Kensington Palace, London

Name: Kensington Palace
Address: Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 3166 6000

#15 among attractions in London

Christopher Wren, Vernacular architecture, Baroque architecture, Palace, More...

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Facts and practical information

Kensington Palace, nestled in the heart of London, is a royal residence with a history that stretches back over 300 years. Originally a private country house, the building was transformed into a palace by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1689, who commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to expand and enhance the structure. Since then, it has been a cherished home for the British royal family and is currently the official residence of several members, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The palace's architecture is a testament to various royal tastes and styles, with each monarch leaving their mark. Its state rooms are open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its past royal inhabitants. Visitors can explore the King's and Queen's State Apartments, which are richly adorned with paintings, tapestries, and exquisite furnishings that echo the grandeur of bygone eras.

Kensington Palace also houses the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which includes items from the 18th century to the present day. Among the most notable are pieces worn by Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and the Duchess of Cambridge. These exhibitions offer a unique perspective on the evolution of royal fashion and its influence on society.

The palace is set within Kensington Gardens, one of London's eight Royal Parks, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. The gardens themselves are a draw, with their manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and the famous statue of Peter Pan.

Alternative names: Architectural style: BaroqueElevation: 98 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°30'18"N, 0°11'17"W

Address

Kensington GardensKensington and Chelsea (Campden)London W8 4PX United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 3166 6000

Website

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Day trips

Kensington Palace – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Kensington Gardens, Kensington High Street, Statue of William III, The Churchill Arms.

~1920 ftE
Green expanse west of Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens, London
10 min walk • Kensington Gardens, a verdant oasis in the heart of London, England, offers a serene retreat from the bustling city. Originally part of Hyde Park, these gardens were carved out by King William III in the late 17th century and cover 265 acres of meticulously maintained...
0.4 miSW
Shopping, Shopping district
Kensington High Street, London
10 min walk • Kensington High Street is the main shopping street in Kensington, London. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London. Kensington High Street is the continuation of Kensington Road and part of the A315. It starts by the entrance to Kensington Palace and runs westward through central Kensington.
~240 ftSE
Monuments and statues
Statue of William III, London
2 min walk • A bronze statue of William III of England stands on the south side of Kensington Palace in London, facing towards the Golden Gates. The statue was designed by Heinrich Baucke and erected in 1907.
~1660 ftNW
Nightlife
The Churchill Arms, London
9 min walk • The Churchill Arms is a public house at 119 Kensington Church Street on the corner with Campden Street, Notting Hill, London. There has been a pub on the site since at least the late nineteenth century. Previously known as the "Church-on-the-Hill", the pub received its current name after the Second World War.
~1430 ftW
Shopping, Shopping district
Kensington Church Street, London
7 min walk • Kensington Church Street is a shopping street in Kensington, London, England, designated the A4204, and traditionally known for its art and antiques shops. Buildings at the southern end date back to the early 1700s. It is named after Kensington's original church of St Mary Abbots.
~300 ftNW
Palace
Nottingham Cottage, London
2 min walk • Nottingham Cottage is a house in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London. As a grace-and-favour property, the house has been frequently occupied by members of the British royal family, as well as staff and employees.
~1850 ftNW
Church
Essex Street Chapel, London
9 min walk • Essex Street Chapel, also known as Essex Church, is a Unitarian place of worship in London. It was the first church in England set up with this doctrine, and was established when Dissenters still faced legal threat.
0.4 miE
Vernacular architecture, Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Physical Energy Sculpture, London
12 min walk • Physical Energy is a bronze equestrian statue by English artist George Frederic Watts. Watts was principally a painter, but also worked on sculptures from the 1870s. Physical Energy was first cast in 1902, two years before his death, and was intended to be Watts's memorial to "unknown worth".
0.4 miNW
Dancing, Nightlife
Notting Hill Arts Club, London
11 min walk • The Notting Hill Arts Club is a music and arts venue in Notting Hill, central London. The venue holds club nights every night of the week. Its range of events include interactive crafts, themed Soviet nights, and a Death Disco club night run by Creation Records founder Alan McGee.
0.4 miN
Synagogue, Eclectic architecture, Moorish revival architecture
New West End Synagogue, London
11 min walk • The New West End Synagogue, located in St. Petersburgh Place, Bayswater, London, is one of the oldest synagogues in the United Kingdom still in use.
~1280 ftN
Park
Elfin Oak, London
7 min walk • The Elfin Oak is the stump of a 900-year-old oak tree located in Kensington Gardens, London, carved and painted to look as though elves, gnomes, fairies and small animals are living in its bark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Kensington Palace open?

Kensington Palace is open:

Monday 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm
Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Kensington Palace?

Nearby attractions include Statue of William III, London (2 min walk), Nottingham Cottage, London (2 min walk), Statue of Diana, London (3 min walk), War Memorial Shelters, London (3 min walk).

How to get to Kensington Palace by public transport?

The nearest stations to Kensington Palace:

Bus

York House Place / Kensington High Street • Lines: 27, 28, 328, 452, 52, 70, N27, N28, N31 (5 min walk)
Kensington Palace • Lines: 23, 452, 49, 52, 70, 9, N9 (5 min walk)

Metro

Queensway • Lines: Central (10 min walk)
High Street Kensington • Lines: Circle, District (10 min walk)

Train

London Paddington (25 min walk)