Top Diana sites to see in London, in 2024
The best places to visit, commemorating Diana, Princess of Wales
When I last visited Kensington Palace, I heard an American family approach a guide. “Where’s Diana’s wedding dress?” they asked - a question, you could tell, was one the palace workers received, daily. “I’m afraid it’s not here,” was the reply to the disappointed tourists. The wedding dress was last exhibited there in 2022, but is not on permanent display, so visitors to London should note it’s not something you can usually see.
However, there’s plenty more to do, for Diana-fans. Even though it’s 27 years since she tragically passed away in Paris, on August 31, 1997, following in Diana’s footsteps remains one of the most popular things to do for visitors to London. A previous post about Diana, is still one of my most-read newsletters of all-time. So, to commemorate the anniversary, I thought I’d put together an updated list of Diana sites to see if you are in London. For anyone interested in more news on the Royal Family, do check out our sister newsletter The Royal List.
Tour her former home, Kensington Palace
I always recommend visitors make time to go to Kensington Palace when in London. It’s open year-round, unlike Buckingham Palace and is a really pretty little palace to walk around. Still synonymous with Diana, you tour the State Apartments and can see the special exhibitions, such as the current one, Untold Lives. The gardens are gorgeous and there are various cafes to eat in. The statue of Diana is in the Sunken Garden, which you can only access with a ticket to the palace. Note: The private homes of the Royal Family and Diana, are behind the Palace and not accessible to visitors. To book, visit www.hrp.org.uk
Take the Diana Memorial Walk
If you have time, do take the seven-mile Diana Memorial Walk, following a trail of markers that take you through some of London’s loveliest areas, including St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens as well as Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James’s Palace and Spencer House, her family’s London home. You can download the map here.
Visit the Fountain and Playground
The memorial fountain built to honour Diana is in Hyde Park, near the Serpentine. It’s a nice, peaceful place to visit - see here. And near Kensington Palace, you’ll find the extremely-popular Diana Memorial Playground, enjoyed by a million children a year - it’s a good respite for anyone travelling with children. See details here.
See St Paul’s Cathedral, where she wed
One of London’s most famous landmarks, St Paul’s Cathedral, was where Charles and Diana got married, in 1981, instead of Westminster Abbey. Do make time to see Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and wander around the City, which is full of history. For more on St Paul’s, visit here.
Walk past her first flat, Coleherne Court
Near South Kensington and Earl’s Court, you’ll find the place where Diana was happiest – her first flat in Coleherne Court, Old Brompton Road. This Edwardian apartment block was where she lived from 1979 to 1981, with three friends, before she got engaged. It was awarded a blue English Heritage plaque, so you can spot it from the street.
Wander along Kensington High Street, which she loved
Diana was often spotted shopping in Kensington High Street and for anyone who has never been, it’s full of upmarket shops, cafes and restaurants. Explore the streets around it too, where you’ll find Launceston Place, San Lorenzo and Bombay Brasserie, where she used to like to eat. She even popped to McDonald’s there on occasion, with William and Harry. For more, visit here.