1 / 6Kensington Palace is a working royal residence turned public attraction, set within the leafy Kensington Gardens on the western edge of Hyde Park. Run by the Historic Royal Palaces charity, it's a paid-entry site where you can walk the State Apartments once used by monarchs from Queen Victoria to Diana, Princess of Wales. Here's what to know before you book.
🎟️See Kensington Palace tickets on GetYourGuide →Where it is
The palace sits within Kensington Gardens at Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, on the western edge of the combined Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park green space. The nearest London Underground stations are Queensway (about a 10-minute walk) and High Street Kensington (roughly a 10 to 15-minute walk), both leaving you a short stroll through the gardens to the entrance.
What to see
- The King's and Queen's State Apartments — the grand ceremonial rooms at the heart of the palace.
- Stories of its royal residents, spanning Queen Victoria through to Diana, Princess of Wales.
- The setting itself — the palace is framed by Kensington Gardens, so the grounds are part of the experience.
- Rotating exhibitions, such as The Last Princesses of Punjab (26 March to 8 November 2026).
One important note: the Queen's State Apartments are closed until spring 2027 for a major re-presentation, so factor that in if they're a must-see for you.
Skip-the-line vs guided tour
Kensington Palace admits visitors by timed slot rather than a fixed same-day queue, so "skip-the-line" here really means booking a specific admission time in advance rather than turning up and waiting. Booking ahead is worth it because it locks in your entry window and saves you gambling on availability at the door.
On the practical side, GetYourGuide genuinely sells timed-entry admission to Kensington Palace — its "London: Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Tickets" is the top seller, with entry included (not just an external walking tour). Some listings bundle extras such as afternoon tea or fast-track and private options if you want more than standard entry. Because Kensington Palace is run by Historic Royal Palaces and tickets are widely and legitimately resold, third-party admission is valid at the door — this is a normal, safe attraction to book through a reseller.
Book Kensington Palace tickets & tours
Prefer to explore at your own pace?
A self-guided audio tour is the cheap, flexible alternative to a booked guided tour — you get the stories and history on your phone and walk Kensington Palace in your own time, with no group to keep up with.
Visiting more than one London attraction?
A Go City pass bundles dozens of London attractions into one price — if you're doing two or three paid sights in a trip it usually works out cheaper than buying each ticket separately.
GetYourGuide has the widest choice for Kensington Palace — GetYourGuide genuinely sells timed-entry admission to Kensington Palace — its "London: Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Tickets" (t21251) is the #1 seller with a dedicated entry-tickets category (tc123). Entry IS included, not just external walking tours. Some listings bundle afternoon tea or fast-track/private options. Note: entry is by timed slot rather than a fixed queue, so "skip-the-line" really means a booked timed admission., most with free cancellation. Check live prices:
Prices and availability change. Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Insider tips
- Don't visit on a Monday or Tuesday — the palace is closed both days.
- Choose your time slot deliberately. Since entry is timed, picking a quieter mid-week or later slot can mean calmer rooms.
- Build in time for the gardens. You're already inside Kensington Gardens, so it's easy to pair your visit with a walk.
- Check current exhibitions before you go so you know what's on during your visit.
- Set expectations on the closures — the Queen's State Apartments won't be open until spring 2027.
Is it worth it?
Yes, for anyone drawn to royal history and stately interiors. Adult entry starts around £24.70 direct via the official Historic Royal Palaces site, while GetYourGuide timed-entry tickets start from roughly $33. As a legitimate, charity-run royal residence in a beautiful setting, it's an easy attraction to recommend — just book with the closed days and the timed-slot system in mind, and remember the Queen's State Apartments are out of action until spring 2027.
FAQs
Is Kensington Palace open every day?
No. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit for another day of the week.
Do I need to book a specific time?
Yes. Admission is by timed slot rather than a same-day queue, so you book an entry time in advance rather than just showing up.
Are third-party tickets valid at the door?
Yes. Kensington Palace is run by Historic Royal Palaces and tickets are widely and legitimately resold, including genuine timed-entry admission on GetYourGuide, which is valid at the entrance.
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Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets. Compare prices across GetYourGuide and Tiqets — both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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Where to stay near Kensington Palace
Making a trip of it? London hotels fill up fast in peak season — compare live prices and free-cancellation rooms near Kensington Palace before you book.
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