What to See at Kensington Palace: Royal Apartments, Queen Victoria & the Sunken Garden

Where is Kensington Palace located?
Kensington Palace is located inside Kensington Gardens in West London.

How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the palace exhibitions and gardens.

What is Kensington Palace famous for?
– Birthplace of Queen Victoria
– Former home of Princess Diana
– Residence of several modern royals
– Historic royal apartments
– Beautiful palace gardens and the Sunken Garden

The King’s State Apartments were designed to display the wealth and authority of the monarchy.

Highlights include:
The King’s Staircase
This spectacular staircase is painted with scenes depicting members of the Georgian royal court.

The Presence Chamber
The room where the king received diplomats and court officials.

The Privy Chamber
A more private gathering room used for royal audiences.

The Cupola Room
One of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, with elaborate decorative ceilings and historic artwork.

The Queen’s Apartments provide a more intimate look at royal life.

Key rooms include:
– The Queen’s Gallery
– The Queen’s Dining Room
– The Queen’s Drawing Room
– The Queen’s Bedroom

These rooms illustrate the daily life of the royal family during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The exhibition “Victoria: A Royal Childhood” tells the story of Princess Victoria’s early life inside Kensington Palace.

Visitors can see:
– Victoria’s toys and childhood belongings
– Personal letters and journals
– Exhibits about the strict Kensington System used to control her upbringing
– The room where she learned she had become queen in 1837

This exhibition is one of the most fascinating parts of the palace.

The gardens surrounding the palace are among the most beautiful green spaces in London.

The Sunken Garden
A famous flower garden associated with Princess Diana.

Queen Victoria Statue
Located directly in front of the palace entrance.

Palace Lawns and Walkways
Ideal for strolling and photography.

Many visitors come to Kensington Gardens even if they do not enter the palace.

The Orangery was built in 1704 as a greenhouse for citrus trees.

Today it is one of London’s most elegant places for:
– Afternoon tea
– Coffee and pastries
– Light lunches

Many visitors enjoy stopping here after exploring the palace.

The palace sits inside Kensington Gardens, one of London’s Royal Parks.

Highlights include:
The Round Pond
A peaceful lake where swans glide across the water.

Tree-Lined Paths
Perfect for walking or cycling.

Views Toward Hyde Park and the Albert Memorial
Watching the swans on the lake is one of the most relaxing experiences in London.