28 February 2022 until 30 October 2022
- Wednesday to Sunday only: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
- Last admission: 5:00 pm
Early closure dates:
- On the following dates, the last entry is at 4:00 pm as the palace closes at 5:00 pm
25 August 2022
29 September 2022
27 October 2022
- On the following dates the last entry is at 2:00 pm as the palace closes at 3:00 pm
24 November 2022
23 December 2022
Please wear a face mask in indoor spaces, shops and crowded places and adhere to the local COVID-19 prevention measures for your health and safety
Kensington Palace has served as a residence for British royalty for centuries. It is most famously known as the birthplace and intimate childhood home of Queen Victoria. Princess Diana also notably lived here, and her legacy is still celebrated within the palace. Other prominent residents include George I, George II, and Queen Mary II, making it a rich site for royal history.
Visitors to Kensington Palace can immerse themselves in royal history by walking through the King’s State Apartments and the beautiful Queen's Apartments, experiencing the grandeur of the royal court. The palace also features the serene Sunken Garden and hosts various temporary exhibitions displaying breathtaking art. A highlight is encountering a rare collection of Princess Diana's most famous garments.
Yes, tickets are required to access the main exhibitions and State Apartments inside Kensington Palace. These tickets grant entry to areas like the King’s State Apartments, the Queen's Apartments, and any temporary exhibitions. While the surrounding Kensington Gardens are generally accessible, interior access, including the historically significant rooms, requires a valid admission ticket.
Kensington Palace is easily accessible via London's public transportation network. The nearest Underground stations are High Street Kensington (served by the District and Circle lines), Notting Hill Gate (Central, District, and Circle lines), and Queensway (Central line). From these stations, the palace is a short and pleasant walk through Kensington Gardens. Several bus routes also have stops conveniently close to the palace entrance.
Kensington Palace does not enforce a strict dress code; visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable attire suitable for walking and exploring the historic site. However, guests are requested to observe standard museum etiquette, such as refraining from touching exhibits, respecting designated photography restrictions, and ensuring any large bags are stored in provided cloakrooms for safety and security.
While interior access to Kensington Palace's exhibitions and State Apartments requires a ticket, the magnificent Kensington Gardens that encompass the palace are free for all to explore. This includes enjoying the famous Sunken Garden, admiring the exterior architecture of the palace, and visiting other attractions within the gardens like the Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Galleries, all without an admission fee.
Kensington Palace is historically significant as a more private, intimate royal residence, most notably as Queen Victoria's birthplace and childhood home, and a long-term residence for Princess Diana. Buckingham Palace, conversely, serves as the reigning monarch's official administrative headquarters and London residence, representing the formal seat of the British monarchy. Both offer distinct perspectives on royal life, with Kensington focusing more on personal stories.