Book your ticket for London's Kensington Palace ahead of time to take advantage of jumping the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!

Kensington Palace has been a royal home for over 300 years and parts of the palace remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family today. Kensington Palace was once a favored home of some of Britain's most famous kings and queens and the setting for many great events and dramas in royal history.

Diana, Fashion & Style Exhibition

A unique collection of dresses, including seven recently loaned and never before displayed at Kensington Palace, the exhibition charts the early days from the 1983 silk evening dress by Donald Campbell to the full blown style icon, demonstrated by the sleek black Gianni Versace cocktail dress, worn in 1995.

Included in admission to the palace, the exhibition (opening on April 19, 2008) will form part of the permanent displays that include the magnificent State Apartments and temporary exhibition series.

The Last Debutantes

The exhibition (opening June 11, 2008) will draw visitors into the world of the debutante and experience the bewildering rules of etiquette and the dizzying schedule of presentations, cocktail parties and dances. Stunning gowns of some of the last ‘debs’ will be on display and photographs and personal reminiscences will combine to create an evocative multimedia experience, including the chance to be schooled in the art of the perfect curtsey.

Against this heady mix of ceremony and indulgence, the exhibition will set the scene of change that would see social unrest; political activism and teenage culture emerge in Britain in the summer of 1958.

At least 2 hours is recommended for your visit to Kensington Palace.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• December 24 - 26 (Christmas)

Departure Point:

Kensington Palace State Apartments
Kensington Gardens
London W8 4PX

Departure Time:

Opening Hours:

• November 01 to February 28 - 10:00am to 5:00pm, last entry at 3:50pm
• March 01 to October 31 - 10:00am to 6:00pm, last entry at 4:50pm

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick up not available

Itinerary:

Things to See and Do:

The King's Apartments:
These magnificent rooms retain much of their original decoration and are furnished with paintings and works of art from the Royal Collection. There are several stunning examples of William Kent's work, including the splendid Cupola Room where Princess Victoria was christened.

The Queen's Apartments:
In contrast to the grandeur of the King's Apartments, the Queen's Apartments reflect the more intimate side of royal life at Kensington Palace. Originally built and furnished for Queen Mary II, these rooms are hung with family portraits and retain many of their original furnishings.

Victorian Rooms:
This suite of rooms was used by Princess Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent, in the early 19th century and it was here, in her bedroom, that Victoria learnt that she had become Queen. The rooms are furnished with many items that belonged to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection:
The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is a unique presentation of royal, court and ceremonial dress dating from the 18th century to the present day. The display includes a stunning collection of dresses worn by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The Garden Floor:
The Red Saloon and Teck Saloon on the Garden Floor have been restored to reflect their appearance in the 19th century when they were occupied by members of the royal family. The Red Saloon was the location of Queen Victoria's first Privy Council on 20 June 1837, the day of her accession to the throne.

The Orangery and Sunken Garden:
Built for Queen Anne in 1704-5 and used for court entertainment, today the Orangery provides an elegant setting for the palace restaurant. Nearby is the delightful Sunken Garden, laid out during the reign of Edward VII.

Palace Exterior:
The splendid architecture of Kensington Palace can be appreciated as you walk through Kensington Gardens. On the South Front, is a bronze statue of William III, Kensington's first royal resident, and on the East Front Queen Victoria, the last monarch to live here.

Sound Guides
A multi-language sound guide, available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese leads you through the State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. The sound guide is included in the ticket price. Transcripts in the above languages are available on request.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Entry to Kensington Palace

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks
• Optional gratuities
• Hotel pick up and drop off

Additional Info:

• Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking
• Booking Fee: A Booking fee of £1 is included in the ticket price. This enables you to skip the entry line at the attraction, therefore saving you precious vacation time

Directions to Kensington Palace:
By Tube:
Circle/District lines to High Street Kensington or Central Line to Queensway or Notting Hill Gate.

Kensington Palace is a 10-15 minute walk from High Street Kensington station. As you leave the ticket hall, walk straight through the shopping center to emerge on to Kensington High Street and turn right. Kensington Palace is located in the grounds of Kensington Gardens, which are located on the left-hand side of Kensington High Street. Once inside Kensington Gardens follow directional signs to the palace.

From Queensway station, exit right; cross over the road and enter Kensington Gardens from the north side. The palace is located on the west side of the gardens, ahead of you.

By Bus:
Bus routes: 12 and 94 to Bayswater Road or 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 52A, 70, 328 and C1 to Kensington High Street.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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