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Kensington Gardens

Parks ·London ·Closed
4.735.3K
#6Parks in the UK#6Parks in LondonTravelers' Choice 2026
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Kensington Gardens

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Why go

  • Contemporary art at the Serpentine Gallery, which commissions a temporary pavilion each summer.
  • The Elfin Oak, a carved tree stump described as 900 years old.
  • The Round Pond, an artificial pool with an almost octagonal shape and paths radiating through the trees.

Opening hours

Today06:00 – 19:45Show all
Monday06:00 – 19:45
Tuesday06:00 – 19:45
Wednesday06:00 – 19:45
Thursday06:00 – 19:45
Friday06:00 – 19:45
Saturday06:00 – 19:45
Sunday06:00 – 19:45

Don't miss

  • Italian GardensSee four fountains, classical sculptures and a symmetrical layout.Near Lancaster Gate, extending from the Serpentine pools.
  • Peter Pan statueLook for the bronze figure on a pedestal decorated with climbing squirrels, rabbits and mice.By the Long Water.
  • Albert MemorialSee the memorial at the park’s south-east corner, opposite the Royal Albert Hall.South-east corner of Kensington Gardens.
  • OrangeryThe building beside Kensington Palace now houses a restaurant.Beside Kensington Palace.
  • Queen Victoria statueSee the statue by Princess Louise outside Kensington Palace.Outside Kensington Palace.

What you see

  • Historic tree avenues open onto broad vistas.

With kids

  • The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground has a wooden pirate ship inspired by Peter Pan.

Photo spots

  • Round PondTree-lined paths radiate from this roughly octagonal pool, offering different views of Kensington Palace, with Queen’s Temple on the horizon.Around the pond, choosing a path for your palace view.

Shorts

History

Broad Walk became a popular promenade during Charles II’s reign. In 1837, Queen Victoria moved the court to Buckingham Palace, diminishing the gardens’ appeal.

  1. OriginsKensington Gardens began as the western section of Hyde Park, created by Henry VIII as a royal hunting ground.
  2. 1689William III acquired the grounds for their quiet setting and healthy air, then commissioned Christopher Wren to build Kensington Palace.
  3. 1702Queen Anne added 16 hectares from Hyde Park and commissioned an English-style garden and an Orangery beside the palace.
  4. 1728Queen Caroline began major redesign work, adding land from Hyde Park and hiring Charles Bridgeman.
  5. 1841Kensington Gardens opened to the public.
Show all
  1. Around 1860Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria the Italian Gardens.
  2. 1872The Albert Memorial was erected in memory of Prince Albert.
  3. 1909The Sunken Garden was created beside Kensington Palace.

How to get there

  • TrainNearby Tube stations include High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Queensway and Lancaster Gate.

Sources: Kensington Gardens - Wikipedia · London/South Kensington-Chelsea - Wikivoyage (s… · Kensington Gardens | The Royal Parks · Kensington Gardens - Wikipedia · Kensington Gardens - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026

Where
The Magazine Storeyard, London

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

How is Kensington Gardens different from Hyde Park?

Kensington Gardens is fenced and has a more formal layout.

What is the Long Water in Kensington Gardens?

It is the section of the Serpentine within Kensington Gardens.

What separates Kensington Gardens from Hyde Park?

West Carriage Drive and the Serpentine Bridge mark the boundary.

Is there somewhere to eat in Kensington Gardens?

The Orangery beside Kensington Palace houses a restaurant.

What are Kensington Gardens’ opening hours?

The gardens are open daily from 06:00 to 19:45.

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