Set within the tranquillity of Kensington gardens, Kensington Palace is the most intimate of royal palaces, not simply an impressive stage for the ceremonies of court life but a charming and much-loved home.

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years, and it was here that Queen Victoria was born and spent her childhood and, recently, the palace was home to Diana, Princess of Wales. A permanent display of her dresses now adds a contemporary chapter to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which tells the fascinating story of court dress from the 18th century to the present day.

The magnificent State Apartments give a glimpse of court life, with an impressive display of paintings from the Royal Collection, including two Tintorettos.

1 Mar to 31Oct:	Daily 10:00-18:00 (including Shop & Orangery)   Last admission 17:00
1 Nov to 28 Feb:	Daily 10:00-17:00 (including Shop & Orangery) Last admission 16:00

Kensington Palace is closed 24-26 December (inclusive).

We recommend that you allow 2 hours for your visit to Kensington Palace.

By Tube:

Circle/District lines to High Street Kensington or Central Line to Queensway or Notting Hill Gate. 

Kensington Palace is a 10-15 minute walk from High Street Kensington station. As you leave the ticket hall, walk straight through the shopping centre to emerge on to Kensington High Street and turn right. Kensington Palace is located in the grounds of Kensington Gardens, which are located on the left-hand side of Kensington High Street. Once inside Kensington Gardens follow directional signs to the palace.

From Queensway station, exit right; cross over the road and enter Kensington Gardens from the north side. The palace is located on the west side of the gardens, ahead of you.

From Bayswater station, exit right and walk uphill until you reach Queensway station. From here follow directions from Queensway (above).

From Notting Hill Gate station, exit left; walk approximately 400 metres until you reach the entrance to Kensington Gardens on the other side of the road. The palace is located on the west side of the gardens, ahead of you.

By Bus:

Bus routes: 70, 94, 148, 390 to Bayswater Road or 9,10, 49, 52 and 70 to Kensington High Street.

Shops

The shop at Kensington Palace has recently been refurbished and the décor is now in keeping with the age and style of the palace itself. It stocks a wide variety of gifts ranging from exclusively designed china to lace accessories, guidebooks and postcards. You do not need a palace ticket to visit the shop.

Adjacent to the shop is the Yellow Drawing Room. This traditional English drawing room exudes luxury and comfort and promotes the pleasure of shopping in calm and refined surroundings. The lifestyle products on offer include china dinnerware, cutlery and glassware, all inspired by the decor and craftsmanship of the Historic Royal Palaces; table linens, desktop accessories and leather-bound books. The furniture used to create the setting is also available to order, if desired. Some of the services on offer here include tax refunds and shipping. You do not need a palace ticket to visit the Yellow Drawing Room.

Visiting with the family

Pushchairs can be left at the security desk in the ticket hall and baby-changing facilities are available in the toilets next to the shop. A children's menu is available in the Orangery restaurant.

Disabled access to Kensington Palace is limited as the State Apartments are on the first floor and there is no lift. Wheelchair users should be advised that access to the State Apartments will require the visitor to walk up a shallow flight of 30 steps.

Apartment 1A, Kensington Palace, formerly occupied by Princess Margaret, contains three staircases ranging from 4 to 26 steps.

Most areas of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection are accessible by wheelchair, as is the Orangery restaurant, which has a wheelchair ramp.

There are disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor, next to the shop and next to the Diana Dress Collection.

The sound guide scripts are available in written form for visitors with hearing difficulties.

There is limited disabled parking next to the Orangery. As space is restricted, it is advisable to book in advance. Please telephone +44 (0)20 7937 9561. 

Kensington Palace Prices 

• Visit Kensington Palace in the morning when it is less crowded.
• There are several national museums in the Kensington area including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.  
• People who bought tickets for Kensington Palace also bought tickets for the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge Exhibition, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.

You MUST take a print-out to your voucher to gain entry to the attraction. Your voucher has your unique tracking number and barcode and is your only proof of purchase. Please therefore print your voucher at the end of the booking process.

Choose your preferred date for your visit and your voucher will be delivered electronically at the end of the booking process.

Voucher delivery by fax or post is available on request during the booking process.