From June 2010, Kensington Palace will undergo major building works as part of an ambitious project to increase accessibility for all, ensuring that the new extension, the new entrance and the new East Front Garden are accessible, and including the construction of a lift serving all floors - rendering all the palace levels open to visitors accessible to all for the first time. 'Kensington - a palace for everyone' will open in March 2012. Find out more
here.
Enchanted Palace
Enchanted Palace is a predominantly visual experience, staged to interpret the stories and characters of Kensington Palace that have been 'shaken loose' by the main construction works happening outside and inside of the same period. Enchanted Palace has been developed considering the requirements of a wide range of visitors and has been the subject of presentations to the Kensington Palace Access Panel for comment and advice.
Wheelchair access
We do regret that due to the features of this historic building, Enchanted Palace will be inaccessible to those visitors who have no mobility outside of their wheelchair. However, we do look forward to welcoming you back to Kensington Palace in 2012 after completion of the construction works, when the whole palace will be fully accessible for the first time.
For those wheelchair users with some mobility, there are two small stone steps up into the main Enchanted Palace entrance, and there is a temporary ramp which staff are trained to use to assist visitors who need it.
Enchanted Palace occupies the State Apartments on the first floor. Those wheelchair users with some mobility will be able to access Enchanted Palace either via the visitor route staircase of 23 shallow steps including two sets of winders, or via a shallow flight of 30 steps and two generous landings for resting (however these stairs do bring you to the end of the Enchanted Palace route first). There is currently no lift, as this is being constructed as part of the building works and will therefore be available in 2012. Once in the State Apartments there are no level changes.
Manual wheelchairs are available for use within Enchanted Palace. Chairs are provided on a first come, first served basis and cannot be booked in advance. Please note that for health and safety reasons, staff are unable to assist in carrying wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Electric buggies for those with restricted mobility
Liberty Drives is an initiative by The Hyde Park Appeal to provide free mobility for anyone who finds it difficult to see all 760 acres of these beautiful parks, including Kensington Gardens within which Kensington Palace is situated. Electric buggies capable of seating up to five people and one wheelchair glide around the parks providing half hour rides. It is also possible to be dropped off at a favourite place and be picked up later. Operating times are 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Friday, between May and October. To arrange pick up or for enquiries call 07767 498096.
Orientation and graphics
All visitors will be given an orientation leaflet, showing the route to follow as well as descriptions of the rooms. There is a large-print version available in English.
Graphics within Enchanted Palace are provided in a number of different formats. Design size and font colour is varied, but no within the experience are smaller than 14pt.
BSL tours
Although Enchanted Palace is predominantly a visual experience, there will be a soundscape mixing music, noises and words. Please note that the lighting varies - there are dark rooms, blue rooms and rooms with natural light.
Monthly tours with BSL interpreters are available to book in advance on specific dates, or if you prefer you can request a particular date and we will check with our BSL intepreters.
Our BSL interpreters are familiar with Enchanted Palace and can advise on what would work best for individual visitors or groups. Find out more about BSL tours of Enchanted Palace opposite.
Click here to get general visitor information in British Sign Language.
Room describer tours
We are pleased to offer Room Describer tours of Enchanted Palace every Thursday from 01 April 2010. To find out more and book in advance, please click
here.
Handling collection
There will be a handling collection of objects specific to the Enchanted Palace experience, although this may not be available at all times. In addition, some of the installations within Enchanted Palace are designed to be touched and one even to be sat on!
Toilets
WC provision inside the palace during Enchanted Palace and the construction works will be limited. Located just off the Enchanted Palace ticketing room there are two unisex toilet cubicles, slightly larger than standard, each with individual sinks. Additional temporary WC provision for visitors, including one accessible to wheelchairs, will be provided just beyond the outside entrance to the palace during the building works (from June 2010).
Admission prices
Visitors with disabilities are admitted at a concessionary rate and their companion is given free entry. Please notify the admissions staff when purchasing your tickets.
The Orangery restaurant
The Orangery restaurant has an access ramp. There is limited disabled parking next to the Orangery on weekdays only. As space is restricted, it is necessary to book in advance. Please telephone +44 (0)20 3166 6199. Please note that during winter months cars need to be off site by 4.00pm due to park closure.
For more detailed information about visitor access to Enchanted Palace, please download the Enchanted Palace Access Statement.
