Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace:

 

Nestled amidst the lush Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace stands as a testament to over 300 years of royal history. Its story unfolds through the lives and events of the monarchs and royals who shaped its walls and gardens.

In the late 17th century, the Stuart monarchs, King William III and Queen Mary II, acquired this country estate. What was once a modest villa transformed into a grand palace—a place where love, power, and intrigue converged. From magnificent balls to quiet moments of reflection, Kensington Palace has witnessed it all.

 

Your Kensington Palace admission ticket includes access to all public areas of the palace and gardens and takes you on our one way route through the palace to:

 

Victoria: A Royal Childhood

One of the palace’s most famous residents was Queen Victoria, who was born and lived in the closed confines of the palace until 1837. The residence shaped her childhood, and in this exhibition, visitors get an insight into Victoria’s early years by visiting the rooms where she was born and lived.

 

The Birth Room - Step into the room where Victoria came into the world. The Duke of Kent’s letters from the day of her birth provide invaluable insights into the layout and ambiance of this historic space during her childhood. Imagine the anticipation, the whispers, and the joy as the future queen took her first breaths.

Victoria at Play - Explore the playful side of young Victoria. The exhibition brings to life her moments of laughter, curiosity, and imagination. Discover her favorite toys, games, and the simple pleasures that shaped her early years.

Baroness Lehzen’s Scrapbook - A poignant collection of mementos created by Victoria’s German governess. Each page holds memories of a young princess’s life.

Victoria’s Dollhouse - A miniature world that captivated her imagination—a glimpse into her dreams and aspirations.

 

As you walk through these historic chambers, you’ll feel the echoes of Victoria’s footsteps, the whispers of her dreams, and the weight of her destiny. Join us in celebrating the remarkable journey of a girl who became an enduring symbol of strength and sovereignty.

 

The King's State Apartments

The first thing you will notice about these opulent rooms is that they are surprisingly sparse. This is because, unlike domestic rooms, the State Apartments were used for audiences and meetings.

 

Courtiers and visitors stood in the presence of royalty, so there was no need for the sorts of furniture you normally find in a home.

However, these rooms contain many sculptures and works of art, such as the terracotta busts of George II and his wife Queen Caroline, made by Michael Rysbrack in 1738 and 1739.

 

The Queen's Apartments

William III and Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs in 1689, after they were invited by Parliament to take the throne in the place of Catholic King James II, Mary’s father.

They bought Kensington Palace to become their new home, away from the bustle of Whitehall Palace, and transformed the building into a royal home.

 

The Queen's apartments were where Mary, and later royal consorts, lived. This is where they had their bedroom, took their meals, entertained their friends and distinguished guests, and relaxed.

 

The Sunken Garden

During her time at Kensington Palace Diana, Princess of Wales was particularly fond of the Sunken Garden, so to mark the 20th anniversary of her death in 2017 the palace’s gardeners transformed the space into The White Garden in her memory. Using flowers in white and soft pastel colours, the display took inspiration from items from the Princess’s wardrobe then on display in the palace.

 

Unveiled on what would have been her 60th birthday, a statue of the Princess commissioned by her sons in 2017 to memorialise their mother now stands within the garden. Prince William and Prince Harry wanted the statue to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world, and help future generations understand the significance of her place in history.

 

The statue aims to reflect the warmth, elegance and energy of Diana, Princess of Wales, in addition to her work and the impact she had on so many people. The figure of Diana, Princess of Wales is surrounded by three children who represent the universality and generational impact of the Princess’s work. The portrait and style of dress was based on the final period of her life as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes, and aims to convey her character and compassion.

 

Special Exhibition: Dress Codes:

Discover never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures in Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace.

Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed and dress codes evolve.

Among the highlights of this exciting new exhibition are pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria.

This exciting new exhibition showcases both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures from the  Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.

Stunning items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection on display in 2025 include an extremely rare Japanese court suit dating from the early 20th century, and a never-before-seen 1920s Reville court dress worn to Buckingham Palace.

Alongside these spectacular examples of royal and court dress, discover how dress codes can be reset and re-made for today through designs by our Young Producers, aged 14-17. This new partnership with local youth groups paves the way for a new generation of young people to contribute to the arts and fashion industries.

 

Wednesday 9 April 2025

Pick ups: Route A2 & B2

 

Adult   £50

Senior £48

Child   £36

 

Price includes

Entry to Kensington Palace inc the exhibition 'Dress Codes'

Return Coach Fare

 

Please be aware that you will be required to walk through Kensington Gardens to reach the Palace. 

 

 

Kensington Palace