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NOTE: Kensington Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Queen's State Apartments will be closed starting in June 2026 for major redevelopment work
How Far in Advance to Book Tickets for Kensington Palace in London
Updated February 2026
Kensington Palace has been at the heart of British royal life for over 300 years. Set within the leafy expanse of Kensington Gardens in west London, it is the birthplace of Queen Victoria, the former home of Princess Diana, and the current London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Unlike Buckingham Palace, which remains largely closed to the public, Kensington Palace opens its historic State Apartments and gardens to visitors year-round, offering an unusually intimate window into royal history, from the grandeur of the King's and Queen's State Apartments to personal exhibitions on the people who have lived and shaped history here. It is one of London's most rewarding and distinctive royal attractions, and one that benefits greatly from a little advance planning.
At a Glance
How Early to Book:
3-4 days ahead of visit for in-demand (morning) time-slots. 1-2 days ahead for less in-demand time-slots.
At least 5 months in advance.
Best Times to Visit:
Weekday mornings (Wednesday - Friday) will have the least crowds.
Ticket price:
£24.70 during peak season, £20.60 otherwise.
Where to Book:
Museum Address:
Do You Need to Book Kensington Palace Tickets in Advance?
Yes, and this is one of the more important pieces of planning advice for this attraction. Kensington Palace operates a timed entry system, and tickets regularly sell out, particularly during the summer months, school holidays, and weekends. Turning up on the day without a pre-booked ticket is simply not a good idea.
Tickets are available on the Historic Royal Palaces website. Adult tickets are approximately £24.70 for standard entry. Children under 5 enter free. Concession rates are available for seniors with valid ID. The Art Fund Card gives 50% off entry, and Historic Royal Palaces Members enter for free (membership also covers Hampton Court, the Tower of London, Banqueting House, and other properties, making it very good value for anyone planning multiple visits).
The London Pass also covers entry to Kensington Palace, though you will still need to book a timed slot in advance. The pass does not replace the requirement to reserve online.
A significant closure to be aware of: The Queen's State Apartments will close from 15 June 2026 onwards for major redevelopment work. If visiting after this date, check the Historic Royal Palaces website carefully to understand which parts of the palace will be open, as this closure will affect the visitor route significantly.
Opening Hours and Entry Information
Kensington Palace is open Wednesday to Sunday only — it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the year. This is one of the most important things to know before planning your visit, as it catches many visitors off guard.
Hours vary by season:
Summer (1 March to 31 October): 10:00am to 6:00pm, last admission 5:00pm
Winter (1 November to 28 February): 10:00am to 4:00pm, last admission 3:00pm
The palace is also closed on 24, 25, and 26 December.
Note that the palace occasionally closes early for private events. the Historic Royal Palaces website will list any upcoming early closures in advance, and it is worth checking before your visit.
The Kensington Gardens surrounding the palace, including the Sunken Garden and the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial statue, are accessible separately and free of charge during normal park hours.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace is popular throughout the year, but peak season runs from late spring through early autumn, when visitor numbers are highest and the gardens are at their most beautiful. During this period, booking well in advance is essential, not just recommended.
For the quietest visit inside the palace, weekday mornings from Wednesday to Friday are the best option. Arriving close to opening time (10:00am) gives you the best chance of moving through the State Apartments at a relaxed pace before tour groups and families arrive in greater numbers.
Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days by a significant margin. If you must visit at a weekend, an early slot is strongly preferable to a mid-afternoon one.
The gardens are at their most spectacular in late spring and early summer, when the Sunken Garden, planted in 1908 and redesigned as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales after her death, is in full bloom. The wildflower meadow is at its best during summer. Autumn brings its own rewards, with the wooded paths of Kensington Gardens turning colour and the crowds thinning considerably.
Winter visits are quieter and the opening hours shorter, but the palace interior is warm and the queues minimal. A crisp winter morning in Kensington Gardens, with the palace lit by low winter light, is a genuinely lovely experience.
Opening Hours and Entry Information
The British Museum is usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays. Last entry is typically allowed shortly before closing, but galleries may begin closing earlier.
General admission is free for everyone. Donations are encouraged but not required. Special exhibition ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition and time of year.
Security checks are required at the entrance, and bag inspections are standard.
The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace features a bronze statue of Princess Diana, commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry, and was unveiled in 2021 to mark what would have been her 60th birthday.
What is the Best Way to Get to Kensington Palace?
The palace is located within Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and is well served by the London Underground.
By Tube: The two closest stations are High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines), a 15 to 20-minute walk through the gardens from the palace entrance, and Queensway (Central line), which is closer to the Broad Walk entrance to Kensington Gardens and around a 10-minute walk. Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle, and District lines) is also within walking distance and provides an option if you want to approach through the northern part of the park.
By Bus: Several routes serve the area, including the 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, and 52, stopping on Kensington High Street or Kensington Church Street.
On foot or by bike: The palace is walkable from Hyde Park Corner, South Kensington, and Notting Hill. A walk through Hyde Park and into Kensington Gardens is one of the most pleasant ways to approach it. Santander Cycles docking stations are located nearby, though bikes must be left outside the palace and gardens.
By car: Driving is not recommended. Parking in this area is very limited, and there is no on-site public car park. Accessible parking is available on site for disabled visitors but should be booked in advance.
Is Kensington Palace Worth Visiting?
For anyone with an interest in British royal history, absolutely yes. Kensington Palace occupies a uniquely intimate place in the royal story. It is not the ceremonial grandeur of Buckingham Palace, but something more personal and layered. The State Apartments are genuinely beautiful, particularly the King's Gallery (the largest room in the palace, decorated almost exactly as George I left it in 1725) and the King's Staircase, painted by William Kent in 1724 with a vivid trompe-l'oeil depiction of the Georgian court.
The permanent Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition, set in the very rooms where Victoria was born and raised, is moving and remarkably well-curated. The personal objects on display, including her dolls, scrapbooks, and childhood correspondence, make the future queen feel extraordinarily real. The Jewel Room, displaying gems commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, is a highlight for anyone interested in royal jewelry.
The gardens alone are worth the trip for many visitors, and accessing them is free. The Sunken Garden and the Diana memorial statue are among the most visited spots. Whether the palace itself justifies the ticket price will depend on your appetite for royal history. If that appeals to you, it is a deeply rewarding visit. If royalty is not your particular interest, the gardens offer a wonderful free alternative.
How Much Time Should I Spend at Kensington Palace?
The recommended visiting time is two to three hours for the palace interior, which is a realistic estimate for a thorough visit covering the State Apartments and current exhibitions. Those who want to linger over specific rooms or make use of the audio guide may want to allow a little more.
Factor in additional time if you plan to:
Walk through the Kensington Gardens and Sunken Garden (an extra 30 to 60 minutes)
Have lunch or afternoon tea at The Orangery (see below)
Visit the Albert Memorial, which is a short walk south of the palace
A well-planned half-day, arriving at opening, touring the palace, spending time in the gardens, and finishing with afternoon tea, is a deeply satisfying way to structure a visit.
Kensington Palace Guided Tours and Audio Guides
An audio guide is included free with every admission ticket and is one of the better palace audio guides available. Curated by historians, conservators, and curators, it covers the history of the rooms and the people who inhabited them with real depth. Downloading the Historic Royal Palaces visitor guide to your device before arriving is also recommended. It contains additional information and can be used on-site without using mobile data.
Host Guide tours are available on selected days, led by the palace's expert volunteer guides, and are free with admission. These are particularly good for first-time visitors who want the context and storytelling that comes with a knowledgeable guide moving through the rooms with you. Check the daily schedule at the admissions desk on arrival.
For a more exclusive experience, the palace occasionally offers Members-only evening tours of the State Apartments led by expert Host Guides, which is an atmospheric way to see the palace after regular closing time. Check the Historic Royal Palaces events page for availability.
Kensington Palace Temporary Exhibitions
Kensington Palace maintains an active programme of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent displays, typically focused on royal figures connected to the palace.
The current major exhibition for 2026 is The Last Princesses of Punjab, opening 26 March 2026 and running until 8 November 2026. It tells the story of Sophia Duleep Singh, Punjabi princess, suffragette icon, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria, and five women who shaped her remarkable life. Entry to this exhibition is included within standard palace admission.
The permanent Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition continues to run, though note that it will be temporarily closed on 27 and 28 April 2026 while new objects are installed. Tickets will be discounted on these dates.
As noted above, the Queen's State Apartments close from 15 June 2026 for major redevelopment, which is a significant change to the visitor offer that is worth checking carefully before booking if your visit falls after this date.
Where Should I Eat at and Near Kensington Palace?
The Orangery is the standout dining option and one of the most special places to eat in this part of London. Originally designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1704 as a greenhouse for Queen Anne's orange trees, it is a stunning light-filled space with Corinthian columns, tall windows, and views over the palace gardens. It serves breakfast, lunch, and (most famously) traditional afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, orange-scented scones, and cakes inspired by the royal history of the building. Critically, you do not need a palace ticket to dine at The Orangery, as it is open to all visitors. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, particularly for afternoon tea at weekends. Reserve via the Historic Royal Palaces website. Open daily 10:00am to 4:00pm (from 1 March: 10:00am to 6:00pm).
The Palace Café is a more casual option within the palace grounds, serving coffee, hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream. It is open to palace ticket holders during visiting hours and is ideal for a quick break without committing to a full meal.
For dining beyond the palace grounds, Kensington High Street has a wide range of cafés and restaurants within easy walking distance. The boutique streets of Notting Hill are around 15 minutes on foot to the north and have some excellent independent restaurants and cafés. The Milestone Hotel, directly opposite the palace on Kensington Court, offers a highly regarded traditional afternoon tea (with gluten-free options, a rarity in London) in a more formal hotel setting if The Orangery is fully booked.
Accessibility at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is committed to providing an accessible experience, though some limitations are worth knowing about in advance.
The palace has step-free access to the ground floor, and lifts are available to most areas of the visitor route. However, the historic nature of the building means that some areas may present challenges. The Historic Royal Palaces website has a detailed accessibility guide, and the team can be contacted in advance to discuss specific requirements.
Accessible parking is available on site but must be booked in advance. Wheelchairs are available to borrow on the day. Disabled visitors receive free entry, and one carer or companion per disabled visitor also enters for free. A companion ticket can be booked online when purchasing your own ticket, or obtained at the ticket office on arrival with supporting documentation (Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA or PIP letter).
Braille and large-print guides are available on request. The Orangery restaurant is fully accessible.
Rules, Bags, and Security
There are no left luggage or bag storage facilities at Kensington Palace. Suitcases, large bags, and any rolling luggage are not permitted inside the palace. If you are travelling with bulky luggage, plan accordingly. There are luggage storage options available at nearby Tube stations.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted throughout the palace, though specific areas or exhibitions may restrict it. Signage will indicate where photography is not allowed. Flash photography is not permitted.
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the palace and in the formal gardens. Other dogs are welcome in Kensington Gardens.
What Else is There to Do Near Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace sits within Kensington Gardens, which connects seamlessly with Hyde Park. Together they form one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in central London, covering over 600 acres. The Serpentine and Long Water are lovely to walk around, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is a short walk from the palace.
The Albert Memorial, immediately south of the palace across Kensington Gore, is one of the most elaborately decorated monuments in London and a remarkable piece of Victorian craft. The Royal Albert Hall is directly opposite and frequently has concerts, exhibitions, and events worth checking for the evening of your visit.
The Serpentine Galleries, two contemporary art spaces in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, are free to enter and always worth a look, particularly for the Serpentine Pavilion commission each summer.
The Design Museum on Kensington High Street is a short walk away and houses changing exhibitions on contemporary design, architecture, and fashion. The V&A Museum is around 20 minutes on foot through the gardens via South Kensington, and the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are in the same neighbourhood, making a full cultural day very easy to arrange.
For shopping and browsing, Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market (at its best on Saturday mornings) are 15 minutes north, and Kensington High Street itself has a good mix of shops and restaurants.
Final Tips for Visiting Kensington Palace
Remember it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This catches more visitors out than almost anything else. Double-check the day before you plan to visit.
Book your timed entry slot well in advance. Particularly in summer and at weekends, tickets sell out. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed via the Historic Royal Palaces website.
Check what will be open before you go. The Queen's State Apartments close from 15 June 2026 for major work. The visitor route will change as a result, and it is worth understanding what is and is not accessible before you book, especially if there are specific rooms you particularly want to see.
Download the audio guide in advance. It is free with admission and significantly enriches the visit. Having it loaded on your device before you arrive means you are not hunting for a Wi-Fi connection in the palace.
Book The Orangery if afternoon tea is on your agenda. It is one of the most atmospheric places in London for the experience, and walk-ins are not always available, especially at weekends. Reserve in advance and note that you do not need a palace ticket to dine there.
Combine with Kensington Gardens. The palace ticket gets you inside the historic rooms, but the gardens, including the Sunken Garden and the Diana memorial statue, are free and open to all. Arriving a little early to walk through the gardens before the palace opens is a lovely way to start the visit.
Consider an Art Fund Card. At 50% off adult admission, an Art Fund Card pays for itself very quickly if you are planning to visit multiple UK museums and galleries during your trip.
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