Kensington Palace Tours and Activities

Kensington Palace showing heritage architecture, a garden and château or palace
Kensington Palace featuring heritage architecture, interior views and a castle
Kensington Palace which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and interior views
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace featuring a castle, a park 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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Corinthia London

Corinthia London

5 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
20 Oct - 23 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Wonderful premises and staff! Our stay in London was superb! Thank you

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

The Savoy

The Savoy

5 out of 5
London City Centre
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per person
24 Oct - 30 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Melbourne (MEL) 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 31 Jul. 2025

The Langham, London

The Langham, London

5 out of 5
London City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
24 Oct - 30 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
We loved the Langham charming hotel, great staff and amazing service. 10/10 for cleanliness, 10/10 for staff.

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Tours & day trips

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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 1603 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$60 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 AU$68 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 AU$144 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 AU$167 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 AU$58 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Kensington High Street showing street scenes and heritage architecture

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 search for that perfect souvenir at Kensington Church Street. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Kensington Church Street
Kensington Roof Gardens showing a park and a house

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 featuring autumn leaves 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 do some window-shopping at Queensway. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre 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

Top Kensington Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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 27,160 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, you can explore a variety of activities nearby, including art galleries, lively theatre performances, and unique shopping experiences. Don’t miss out on a sightseeing tour to soak in the stunning architecture and gardens, or enjoy a fun-filled day on a pirate ship adventure for a unique view of the area. This vibrant locale offers a delightful mix of culture and entertainment for every traveller.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Kensington Palace, visit Portobello Road Market, just 966m away, for unique finds. Westfield London Shopping Centre is also nearby at 1.6km, offering a diverse range of shops. If you're up for a drive, Harrods is 1.6km away, perfect for luxury shopping.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts seeking a thrilling experience. Shepherd's Bush Empire provides a vibrant music scene, ideal for entertainment lovers. For a tranquil retreat, visit Hampstead Heath, where you can unwind amidst lush greenery and enjoy the calming natural surroundings.

Adventure

At IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, you can soar above the city on a thrilling cable car ride, offering stunning views, located 14.5km from Kensington Palace. Nearby, Vertical Chill presents a thrilling climbing experience, while Oasis Go-Kart Track guarantees high-speed karting fun, both located 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Kensington Palace by visiting the Eventim Apollo for a lively theatre performance or catch a romantic flick at Curzon Mayfair. For more theatrical magic, the London Palladium Theatre offers captivating shows, perfect for a memorable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

When visiting Kensington Palace in London, you can explore nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace and other royal palaces. The area features charming streets, urban parks, and piazzas, perfect for immersing yourself in culture or enjoying a family day out. Don't miss the chance to discover the rich history and beautiful gardens surrounding Kensington Palace, making it a delightful destination for all types of travellers.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis located 1.6km from Kensington Palace, Hyde Park offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Stroll along picturesque paths, enjoy a picnic, or rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine for a relaxing day out.
  • Big Ben: Situated 4.8km away, this iconic clock tower stands as a symbol of London’s rich culture. Admire its stunning Gothic architecture and capture the essence of the city as you marvel at the famous clock striking the hour.
  • Buckingham Palace: Just 3.2km from Kensington Palace, this historic residence is the official home of the British monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the impressive architecture and gardens that embody royal heritage.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 trip to Kensington Palace, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Book about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Sundays for the best rates. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and look for eco-certified options. Don’t forget to check for package deals that bundle your hotel, flights, and activities. Take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank!

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Kensington Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Kensington Palace with your flights and activities.