Making history at Kensington Palace

As part of Kensington's transformation Victoria Revealed, our exciting new permanent exhibition, explores Queen Victoria's life and reign through her own words.

Visitors experience Victoria's first day as Queen at Kensington Palace, the romance of her early relationship with Prince Albert, moments of family life and aspects of Albert's involvement in the 1851 Great Exhibition. Set within the rooms Victoria lived in as a child, the displays include paintings by Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Sir Edwin Landseer, gifts which Queen Victoria exchanged with Prince Albert during their engagement in 1839 and her wedding dress. Glamorous jewellery, poignant mourning clothes and other personal items sit alongside replica Victorian children's toys, try-on clothing and fun interactives for all visitors.

Coming soon…

Fashion Rules: Dress from the collections of HM The Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales

Opens on 4 July 2013

Incorporating contemporary photography, film and music this colourful new exhibition will feature rare and exquisite dresses worn by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana Princess of Wales. Elegant displays will explore how the royal figures and fashions were representative of the spirit of each decade, reflecting and inspiring everyday trends.

Starting with the young Queen Elizabeth in the 50s, it will look at her evolving style and the way she incorporated the character of the age and the countries she visited in the clothes she wore. In the 60s and 70s we will turn to Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister and see how her style reflected the playful times of a modern era. For the 80’s and 90’s showcased is Diana, Princess of Wales. As one of the most photographed women in the world, Diana had a significant impact on British style and fashion that still endures in our memories of her today.

There are dozens of amazing sights and activities at Kensington Palace including the King's State Apartments, the Queen's State Apartments, the gardens, the Red Saloon, the shop and the palace café.

Getting here and coach parking

There is a coach park north of the palace on Bayswater Road. Open 24 hours, it has capacity for 20 coaches and costs £20 for 2-12 hours and £30 for 12-24 hours (£10.00 pre-booking charge). Please allow ten minutes for your group to walk through Kensington Gardens to the palace entrance. Contact Europarks on +44 (0)207 563 3000.

Find out more about getting to Kensington Palace.

Food and shopping for groups

Group bookings and menus are available at the elegant Orangery. Contact the Orangery by telephone on +44 (0)20 3166 6112 or by email at orangery@ampersandvenues.co.uk

Direct your groups to the Kensington Palace shop. Staff are happy to advise visitors from outside the EEC on shipping and tax-free shopping.