FAQs

Can I change the date or time of my booking?

We can make changes to unused admission tickets bought directly via our website (exc. events such as the Ceremony of the Keys or special events etc.) for an amendment fee.

You don’t need to make this change before your visit and can visit between now and 28 February 2025 on any date we’re open, subject to availability. Check availability of tickets across the sites here, pick your date and time, call our team on 0333 320 6000 to make change. Our phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 09:00-14:00.

Ticket changes are subject to Terms of use and availability, and must be made at least 3 working days before your new visit date. In the meantime, DO NOT make a new booking as it will not be refundable.

Last entry is at 15:00 for visitors that have bags and are unable to give them to someone else while they enter the palace.

Last entry is at 15:45 for visitors who do not have bags or have more than one person in the party that can hold the bags while they enter the palace. 

This is due to our bag search times at the main entrance.

My e-tickets are missing

We recommend searching your email inbox for hrp.org.uk. If you can't find your e-tickets, you can show your confirmation email/booking reference at the Ticket Office.

I can't download my e-tickets

Please show your confirmation email / booking reference at the Ticket Office.

I don't have a booking confirmation email

You can search your email for hrp.org.uk or you can quote your booking number or email address at the Ticket Office. 

Use your membership number and surname to log in, click on the name of the palace you wish to visit and make your ticket selection. Don't forget to book a place for each member of your party, including children (except for under 5’s). If you are unable to login with your membership number and surname, try a space after your surname. It is not case-specific. If this doesn’t help, please email our team at members@hrp.org.uk.

Do I need to arrive at the beginning of my timeslot?

You can arrive any time within your selected 30-minute timeslot. For example, if you have a 10:30 timeslot, you can enter the palace anytime between 10:30-10:59.

My ticket has no time slot / says 6am

If you were not prompted to choose a time whilst booking your ticket, it is an off-peak ticket and you can enter any time from opening to last admission. Tickets marked 6am are also off-peak but are showing this time due to how tickets are configured in our ticketing system.

If you are disabled, you can bring an accompanying carer/companion free of charge.

Adult carer/companion tickets can be booked online (one per booking) or obtained on the day of your visit upon presentation of supporting documents (such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter). 

The Accessibility page has further detail on how to book and what to expect during your visit.

You do not need a ticket to enter the Gardens or to the Sunken Garden, including the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. Entry is via the Sunken Garden Gate only. Please check our opening times page for more information.

You can arrive at any time within your chosen timeslot, but if you cannot make this allotted time, the admissions team will try their best to accommodate you in the next available timeslot.

Please be aware that timeslots on the day may be fully booked and this cannot always be guaranteed.

Yes. Simply open your ticket on your smartphone and have the QR code visible to show at the Kensington Palace entrance. 

For your convenience we encourage you to print out your e-ticket before arriving for your visit. If you have trouble downloading your e-tickets, or if you are collecting tickets for an amended booking, please visit the ticket office and provide them with the booking reference number and we can print out your tickets.

Groups are recommended to book in advance to guarantee entry, and on their desired timeslot. Only Blue Badge Guides are allowed to guide around Kensington Palace, in groups of no more than 6, plus Guide. Groups of 15 and over can buy tickets at a discounted rate.

• Student: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are over the age of 16 and in full time education. You are required to show a current student identification card once on site to validate the discounted price. International students are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements with a valid id card.
• 65+ years: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are 65 or over. You may be required to show an identification card (with your date of birth) once on site to validate the discounted price. International visitors are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements of proof of age.
• Military: Holders of a valid MOD90 card, the Defence Discount card, or the MOD Certificate of Eligibility are entitled to a concession rate. You will need to bring MOD90, Defence Discount card or MOD Certificate of Eligibility and tickets are only available on the day of their visit.

Holders of a valid MOD90 card, the Defence Discount card, or the MOD Certificate of Eligibility are entitled to a concession rate. For more information about the concession rate, please see the FAQ above.

London Pass holders need to bring their Pass with them to show our Palace Hosts team on arrival on the day of your visit.

Separate terms and conditions apply. 

Third party vouchers cannot be redeemed on the Historic Royal Palaces website, and you will need to contact the voucher provider to make your booking for you. Tickets purchased through a third party provider are subject to the Terms and Conditions of that company and you would need to contact them directly to discuss your booking or request further information about the offer.

You can’t pre-book tickets for any discounted offers at any of our sites. You need to bring your card / pass with you to the Ticket Desk to collect a ticket. Blue Peter badge holders with a valid badge card and proof of age must be accompanied by a full paying or concessionary adult to gain free entry. If a disabled badge holder is accompanied by a registered carer, both can gain free entry. Carers must bring supporting documents.

We’ll admit you on the next available timeslot (subject to availability) and will not ask your party to split up if you are visiting with people with pre-booked tickets however due to limited capacity, you may have to queue.

The Museums Association Membership no longer includes access to Kensington Palace. As Museums Association is a separate organisation, we would recommend visiting their website or contacting them directly to discuss what is included with their membership.

As Historic Royal Palaces is a charity, we receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, so we depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors.  We are unable to support other fundraising activities with complimentary tickets.

No left luggage or bag storage facilities are available. Suitcases, large bags and any rolling luggage will not be permitted inside the Palace buildings.

• Stone Hall toilets
• Café toilets

All toilets have disabled and baby changing facilities.

The café and shop are open during palace opening hours. Please check our opening times page for more information.

Please visit our Eating page for more information on the café and the Orangery. Visit our Shopping page for information about the shop.

We accept cash in admissions, the shop, café and Orangery restaurant.

We have accessible parking available on site. For booking details please see our accessibility page.

You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) within the palace in most cases. Some items or imagery may be prohibited from being photographed and this will be clearly signposted, or ask a member of staff if you are unsure. Filming and panoramic photography are not permitted within the palace. The use of tripods and selfie-sticks is prohibited. Images of the palace are available for sale from our Photographic Library. Requests for commercial photography, filming or sketching should be made in advance.

There is no specific dress code for visitors to the Historic Royal Palaces managed side of Kensington Palace. We do ask that you dress respectfully as families are likely to be present. If there are offensive slogans or other clothing items deemed to be inappropriate you may be approached by a member of staff. We ask that visitors do not dress in costume unless otherwise allowed as part of an event arranged by Historic Royal Palaces.

If you lose something during your visit please contact the nearest member of staff. Alternatively, contact info@hrp.org.uk and we’ll do our best to try to reunite you with your property.

You are able to spend as much time as you like within Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens during opening hours. We recommend around 2-3 hours to complete your visit. 

Breastfeeding is welcome throughout our palace. Team members are always on hand should you need any further information and we will happily assist should you wish to breastfeed off the main visitor route.

Historic Royal Palaces have no direct contact with the Royal family and all enquiries regarding the Royal Family should be directed to the Royal Household.

Wedding and engagement photography is available exclusively to our brides and grooms. Please contact kensingtonpalaceevents@hrp.org.uk 

For general information browse History and Stories and What's on. For detailed information relating to the collections on display, email curators@hrp.org.uk

Please be aware that adults are not permitted to enter at the palace in costume unless otherwise stated as part of an event arranged by Historic Royal Palaces.