General timings: 10am to 6pm
Closed on: 24-26 December, 31 December, 1 January, and certain Mondays and Tuesdays.
Best time to visit: Plan your visit in the afternoons during the off-peak season, from October to February, to avoid large crowds.
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom
Kensington Palace is nestled in Kensington Gardens, near Hyde Park. It's surrounded by upscale neighborhoods, museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum, and bustling shopping areas like Kensington High Street.
Closest landmark: Albert Memorial (0.8 km)
The King’s State Apartments is the most luxurious apartment at Kensington Palace. It features everything from grandiose staterooms and Presence Chamber to the Cupola Room, the King’s Gallery and lots more.
The walls of the King’s Staircase were painted by William Kent as a vivid recreation of George I and has gained immense popularity over centuries. The artwork displays a lively 18th-century court of intriguing and unexpected characters.
The King’s Gallery takes pride in being the largest and longest state apartment in Kensington Palace which was transformed by King George I in 1725. It was used primarily for exercise as well as exhibiting pictures.
The Queen’s apartments is where Mary, and later royal consorts, lived. This included the Queen’s Staircase, the Queen’s Gallery, the Queen’s Closest, the Queen’s Dining Room and the Queen’s Drawing Room.
Here, you will get the chance to learn the story of Princess Victoria. Unfold all about the young girl, who was destined to be queen, explore the rooms where she was born and raised at Kensington Palace for an unforgettable experience.
The Sunken Garden was first designed and constructed in 1908. In 2017, the garden was completely renovated in white flowers for visitors to reflect and celebrate the life of Princess Diana.
Walk in the footsteps of royalty in the stunning gardens of Kensington Palace. The Sunken Garden, Cradle Walk, Wildflowers and Formal gardens are some of the top must-visit Kensington Palace Gardens.
Christopher Wren, a master of English Baroque architecture, significantly contributed to Kensington Palace’s grandeur. In 1689, he transformed Nottingham House into a royal residence for King William III and Queen Mary II. Wren designed the state apartments, including the grand Cupola Room and Orangery, showcasing his ornate and grandiose style expertise. His collaboration with Nicholas Hawksmoor further enhanced the palace’s architectural legacy, making it a lasting testament to his brilliance.
Nicholas Hawksmoor served as the Clerk of Works at Kensington Palace from 1689 to 1715, overseeing its expansion and rebuilding under Sir Christopher Wren's direction. Notably, Hawksmoor supervised the construction of the Orangery between 1704 and 1705, ensuring Wren's design was expertly executed. His role involved managing daily construction activities and overseeing builders and craftsmen, playing a crucial part in realizing Wren's architectural vision for the palace.
Kensington Palace is popularly known for its beautiful architecture that has a long history of being home to many royalties.
Kensington Palace was originally built in 1605 as a two-storey palace.
The palace was first occupied by Sir Choppin that was followed by the Earl of Nottingham, and many others.
The family of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge currently lives in Kensington Palace now.
Yes, it is still a part of the royal residents.
It takes nearly 2-3 hours to cover Kensington palace in its entirety