Kensington Palace Tickets & Royal Gardens Walking Tour
Explore historic grounds with a local expert then wander monarchical State Rooms at your own pace
For 300 years, Kensington Palace has been the heart of royal life; built by William and Mary, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, and the current home of Prince William and his family. Your guide walks you through the royal park, revealing stories behind Prince Albert's Italian Gardens and Princess Diana's memorial statue. Then you'll step inside with a timed ticket to explore, at your own pace, the State Rooms where generations of monarchs lived, ruled, and shaped British history.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
Guided tour through Kensington Gardens
-
Kensington Palace entry ticket
-
Self-guided State Rooms access
-
Uncover sovereign secrets
-
Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meet your guide at Queensway Station
Your guide waits beside the iconic red phone box at 1 Queensway, next to Fortune Cookie restaurant. After introductions, you'll walk together into Kensington Gardens to begin your journey through centuries of royal history. -
2
Stroll through Kensington Gardens' leafy pathways
Follow tree-lined paths where monarchs once walked, learning how this 275-acre park transformed from royal hunting grounds into London's most refined green space. Your guide shares tales of the kings and queens who shaped these landscapes over 1,000 years. -
3
Admire the Italian Gardens Prince Albert built
Pause at ornamental fountains and sculpted flowerbeds that Prince Albert commissioned in 1860 as a gift for Queen Victoria. The formal gardens display Victorian elegance with symmetrical stone pools, pavilions, and seasonal blooms framing the Long Water. -
4
Discover the bronze Peter Pan statue
At the water's edge, you'll find the Peter Pan statue that author J.M. Barrie secretly installed overnight in 1912. Your guide explains why Barrie chose this wooded spot in the park that inspired his stories of the boy who wouldn't grow up. -
5
Visit Princess Diana's statue in the Sunken Garden
Step into this tranquil garden where Princess Diana's statue stands surrounded by her favorite flowers. Your guide recounts her years at Kensington Palace, where she raised William and Harry and became the most photographed woman in the world. -
6
Enter Kensington Palace with timed tickets
Your guide escorts you to the palace entrance and provides your timed entry ticket. From this point, you're free to roam the State Rooms at your own pace, discovering the opulent chambers where Queen Victoria grew up and Georgian kings held court. -
7
Explore the State Rooms on your own
Wander through William Kent's painted King's Staircase, the intimate Queen's State Apartments where Mary II entertained, and Victoria's childhood rooms. Palace displays and audio guides reveal royal secrets, from court scandals to Princess Margaret's parties. -
8
Conclude your visit at the palace exit
After exploring the interiors at your own pace, exit into the palace gardens with fresh perspective on British royal history. You're free to linger in the gardens or head back into London with vivid memories of royal life across three centuries.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the gardens. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance.
Guide: Your guide accompanies you through Kensington Gardens but does not enter the palace. Once inside, you explore the State Rooms independently using palace displays and audio resources.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine. The guided walk takes place outdoors in Kensington Gardens, so please dress appropriately for London weather.
Palace Closing Times: The palace closes at 4pm in winter and 6pm in summer. We recommend spending approximately 90 minutes inside to see the State Rooms fully.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Guided walk through Kensington Gardens
Entry ticket to Kensington Palace
Self-guided exploration of the State Rooms
Maximum group size of 12
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
Umbrella or raincoat (depending on forecast)
You might also like...
Free Cancellation New Tour
Kensington Gardens tour with Royal High Tea
Free Cancellation New Tour
Royal Hampton Court Palace Tour with Afternoon Tea
Free Cancellation New Tour
Royal London Bike Tour with Thames River Cruise
Free Cancellation New Tour
The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
Free Cancellation New Tour
Soho Eats: A Delicious Evening Walking Tour
Free Cancellation New Tour
Changing of the Guard Small Group Walking Tour in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly and suitable for all ages.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the gardens. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance.
What's included with my Kensington Palace ticket?
Your palace ticket grants access to the King's State Apartments, the Queen's State Apartments, the King's Staircase with its painted ceilings, Queen Victoria's childhood rooms, the Jewel Room, current special exhibitions, and the palace gardens. You're free to explore all areas at your own pace.
Does this tour run if it rains?
Yes, the tour runs in rain or shine. The guided portion takes place outdoors in Kensington Gardens, so please bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is forecast.
Do I explore the palace on my own?
Yes, after the guided walk through Kensington Gardens, your guide provides your timed entry ticket at the palace entrance. From there, you explore the State Rooms independently using palace displays and available resources.
How long should I plan for this experience?
The guided walk through Kensington Gardens lasts approximately 50 minutes. Once inside the palace, we generally recommend spending about 90 minutes to fully explore the State Rooms, special exhibitions, and historical displays.
