Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace was built in the days when Kensington was just a small village. Today, it is still home to the Royal Family. Flat rentals in the area are certainly a status symbol.
Situated in the Bayswater area, Kensington Palace is located at the western end of Kensington Gardens, which is a fantastic place to rent a flat. It is perhaps the finest building in the Borough. The palace was originally called Nottingham House. It became royal property in 1689 when it was acquired by William and Mary.
Queen Victoria spent her childhood at Kensington Palace and it was in Kensington Palace in June 1837, that she first learned of her accession to the throne.
The palace was also the London home of Diana, Princess of Wales and is still home to several other members of the Royal Family.
The State Apartments and the Court Dress Collection are open to the public and highlights of a visit include the recently restored Kings Apartments and a timeless collection of paintings. The Court Dress Collection includes a fabulous and rare court mantua made sometime between 1750-53 and the 'exploded' gentleman's outfit - everything from underclothes to fine lace cuffs and all part of the elaborate costume worn to Court by an 18th century gentleman.
The Orangery Cafe adjacent to the Palace serves light lunches and snacks throughout the year. The food there is quite nice. Visitors collect an audio soundguide on entry and then proceed round the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. The soundguide then takes them upstairs to see the State Apartments. Soundguides are available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
The ground floor is given over to the dazzling Court Dress collection, an array of dresses and gowns, spanning the reign of 12 (twelve) monarchs, including dresses designed for Diana, Princess of Wales. Outside the Sunken Gardens and Orangery Gardens, complete with Queen Anne's "Summer Supper House", The Orangery.