London Buckingham Palace view

Kensington Palace vs Buckingham Palace Comparison

By Adam Fraiel

You don’t have to be a royalist to be awed by the stunning palaces owned by the royal family. In total, they own 30 estates, but Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace are perhaps two of the finest. From the Changing the Guard to the opulence of the buildings, the rich history to the natural beauty of the gardens, they’re both stunning constructions.

If you want a little background information before visiting, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss the similarities and differences, their respective histories, how to get to each, and what to do when you’re there.

A Brief History of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a royal residence in West London and the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The palace has undergone many changes throughout its history and housed many famous royals, including being the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the home of Princess Diana.

The palace, originally named Nottingham House before being renamed Kensington Palace in 1689, suffered extensive damage by bombing in the Second World War, with restoration taking place in 1952.

A Brief History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is the official London residence of the King and one of the largest palaces in Europe. This palace has witnessed many important historical events and served as the residence for important British monarchs like Queen Victoria and King George III.

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has undergone several important renovations and expansions. Today, it serves as a symbol of the monarchy and its history.

For perspective on just how big Buckingham Palace actually is, it has 775 rooms, and the garden is the largest private garden in London.

Where is Kensington Palace and how do I get there?

Kensington Palace, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is open to the public on selected days, so anyone can visit Kensington Palace and see its magnificent state rooms. The palace is just a short walk away from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which makes it a great day out for the whole family.

How to get to Kensington Palace by tube:

The nearest underground tube stations are High Street Kensington and Queensway. Both will require around a 10-minute walk from the station to the palace.

Where is Buckingham Palace and how do I get there?

Buckingham Palace is in the City of Westminster, central London, close to Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey. It’s open to the public for tours during the summer months. The palace also hosts many state banquets, receptions, and ceremonies throughout the year.

How to get to Buckingham Palace by tube:

The nearest tube station to Buckingham Palace is Westminster, where you’ll need to take a short walk, 3 or 4 minutes, to reach the royal grounds.

Things to do at Kensington Palace

Take a guided tour of Kensington Palace to learn about the fascinating history of this London landmark. The tour includes the State Apartments, the King’s and Queen’s Staircases, King’s Gallery, sunken gardens, and more.

Keep your camera handy as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take jaw-dropping photos. For example, The King’s Gallery is maintained to a level that looks exactly as it did when transformed for King George I in 1725. An almost 300-year-old time capsule.

The Jewel Room at Kensington Palace is home to an incredible display of jewelry, including specially commissioned gems for Queen Victoria, a diamond and emerald tiara, an emerald necklace, and so much more. The level of opulence and craftsmanship is a feast for the eyes.

Kensington Palace Gardens is a treat for all the family. You’ll need comfortable shoes to explore the 240 acres, including the wildflowers, formal garden, and cradle walk.

It’s a vast property, so allow yourself 2 hours for the Palace, and another 2 to fully enjoy the gardens.

Things to do at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the residence of the King of England and the administrative headquarters of the royal family. Buckingham Palace is also one of the most iconic and recognized structures in the world.

Time your visit for the Changing the Guard. It’s free to view at 11.00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and daily in the summer.

Inside the grounds, you have the option to tour The State Rooms, Royal Mews, gardens, and more. The Royal Mews are a working stable, steeped in royal history, with the opportunity to view the iconic 260-year-old Gold State Coach.

Tour The Queen’s Gallery to cast your eyes on priceless artistic pieces and artifacts. There are also fabulous global exhibitions, including a collection exploring 300 years of cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families, including rare pieces of porcelain, samurai armor, embroidery, and diplomatic gifts.

With so much to see and do, it’s recommended to spend between 2-4 hours.

Conclusion

Both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace are incredible buildings. If you’re a history buff, art lover, jewelry aficionado, or just looking for some great photos to boost your feed, you won’t be disappointed after visiting these 2 iconic landmarks.

They’re also both perfectly situated, surrounded by plenty of other attractions such as Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.

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Your Weekly Roundup & Quiz Questions

Another week has drawn to a close. While the sun still stubbornly shines in the sky, you'll probably want to make the most of it. Short of ideas? Don't worry about it. Here are five things for you to do this weekend and some quiz questions to get you in the mood for WINNING. WINNING THE WEEKEND. Friday Quiz Questions Now that you've failed miserably at our Friday quiz questions, here's your reward. The aforementioned five things! Go on a pub crawl When drinking in one establishment simply won't cut it, try going to a bunch. We've all been on pub crawls before, but recently there's been a rise in curated crawl experiences. Look no further than the Monopoly Pub Crawl. That's right, everyone's favourite Christmas-ruining, family-splitting board game just got real. An alarming 26 stops make up the crawl, which unsurprisingly mirrors the squares on the infamous game. Don't make any other plans for the rest of the day, or the weekend for that matter. And if simply thinking of Monopoly brings back to many holiday-related PTSD flashbacks, there are lots of others to choose from too. Eat out, it's been a tough week We all know how exhausting turning the oven on and sticking in some chicken nuggets can be. It's OK champ, you can't expect to be Gordon Ramsay every night of the week. So why not go to your local and sample some of the gastro goodness? But what if chicken nuggets are only on the kids menu, and the bags under your eyes mean you can't pass for 25 let alone 12? Settle down. We've taken all of the hard work away. If you still have enough energy to think and click, simply take our super amazing fun pub food quiz. Blindly do as we tell you and you can't go wrong. Sip coffee like an "intellectual" If you need some hardcore, no-nonsense caffeine to stir the senses after getting on it, don't settle for instant. Instead, why not stumble outside and check out some of the best coffee in London? These beans are sure to whiten even the most bloodshot of eyes, and you might even find a place you can boast about to all your cafe connoisseur friends. At work, if you have a job. Or on social media, if you do not. They say a coffee a day keeps the alcohol anxiety away. They couldn't be wrong, could they? Do something with your grumpy adolescents If you're suffering a weekend with teenagers, apologies in advance. Sorry, I mean oh how wonderful for you! You'll probably want to know what to do with them once they've finished watching Teen Mom or whatever else teenagers do these days. Well. You'll never guess what. Yep, that's right, we've already done all the work for you. You are very welcome. Thankfully, there's lots for teens to do in London, no matter how big, small, grumpy and/or well behaved they are. The London Bridge Experience is frightfully delightful, but only the bravest of souls dare enter. Alternatively, the sunnier LEGOLAND® is another great choice. Fans of the LEGO movies will love Apocalypseburg, which faithfully recreates locations from the films, and gives people a fantastic peek behind the curtain. Or just go to a pub, you fantastically British human It always ends up being a pub, doesn't it? We're so very, very predictable. But why not jazz up your weekend by visiting some of the oldest pubs in London? Pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. You know that one's old because of all the 'e's. It was rebuilt after that whole fire fiasco back in 1666, and each room has a very distinctive flavour. Its entrance is Victorian, yet its cellar was built by monks. It sounds crazy, but it's just crazy enough to work. Besides, the likes of Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan-Doyle and Mark Twain have once called it their local. Maybe it will give you the inspiration to finish that novel sitting on your desktop. Yes, that novel. The semi-biographical one that will catapult you out of your dead-end job and into publishing stardom. They'd even make a musical out of it, if only you could finish the damn thing. There you go. No need to fret. There's more than enough for you there to get inspired this weekend. If you have made other plans, then that's OK, we won't judge you. Why not let us know what in the comments below?
Dom Bewley
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Chow Down: Best Spots For Brunch In London

Whether you're in the mood for a humble fry-up or planning to go all out at a bottomless brunch with a group, we've got your research sorted with some of the best spots for Brunch in London. Finding a good brunch spot is a make or break weekend decision, it’s not one to take lightly, after all, everyone knows brunch is the most important meal of the weekend! Whether it be bottomless and boozy, comfort-food or something a little bit more luxurious, we’ve listed some restaurant hotspots below that offer some of the best Brunch in London. Aqua Shard Luxury Available Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10.30am – 3.30pm If you want to enjoy brunch with a spectacular view then Aqua Shard is the ideal destination, combined with a luxurious menu that will leave you spoilt for choice, you’ll want to spread the word. Not to mention update your Instagram feed! Insider Tip – After brunch head on up to the View from The Shard to witness the spectacular views over the capital from the highest viewing platform in London. You can go up for free with your London Pass, making your trip easier and more convenient. The Shard – Level 31, 31 St. Thomas Street, London, UK SE1 9RY Reservations: (44) 02030111256 Goat Luxury | Family-friendly | Bottomless Saturday Brunch – 12 - 6pm: Brunch club with a DJ Sunday Brunch – 13 – 3pm: Kids club with a children’s entertainer Bottomless Brunch 12 - 4pm - 2 hours £40 per person (unlimited Prosecco, wine or beer) Delicious scents of grilled meats and wood-fired pizza, cosy atmospherically lit rooms plus a secret cocktail bar, if you fancy brunching in style then Goat Chelsea is the place to go. Catering for both Sunday family times and bottomless boozy Saturdays, it is the perfect all-rounder for any occasion. Insider Tip - Whether you fancy a pre or post-brunch stroll head on over to one of London’s ‘secret’ gardens. Experience the beauty of the London Chelsea Physic Gardens for free if you’re a London Pass holder. 333 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9QL Telephone: (44) 020 7352 1384 HotBox Good value | Bottomless drink Brunch menu from Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am till 2.30pm (3pm on a Sunday) If you hear the word brunch, and the first thing you hear is bottomless, then Hotbox is the place for you. They provide a brunch menu to die for full of smoked meats, steak and eggs plus a breakfast burger, only to name a few favourites. Additionally, for a separate £25 you can turn it into a boozy brunch, with unlimited Prosecco, mimosas plus a selection of Bloody Mary’s and various other drinks for 2 hours from the time of your booking. You’ll leave feeling full and tipsy, that’s a promise. 46-48 Commercial St, London E1 6LT Telephone: 020 7247 1817 Elan Café Luxury Open Monday to Sunday 7.30am-midnight Having a taste for the very best comes in the form of not just the menu, but their interiors too. With a very distinctive style consisting of calm pastel colours, Instagram worthy marble table tops perfect for the guilty flat lay photo, and the renowned rose-covered wall makes Elan cafe a unique brunch spot. It doesn’t have a specific brunch menu, however, their avocado on sourdough, breakfast plate, and open flatbread sandwiches are just some of the winning brunch options. 48 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1PR Telephone: (44) 020 7491 8880 Flight Club Brunch Social Activity | Cheap | Bottomless food Brunch available Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-2pm or 2.30pm – 4.30pm Looking for a slightly untraditional brunch? Then Flight Club Brunch Social is one to try. With Prosecco, mimosas and bottomless pizza brought to you whilst you play all for the bargain price of £30 each. 2A Worship St, London EC2A 2AH Telephone: (44) 0203 019 3093 Sketch Luxury Brunch menu from 11am to 5pm - 7 days a week Sketch is one classy affair, with second to none décor, a menu inspired and created by a 3 Michelin star chef, within a creative atmosphere for food, art and music. This is a brunch spot if you’d like something a little lavish, you’ll be seated in either The Parlour or The Glade room, which constitutes a magical woodland theme that will have you awestruck. The brunch menu contains all the traditional meals plus a few fancy extras, not to mention they highly encourage day drinking, it’s the idea girl’s brunch destination. 9 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG Telephone: 020 7659 4500 Insider tip – A short walk away is the Curzon in Mayfair, a luxurious cinema where you can unwind blissfully whilst managing your food coma. If you have a London Pass you can watch any movie at the Curzon Cinema Mayfair for free. Simply show your pass at the ticket booth. Last entry on a weekend is 17.00 and one cinema ticket per pass. A perfect post-brunch activity. All-Star Lanes Activity | Cheap | Bottomless Brunch served until 4pm Saturdays and Sundays If you’d like to up your brunchin’ game and add an activity to the mix after you’ve eaten then All-Star's Bowling Alley is the place to go. Offering homemade American favourites such as waffles, salt beef hash, buttermilk fried chicken, just to name a few, plus you have the option to go bottomless! With unlimited Prosecco, Mimosas or a wide selection of craft beers all at your fingertips. Also FYI, at the Brick Lane venue they provide live music to take your afternoon brunch to the next level. Various locations including Holborn, Brick Lane, Bayswater, Shepherds Bush and Stratford based in Westfield Telephone: (44) 020 7025 2676 Insider tip – If you're planning on chowing down at either of the Westfield venues and fancy a spot of retail therapy - be sure to show your London Pass to the concierge desks to receive you V.I.P Pass which entitles holders to a range of discounts from over 80 participating retailers and restaurants. Bourne & Hollingsworth Luxury | Good value | Bottomless drinks Brunch available Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 4pm Feast on the exceptional brunch menu whilst also feasting your eyes on the stunning interiors of Bourne & Hollingsworth. Despite the high-quality food and Instagram-worthy surroundings, it’s perfect for that budget-busting weekend before payday. There is also bottomless drinks on house Bellini, Bloody Mary’s and bubbles. This venue is perfect for a sophisticated - and still inebriated - afternoon. 42 Northampton Rd, London, EC1R 0HU Telephone: (44) 0203 1741156
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