Visiting Kensington Palace with children: everything you need to know
Known across the world, the British Royal family remains a big draw for tourists in London. When we grow up with tales of Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, it’s easy to see why a real life royal family might prove to be a big tourist attraction. You can even visit parts of the royal palace residences, but, is it worth it? Find out everything you need to know about visiting Kensington Palace with children in this guide.
Kensington Palace: the essentials
What is Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace is one of the royal palaces, which has been a royal residence since it was built in 1605. Over time it was expanded from a country home to a royal residence.
Originally the home of King William III and Queen Mary II, Kensington Palace has over the years been home to a number of famous royal residents, including:
- Queen Victoria (who was born there in 1819);
- Princess Diana (who lived there until her death in 1997); and
- the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate and their children), when in London.
The palace is partly open to the public to visit and features exhibitions about royal history and offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of past royals.
Where is Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace is located on the western edge of Kensington Gardens, immediately to the west of, and connected with, Hyde Park.
How much does it cost to go in Kensington Palace?
As at March 2025, entrance to Kensington Palace costs:
- Adult – £24.70 (without donation);
- Child (age 5-15) – £12.40 (without donation); and
- Child (under 5) – free
Various concession tickets are available, including Universal Credit tickets (see our post for more attractions that offer discounts for those in receipt of Universal Credit and other benefits).
Do you need tickets for Kensington Palace?
Unless you are a member of Historic Royal Palaces (in which case you can show your membership card for entry), you will need tickets in order to visit Kensington Palace.
When is Kensington Palace open?
Kensington Palace is open most days from 10.00-18.00, but check the website for changes or planned closures.
Getting to Kensington Palace
What is the nearest tube to Kensington Palace?
The nearest Tube stations to Kensington Palace are Queensway (Central Line) and High Street Kensington (District and Circle Lines).
Several bus routes also stop nearby.
How do you get into Kensington Palace?
The entrance to Kensington Palace is located just off Broad Walk in Kensington Gardens. Look out for the statue of Queen Victoria, which is in front of the front of the Palace.
The ticket office is right by the main entrance.
Do I have to queue for Kensington Palace?
You will likely need to queue in order to enter Kensington Palace. They have queues outside that are based on different time slots and you will then move through some basic security bag and ticket checks before entering.
If you have not bought tickets in advance then you will need to queue at the ticket office before joining the appropriate timed entry queue.
At Kensington Palace
What is there to see at Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace is split up into three main sections, plus a rotating temporary exhibition:
- The King’s State Apartments;
- The Queen’s State Apartments; and
- Victoria: A Royal Childhood.
The King’s State Apartments
The King’s State Apartments were ceremonial rooms designed for audiences and royal meetings where courtiers and visitors stood in the presence of monarchy. As such, they are largely devoid of typical household furnishings.
The apartments start with the King’s Staircase, the grand entrance once ascended by Georgian London’s elite. After climbing the stairs you pass through a range of rooms decorated by tapestries, paintings and sculpture. Look out for the dial over the fireplace in the King’s Gallery which is connected to a weathervane on the roof. If it’s a windy day you might see it move!
The Queen’s State Apartments
The Queen’s State Apartments at Kensington Palace offer an look into the private lives of royal consorts, beginning with Queen Mary II, who established the palace as a royal residence with her husband William III after their coronation in 1689.
Unlike the King’s State Apartments, these rooms served as actual living quarters where queens entertained, dined, and relaxed away from public scrutiny. You will pass through a number of, now largely unfurnished rooms, before reaching the final room, the Queen’s Bedroom, which displays a bed with historical significance—believed to be where James Edward Stuart, Catholic half-brother to Mary and Anne, was born in 1688, sparking rumours that he was an impostor smuggled in via a warming pan to replace a stillborn child.
Victoria: A Royal Childhood
This section of Kensington Palace focuses on the childhood of the girl who became Queen Victoria.
Set up in the rooms where Victoria was born and raised, is an exhibition on the childhood of Queen Victoria. The rooms have been recreated to look like they would have at the time.
The rooms showcase various artefacts from Victoria’s childhood, including toys and a dollhouse, and explore what it would have been like to have grown up as a princess and potential future monarch, including the rules that she had to follow.
These rooms are probably going to be of most interest to families with younger children. Aside from the fact that these contain things that are relatable to kids, these rooms also contain opportunities for play, with boxes for toys and dressing up.
Don’t miss the model theatre, which periodically puts on mini shows! As a girl, Queen Victoria loved the theatre.
Temporary exhibitions
Kensington Palace also plays host to rotating temporary exhibitions. When we visited it was the Dress Codes exhibition that showed off royal and court fashion. The pieces on display included pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria.
What facilities are there for children at Kensington Palace?
Unless you have children who are particularly interested in history or Queen Victoria Kensington Palace isn’t particularly well set up to keep the interest of children. Rooms are largely unfurnished, the audio guide is very focused on history and there isn’t a huge amount of things to see there, particularly for the price.
Pushchairs can be easily taken around the palace. For step-free access, please speak to a member of staff.
Baby-changing facilities are available.
How long can you spend at Kensington Palace?
There’s no limit on how long you can spend there. If you listen to the audio guide for each room, you can expect to see everything that there is to see in about one hour and 30 minutes. If you wish to stop for something to eat or wish to spend time exploring the gardens, then expect to spend a bit longer.
Can you eat in Kensington Palace?
Food and drink are not allowed within the confines of the building, except for designated eating areas – the cafe and Orangery (note that you cannot bring your own food to eat inside the Kensington Palace cafe, but you are welcome to eat your own food outside).
Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the palace.
Is there a question you have about visiting Kensington Palace with children that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.