About Kensington Palace
The Kensington Palace, London was built in 1605 and has its roots in Jacobean architecture. Initially the palace was famous with the name of Nottingham house. The palace holds a unique historical importance and now it is a working Royal residence. Until 1760 Kensington Palace was a much-loved residence of successive sovereigns. Kensington palace is also famous as the birthplace of Queen Victoria.
Now the palace houses important offices and is the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Gloucester and many more.
The historical area of Kensington Palace is open to tourists. The palace is also home to a royal ceremonial dress collection, which contains items of court dress, ceremonial and royal, dating from the 18th century to the present.
Now the palace has become the center point of celebrating success. In July 2015, the Duke of Cambridge welcomed the women’s football team to the palace for the purpose of congratulating them on their record-breaking performance during the world cup. The Kensington palace also hosted the ‘place2Be Wellbeing’ in Schools award at the palace.
As one of the primary royal residences, the palace has been a refuge and home to the royal family since the 17th century. The palace is one of London’s most exquisite palaces, with huge manicured Kensington palace gardens and the world’s famous Orangery.
Kensington Palace Highlights
• You can witness how different generations of royal women, from Queen Mary to Queen Victoria and recently by Princess Diana of Wales have shaped the Kensington Palace
• Grab the opportunity to visit the birthplace of The Queen Victoria and many other young royals
• Sneak into Queen Victoria's childhood as you witness her room which belonged to her when she was a kid
• Discover the splendor of the Sunken Garden and the king’s state apartments.
• Have sumptuous snacks at the famous palace cafe.
• At Kensington Palace, you can explore more than 300 items and personal objects which you can see.
• Explore the most lavish rooms at the King’s state apartment. You can see the presence-chamber with a gilded armchair, the Privy chamber, the Cupola room, and the King’s drawing-room.
• See the breathtaking landscapes of Kensington palace gardens which offers peaceful and secluded spots blessed with fountains and the natural exotic oasis of flowers.
How To Reach Kensington Palace
By Tube: Nearest tube stations are Queensway and Street Kensington station; from both the stations, Kensington palace is just a few minutes away.
By Bus: Closest bus stop to the palace is Kensington high street and Bayswater Road. You can take bus routes 148, 94,70, 452, 70, 52, 49, and 9. The bus stop is just 5 minutes away from the palace.
By Car: You can come via car, but no parking facility is available at the palace. So, you can use other nearby parking just 10 minutes walk from the palace.
By Train: The nearest station is Paddington train station is 20 minutes from the palace.
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Best Time To Visit Kensington Palace
You should see the palace after lunch if you want to visit Kensington palace in a peaceful environment with a minimum crowd. By this time, most of the tourists would have completed their visit. So, you will have maximum time to explore the exhibition, royal rooms and Kensington gardens, and cafes serving delicious food.
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Kensington Palace Other Essential Information
- Tourists should save 2-3 hours for a sedate tour of the palace along with a relaxed stroll at Kensington palace gardens.
- History buffs can attend ‘history bites’. These talks can be attended every day at the palace, where an expert talks about the facts of the palace.
- You can avail audio guides for as low as £5. Knowing about the history and story of Kensington palace is highly recommended. Like this, you will have a clear picture of what you are watching and walking by.
- You can also book a tour over a call. This will charge an additional £2, but you will get a confirmed booking during this time of COVID.
- You can enjoy food at two restaurants in Kensington Palace. i.e., the Palace café will offer you pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, and The Orangery, which provides breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
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The Glorious George
It is a new exhibition in the Kensington palace, marking the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian succession to the throne. The exhibition takes visitors on the journey through George II and Queen Caroline in 1727; the controversial royals and their succession inspired a new era of fashion, music, and culture. Visitors can also hear the tales and stories from around the court and meet Queen Caroline.
Fashion Rules
In this exhibition, tourists can see a nostalgic tour of the most impressive fashion eras of the latter half of the 20th century. The fashion rules exhibition reveals the wardrobes of three-member royal families, i.e., Diana Princess of Wales in the 1980s, Princess Margaret in the 1960s and 70s, and HM Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950s. From this display, tourists can learn about the changing fashion of the royals.
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Victoria Revealed
The ten-room display of Victoria Revealed represents the personal story of Britain’s longest-serving monarch as visitors are led via her childhood home to experience her day-to-day life and memories. Tourists can also see quotes from her letters and personal journals, which paint a picture of her early life.
The King’s Staircase
King’s staircase has a glorious entrance with grand frescoes painted on the walls and ceilings by a famous painter William Kent. The paintings represent the art of the 18th century. A beautiful staircase connects the place to the King’s chamber which is also decorated with beautiful paintings.
The Queen’s Apartment
At Kensington palace, you can discover the comfy rooms that Queen Mary II once used to entertain her guests, sleep, relax, and eat. You can also explore her drawing-room, filled with various decorations from China. Tourists can also see the private dining room where she used to eat with her husband, out of the public eye.
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Tourism Board Alliances
Kensington Palace FAQs
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