Arrival day sightseeing - Kensington Palace?

I would say it is a good option. We went on a day I was particularly tired. We made it through in about 2 hours, maybe less. I am sure I missed some things, but over all I am glad we went because it was interesting. I don't remember a lot from it, but I know if I go back and look at pictures I will. The palace was included in our royal palaces membership, so we essentially didn't have to pay. If you are not concerned about wasting money, I'd say go. Otherwise, I think the admission price might be a little high for what it is. That depends on your areas of interest. The other palaces I thought you got a lot more for your money. Certainly worth going to, and you can walk around the gardens afterward if they close before you are ready to go back to your hotel.

I agree with Stacey. I thinks it's a good idea to start off with a little history. Also, a new fashion exhibit starts on July 4.but if that's not your cup of tea you might still be able to get a proper one at the Orangery. As Rick says, fresh air is the best antidote for jet lag. Don't forget to take a look at the Albert Memorial while you're strolling in the park.

I have to say I don't think Kensington Palace is good value for money. I have been a couple of times and have been underwhelmed. You could spend a few hours in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens - stop at the Serpentine for a drink or snack.

I agree that it's underwhelming, but I can see some advantages to this plan. It's an easy day, and the palace is manageable in terms of size and less stressful than, say, heading right to the Tower. And then there is the Park nearby. Outdoors time is vital on the first day. Also, the Orangery at the Palace does a lovely, reasonably priced tea. I don't know about you, but I am always famished when I'm jet lagged. If you think Kensington will be interesting to you, I say go for it.

My opinion is that it is very underwhelming. It is mostly a museum of historical fashions and not well presented. There are a few historic rooms to view. At the time I was there (2009), there was no reference to Diana. Unless fashions or just being in the spaces where Diana lived or where Queen Victoria was born are really important to you, I'd suggest just strolling the gardens and neighborhoods nearby.

The exhibitions at Kensington Palace were extensively remodelled in 2012 so previous experience may not reflect what is there today. However the theatrical imagineering might not be to everyone's taste either.Whispering walls ....

If you really want to do something indoors, maybe consider visiting Apsley House, located near the Wellington Arch in Hyde Park Corner. You could have a nice walk diagonally across the park, and if you got to Hyde Park Corner by 16:00, you would have an hour inside Apsley House. It only costs £6.70 per adult, so you wouldn't be spending much for the short visit. You could then walk toward Green Park or even a bit further to Piccadilly Circus and find a place for dinner along the way, then take the Tube back to Bayswater. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/apsley-house/ The nude marble statue of Napoleon as 'Mars the Peacemaker' by Canova should help to pop your jet-lagged eyes open. ;)

I would definitely NOT recommend Kensington Palace. It is now all about exhibitions which have nothing to do with the Palace itself. It is not furnished with anything but whatever exhibition is currently scheduled. I would recommend one of two options. If you would like a nice walk, I would walk around in Hyde Park. If you want something inside, I would opt for the Victoria and Albert Museum. Well, actually another very interesting option would be a tour of the Royal Albert Hall.

Thanks for all the input! Of the suggestions for alternatives, I might like the V&A Museum best. Looks like it is a direct tube ride from Bayswater to near the museum, we could have 1 1/2 hours looking around there before it closes, and then walk back to our hotel (about a 40 minute walk). On the way back we'd be strolling through Kensington Park, could see the gardens outside of the palace (do those stay open even after the palace is closed?), and would be getting the walking exercise everyone says is a good idea on the travel day. Interesting that the RS and other guidebooks seem to have a higher opinion of the touring value of Kensington Palace than most travelers.

The V&A is actually a better idea, which combines the advantages of your plan I mentioned above with a more interesting location to visit. The park and grounds around Kensington Palace are the best part, and you can still have tea without Palace admission. I am a big royalty/palace nut and I didn't care much for Kensington (pre-renovation). It's just a really big house. I saw an exhibition on Diana's fashion, which was mildly interesting. And I'm also a fashion nut! I'd say, if you want a working palace wait till the jet lag has passed and take a day trip to Windsor (or Buckingham Palace if you are there at the right time to see it.) I only got about an hour and a half in the V&A on my most recent, third visit to London, and I was sad I'd not made more time for it. If you need to get outside while you are in the museum, there is a nice courtyard you can walk out to. And then the stroll to/from Kensington will be lovely.

While I really like the V&A, I'm going to suggest something totally different. I find it hard to visit museums and other indoor sites after an overnight flight. I like to get out and walk around. For a, "I've just arrived in London" feel, I would suggest the following: 1) Take the Circle line to Westminster
2) Get out and walk across the bridge to the other side of the Thames. 3) Look across the river for a great view of one of the iconic sights of London ... The Houses of Parliament 4) Walk east along the path on the Thames until you are ready to turn back. By walking along the river, you can't get lost so you don't need to tax your jetlagged brain.