Kensington Palace — Attraction in London

This was one of the most well thought out palace tours I've ever been to.

First of all, make sure to make a reservation online to guarantee you get in, and like most tourist spots, try to come during the work week so it's less crowded. We came on a Friday in late August.

We're a fan of the royal family, so it was surreal to be in the place where people had laid down flowers in front of the gate when Princess Diana died, and to see where she and Queen Victoria had lived, and to even see the King's staircase, which I had seen in the TV show "John Adams".

Even if you don't pay to get in, you can still see the Princess Diana statue in the sunken garden, which had been her favorite spot. Unfortunately, you can only see it from afar since the garden itself is completely gated off.

What I loved about this tour was that they went out of their way to make sure you were well informed. They gave out free audio guides and even if you didn't take one, they still had signs everywhere. On top of that, they had these leather bound menu looking booklets that also gave you information about each room.

Plus, there were reenactors dressed in period costume who both added humor and more educational information.

We weren't supposed to take videos, but I saw others taking videos of them anyway.

There was also a mechanical miniature opera house that played music and the voices of actual opera singers, which I would've loved to have taken a video of.

Photos are allowed, but without flash, which wasn't so great because some areas are quite dark and would've been better with a flash, but it's understandable since they're trying to preserve historical artifacts.

There were basically 4 sections to look at: The queen's apartments, the king's apartments (Apparently, it was normally back then for them to live separately), parts of the house dedicated to Queen Victoria's childhood to becoming queen at 18 years old, and the special exhibition, which for us were clothes and jewelry worn by the royals.

At the end you're led to a gift shop, naturally, and a cafe, which is perfect because by the end of the tour you'll be hungry.

This was one of my favorite palace tours even if it was smaller than the others. I think its intimacy led to its favorability, but don't be fooled, by the end of it we were...

During my recent visit to Kensington Palace, I was captivated by its timeless beauty and rich history, leaving me with a lasting impression that I simply cannot forget. From the moment I stepped foot into this majestic palace, I was transported to a world of grandeur and elegance.

The palace's stunning architecture, with its intricate details and graceful façade, immediately drew me in. Walking through the opulent rooms, I couldn't help but imagine the lives of the notable figures who once resided here. Each room was thoughtfully curated, showcasing a fascinating collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical memorabilia.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the magnificent State Apartments. The grandeur of the King's and Queen's State Apartments was awe-inspiring, adorned with lavish furnishings and adorned ceilings. The exhibits provided a glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy, their triumphs, and their challenges, allowing me to delve deeper into the palace's rich past.

The beautiful Kensington Gardens surrounding the palace added to its charm. I took a leisurely stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers and serene atmosphere. The sun-kissed Orangery provided a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

The staff at Kensington Palace were friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their insights, enhancing my overall experience. Their passion for the palace and its history was evident, making my visit even more engaging and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Kensington Palace is a true gem that offers a captivating journey through time. Its exquisite architecture, fascinating exhibits, and picturesque gardens create an enchanting atmosphere that immerses visitors in the grandeur of British royalty. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply seeking a place of beauty and tranquility, a visit to Kensington Palace is an...

We booked Kennsington Palace via the London Pass months in advance. You need to make the reservation ahead of time, or you will not be getting in. When you get there queues that they use for entry passed on the half-hour. They are long but move quickly, make sure to ask which gueue you need to be in. If you use the London Pass, you scan first and then they scan your reservation second. If it's raining, you need a Pancho or umbrella, there isn't a place to take refuge in the rain. You can leave your panchayat or umbrellas under the stairs with buggies and pick them up at the end.

Our favorite parts of the tour were the Victoria Rooms and the Jewel Rooms. They were staged like Victoria was living there and gave a look into her life before she was queen. You need to make sure to read the information under the pictures, which makes those rooms seem like a storybook. It takes time to do this, and some crowds push through quickly.

Seeing the rooms and the paintings were impressive, the immense size of the doors, chandeliers, etc. showed the opulent lifestyle. The ballroom was jaw-dropping.

We were sad that there was no furniture or information about the rooms purpose or who they were used by in the Couture Galleries. That was a majority of the tour, and we didn't really care about Hollywood type styles. In parts of the gallery I wish there would have been a divider in the middle of the room to help with the flow, people were pushing in and out and it was not obvious where you were going next.

We did like the 18th century dressed and costumes that were occasionally mixed in. The ornate stitching and time put into those clothes accounted for a great deal of work.

We traveled their on the subway. No matter where you get off, there is at least a 15 walk to the property. Pick a path that mainly goes through the park it is beautiful.

Worth the time, wish their would have been...