Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens features magnificent formal flowerbeds and avenues of beautiful trees and several features that will appeal to all ages
Kensington Gardens is contiguous with Hyde Park and covers 275 acres resulting in a total area of 625 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of the city.
These beautiful gardens were at one time the private gardens of Kensington Palace. Bordering 'Long Water' that divides them from Hyde Park, the gardens have a number of neat features in addition to the tree lined avenues and flower beds.
For kids there is the Diana Playground, a Peter Pan themed playground with a pirate ship and beach that was made in 2000 in memory of the Princess of Wales. Kids and adults will enjoy the Round Pond with it's variety of birds and where model ships have been sailed since Victorian times.
Created in 1861 the Italian Gardens are an ornamental water garden decorated with fountains, statues and ponds. Also built in 1861 is the Albert Memorial, a gold plated statue of Prince Albert encompassed by large sculptures and a canopy of stone.
Kensington Palace stands at the west end of the gardens. It was Queen Victoria's birthplace and has served as a royal palace since 1689. The State Rooms can be visited by the public subject to an admission charge (see below).
To satisfy your appetite the Boardwalk Cafe is open year round and has an outdoor seating area and also offers a children's menu. The gardens also have a couple of refreshment points serving coffee, sandwiches and other light fare.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoKensington Gardens Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Address: London, UK
Phone: 0300 061 2000
Official Website: Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens Reviews
Rated out of 5
A well maintained garden with utmost sense of calm and tranquil. If you are looking to ease your mind in the laps of nature, a definite place to visit and soak in all the natural elements.
Abhinav Bhole - a week ago
I happened to get there during night time, by accident, when the gardens were supposed to be closed to the public (I wont tell you how I accidentally managed to sneak into it). It was a very special experience, I think the best moment of my London’s trip. I felt intimate with the location, and it’s history.
Clément Thirion - 2 weeks ago
It's such a beautiful garden with a variety of sculptures and nature. We especially loved the Flower Walk, lined with flowers on each side of the pathway. Squirrels, pigeons, parrots, and other wildlife roam around as you walk through it.
Danni Larsen - 2 months ago
This is one of the Royal Parks of London that I enjoy visiting the most during trips to the city. It is situated just to the west of Hyde Park and separated by The Long Water and Serpentine.
I enjoy walking the crisscrossing walking paths that run through grassy and slightly wooded areas within the Gardens, There is a nice Rose Garden just to the west of the Albert Memorial. The Round Pond in front of Kensington Palace is always full of waterbirds, same situation often seen at the Long Water and Serpentine.
There are monuments found throughout the Garden grounds, including a most touching memorial to Princess Diana just to the south of The Serpentine.
Alas, you will find an exhibition gallery, boat rentals at The Serpentine, cafes, kiosks, public toilets within the Garden as well as the adjacent Hyde Park which can be easily combined during your visit to Kensington Gardens.
Brad - 2 weeks ago
What an amazing place for a walk on sunny day! Beautiful lake, lots of huge trees and green grass, making one hell of a scenario for picnics, taking pictures or just enjoying some fresh air.
Leandro Tosto - a month ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Central Line | Queensway and Lancaster Gate | 1 Minute |
| District and Circle Lines | Bayswater | 5 Minutes |
How to get to Kensington Gardens by Tube
From Lancaster Gate exit to your right and when you get to the crosswalk cross over to the park gate. Follow the path that goes in a southwesterly direction from the Italian Gardens.
From Queensway Station exit to your right walk west on Bayswater Road to the crosswalk adjacent to the park gate. Cross over and follow the Broadwalk path straight south into the park.
From Bayswater Station on the Central line exit to your right and walk south along B411 to Bayswater Road proceed as above.
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Accommodations near Kensington Gardens:
Photo Gallery
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Gate to Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens -
The Spectacular Prince Albert Memorial Watches over the Gardens -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Andy Hay - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: August Brill - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr
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