With immense historical significance and unimaginable value, emotionally and otherwise, one might imagine that Kensington Palace and its sublime surrounding gardens are hidden away from plain view and shrouded in complete secrecy - but that’s far from the reality of it. Boasting incredible royal heritage - and modern day relevance - they’re a completely integral part of London, with many parts accessible to the public throughout most of the year. Kensington Palace can be visited by purchasing a ticket, and this includes amazing access to the State Apartments, various cultural exhibitions, and the gardens around the palace itself. Kensington Palace is the official London residence of several members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton), and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, which add to its unique sense of prestige. Here is a more detailed guide to one of London’s primary hotspots for visitors.
Palace History
Originally a modest suburban villa, ‘Kensington Palace’ was first known as Nottingham House, when London was a much smaller city - incomprehensibly so, with farmland and forests covering much of what is now vast urban sprawl. It was purchased by King William III and Queen Mary II to provide a welcome ‘country’ retreat - they wanted to get away from the smoke and damp of Whitehall Palace, in the heart of London, but needed quick access to Parliament in Westminster (Hampton Court was deemed too far away). This proved to be a momentous transaction. At first, they even commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to draw up plans to transform the house into a palace, but the Queen took charge of the project herself, and it became a fashionable home for Britain’s young Royal families, which endures to this day (in recent decades, the palace has been home to Diana, Princess of Wales, and is now the London home of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, and their children). It was Queen Caroline who went on to shape much of the Palace and their gardens, in the early 18th century; Queen Victoria was born at the palace and spent her childhood here. Nowadays Kensington Palace serves as both a royal residence and a public museum, while Kensington Palace Gardens occupies a prime piece of Crown Estate land in the west of London, connecting Notting Hill and Kensington, and with attractions such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum on its doorstep.
Gardens Overview
To tread the lush but perfectly-trimmed turf of Kensington Palace’s beautiful gardens is to walk in the footsteps of royalty: truly a rarefied experience, yet accessible to the public. There is much to explore, and it will leave you in no doubt as to the pedigree of the landscape: the world’s finest horticultural designers have contributed to its evolution, caressing the formal spaces and carefully (sustainably) moving with the times. This is an outdoor haven to rival anywhere in the world.
Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden, in the upper grounds, is one of the most famous features of Kensington Gardens - and has undergone a real revival in recent years, with visitors flocking to pay tribute at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Statue, which was unveiled in 2021. The origin of the Sunken Garden goes back to the early 20th century - it was first planted up in 1908, vividly inspired by the classical gardens of the 18th century (a decisive nod to when Kensington Palace first really came into its own as a space for entertaining and parties). Though it was changed over the years, its formal structure remains - featuring vibrant floral displays that change with the seasons, along with a statuesque ornamental pond at its centre. It’s an eye-catching spot in which to let the mind wander: no wonder it was one of Princess Diana’s favourite places to take a walk while she was living at Kensington Palace.
The Sunken Garden is open from 10:00-18.00 on most days of the year. Last entry is 17:45.
The Orangery
The Orangery was built in 1704, originally designed as a greenhouse for Queen Anne’s orange trees. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and John Vanbrugh, two of the most prominent architects of the time, this elegant Baroque building now serves as a hugely popular café and event space. Visitors flock here for a variety of reasons: lively cultural gatherings are commonplace, while the classic English tradition of ‘Afternoon Tea’ is hugely popular (and the scones are particularly enticing) throughout the year. The building itself is a delight: stunning high ceilings, gloriously large windows, and ornate plasterwork. Allied to its sumptuous interior, The Orangery is set within beautifully landscaped gardens, so the views are utterly picturesque. It’s also an important place: having hosted significant royal ceremonies and events over the centuries, it emits the grandeur and weight of history.
The Round Pond
This large ornamental lake, located right in front of Kensington Palace, has been attracting visitors since it was created in the early 18th century - and remains a serene spot to relax, watch the swans, and enjoy views of the majestic palace reflected in its water. It was designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the palace grounds - to provide a magnetic focal point for the gardens which surround it - and it does just that. The area around the pond is blessed with wonderfully mature trees, some with a personality all of their own if you give them closer inspection, and there is wildlife too: a large variety of birds, including swans, ducks, and geese, will all visit (hence birdwatching is a popular pastime here). The Round Pond is a popular spot for model boating enthusiasts, and often - especially when the sun is shining - you can observe people sailing remote-controlled boats across the water. The peaceful lawns surrounding the pond are ideal for picnicking and sunbathing.
Beyond the official grounds of the Royal Palace itself, Kensington Gardens is one of London's eight Royal Parks, covering a phenomenal area of 265 acres. But whether visiting ticketed outdoor spaces within the Palace, or simply exploring the vast green space on its doorstep, there is a wealth of beautiful landscaping and historical monuments to explore. Serene isn’t always the case in London - but Kensington Palace and its gardens create an undeniable atmosphere of calm, amid all the historical heft, royal sparkle, and nature in abundance.
