Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided London audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type palace
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- London London guide
About Kensington Palace
A royal residence in Kensington Gardens that has been home to members of the Royal Family since the 17th century.
Kensington Palace has been a residence of the British Royal Family since 1689 when William III and Mary II purchased a Jacobean mansion and had Sir Christopher Wren enlarge it. Queen Victoria was born here in 1819 and lived here until her accession to the throne.
The palace is set in the beautiful Kensington Gardens. Today it is the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The State Apartments are open to the public, featuring exhibitions about royal life and fashion through the centuries.
The Sunken Garden beside the palace, originally created in 1908 in Edwardian style, was redesigned in 2021 as a permanent tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, who lived at the palace from 1981 until her death in 1997.
Did you know? Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace in 1819 and held her first Privy Council meeting here upon becoming Queen.
How long should you spend at Kensington Palace?
Plan about ~90 min at Kensington Palace. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Kensington Palace worth visiting?
Kensington Palace is one of the 41 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in London, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of Kensington Palace
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.