location

Palace Avenue, London W8 4AQ

Kensington Palace Poster
play videos
1

Kensington Palace

Open Run

What was once a stuffy and frustrating member of the Historic Royal Palaces to visit is now accessible, lively, intriguing and very, very modern.

Londonist

Why See Kensington Palace?

Family ShowsAttractions

Be charmed by the most stylish of royal palaces

One of the country's most beautiful Royal residences, Kensington Palace is synonymous with the generations of stylish royal women who have called it their home: where Queen Victoria was born and raised; Queens Mary, Anne, and Caroline held court; and the royal style icons Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales lived in the 20th century.

First built in 1605, it was the desire to escape the metropolis of London that drew William and Mary to purchase the palace in 1689 shortly after they took the throne. Enlisting noted St Paul's Cathedral architect Christopher Wren, the building soon took on the facade we still see today.

In the late 19th century much of the palace was in disrepair and it was decided to open some of the staterooms as a tourist attraction to restore the building to its former glory. Opening on Queen Victoria's birthday in May 1899, the exhibition drew many interested members of the public, eager to see a glimpse of Royal living.

Today you can expect to see fascinating displays of Royal memorabilia including luscious antique furniture, rich gowns, and sparkling jewels, alongside some of the Queen's favourite paintings and sculptures from the venerated Royal Collection. Also recommended is a stroll in the magnificent gardens, which blooms from Spring - Autumn

Did you know?

Still a working Royal residence, Kensington is home to Harry, Wills, Kate and the kids, make sure to give them a wave!

show content hide content

Additional Information

Dates

Opening night: 1 January 2011

What you thought

Seen Kensington Palace? Loved it? Hated it?

Help your fellow London Theatreland visitors by leaving the first review!

Write a review now

Nearby

Venue home

Venue home

location

Location

restaurantsDiningRestaurants
hotels

Hotels

Additional Information

seating chart
SeatingSeating map

Spread the word

Sound good to you? Share this page on social media and let your friends know about Kensington Palace at Kensington Palace.

Keep up to date

I want email news and updates for events in my area! Read how we protect your data.

Please note: The term Kensington Palace and/or Kensington Palace as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other trademarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Kensington Palace and/or Kensington Palace and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Kensington Palace and/or Kensington Palace and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.