Kensington Palace
 

Anyone have any opinions on visiting Kensington Palace? I'm really interested in going, but whenever I read a review about it, it seems like people think it's only just okay, not anything spectacular. Do you think it's worth going to? Would my time be better served going to the Victoria and Albert Museum instead if I could only pick one? Kensington Palace is kind of expensive so I'm wondering if it's worth it. I love royal history and do think I would enjoy the fashion exhibits.

Yes it is 'worth' it . . . IF you have enough time and aren't cutting some other major 'must see'.

Have you been to London and/or the V&A before? I've been through Kens Palace maybe 3 times and visited the V&A probably 20-25 times. ( :) while I was typing this an e-mail popped up from the V&A - small world)

If I could only do one -- it would be the V&A. But if I had a whole day for the Kens/South Kens area then I'd do both -- The V&A, lunch there, a walk through the park and finish up at the Palace.

I really enjoyed it, I don't know what it would have to be like to be spectacular. The two aren't comparable as one is a museum.

Thank you both. This will be my second trip to London so I've seen a lot of the must-do's. I'm asking because I will be 5 months pregnant when I am in London in June. Just in case I am feeling more tired than normal, I'm trying to plan each day so that there is a priority thing to do and then a second option if I still have energy. I will have 4.5 days there. Based on your info I think I'll prioritize the V&A (never been before) on the day I'm in the Kensington area...

I, too, would choose the V&A over Kensington Palace.

I just wrote on another post that when we visited Kensington Palace 5 years ago they were doing renovations and it was not enjoyable.

The V&A is fabulous--don't miss it. Son enjoyed the science museum across the street too. We went to the V&A twice now and the last time I saw the exhibit on the wedding dresses. I recommend a really good Italian restaurant nearby called Orsini. A little family run place with really good food at reasonable prices. When we visited we ate there are few times because we enjoyed it so much.

If you have a day to visit Hampton Court Palace--that is well worth a visit.