A Royal Palace in the centre of Kensington. A stone's throw from the busy high street, it is another reason why we feel so close to our Royal family. Their palaces are scattered around the centre of London, adding a grandeur to our public gardens. We tend to walk past, seeing these magnificent buildings as just part of the landscape, but Kensington Palace sets the tone for the whole of Kensington Gardens. Wherever you walk in the public gardens, the Palace catches your eye from every path. In fact, it is not unusual to see a helicopter land in the 'back garden', delivering the great and good securely home.

The birthplace of Queen Victoria, it was once a small, suburban villa, known as Nottingham House, a country retreat. Over the many years it has been transformed into a home for Britain's young royals. It was the home to Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret, and is now the official London residence for The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

It's a joy to walk around. There's a lot to see, and a lot to discover. Clothes, jewellery, furniture and art are all on display, and of course there is a garden to see, including the sunken garden and the Princess Diana statue. There is a permanent exhibition celebrating the childhood of Queen Victoria including a charming scrapbook and Victoria's dollhouse. Rooms have been recreated to include the decorative schemes she would have known as a young girl. It all forms part of London's rich history.