Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace which includes a park, heritage architecture and château or palace
Kensington Palace featuring heritage architecture, a castle and interior views
Kensington Palace showing heritage elements, interior views and heritage architecture
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace featuring a park, château or palace 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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THE KNIGHT OF NOTTINGHILL

THE KNIGHT OF NOTTINGHILL

3.5 out of 5
Notting Hill
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Price was £380, price is now £190 per person
£190
per person
12 Oct - 15 Oct
found 9 hours ago
Return flight included
Aberdeen (ABZ) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
I booked this last minute when another hotel booking fell through. All I knew was that I liked the area it was in and needed a place to sleep but I was so pleasantly surprised by how nice and cute it was. Highly recommend for solo travelers!

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2024

Corinthia London

Corinthia London

5 out of 5
London City Centre
Price was £1,766, price is now £715 per person
£715
per person
26 Sept - 29 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Aberdeen (ABZ) to London (LHR)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Corinthia London is by far the best hotel in London. From the moment you approach the entrance, foyer and reception you are transported to an exquisite stay. Is remarkable and anticipates for every need and do so with grace and professionalism. The In Room dining experience is as good as any 5 Star Restaurant. Spa, pool and spa amenities are included in your stay. The feeling of peace, tranquility & comfort in the beautifully appointed rooms cannot be duplicated. This amazing hotel & staff are beyond compare. When you book make sure your room includes breakfast! Omg breakfast inclusive in the restaurant or room service is a gorgeous feast. Do go down ro the restaurant well worth waking for. We are already planning the Holidays at the Corinthia. We actually were sad to leave the staff today. We will see you again soon & hopefully you will too.

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Three Falcons Hotel

Three Falcons Hotel

4 out of 5
City of Westminster
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Price was £462, price is now £218 per person
£218
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31 Oct - 3 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Aberdeen (ABZ) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (353 reviews)
OUTSTANDING! Great rooms, great breakfast, great staff. The breakfast was a typical breakfast for a hotel, and completely correct. Toast, coffee, jams, meats, cereal. The rooms were clean and serviced daily. They had all amenities except a fridge, including a hair dryer and iron setup. The rooms are modern and come equipped with AC. The staff is incredibly friendly, the restaurant attached has Indian cuisine and it actually was my favorite meal while we were visiting (also had an English food selection on the same menu). Held our bags for us before and after check in while we waited for our flight. The location has several bus lines within a block and walking distance to 3 tube stations. Couldn’t have asked for a better 3 day stay. I will be back for sure.

Reviewed on 22 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 1612 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £29 per adult
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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 £33 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

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9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
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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

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9.2 out of 10 with 2195 reviews
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London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £29 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Kensington High Street featuring 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 which includes a garden 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 which includes 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 showing 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 Hotel Deals

Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

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See all 27,487 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

A trip to Kensington Palace offers a delightful blend of activities, including exploring stunning art exhibitions, enjoying captivating theatre performances, and indulging in a spot of shopping at charming boutiques nearby. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in the rich history of this magnificent royal residence.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Kensington Palace, visit Portobello Road Market, just 373m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Harrods and Westfield London Shopping Centre, both 621m away, provide a mix of luxury and high street shopping. If you're up for a drive, explore more options further afield.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium, five miles from Kensington Palace, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Shepherd's Bush Empire, two miles away, provides vibrant entertainment with live music. For a tranquil experience, Hampstead Heath, four miles distant, is perfect for relaxation amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures near Kensington Palace! Take a scenic ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, 5.6km away, or test your climbing skills at Vertical Chill, located 1.9km from the palace. For karting enthusiasts, the Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 1.9km away, promises an exhilarating experience.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Kensington Palace with a visit to the Eventim Apollo for captivating theatre performances, or enjoy a romantic film at the Electric Cinema. For more cultural entertainment, the London Palladium Theatre offers spectacular shows, all within a short distance from your stay.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Palace

During your visit to Kensington Palace, explore the charming streets and nearby urban parks, perfect for a family day out. Don't miss the historical significance of Kensington Palace and its proximity to Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. For a comfortable stay, consider booking a hotel near Kensington Palace to make the most of your cultural experience in London.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hyde Park offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Enjoy leisurely strolls, family picnics, or boat rides on the Serpentine, surrounded by beautiful gardens and vibrant wildlife.
  • Big Ben: This iconic clock tower stands as a symbol of London’s rich heritage. Marvel at its intricate Gothic architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Westminster, where history unfolds at every corner.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the Monarch, Buckingham Palace is a stunning historic palace. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the opulent State Rooms during the summer months.

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 CloudyHighAverage
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 CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kensington Palace

To save money during your visit to Kensington Palace, consider travelling between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare room rates and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Also, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without additional costs.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Palace with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.