Plan Your Visit to Kensington Palace

Visit the most elegant retreat for Britain’s royalty at Kensington Palace. What was once a small suburban villa, became enriched with the stories of many royal names including Princess Diana, William III and Mary II, Queen Caroline, and many others. The palace was also the childhood home of Queen Victoria. Currently, the palace is the London home of The Dukes and Duchesses of Cambridge, Gloucester, and Kent, as well as the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. A number of offices are also present in the building. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting Kensington Palace including how to get there, special exhibitions, maps, parking, and more!

Kensington Palace at a glance

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/1a8091d58f4251bae486e0f3552e0af8-Group10.jpg

What are the Kensington Palace opening hours?
The Palace's usual opening hours are from 10am to 6pm.
Where is Kensington Palace located?
Kensington Palace is located at Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom.
How many entrances does Kensington Palace have?
The Palace has primarily one main entrance.
How many visitors does Kensington Palace get per year?
Around 400,000 guests visit the Kensington Palace every year.

Kensington Palace Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Royal Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace with Walking Tour of the Gardens

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hr.

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 5%): Tower of London + Kensington Palace Tickets

Free cancellation

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 5%): Kew Gardens + Kensington Palace Admission Tickets

Free cancellation

‌

Check availability

What are Kensington Palace opening hours?

General timings: 10am to 6pm

Closed on: 24-26 December, 31 December, 1 January, and certain Mondays and Tuesdays.

Best time to visit Kensington Palace

The best time to visit Kensington Palace is during the off-peak season, from October to February, when crowds are more manageable and queues shorter. Visiting on weekdays, especially from Wednesday to Friday, is ideal, as weekends can be jam-packed. Arriving in the afternoon, around 2pm-3pm, helps avoid large tour groups. Note the palace's seasonal hours: open until 6pm in summer and 4pm in winter.

Where is Kensington Palace located?

Address: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX.

Google Maps

Kensington Palace is located in Kensington Gardens, London, near Hyde Park, offering easy access from central London and surrounding areas.

Nearest landmark: Albert Memorial (0.8 km)

Getting to Kensington Palace

Tube

The nearest tube station is High Street Kensington or Queensway Station (10 to 12-minute walk). You can reach these stops via District, Circle and Central lines.

Train

Paddington is the closest train station to Kensington. It is 18-minutes away by walk.

Bus

Take bus numbers 70, 94, 148, and 390 to Bayswater Road or 9, 10, 49, 52, 70, and 452 to Kensington High Street.

Car

There is no on-site parking at Kensington Palace. The nearest car parks is Q-Park Queensway (10-minute walk).

Plan your visit to Kensington Palace

Download a copy of the Kensington Palace map on your phone before you get there and have a quick glance through it. Because the palace is huge, it helps knowing where you are and the significance of each room before and during your visit.

Baby changing facilities are available inside the palace.
Toilets are available in Stone Hall and the Café. All toilets are wheelchair accessible. You can also find sanitizing stations in all toilets.
There are restaurants and cafes on site where you can get a quick bite.
Get small souvenirs like jewelery and royalty-inspired homeware from the Palace Shop.
Free Wi-Fi is available to all guests inside the palace.

Visitors can bring a carer free of charge.
Recognised guides, assistance, or service dogs are welcome. They must wear a designated jacket or lead slip, and owners should have the dog's 'Assistance Dog's (UK)' ID book.
Low light levels are used, and describer tours are available for the King's State Apartments and Victoria: A Royal Childhood.
BSL interpretation tours are offered for the King's State Apartments and Victoria: A Royal Childhood.
Ground-level access from Kensington Gardens, with all three floors accessible via lift. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/6f4ea114efe8f254e9375523da3eef9e-%20No-flash%20Photography.jpg

For your security and the comfort of all visitors, please note that suitcases and large bags are not permitted in Kensington Palace.
Photos without flash are allowed, but filming is strictly prohibited.
Weapons, knives, fireworks, smoke bombs, and pepper spray are restricted.
Ensure children do not touch or eat plants and avoid approaching wildlife in Kensington Gardens.
For safety, the gardens do not allow balls, frisbees, scooters, bicycles, and rollerblades.

Find a wide range of food and drinks at The Palace Café and The Kensington Palace Pavilion.

At The Palace Café, you can choose from a range of sandwiches, hot drinks and refreshments, pastries, and ice cream.
The Kensington Palace Pavilion sells a delicious breakfast, lunch, and typical English afternoon tea.

Shop for gifts and souvenirs inspired by the many royal stories of the past and present at the Kensington Palace Shop.
The gift shop is open throughout visiting hours and offers jewelry, bags, books, and themed souvenirs.

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/d69bf5f1b5d9953843e4b3238cdae169-27920-london-27920---combo-listing---kew-gardens---london-eye-11.jpg

Buckingham Palace (3.7 km): London's royal residence, Buckingham Palace boasts 775 rooms, splendid gardens, and hosts the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony—a cornerstone of British monarchy and national tradition.
Westminster Abbey (5.1 km): A historic Gothic church, Westminster Abbey has coronated British monarchs since 1066 and serves as the final resting place for numerous royals and notable figures.
London Eye (5.9 km): Situated on the South Bank, the London Eye is a colossal Ferris wheel standing at 135 meters tall. It offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of London, making it one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/913e0a1ad5da340a5b2a8c89ec5fb2fa-Hotel-room.jpg

Budget: Smart Hyde Park View (0.9 km), Central Park Hotel (0.9 km), Notting Hill Gate Hotel (1.6 km)
Mid-budget: Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens (0.9 km), Hilton London Hyde Park (1.1 km), DoubleTree by Hilton London - Hyde Park (1.2 km)
Luxury: The Laslett (2 km), Baglioni Hotel London (2.8 km), The Milestone Hotel & Residences (2.8 km)

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Kensington Palace

Is Kensington Palace open to the public?

Yes, Kensington Palace is open to the public.

Are there any parking facilities at Kensington Palace?

There’s no parking facility at Kensington Palace, but you can find nearby parking. Blue badge holders can avail themselves of disabled parking spots at the palace.

What is the easiest way to reach Kensington Palace?

The easiest way to reach Kensington Palace is via underground trains. It is just a 10-minute walk from High Street Kensington Station and Queensway Station.

What is the best time to visit Kensington Palace?

The best time to visit Kensington Palace is around 2pm to 3pm post-lunch. By this time most of the big tour groups will be done with their visit. Learn more about Kensington Palace opening times here.

How long will it take to cover Kensington Palace?

The recommended time to cover the whole of Kensington Palace is 2 to 3 hours.

Is there any dress code to be followed when visiting Kensington Palace?

No, there is no dress code to follow when you visit Kensington Palace.

Is Kensington Palace accessible for guests with disabilities?

Yes, Kensington Palace is accessible to people with special needs.

Can I stay at Kensington Palace?

There are no rooms at the palace for the public to stay at, but you can book a nearby hotel.