Kensington Palace has been home of the the royals for centuries - even long before Queen Victoria was born right there in 1819. Princess Diana lived here before her death. Prince Charles and their two sons are still residents today.
Visitors are actually welcome to the royal home. Certain areas are open for public viewing. It was Queen Victorias’s idea to welcome the ‘commoners’ to the State Apartments starting in 1899.
And you might want to take up the royal invitation. Come and you will be able to see the immaculately restored Red Saloon on the Garden Floor where Queen Victoria had her first Privy Council in June, 1837.
Peruse the opulent royal gowns, hats and handbags at The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Nearby are the King’s Apartments with several paintings and other works of art from the Royal Collection.
Discreetly far away, you’ll find the more subdued Queen’s Apartments. These were first built and furnished for Queen Mary II in the mid-17th century. There are several ‘family portraits’ and original furnishings well-kept and restored for visitors to see.
The Victorian Rooms are also accessible. You’ll be able to enter Victoria’s bedroom where she first learned of her accession to the throne. The rooms are furnished with many of Victoria’s and Albert’s very own personal effects.
The Palace was first constructed for the Earl of Nottingham in 1661. After all the centuries, the building is as impressive as the history it has been witness to. Right outside it, The Kensington Gardens are just as majestic.
Designed and landscaped under the watchful eye of George II’s wife, Queen Caroline, the expansive gardens adjoin Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. Combined, the Gardens and Hyde Park total 637 acres.
There are many special attractions. One is Serpentine Lake which is popular with boaters and birds. Winding around, it is over a mile, fed by an underground river. Then there is the Round Pond for feeding ducks and sailing model boats.
On the banks of the Serpentine, the gardens have a popular bronze sculpture of Peter Pan, cast in 1912. There’s also an Elfin Oak, almost as old, ornately carved with elves and fairytale creatures. Outside the entrance is a sculpture of the late Queen Victoria, made by her daughter.
You can take a nice walk in many quiet paths dotted with sculptures. There are also good areas for kite flying and rollerblading. At the southeast corner is Wellington’s Arch, leading to Green Park which is next to Buckingham Palace.
Kensington Gardens is also where you can visit the memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. The large, granite-block structure is still very popular with visitors years after her death. The memorial is still often decked with flowers.
Do try to drop by the Royal Albert Hall. The 5,000 seat theatre holds many major musical events. Completed in 1871, it was built as a memorial to the Queen’s consort. It’s hard to miss the oval hall with its impressive iron and glass domed roof.
The palace and gardens are easily accessible via the tube (the London Underground subway system). Exit at High Street Kensington.
Other Tours and Destination in London.
Save time and money with the London Pass which allows you to skip the queues at many popular London attractions. Combined with a London Travelcard for free transport on the underground and buses, you have all you need make the most of your London visit.
No visit to London is complete without a trip on the London Eye! Book now and you have a choice of several options: make a skip the line booking, take a champagne flight, or follow your ride on the London Eye with a Thames River sightseeing cruise.
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