Rubrik
Intro
Discover London’s Kensington Gardens. Situated west of Hyde Park, here you will find Kensington Palace, lovely cafes, beautiful walks, must see monuments and the Italian Garden.
Plan your visit
Kensington Gardens is one of London’s eight Royal Parks. It’s located by Hyde Park, the two are divided in the middle by a road. Together they make a large green area in the heart of London. Kensington Gardens is popular with locals and tourists alike, and on a sunny day, you won’t be alone!
Open year around, entrance is free, you can see the Italian Garden and Prince Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall, Diana memorial playground and visit Kensington Palace. The Garden is well kept and you will find seasonal flowers, wildlife, and visit cafes or playgrounds.
History
Touch upon the history of Kensington Gardens, originally part of Hyde Park and separated by King William III in 1689.Originally, Kensington Gardens was a hunting park for Henry VIII. Kensington Garden was part of Hyde Park until 1689, when William III and Queen Mary made Kensington Gardens to a private garden for their new home – Kensington Palace.
The foundation of today’s Kensington Gardens dates back to 1728 and Queen Caroline, wife of George II. It’s then that the Serpentine is created as to look like a natural lake.
Until 1841, the garden had been closed to the public, except on Sundays when it was open for park visitors that were dressed respectably.
What to see
Opposite the Royal Albert Hall is the Albert Memorial, after Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, whom died in 1861. The monument is a design by George Gilbert Scott in the gothic style.
By the Serpentine, you will find a bronze statue of Peter Pan. The statue was paid for by the author J. M. Barrie, who wrote Peter Pan, often spending time in Kensington Gardens and using it for inspiration for the book.
There are two art galleries for contemporary art in Kensington Gardens to explore. Entrance is free and they are open at Tue-Sun 10am-6pm when there is an exhibition on.
Kensington Gardens also has an allotment with homegrown vegetables and chickens. It’s open every day from 10am to 16.30pm.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace was built for King William and Queen Mary, whom moved in there in 1689. Extensions to the Palace have later been made, such as the Queens apartments and a few galleries. Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, and lived there until she became queen. Today, it is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Kensington Palace is open to the public, and tickets must be bought online.
South and North Flower Walk
By the Albert Memorial is the South Flower walk, a Victorian garden with a great mixture of flowers and trees making it a beautiful walk all year around. In the north is the North Flower Walk, which is more informal with trees and perennials and tree sculptures.
Both the North and South walk is open when the park is open and it’s free to enter.
The Italian Garden
The Italian Garden was made in the 1860 as a gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria. It’s a beautiful spot on a sunny day, with fountains, statues and seasonal flowers. The garden i located north east in Kensington Gardens, close to Lancaster Gate.
Princess Diana Memorial Walk
Diana Memorial Walk is a 7 mile, or just over 11km, walk following 90 plagues in the grown, where you can see some sights significant to Princess Diana’s life.
It will take you through four of the eight Royal Parks in London, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green park and St James’s Park. You will walk past some Royal residences: Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St James’s Palace.
Don’t forget to visit the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens and the statue of Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.
Cafés and Restaurants
In Kensington Gardens you will find the Italian Gardens Café, by the Italian Gardens, the Broad Walk Café by the Diana Memorial Playground, two Kiosks, Albert memorial and Palace Gate, and a vintage ice-cream van, also by the Italian Gardens.
Kensington Palace also has a café for its visitors, or you can have afternoon tea in The Orangery by the sunken garden.
Public transport
Underground: Central line to Queensway or Lancaster Gate in the north, or High Street Kensington as a short walk for entrance in the southwest.
Opening times and admission
The park is open daily 6am-4.30pm. This might vary depending on sunset, so always check before going.
The park is free to enter. Kensington Palace has a separate ticket fee.
