One of the most famous English palaces, second only to Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace has served as one of London’s most important royal residences since the 17th century; and has steadily grown to become one of the top must see tourist attractions for thousands of visitors to London. Most tourists who are planning on catching a glimpse of this historic landmark, choose to stay at Hotels in Bayswater London, like the Berjaya Eden Park London Hotel for instance, which is located close to Kensington Palace.
Currently, the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, better known as Wills and Kate; Kensington Palace was originally built in 1605 as a two-storey mansion for private use, and then eventually sold to the Earl of Nottingham, who gave it the name Nottingham House. In 1689, King William II bought the house and had it expanded into the palace which is seen today. The king instructed that it be built quickly and cheaply, which is why its made of red brick, instead of stone.
Kensington Palace is most famous as the home of Queen Victoria during her lonely childhood, where she was sequestered away from the outside world. Her story is told in the special “Victoria Revealed” gallery which takes you through her time at Kensington, from her birth to succession at 18 years old. Visitors can read excerpts from her diaries, view old dresses and walk through the Red Saloon, where she held her first formal meeting upon learning of her rise to Monarch.
Another fascinating area is the “Fashion Rules” gallery; an exhibition of dresses that belonged to various royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, her sister and another famous Kensington resident, Princesses Diana. Of the 30 acres of land and gardens, the “Sunken Gardens” are a must see. Landscaped in 1908, the gardens are home to a beautiful collection of blooms all year round. Visit between April and October to see the entire garden in full bloom.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
