Kensington Palace

This grand palace started life as a much simpler (relatively speaking) Jacobean mansion. It was acquired in the late 17th century by the new Dutch king of England, William III, who wanted a residence away from the damp air of central London. Expanded and extended under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren, it remained the official home of the reigning monarch until 1760 when George II died and his successor, George III, decided he preferred Kew Palace. Since then it has been the home of various royals, including Victoria (who in 1837, aged just 17, was awakened to be told that her uncle, William IV, had died and she was now queen), Princess Margaret (the late sister of the current queen), and perhaps most famously, Diana, Princess of Wales -- it was at the palace's gates that the great carpet of flowers was laid in the weeks following her death in 1997.

At the time of writing, the palace is undergoing renovation due for completion in June 2012, which will see new cafes, courtyards, and educational facilities added, and the palace gardens connected to Kensington Gardens for the first time since the 19th century. The interior will be reorganized into four "story zones" focusing on the lives of William and Mary, George II, Victoria, and Margaret and Diana. Although some sections will close while the building work takes place, the palace's magnificent 18th-century Orangery will remain open throughout, and is a fine venue for afternoon tea.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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