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A London sightseeing treasure, Kensington Palace has been home to royalty from long before Queen Victoria's birth there in 1819 to Princess Diana's residence until her death to today.

Queen VictoriaStill in use as a working Royal Residence, currently occupied by Prince Charles and his sons, William and Harry, there are many areas nonetheless available for public viewing - and have been since Queen VictoriaClick here to find a biography of Queen Victoria. opened the State Apartments to the public in 1899.

The Red Saloon, for example, located on the Garden Floor, was the location of Queen Victoria's first Privy Council in June, 1837 and has been restored to its original appearance.

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is an exhibit of gowns worn by various royal personages from the 18th century to the present. Even hats and handbags are on display at the Palace, showing over seventy hats belonging to Queen Elizabeth II.

Nearby are the King's Apartments with several paintings and other works of art from the Royal Collection.

In contrast to the splendor of the King's Apartments, and, discreetly far away, are the subdued Queen's Apartments. Built and furnished for Queen Mary II in the mid-17th century. There are several family portraits and many of the original furnishings.

The Victorian Rooms are accessible, including Victoria's bedroom where she first learned of her accession to the throne. The rooms are furnished with many of Victoria's and Albert's personal effects.

First constructed for the Earl of Nottingham in 1661, the interior of the palace isn't the only impressive sight. Outside are the extensive and varied Kensington Gardens with a number of things to do and see.

Designed and landscaped under the watchful eye of George II's wife, Queen Caroline, the expansive gardens adjoin Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. Combined, the Gardens and Hyde Park total 637 acres.

Serpentine LakeSerpentine Lake forms one of the many attractions, equally popular both with boaters and birds. Winding around, it's over a mile around, fed by an underground river. In addition, there's the Round Pond for feeding ducks and sailing model boats.

On the banks of the Serpentine the gardens contain an oft-visited bronze sculpture of Peter PanClick here for a book with the story of Peter Pan. , cast in 1912. There's also the Elfin Oak, almost as old, ornately carved with elves and fairytale creatures. Outside the entrance is a sculpture of the late Queen Victoria, made by her daughter.

There are elaborate Italianate fountains and dozens of quiet paths. But there are also areas for activities as ancient as kite flying and as modern as rollerblading. At the southeast corner is Wellington's Arch, leading to Green Park (next to Buckingham Palace).

A recent addition is the memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. A large, granite-block structure, it remains very popular several years after her death. The area is often festooned with flowers.

After you've tired yourself out, be sure to visit the Albert Hall, which was completed in 1871 as a memorial to the Queen's beloved consort. The oval hall has an impressive iron and glass domed roof. The 5,000 seat theater holds regular concerts and is a must-see for anyone who travels to London.

The palace and gardens are easily accessible via the tube (the London Underground subway system). Exit at High Street Kensington.

Sightseeing, Tours, Attractions and Things to do in London. See Kensington Palace and Gardens

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Queen Victoria - Princess Diana - Red Saloon - Garden Floor - Privy council - Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection - Queen Elizabeth II - King's Apartments - Queen's Apartments - Queen Mary II - Victorian Rooms - Earl of Nottingham - Queen Caroline - Serpentine Lake - Hyde Park - Elfin Oak - Wellington's Arch - Green Park - Buckingham Palace - Diana, Princess of Wales - Albert Hall - Peter Pan

Page Updated 5:15 PM Thursday 8/20/2015