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

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Hotel La Place

Hotel La Place

3.5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
Sep 26 - Oct 3
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to London (LHR)
8.4/10 Very Good! (450 reviews)
This hotel was very well located

Reviewed on Jun. 26, 2025

The Savoy

The Savoy

5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
Oct 4 - Oct 10
found 12 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to London (LHR)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
The property itself is nice but the rooms are not; the junior suite I stayed in was dingy with no view which made it feel dark, dreary and dilapidated.

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Urban Chic - Chiltern and Baker

Urban Chic - Chiltern and Baker

5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
Oct 26 - Nov 1
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR)
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)

Tours & day trips

See all 406 activities
London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

Activity duration is 1 day
7.8 out of 10 with 1606 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $54 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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London Borough Market Tea and Doughnuts Tour

London Borough Market Tea and Doughnuts Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $61 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure

London Scenic Lunch Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $131 per adult
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Attractions

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfer

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfer

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 2194 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $151 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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London: Entry Ticket to Frameless Immersive Art Experience

London: Entry Ticket to Frameless Immersive Art Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $56 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Kensington High Street showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Kensington High Street

This affluent area is home to some of London’s most exclusive shops, as well as a regal palace and gardens.

Kensington High Street
Kensington Church Street

Kensington Church Street

During your visit to London, you can enjoy retail therapy at Kensington Church Street. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Kensington Church Street
Kensington Roof Gardens featuring a house and a garden

Kensington Roof Gardens

Rise above the hustle and bustle of London’s streets and join flamingos and other birds in these tranquil themed roof gardens.

Kensington Roof Gardens
Kensington Gardens showing autumn colours and a park as well as an individual male

Kensington Gardens

The former gardens of Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born, continue to provide a picturesque area of trees and lakes in the center of the city.

Kensington Gardens
Queensway

Queensway

During your trip to London, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Queensway. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Queensway
Albert Memorial which includes a statue or sculpture

Albert Memorial

Richly adorned with artistic and historical references, this tribute to Prince Albert represents Gothic Revival architecture at its most ornate.

Albert Memorial

Best Lodging Options Near Kensington Palace

Central Park Hotel

Central Park Hotel

3 out of 5
49/67 Queensborough Terrace, London, England
Central Park Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel
The Caesar Hotel

The Caesar Hotel

4 out of 5
26-33 Queens Gardens, Hyde Park, London, England
The Caesar Hotel
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens

Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens

4 out of 5
104 Bayswater Road, London, England
Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington 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
Point A Kensington Olympia

Point A Kensington Olympia

3.5 out of 5
42-48 West Cromwell Road, London, England
Point A Kensington Olympia
See all 27,255 properties in Kensington Palace
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, be sure to explore the beautiful Cradle Walk and enjoy nearby family attractions. The area also offers a variety of entertainment options, including theatres and unique shopping experiences, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled day. Don't miss out on the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this historic landmark!

Shopping

For shopping near Kensington Palace, explore Portobello Road Market, only 966m away, offering unique finds. Harrods and Westfield London Shopping Centre, both 1.6km away, feature luxury brands and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out other London shopping districts for even more variety.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, just 8.0km from Kensington Palace, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the serene beauty of Hampstead Heath, located 6.4km away, offering relaxation and wellness. For a touch of luxury, visit Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 8.0km away, for a refined experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station's cable car gondola, offering stunning views 14.5km from Kensington Palace. For a more hands-on adventure, Vertical Chill climbing and Oasis Go-Kart Track, both located 4.8km away, provide exhilarating outdoor activities for the whole family.

Nightlife

In Kensington Palace, the London Palladium Theatre offers a cultural experience with captivating performances, while the Electric Cinema provides a cozy spot for romantic movie nights. For those seeking excitement, The Park Tower Casino delivers a vibrant atmosphere filled with games and city energy, perfect for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of culture and family experiences. Explore the beautiful urban parks and charming piazzas, alongside the stunning royal palaces, including Kensington Palace itself. Whether you're interested in the rich history or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, there's something for every traveller near Kensington Palace in London.

  • Hyde Park: Enjoy the expansive greenery and tranquil lakes of Hyde Park, located a mile from Kensington Palace. This urban oasis offers family-friendly activities, outdoor sports, and serene walking paths, making it perfect for a leisurely day out in the city.
  • Buckingham Palace: Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, two miles away, where you can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. This historic palace is a symbol of British culture and royal heritage, offering insights into the monarchy's history.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, also two miles from Kensington Palace. Known for its bright lights and bustling crowds, this lively street is a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyHighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
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

When planning your visit to Kensington Palace, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Hyde Park and Big Ben. To save on accommodation, book your hotel a month in advance and aim for stays between January and March for lower rates. Mondays are typically the cheapest nights, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly and eco-certified options, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to check for last-minute deals for spontaneous plans!

  • 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 June to July and September, 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 Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Kensington Palace is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable rates and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Kensington Palace hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.