At Kensington Palace you can see magnificent State Apartments. Set within the tranquillity of Kensington Gardens, this is the most intimate of royal palaces, not simply an impressive stage for the ceremonies of court life but a charming and much-loved home.
Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years, and it was here that Queen Victoria was born and spent her childhood and, recently, the palace was home to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Top things to see and do
Unmissable sights within Enchanted Palace
Kensington Palace is the Enchanted Palace - the experience occupies all the rooms that are open. Although the experience is very different to what you may expect of a historic building, these are still rooms where history happened. Below, we’ve chosen our Top of things to see.
The Enchanted Palace
Kensington Palace has been completely transformed into the Enchanted Palace - expect the unexpected! Discover a surprising and magical palace, filled with stunning cutting-edge installations of contemporary fashion from leading designers and new fashion talent. These will be woven together with stories from the palace's history.
The King's staircase
The walls and ceilings of the King's Grand Staircase, or the Room of Flight as it is called within Enchanted Palace, are painted with William Kent’s vivid portrayals of George I’s court and its characters. Vivienne Westwood's vibrant and striking dress is displayed on the stairs.
The Cupola Room
The Cupola Room (called the Room of Palace Time within Enchanted Palace) sits at the very heart of the palace and was the central room of the State Apartments. Its ornate decorative scheme includes a series of gilded lead statues representing Roman Gods and Goddesses. However, the stunning fashion installations for Enchanted Palace now steal the show in this room.
The King's gallery
The largest and longest of the state apartments at Kensington Palace, the King's Gallery (called the Gallery of War and Play within Enchanted Palace) is as spectacular today as it was when decorated for King George I in 1727.
Queen Victoria's bedroom
Come and stand in the very bedroom in which, in the early hours of 20 June 1837, the young Princess Victoria awoke to the news that she was to be queen. During Enchanted Palace this room is called 'The Room of a Sleeping Princess', with its striking display, including a stunning William Tempest dress, being inspired by the story of Victoria's constrained childhood here.
Mary of Modena's bed
This fine bed is called the ‘Warming Pan Bed’. Discover its connection to the ‘Glorious Revolution’, in which James II was deposed from the throne. During Enchanted Palace this room is called 'The Room of Royal Sorrows' and explores the tragic story of Mary II.
Take tea at the Orangery
The Orangery is a member of the prestigious Tea Guild and offers one of the finest tea selections in London, as well as a range of premium wines and champagnes. Why not enjoy a special Enchanted Palace tea to complete your experience.
Opening Times:
| Mar - Oct: |
10:00 - 18:00 |
Last Admission 17:00 |
| Nov - Feb: |
10:00 - 17:00 |
Last Admission 16:00 |
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