Kensington Palace

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


Journey though history and learn about the lives of the British Royal Family at this official London residence, set in the magnificent Kensington Gardens.

London’s Kensington Palace has been home to various members of the royal family since the 17th century. Still a working royal residence today, sections of the palace and gardens are open to visitors, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of some of Britain’s most significant royals.

Starting out as a mansion in 1605, the palace has undergone various expansions and alterations over the centuries. In more recent times Kensington Palace gained worldwide fame as the home of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Like many of Britain’s royal residencies, parts of Kensington Palace are now open to the public. The palace is divided into four areas known as “story zones,” with guides and multimedia installations on hand to bring the past to life. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by Luminous Lace. This striking contemporary installation mimics a royal lace pattern and is crafted from miles of luminescent wire and 12,000 Swarovski crystals.

Follow in the footsteps of past monarchs by climbing the King’s Staircase to the opulent King’s State Apartments. Then take the Queen’s Staircase to see the sumptuous furnishings and artworks in the Queens Gallery, Queen’s Drawing Room and Queen’s Bedroom.

Visit the Fashion Rules exhibition to admire Princess Diana’s couture dress collection, as well as many belonging to Princess Margaret and the current Queen. Learn about the public and private life of one of Britain’s greatest monarchs, Queen Victoria, in Victoria Revealed.

The Palace Gardens play a staring role as well, particularly in the warmer months. The gardens connect to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park where you’ll find the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Visit the Palace Café and Gift Shop for souvenirs and refreshments. For a treat, enjoy an elegant breakfast or decadent afternoon tea in The Orangery, which overlooks the palace grounds.

Kensington Palace is centrally located in Chelsea and is an easy walk from several Tube stations. The palace is open year-round 7 days a week, except for a few days around the Christmas holiday and the end of January. Ticket prices include access to the palace, gardens and exhibitions.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Three Falcons Hotel
Hyde Park Radnor Hotel
Staines City Centre by Charles Hope

Tours & day trips

See all 402 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 71 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 65 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 30 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel
Central Park Hotel

Central Park Hotel

3 out of 5
49/67 Queensborough Terrace, London, England
Central Park Hotel
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
Grand Royale Hyde Park

Grand Royale Hyde Park

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

Mitre House Hotel

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

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
Holiday Inn London - Kensington High St. by IHG

Holiday Inn London - Kensington High St. by IHG

4 out of 5
Wrights Lane, Kensington, London, England
Holiday Inn London - Kensington High St. by IHG
Park Avenue Bayswater Inn Hyde Park

Park Avenue Bayswater Inn Hyde Park

4 out of 5
8-16 Princes Square, Bayswater, London, England
Park Avenue Bayswater Inn Hyde Park
The Caesar Hotel

The Caesar Hotel

4 out of 5
26-33 Queens Gardens, Hyde Park, London, England
The Caesar Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kensington Palace

When visiting Kensington Palace, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning gardens, as well as enjoy nearby activities like exploring art galleries, catching a performance at a local theatre, and indulging in some retail therapy at stylish shops. The area offers a delightful blend of culture and leisure, making it an ideal destination for a memorable outing in London.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Kensington Palace, visit Portobello Road Market, just 966m away, for unique finds. Harrods, also 1.6km away, offers luxury goods. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 1.6km away, features a vast array of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Explore Wembley Stadium for an exhilarating sports experience, just 8.0km from Kensington Palace, or unwind at Hampstead Heath, a serene haven for relaxation and nature, located 6.4km away. For a touch of luxury, visit the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 8.0km from the Palace.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, visit Vertical Chill for indoor climbing, only 4.8km from Kensington Palace. Alternatively, enjoy the scenic views on the IFS Cloud cable car, 12.9km away. For a thrilling karting adventure, Oasis Go-Kart Track is also 4.8km from the palace.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Kensington Palace with a visit to the Eventim Apollo for a captivating show, or unwind at the Electric Cinema for a romantic film. For a more theatrical experience, the London Palladium Theatre offers an enchanting blend of culture and entertainment.

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

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of visitor. From charming streets to lush urban parks and vibrant piazzas, there's something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a cultural experience, a family day out, or simply to soak in the city's atmosphere, the area around the palace is rich with opportunities to explore and enjoy.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban park, Hyde Park offers a peaceful escape with family-friendly activities and beautiful outdoor spaces. Enjoy leisurely strolls, boat rides on the Serpentine, or simply relax amidst the greenery, all just 1.6km from Kensington Palace.
  • Buckingham Palace: The iconic residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is rich in culture and history. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore its stunning architecture, located 3.2km from Kensington Palace.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A vibrant street buzzing with energy, Piccadilly Circus is famous for its neon lights and lively atmosphere. Experience the heart of London's entertainment district, just 3.2km from Kensington Palace.

Best time to go to Kensington Palace

The best time to visit Kensington Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kensington Palace

To save money on your visit to Kensington Palace, consider travelling during the off-peak months from January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Sunday for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look out for last-minute deals and ensure to arrange prices from lowest to highest for the best offers. Lastly, take advantage of free activities around the palace to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kensington Palace are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Kensington Palace about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kensington Palace is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Kensington Palace is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia