Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Contemporary edged royal palace steeped with history from the last 400 years.

Funky Features:

Interior: Rotating exhibitions by in-house curators, timeless one off pieces from the Royal Collection, Grinling Gibbons original trimmings, William Kent intricate ceiling murals, Van Dyke portraits, wind dial anemoscope. Until 2012 the Enchanted Palace Exhibition, featuring stunning installations fashioned by world famous designers, including Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest, Stephen Jones, Boudicca, Aminaka Wilmont and Echo Morgan.

Exterior: Sunken Garden, view of Kensington Gardens.

Location and History

Acquired by William and Mary in 1689, Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to transform the site into the beautiful palace it is today. Set amid the tranquility of Kensington Gardens in the heart of West London, Kensington Palace is steeped in history and has been a royal residence for over 300 years.

During this time the palace has been at the centre of royal life from playing host to the courts of William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I and George II, to being the birthplace and childhood home for the future Queen Victoria.

More recently Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret inhabited the walls of the palace and today the palace houses a collection of dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Located in Kensington Gardens on the edge of Hyde Park, just off Kensington High Street, the palace is extremely accessible. A short walk from Queensway, High Street Kensington or Notting Hill Gate underground stations; the nearest mainland station is Paddington and vehicle access is available via the Bayswater Road through the staffed gate.

Interior

Try to keep your jaw from dropping. There is much to see here from the English baroque interiors favoured by William and Mary, to the contemporary kingfisher blue walls of Princess Margaret’s Drawing Room and Lord Snowden’s kitchen extractor fan.

Exquisite historical artworks, such as the beautiful embroidered bed of Mary of Modena, can be enjoyed here; as can beautiful ceiling murals painted by William Kent including the extraordinary Cupola Room trompe l’oiel ceiling painted with brilliant golds and blues and dominated by the Star of the Order of the Garter.

The Kings Gallery is also home to a wind dial anemoscope made by Robert Morden in 1694 and painted to depict the four continents in four corners of world (as perceived at that point in time before Australia was discovered). Guided tours for guests wanting to explore the State Apartments can be arranged for groups of up to fifty to view the historical masterpieces up close and personal.

The Orangery, built for Queen Anne in 1704, with its Portland stone terrace is situated within its own private gardens and is a delightful characteristic blank canvas with large windows overlooking the grounds, exquisite white panelling, Grinling Gibbons original wood carvings and Corinthian columns. The graceful, serene venue also features a removable bar and is the perfect shape for a fashion show or wedding reception. The space can be extended outside with the use of a marquee.

Spaces for hire

With such a variety of exquisite spaces catering to different types of events, from wedding receptions, music recitals, marquee parties, fashion shows, dinners and many more; there are endless options for most events and Kensington Palace’s knowledgeable and dedicated staff are on hand to offer help and advice to help shape the palace experience into the perfect affair.

The State Apartments: Queen Victoria celebrated her 80th birthday here in 1899 by throwing open the State Apartments to the public. This luxurious collection of rooms can be hired for receptions of up to 200 or dinner for up to 170, surrounded by masterpieces from the Royal Collection and carefully conserved décor.

The Orangery: One of the most popular and versatile spaces for hire on the palace grounds. With a capacity ranging from 150 for dinner and dancing to space for 1,000 or more (with a marquee on the manicured lawn).

Sunken Garden: Another popular space for pre-dinner drinks is the stunningly Sunken Garden, once admired by Samuel Pepys and a haven of peace and tranquility.

Apartment 1a: Apartment 1A is ideal for smaller events and for those seeking a truly unique experience. The contemporary decor set inside the historic Kensington Palace creates a real sense of modern royal life. The Drawing Room can seat 40 for lunch dinner, 60 for receptions or theatre style and 20 with a boardroom arrangement.

In order that the standard of the cuisine matches the magnificence of the setting, Kensington Palace work closely with an exclusive selection of caterers who are able to offer the finest food and wines to provide a truly memorable experience. The chosen caterer will arrange all furniture, crockery, cutlery and glassware, together with menus as required. Kensington Palace also operates a list of approved suppliers for marquee hire, production, entertainment and floristry.