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Kensington Palace, the centuries-old royal residence in London, has long welcomed visitors to its pristine halls and gardens. But this month, it is inviting the public into areas beyond the usual tour routes. On select dates, guests will have the chance to step inside hidden rooms and gain exclusive, guided access to parts of the historic home and its sprawling outdoors.
Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity, is offering multiple special experiences: the Duke Tour on August 15 and 29; exclusive entry to the Sunken Garden on August 19, 23, 26, and 30; and an after-hours tour for HRP members on August 27.
The Duke Tour is perhaps the rarest opportunity, taking visitors into State Apartment rooms that are usually closed to the public. Guests can see the former home of Edward, Duke of Kent, who was Queen Victoria’s father, as well as rooms once used by upper servants and Princess Margaret’s housekeeper. The tour also visits the former State Bedchamber, where Queen Anne died and Queen Mary, consort to King George V, was born. Also included is Queen Victoria’s sitting room, where she found out she had become monarch at just 18 years old, in 1837.
Richard Lea-Hair/Historic Royal Palaces
Queen Victoria’s bedroom showcases an ornate canopy bed, steps with scrolled details, and mahogany furniture.
Outside, the Palace in the Park walking tour will give visitors exclusive access to Kensington’s famous Sunken Garden. Created in 1908 where greenhouses and potting sheds once stood, this formal Edwardian garden was inspired by the Pond Garden at Hampton Court Palace. Over the years, terraced flower beds, decorative paving, and a central pond have helped shape the space and maintain its peaceful feel.
The garden underwent a revamp in 2017, when it was replanted entirely with white flowers as a tribute to Princess Diana on the 20th anniversary of her death. The redesign, inspired by her wardrobe and Mario Testino’s famous portraits, introduced the soft pastel colors that still define the garden, according to Historic Royal Palaces.
Richard Lea-Hair/Historic Royal Palaces
The memorial statue of Princess Diana was commissioned by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. It was unveiled in the Sunken Garden on July 1, 2021, to commemorate what would have been her 60th birthday.
Visitors will also be able to wander beneath the Cradle Walk, an arched tunnel made from red-twigged lime trees. This path is sometimes called “Nanny Walk” because it was once a favorite spot for Kensington’s many nannies. The shaded walkway offers wide views of the colorful garden and a calming break from busy central London.
Richard Lea-Hair/Historic Royal Palaces
The brick facade of Kensington Palace can be seen from the Sunken Garden’s tranquil pond.
Later in August, Historic Royal Palaces members can enjoy an even closer look at the palace during the after-hours tour. Guided by an expert, this evening tour explores the “Victoria: A Royal Childhood” exhibition, for which careful research helped recreate the rooms where the future queen was born and raised.
Hayley Bray Photography/ Historic Royal Palaces
The King’s Drawing Room at The King’s State Apartments features a rich crimson wall with ornate gilded artwork and an elaborate chandelier.
Guests can then climb the King’s Staircase to the King’s State Apartments, which display sculptures, paintings, and decorations from the Stuart, Georgian, and Victorian eras. Highlights include William Kent’s detailed Cupola Room and Charles Clay’s unique 18th-century musical clock, which survived even though its maker wanted it destroyed after his death.
Richard Lea-Hair/Historic Royal Palaces
Visitors can see paintings and detailed golden plasterwork walking up the King’s Grand Staircase.
While tickets for the Duke Tour and the members-only after-hours tour can be purchased online, bookings for Palace in the Park, with access to the Sunken Garden, must be purchased at the ticket office on site.
Brea Cubit is an award-winning journalist who covers culture, entertainment, fashion, business, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, she enjoys listening to live music, binge-watching nostalgic TV, and shopping at artisan markets.
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