Is Kensington Palace worth it?
Skip itLives up to the hype · −9Working royal residence in Kensington Gardens with state rooms, Queen Victoria's story and exhibitions
Usually not worth it. 4.5 on Google is solid but below London's other royal palaces; Diana seekers and those finding closed rooms come away underwhelmed.
Hype58How famous and hyped it is
Reality49Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.5 ★ Google · 32,703 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Kensington Palace? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 royal-history fans vote
Victoria's early life and centuries of royal residents, with a free audio guide and expert talks.
Why Reality is 49
Lives up to its fame3/54.5 on Google is solid but below London's other royal palaces; Diana seekers and those finding closed rooms come away underwhelmed.
Value for money2/5£24.70 for roughly two hours while the Queen's State Apartments are closed; the King's Gallery shuts too from 18 Nov.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Distinct Victoria story, but Hampton Court and the Tower offer richer royal interiors from the same operator.
Easy to do4/5Central, calmer than the big palaces, no long queues reported; just remember it's closed Mon–Tue.
What people loved
Grand painted ceilings, art and royal stories in an elegant, less-crowded palaceFree audio guide (unlike the Tower of London) plus short daily talksQueen Victoria's birthplace and the room where she learned she was queenSet in Kensington Gardens, easy to pair with Hyde Park and the South Kensington museumsPleasant café and well-stocked gift shopWhat wore them down
Queen's State Apartments closed until spring 2027 and King's Gallery from 18 Nov — a big chunk of the palace is off-limitsVisitors expecting a lot on Princess Diana are often disappointed£24.70 adult is steep for a palace you can see in about two hoursClosed Mondays and Tuesdays and on some royal event daysKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Buy online in advance (recommended) or at the ticket desk; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
EntryUntil 8 Nov 2026: adult £24.70, child 5–15 £12.40, seniors/students/disabled £20.00 (add 10% with optional donation); under-5s free. Cheaper from 11 Nov (£13–£19 adult) while parts are closed; £1 tickets for benefit recipientsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ClosuresQueen's State Apartments closed until spring 2027; King's Gallery closes from 18 Nov 2026 until spring 2027 for roof repairsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursCurrently Wed–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed Mon–Tue; occasionally closed for royal eventsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ExhibitionThe Last Princesses of Punjab included until 8 Nov 2026; Victoria's Countryside Christmas from 25 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationAdvance online tickets recommended; e-tickets by email. Free audio guide includedSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereHigh Street Kensington or Notting Hill Gate Underground, then ~10–15 min walk through Kensington Gardens; ~30 min from Trafalgar SquareSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time neededAbout 2 hours inside; a few hours with the gardensSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
In their words
“Given how closely it is connected to the history of Princess Diana, I expected to find many more references to her life and her story.”
“Audioguides are free here (Note:Tower of London aren’t) and provide lots of useful information about each room.”
“An incredible palace. Such grandeur and history. It will live up to all your expectations.”
“The area around the palace is quiet, scenic, and much less crowded than some of London's other major attractions.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much does Kensington Palace cost?
Until 8 November 2026 an adult ticket is £24.70 (£27.20 with donation) and children 5–15 are £12.40. Prices fall to £13–£19 for adults from mid-November while parts of the palace are closed.
Is Kensington Palace open on Monday?
Currently no: it opens Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Is anything closed at Kensington Palace?
Yes. The Queen's State Apartments are closed until spring 2027, and the King's Gallery closes from 18 November 2026 until spring 2027.
Is there a Princess Diana exhibition at Kensington Palace?
Not currently; the 2026 exhibition is The Last Princesses of Punjab (until 8 Nov), followed by Victoria's Countryside Christmas.
What is the nearest tube to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington or Notting Hill Gate, then a walk through Kensington Gardens.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Historic Royal Palaces — Kensington Palace tickets and prices
- Time Out London — Kensington Palace
- Google Maps — Kensington Palace