Kensington Palace is one of the royal residences. Currently, it is the official residence of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This particular residence has been in the royal family since the 17th century. As such, it has been home to many royal children over the years and has a wealth of history to explore.
How to Get There
From the Darlington Hotel, the best way to get to Kensington Palace is actually to walk. It’s a pleasant 20-minute stroll through Kensington Gardens and past the Round Pond. If you are coming from another part of London, then the nearest tube stops are Queensway or Notting Hill Gate.
King’s State Apartments
This circuit of rooms contains a range of magnificent sculptures and stunning works of art. These rooms have all been used for hosting formal audiences over the years. These decadently styled rooms will give you a glimpse into the formal side of royal life.
One of the highlights of the State Rooms is in the Cupola Room. There is a musical clock that dates to the eighteenth century. The clockmaker spent 20 years of his life building this masterpiece. When he died with it unfinished, he left instructions for the clock to be destroyed. Thankfully his wife decided to ignore his instructions, and the clock made its way to the hands of Princess Augusta, who placed the clock in its current home in 1743.
Queen’s Apartments
These rooms give you an alternative view of royal life. These apartments were created as a private space for Queen Mary II. It was William III and Mary II, who were the monarchs who bought the palace. It was to be their home away from the bustle of court.
The Sunken Garden
The sunken garden was created in 1908. Before the transformation, it was a collection of potting sheds. Now it is home to vibrant flower displays that rotate with the seasons. The well-planned paving allows you to enjoy a stroll through the gardens.
This garden was a favourite spot of Diana, Princess of Wales, which is why it was transformed into a memorial garden in 2017.