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Explore for free with your community group

Join our Community Access Scheme

Community Access Scheme at Kensington Palace

The Community Access Scheme (CAS) offers free entry, practical advice and support to enable community groups to visit and explore Kensington Palace.

In addition to providing free access to Kensington Palace, this programme aims to engage local people with the stories and historic spaces in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them. We do this by training up and supporting group leaders to lead visits for their groups.

Through this programme, we hope local community members gain a sense of ownership and belonging at Kensington Palace, especially those who might not normally visit the palaces or see them as places of interest for them.

When

Wednesday - Sunday


Booking information

Self-guided group visits are welcome throughout the week. They must be pre-booked at least three weeks in advance through the Community Partnerships team.


Free (advance booking required)

Register by email

About the Community Access Scheme

CAS is a free programme. It consists of a one-day training for group leaders, free group visits, discount entry tickets for return, independent visits, resources and staff support to help group leaders plan visits.

CAS membership enables groups to visit our other London palaces: Tower of London and Hampton Court. Training sessions are normally available twice a year (spring and autumn).

Who can join the Community Access Scheme?

We welcome community groups based in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, the City of Westminster, Brent, Camden and Ealing, especially those who would not normally visit the palace or see it as a place of interest for them.

What does the scheme offer to participating groups?

  • Compulsory Group Leader Training designed to inspire and support group leaders to plan and lead visits for their groups to the palaces.
  • Free tickets for community groups to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
  • Year-round networking events and socials.
  • Support from the Community Partnerships team to help group leaders engage their groups with the palace's stories, collections and historic spaces.
  • Entry Cards for group members to return to the palace independently after their initial group visit.

How can I get involved?

Group leaders must book a place on a Group Leader Training Day to discover more about the programme and get useful tips on what to do when bringing groups to the Tower of London.

Upcoming online training dates: 

The next training to be part of the CAS programme will take place in Spring 2025. Please email us to be added to our waiting list.

Resources to help explore with your group

Working with communities

Our core programmes and projects create opportunities for people to meaningfully engage with our spaces and stories, inspiring everyone to feel a sense of belonging at our six wonderful palaces.

Contact

If you wish to speak to us about becoming a partner or want to find out more about how we can work with your community group, please contact us at communities@hrp.org.uk.

Explore what's on

  • Tours and talks

Community Access Scheme

Explore the Tower of London for free with your local community or adult learning group.

  • Daily (Monday - Sunday)
  • Tower of London
  • Free (advance booking required)
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  • Tours and talks

Community Access Scheme

Explore Hampton Court Palace for free with your local community or adult learning group.

  • Open in-line with palace hours
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Free (advance booking required)
Learn more
  • Tours and talks

Community Access Scheme

Explore Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for free with your local community or adult learning group.

  • Two to three times per year as required
  • 10.30 – 14.00
  • Hillsborough Castle
Learn more