Kensington Palace

Step inside and explore one of central London’s royal residences and the childhood home of Queen Victoria.

Visit Kensington Palace with Go City®

• With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
• The birthplace of Queen Victoria and the home of young royals for over 300 years.
• Walking in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, in her reimagined childhood rooms.
• The splendour of the King’s State Apartments and the Sunken Gardens.
• 10% discount in the Palace Cafe.

As one of central London’s royal residences, Kensington Palace has been a home and refuge to the royal family since the 17th century. Now, it is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Built in 1605, it has roots in Jacobean architecture and was first known as Nottingham House. William III and Mary II were crowned jointly in 1689, and were instrumental in transforming Nottingham House into Kensington Palace.

When Queen Mary died from smallpox in 1694, William was overcome with grief. Despite this he finished the building with a grand gallery at the south of the Palace, enlarging Sir Christopher Wren’s original plan. Now it is one of London’s most exquisite palaces and comes with acres of manicured gardens and the world-famous Orangery.

Once you’ve seen all there is to see inside, take a wander around the 30-acres of Palace Garden and explore this oasis right in the heart of the capital. Check out the sunken garden which is home to impressive floral displays all year round. The palace also hosts an ever-changing array of exhibitions, so be sure to check out the website before you go to make the most of your visit.

Did you know

• Mary II was a keen collector of Chinese Porcelain, a 1697 inventory documented that she owned over 800 items
• Composer Handel was invited to the palace to perform for King George II, who was such a fan that he gave Handel British citizenship. Handel was originally from Germany, like the King himself.
• Queen Victoria, the second-longest reigning monarch, spent her childhood in the palace.
• A book of original Leonardo da Vinci drawings was miraculously found in the palace in 1778 and sent to Windsor Castle.
• During the Great War in 1914, Princess Louise allowed injured soldiers to rest and recover in her private apartments.