Kensington Palace ★★☆

Have you ever wanted to live like a prince or princess? Our London Tour for Kids in Kensington Palace will take us into the former London residence of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana and current home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Here we will learn about the rebellious princess who ran from an arranged marriage into the arms of love, and more. These stories are woven into the fabric of the palace through theatrical performances, art installations, fashion, and music, against the backdrop of the historic State Apartments.

• Learn about Royal London in Kensington Palace
• Interactive, learning activities.
• London Tour for Kids led by a family friendly historian.
• Includes skip-the-line tickets.

"Our children are still chattering about the stories of the king who died on the toilet.”

London Tour For Kids - Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has a rich history that begins with the first monarchs to live there, William III and Mary II, who invaded England and took the throne in 1689 after the Glorious (and allegedly bloodless) Revolution of 1688. Suffering from severe asthma and in need of clean country air rather than the stench and dirt of London proper, William and his wife rebuilt a small country house which became Kensington Palace, home of monarchs.

Setting the Stage

We will hear about their lives, but also of the lives of their often forgotten consorts, Queen Mary the collector, Sophia Dorothea, who never saw England and was imprisoned in a castle for 30 years, and Queen Caroline, an intellectual and one of the most powerful women in British history. After George II, the official residence of the monarch in London moved to Buckingham Palace, though Kensington Palace remained a home for royals. It was here that Princess Victoria spent her childhood and discovered, early one morning in 1837, that the king had died and that she was now Queen Victoria at the age of 18.

Today, the palace is associated with perhaps its most famous residents, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Kate and their children, George and Charlotte.

Looking for more family-friendly activities? Try out Tower of London for Kids or British Museum for Kids Tours.

Take Aways

With the help of our map, the clues, and the palace guardians we will search for these stories and many more. We will enter the world of Kensington Palace and come away having learned about the lives and stories of this magical residence.

FAQ

Who lives in the Palace? Will we see William and Kate?

Current residents include TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who moved in to Princess Margaret's former apartment with their son Prince George. They have now been joined by Princess Charlotte, born 02 May 2015. Prince Harry also now lives in a separate apartment within Kensington Palace. Their residences are not open to the public, however, we have caught glimpses of the Royal family in the past.

Can I take pictures inside Kensington Palace?

Yes, photography is allowed in Kensington Palace. Please be mindful of both the delicate fabric of the building and of other visitors.

London's Kensington Palace has been a royal home for over 300 years, and parts of the palace still remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family today. Following a major renovation project, the palace now unveils many secret stories of past royal figures, painting Kensington Palace as the setting for many noteworthy events and dramas in royal history. Make your way through the spectacular King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, adorned with paintings from the Royal Collection, and stroll through the Kensington Palace Gardens at your leisure.

Explore the permanent exhibition, ‘Victoria Revealed,’ which is set within the rooms where Victoria grew up. Queen Victoria was born in the palace, and it was here that she learned she had become queen at just 18 years of age. She also held her first Privy Council meeting in Kensington Palace’s Red Saloon. Inspired by her own journals and featuring displays of personal objects, ‘Victoria Revealed’ gives an intimate account of Queen Victoria, exploring her life and reign through her own words.

Do you want to visit more Royal sites?
Upgrade to the Royal Palaces Pass to include admission to the Tower of London and Hampton Court. Your pass includes one visit to each attraction and is valid for two years. You'll have plenty of time to explore the stories and intrigues at each site at your leisure, as part of your own itinerary.

Book in advance and jump the queue at the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation! Your pass is valid for one visit to each attraction and is valid for two years. You'll have plenty of time to explore the stories and intrigues at each site at your leisure, as part of your own itinerary.

Tower of London
Home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London reverberates with dark secrets, where priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.

Hampton Court Palace
Flamboyant King Henry VIII developed this majestic palace after acquiring it in the 1520s. The palace has fabulous furnishings, tapestries and paintings, and is set in formal gardens, which include the famous maze and Great Vine.

Kensington Palace
Generations of royal women have shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens, from Queen Mary to Victoria, and more recently, Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, the palace also houses a stunning collection of fashionable formal dress worn for state and royal occasions.

With easy and early access, you’ll enter Kensington Palace for a fully guided tour of this incredible Palace home to royalty for over 300 years. Enter the Royal Palace before the crowds arrive to view the State Apartments as well as visit the stunning regal and commanding Royal Gardens. Your guide will then take you on an incredible journey unveiling the life of young Princesses including Princess Diana & Princess Kate.

You will enjoy breathtaking scenery while listening to historical and sensational stories of Princesses past and present. Your tour will continue to the unique palace garden setting, the Orangery Restaurant. Here you will enjoy a decadent afternoon tea reception offering hand-prepared cakes and pastries and more than 10 specialty teas while sitting in one of the most elegant venues in London.

This tour has all the ingredients for the perfect fully guided tour covering all the highlights of Kensington Palace including the Royal Gardens for a 2 hour guided tour before afternoon tea for approximately one hour relaxing in the Orangery Restaurant in the Gardens. Be sure to bring your camera to take some of the most memorable photos of any visit to one of London's most popular royal palaces.