Skip to main content
MC
Français

Palais de Kensington

Kensington Palace in London is visited for its State Apartments, its ties to the British monarchy, and its setting beside Kensington Gardens.

Palais de Kensington

In pictures

  • Palais de Kensington in Londres — landmark, view 1
  • Palais de Kensington in Londres — landmark, view 2
  • Palais de Kensington in Londres — landmark, view 3
  • Palais de Kensington in Londres — landmark, view 4
  • Palais de Kensington in Londres — landmark, view 5
  • Palais de Kensington in Londres — landmark, view 6

About

Kensington Palace in London is a historic royal residence. Part of the site is open to visitors. People come for the State Apartments, royal history, and the setting beside Kensington Gardens. A Kensington Palace visit usually focuses on ceremonial rooms and exhibition spaces. Displays can change with the season and current programming. It is wiser to visit with a flexible plan. Do not expect a fixed route. The palace is often linked with Diana, Princess of Wales, and with other members of the royal family. That connection matters to many visitors. Still, the site is not only about one figure. It also helps explain court life, monarchy, and how royal residences evolved over time. For a smart visit, allow enough time to move at an unhurried pace. Then continue into Kensington Gardens. The area works well for a calm half day. In warmer months, combine the palace with a longer walk. If the weather turns, focus on the interiors first. Keep the gardens for another moment.

The Concierge's Tip

Go earlier in the day and start with the interiors first. The visit usually feels easier that way. Leave Kensington Gardens for the end, if the weather is holding. This works especially well in spring and summer. On colder or rainy days, focus on the palace rooms first. If you are visiting with children, plan a short outdoor break between the indoor sections.

Ask the Concierge

Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.

Ask the Concierge

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Kensington Palace?
Yes, part of Kensington Palace is open to visitors. Access usually covers the State Apartments and exhibition areas. Some sections remain residential and are not open. What you see can change with current programming. It is sensible to check the latest visitor arrangements before you go.
Who lives at Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace is still associated with the British royal family. Some parts serve as official or private residences. The areas open to visitors are separate from those residential functions. Occupancy can change over time. The safest approach is to distinguish clearly between the lived-in sections and the public visitor route.
Did Princess Diana really live at Kensington Palace?
Yes, Diana, Princess of Wales, lived at Kensington Palace. That connection remains one of the main reasons many visitors are curious about the site. Depending on current programming, this history may be addressed during the visit. Still, the palace is broader in scope. It is not solely a Diana-focused experience.
How long should you allow for a Kensington Palace visit?
Allow a comfortable amount of time rather than planning a rushed stop. The pace depends on your interest in the exhibitions and on visitor flow that day. Many people continue into Kensington Gardens afterwards. For a more relaxed experience, treat the palace and the gardens as part of the same half-day outing.
When is the best time to visit Kensington Palace?
Earlier in the day is often the easiest time to visit. Busy periods can make the route feel less fluid. If you also want time in Kensington Gardens, mild weather improves the overall experience. In rain or colder months, start indoors and treat the garden walk as optional rather than essential.
Is Kensington Palace a good visit for families?
Yes, it can work well for families, especially if you alternate indoor rooms with time outside. The nearby gardens are useful for a break and help keep the visit balanced. Avoid packing the schedule too tightly. A shorter palace visit followed by a walk or pause often suits younger children better.
Should you combine Kensington Palace with Kensington Gardens?
Yes, they pair very naturally. Kensington Palace sits right beside Kensington Gardens, so it is easy to combine interiors with a walk outside. This creates a better rhythm for many visitors. It is also a practical way to enjoy broader views and take Kensington Palace photos from the surrounding grounds.