How busy is Kensington Palace?
Kensington Palace welcomes several hundred thousand visitors a year, far fewer than the Tower of London, and timed tickets keep the rooms comfortable. The busiest spaces are the King's Grand Staircase, the Cupola Room and Victoria's childhood rooms, especially at weekends, during school holidays and when a popular exhibition is on. The palace grounds and the Sunken Garden are free and busy on sunny days.
Crowds by time of day
Crowds by day of week
Crowds by month
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Tickets
Check what's open
As a working palace with conservation projects, some rooms close for periods. The Queen's State Apartments have been closed since mid-June. Check hrp.org.uk for current closures and opening days before booking.
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How to visit without the crowds
- Book a 10 am slot online for a Wednesday or Thursday.
- Climb the King's Grand Staircase with its painted courtiers before groups arrive.
- Continue through the King's State Apartments: the Cupola Room and King's Gallery.
- Visit the Victoria exhibition, where she was born and grew up.
- See the current exhibition, such as The Last Princesses of Punjab (to 8 November).
- Finish in the Sunken Garden and at the Diana memorial statue, then the café or Orangery.
Insider tips
- HRP membership pays for itself after about three palace visits (Tower, Hampton Court, Kensington).
- The Diana statue in the Sunken Garden is free to see from the garden path.
- Kensington Gardens' Diana Memorial Playground is free and great for children before or after.
- Weekday mornings in term time are the calmest slots of the week.
A short history
William III and Mary II bought a Jacobean mansion in 1689 and had Christopher Wren enlarge it, away from the damp of Whitehall. It was the main royal residence until George II's death in 1760. Queen Victoria was born here in 1819 and was told of her accession here in 1837. In modern times it has been home to Princess Margaret, Princess Diana and today the Prince and Princess of Wales's office.
Best (and worst) times to visit
- Best: 10 am Wednesday or Thursday in term time.
- Worst: weekend middays in summer and school holidays.
- Check: Monday and Tuesday closures and room closures.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Kensington Palace, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Least busy time
Thursday, 10 am-12 pm
Busiest time
Sunday, 11 am-4 pm
Plans by visitor type
Royal history fans
Kensington Palace, then Hampton Court another day. Hampton Court Palace guide.
Families
Under 5s free; pair with the Diana Memorial Playground.
Museum day in South Kensington
Palace in the morning, then the free Natural History Museum or V&A. Natural History Museum guide.
Garden lovers
The Sunken Garden in summer, and the Italian Gardens nearby.
Where to eat
The palace café and the Orangery (afternoon tea, when open) are the obvious choices. Kensington High Street, a 10-minute walk, has plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Getting there
Kensington Gardens, W8, on the western side of the park.
Accessibility and families
Most of the palace is accessible by lift, though some historic rooms have steps; contact HRP in advance for access details. Strollers may need to be left at the entrance in some areas. Under 5s are free and family trails are often available.
Mistakes to avoid
- Turning up on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Expecting the Queen's State Apartments to be open.
- Paying on the day when online is cheaper.
- Arriving after 3 pm in winter.
- Skipping the free Sunken Garden.
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FAQs
How much is Kensington Palace?
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About £20-25 for adults, cheaper online; children about half; under 5s free.
When is Kensington Palace open?
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Usually Wednesday to Sunday, about 10 am-6 pm in summer and 10 am-4 pm in winter.
Is Kensington Palace closed on Mondays?
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Usually Monday and Tuesday, except some school holiday weeks.
Are the Queen's State Apartments open?
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They've been closed since mid-June for conservation; check hrp.org.uk.
Is the Diana statue free to see?
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Yes, in the Sunken Garden.
What is the best time to visit?
Heading to Kensington Palace?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
