THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Going to London and wondering if you should see Kensington Palace? Let me help you decide. Here are some things you need to know, information about what to see and do, useful tips and advice.
A Brief History
Built in 1605, historically, it used to be known as Nottingham House until 1689, when it was renamed by the then King and Queen, William and Mary who purchased it. Later it became the childhood home of Queen Victoria, who was crowned Monarch at the age of 18 in 1837.
The palace was in such a bad state of disrepair by the end of the 19th century, that it was almost demolished. Wood was rotting, bricks were falling off and everything had been severely neglected. But Queen Victoria, begged and pleaded for funding and donations, and succeeded in having the palace hugely renovated. It was then that it came to life again and was opened to public visitors. Kensington Palace was saved by Queen Victoria, otherwise it would not exist today.
Queen Victoria
It later became the favourite home of Princess Diana too. Diana continued to live there after divorcing Charles. Her residence was left empty for 10 years after she passed away.
Bad reputation
Kensington Palace has had a bit of a bad reputation. Some people believe bad luck to be attached to it, based on some pretty awful events that have occurred there in its history. Mysterious deaths, drowning, small pox, miscarriages, depression, and numerous scandals, all relating to female royalty living at the palace. It’s no wonder many royals no longer wanted to live there. Can’t say I blame them. There are even ghosts haunting the palace, apparently, if you want to believe the numerous stories by the tabloids.
Today
Many modern day royals have embraced Kensington Palace. Currently, the palace is a private residence and the offices of many royal family members, 15 royals in fact, including Kate and William, and their gorgeous children. It has been extensively renovated and has numerous separate apartments.
It is also a public museum, which some people aren’t aware of, open to everyone for general viewing. However, not all areas are accessible to us commoners.
What you can see
If you decide to visit Kensington Palace, the areas open to the public include, the King and Queen State Apartments, the Cupola Room, the King’s Staircase, the King’s Gallery, and Queen Victoria’s Residence.
The palace also houses the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, with more than 10,000 items of iconic fashion, which includes clothes worn by George III, Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret, Diana, Princess of Wales and The Queen. You can see some of these royal fashions on display. Remember Diana’s gorgeous gowns? You can see them here.
The State Apartments were used for the King or Queen to receive an audience of courtiers and visitors. Many dignitaries have graced these rooms and walked up this very staircase, as I have. I love walking in the footsteps of history.
The King’s staircase, pictured above, is my absolute favourite part of the public museum. Check out the stunning frescoes painted on the walls!
You will be mesmerised by the glorious decor and fabulous artwork all throughout the rooms. Have a look at photos from my visit a couple of years ago.
As I walked through the various parts of the palace, I enjoyed interacting with some of the displays, imagining myself as royal.
Cupola Room
It suits me, don’t you think?
Not sure how they walked through doors!
Queen’s Bedchamber
How gorgeous is this royal cradle?!
Stunning ceilings throughout
Portrait of Charles I in the King’s Gallery
A huge portrait of Diana
Diana’s gowns
Other royal gowns from the past
A cute tribute to Diana on one of the walls
Kensington Gardens
Outside Kensington Palace, you can stroll around the lovely gardens. Enjoy the water features and the many monuments and statues, such as the bronze Peter Pan statue. Also, you can check out the Diana memorial garden and the newest edition, the Princess Diana statue in the Sunken Garden.
Statue of Princess Diana – photo credit
Peter Pan statue – photo credit
Snazzy Tips
- Kensington Palace is open everyday.
- Check seasonal opening times here. I went in January and it wasn’t busy at all.
- Photography without flash is permitted.
- Entry inside is included with the London Pass. Alternatively, cost is £21.50 per adult.
- The Hop-on Hop-off Bus, which is part of the London Pass also, stops at Kensington Palace.
- Closest railway station is High Street, Kensington.
- Kensington Gardens are free.
- There are often child-friendly activities held at Kensington Palace, such as interactive Story Time for little ones, activity trails and digital missions. They even have an explorer’s bag to collect, that will excite the kids.
Hyde Park
Whilst in the area you must go to Hyde Park. Adjacent to the palace, this land used to be part of Kensington Gardens until 1728. It was previously used as a hunting ground, for hunting deer, by King Henry VIII in the 1500’s.
Now it’s part of London’s Royal Gardens. There are 350 acres of parkland to enjoy for free. I recommend strolling around, admiring the assorted flora and fauna, the Serpentine water feature, and Diana’s memorial fountain.
Another activity I enjoyed doing was hiring a bicycle here at Hyde Park and taking a ride around this lovely part of London. It’s a fun way to sight-see.
In the past, the park has always been a place for protests and speakers, and still is. Also, many major concert events have been staged here, from the Rolling Stones to Pavarotti.
Tours you may enjoy
Final thoughts
When I first arrived at Kensington Palace and saw it from a distance, I was a little disappointed. My honest opinion is that the palace looks rather tired and weary from the outside and not particularly inviting. But when you enter inside, it is glamorous and opulent. I actually really enjoyed seeing the interior, with the grand artwork, ornate furnishings, and personal memorabilia of past royals. Wandering around the halls and rooms gives you a fascinating glimpse into the world and lifestyle of the royals.
So, should you see Kensington Palace?
I think you would have to agree it would be a shame to miss it, especially if you were unable to tour Buckingham Palace due to seasonal closures. After all, you can’t come to London and not see at least one palace! Right?
However, if you aren’t really interested in the royal family’s history and lifestyle, then perhaps you should skip it. Or, if you have already seen another palace, you may be all royalled out, which I can totally understand.
Tea Room
Lastly, you may be interested to know that there is a Restaurant/Tea Room in the Orangery pavilion amidst the gardens at Kensington Palace. Originally built for Queen Anne as a conservatory, nowadays you can enjoy afternoon tea in grand royal style on the palace grounds. You’ll be able to say you dined at the palace! Click here for details.
I hope this helps you decide if you should see Kensington Palace. Maybe you’ve already been? Please leave me any comments in the section below.
Another historical palace you may want to see is the Tower of London, which I personally love.
Thank you.
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I totally agree with you. If you are at all interested in the royal family OR if you can’t visit Buckingham then definitely visit Kensington. We were there in April so we also couldn’t visit Buckingham. We are huge Diana fans so that made this worth it with the special exhibit they had going on. The Kings staircase was beautiful. We had the London Pass so this was worth it. BUT it wasn’t our favorite overall (that was Windsor which we got to visit, ironically while she was in residence!). We did, however, have tea at Kensington and that was fabulous!
I could feel royal just looking at the photos! What an incredible experience it must be to walk these rooms, down the stairs, and dress with these lavish outfits! I wonder how it must be to actually live there. I would be afraid to touch anything. We did not get to see it when we were in London last, but need to remember for the next time around. So much history, so much to admire!
What a great read! You do an amazing job of explaining the rather extensive history of the palace. The inside is opulent and beautiful as you mention, and it’s a good thing you decided to tour the inside despite its lackluster exterior. I would absolutely check out Kensington Palace if I get the opportunity to go to London 🙂
It is sad that Kensington Palace though had such a stunning interiors was not lucky enough to the Royal family. The staircase is really beautiful and even the royal dress. I am scared that ghosts still haunt here as some people say about this palace.
Kensington Palace is one of my most enjoyable memories while in London last time. I guess it’s the poignant story of a fairytale princess and the enigma surrounding her life that sets this place apart. I still remember many of the exhibits vividly.
It is a definite visit from me!! Kensington Palace looks lovely from inside and all of your photos convinced me for a visit to the palace. The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection would be a lovely thing to see too. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Ive been wishing to come inside this palace since then. Thank you for this informative blog <3
Such an informative post. Never made it to Kensington Palace but would to visit someday! The photos are so lovely.
I love everything royal and palaces give me those feels. Even though the sad reality of the family, the Kensington palace looks majestic and beautiful. Thank god it is okay to click pictures unlike in Indian palaces!
I was at Kensington Palace a few months back and I agree with you that it didn’t look all that opulent from the outside. The gardens though were absolutely beautiful – we spent a long time strolling though them.
Interesting article! Never been to any side of Europe yet and I like reading and seeing your photo how you made fun of the dress. Yes, you look awesome on that dress. London is one of our top lists in visiting Europe hope we would be able to come here if ever we will be in the city. Great post!
You’ve convinced me that I must visit Kensington Place! I would love to see the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection (those wide bustles are comical!) as well as take in all the luxuries and art on display at the palace. And, the writing desk in the Queen’s Bedchamber is just exquisite. We’re planning an off-season trip within the next year so I really appreciate your insights and tips! (Garden-lover that I am, no doubt I’ll pop over to Hyde Park, too.)
Very interesting. I agree, it looks more like a mansion from the outside, but the inside is…well…WOW!
I didn’t know that Buckingham Palace is open four tours. It seems that it may be better for us to go to see Buckingham Palace first.
This is so interesting. I had no idea that there was a bad reputation associated with Kensington Palace! I loved Princess Diana so this is something I’d want to see. Thanks for sharing
I love all the “snazzy” tips. Like its open everyday and the subway stop. All good to know information!
I loved this article, and had no idea that you could tour some of Kensington Palace. And the fact that you can have tea here too is so fun! I think I would go see it if I am in London.
I’ve walked along the outside but next time I most definitely should go in!
Unfortunately we did not have time to go to the palace when we were in London. There were other points that were higher on our list. But I like how you describe your visit and it’s definitely worth it!
Strangest thing is, I live down the road from here and never been inside or into the grounds. FOr some reason I have had no interest in doing so but now maybe after reading this, I might hit it up. I just like to explore places away from London. 😀
I didn’t know that the Kensington Palace has a public museum and that it dates back to 1600s! The palace may have been witness to unpleasant moments in the past but I hope this would be replaced by positive ones in the current and future.
Oooh I had no idea Kensington Palace was considered unlucky! Hopefully the current residents will make new happy memories there and override the bad luck!
I looove seeing all those gowns. That must have been a fun area to explore.
We went to Kensington Palace this summer and loved it! Although we did go on one of the hottest days of the year and there is no AC. Yikes.
ve been to London at least three times and have never visited Kensington Palace. How could it be open to the public if Kate and William and their kids live there?
I live in London but had no idea you could go inside! From your photos the interior definitely looks more impressive than the outside. Good to know as I look for indoor trips as winter looms, thank you!
Very informative, thank you! I definitely want to see the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Also, the King’s Staircase is beautiful. Pinning for future reference!