Kensington Palace Tours and Activities

Kensington Palace showing a castle, a park and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace featuring heritage architecture, interior views and a castle
Kensington Palace showing heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace which includes a park, a castle 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.

Plan a trip to see Kensington Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Three Falcons Hotel
One Bed Serviced Apt near Holborn in Chancery Lane
Presidential Apartments - Kensington

Tours & day trips

See all 401 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


Best Lodging Options Near Kensington Palace

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
Ruby Zoe Hotel London

Ruby Zoe Hotel London

3.5 out of 5
146 -164, Notting Hill Gate, London, England
Ruby Zoe Hotel London
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

At Kensington Palace, immerse yourself in a blend of art, theatre, and shopping. Engage in interactive experiences that bring the history of the palace to life. Explore the stunning gardens, enjoy insightful exhibitions, and discover unique boutiques nearby. This vibrant area offers a delightful mix of cultural activities perfect for any tourist looking to experience the charm of London.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Kensington Palace, visit Portobello Road Market, just 966m away, offering vibrant city vibes. Harrods and Westfield London Shopping Centre, both 1.6km away, present a mix of luxury and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping centres further afield.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, just 8.0km from Kensington Palace, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a tranquil retreat, head to Hampstead Heath, located 6.4km away, offering serene parks and relaxation. Enjoy the luxurious ambiance of Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 8.0km away, for a touch of elegance.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience near Kensington Palace, try Vertical Chill, a climbing venue located 4.8km away, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Enjoy the thrill of karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km away, offering an adrenaline-packed atmosphere for all ages. For a unique view, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Gondola, situated 12.9km away, providing stunning vistas and a family-friendly adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Kensington Palace with a show at the Eventim Apollo or the London Palladium Theatre, both offering culture and romance. For a cozy film night, the Electric Cinema provides a charming atmosphere, perfect for couples and families alike.

*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 and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Explore the charming streets, urban parks, and piazzas, while taking in the scenic beauty of Kensington Gardens. Nearby attractions include Buckingham Palace, just a short distance away, providing ample opportunities for memorable photos. This vibrant area is perfect for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in London's rich history and vibrant urban life.

  • Hyde Park: Experience the expansive green spaces of Hyde Park, just 1.6km from Kensington Palace. Enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor sports, or a leisurely stroll along the Serpentine, soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Buckingham Palace: Located 3.2km away, Buckingham Palace is a must-see historic landmark. Immerse yourself in British culture as you witness the Changing of the Guard and explore the stunning architecture of the official residence of the monarch.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Also 3.2km from Kensington Palace, Piccadilly Circus is a bustling street known for its bright lights and lively atmosphere. Discover shops, theatres, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a quintessential London experience.

Best time to go to Kensington Palace

The best time to visit Kensington Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kensington Palace falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kensington Palace falls in January, 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

For a budget-friendly visit to Kensington Palace, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Booking a month in advance or checking Expedia for last-minute deals can lead to significant savings. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be the priciest. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter accommodations by budget and location, and don’t forget to look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Lastly, keep an eye out for the green banner indicating special offers.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kensington Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Palace with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia