings of Kensington Gardens, making it easy to combine a palace visit with a relaxing walk through one of London’s best-known green spaces.
- Explore the landscaped palace surroundings
- Visit the Sunken Garden
- See the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales
- Enjoy colourful seasonal floral displays
- Continue your walk through Kensington Gardens
- Combine your visit with nearby Hyde Park
What’s New and Coming Up?
Exhibitions and displays throughout Kensington Palace are refreshed periodically, giving returning visitors opportunities to discover new stories, objects and perspectives on royal history.
Seasonal exhibitions may focus on royal fashion, historic personalities, personal collections and important moments connected with the palace.
Check the available exhibitions and room openings before visiting, particularly while conservation or redisplay projects are taking place.
Top Tips Before You Visit
- Allow approximately two to three hours to explore the palace and gardens
- Visit on a weekday for a potentially quieter experience
- Arrive early to explore the State Apartments before peak visitor periods
- Check which exhibitions and palace rooms are open before travelling
- Combine your visit with a walk through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
- Bring a camera for photographs of the palace exterior and gardens
- Wear comfortable footwear for exploring the palace and surrounding park
- Allow extra time if you plan to visit the Sunken Garden
Planning tip: exhibitions, room openings, garden access and visitor routes may change due to conservation work, royal use or operational requirements. Check current details before travelling.
Location
Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend between two and three hours exploring Kensington Palace and its surrounding gardens.
Can I visit the King’s State Apartments?
The King’s State Apartments are normally included with admission, subject to operational requirements and room availability.
Can I visit the Queen’s State Apartments?
They are normally included with admission, although access may change during conservation and redisplay works.
Is Kensington Palace still royal?
Yes. Parts of Kensington Palace remain official residences for members of the Royal Family.
Is Kensington Palace suitable for children?
Yes. Families can enjoy exhibitions, historic stories, displays and open spaces throughout the palace grounds.
Are exhibitions included?
Available seasonal exhibitions and displays are generally included with palace admission.
Can I visit the gardens?
Visitors can enjoy the palace surroundings and Kensington Gardens, including the Sunken Garden when accessible.
Are cafés and facilities available?
Visitor facilities and refreshments are available during the visit, subject to opening arrangements.
Was Queen Victoria born here?
Yes. Kensington Palace was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.
Book Kensington Palace Tickets Today
Step inside one of Britain’s most famous royal residences and uncover centuries of royal history, fashion and intrigue.
Explore magnificent State Apartments, discover stories of Queen Victoria and other royal residents and enjoy beautiful gardens in the heart of London.
Why Book Through Great Days Out?
Great Days Out helps families and visitors discover memorable attractions across the UK. From royal palaces and historic landmarks to family adventures, we make it easier to find and book inspiring experiences.
