Kensington Gardens is one of the most beautiful areas in all of London, offering a stunning landscape of manicured lawns, famed monuments and even the chance to glimpse the park’s own allotment. This area was once part of Hyde Park, and adjoins Kensington Palace. Here are a few of the major sights to see, giving you plenty of reasons to stop by during your visit to the city…
Kensington Palace
The palace itself is one of the main reasons visitors are drawn to visit Kensington Gardens. This is hardly surprising; this beautiful venue is currently the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and areas of the palace are open for public visits. It’s only a short stroll to reach the stunning state apartments, or enjoy a bite to eat in the adjoining café within The Orangery.
Serpentine Gallerie
The Serpentine Galleries are another top reason to make the trip to Kensington Gardens. Serving up cultural delights from the world of contemporary art and architecture, there are two galleries in operation here, the brand new Serpentine Sackler Gallery housed within a historic gunpowder store, and the original Serpentine Gallery, first opened in 1970.
The Albert Memorial
One of London’s most highly decorated monuments, the Albert Memorial is dedicated to Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, who died in 1861. The monument celebrates the many achievements of Albert’s life, alongside his interests, such as the Great Exhibition. For guests at the Grand Park London Kensington hoping to glimpse a true piece of royal and cultural history, this is a great space to spend some time.
The Allotment Garden
This delightful allotment is open to the public, who can come and see what’s growing or simply pop along to relax. There’s also scope to discover some handy tips for your own gardening. The allotment is open to all, with sustainability talks as well as the chance to meet the delightful allotment chickens who are in residence here.
Diana Memorial Playground
Created in homage to Princess Diana, the Diana Memorial Playground is within easy reach of our accommodation in Kensington, and makes for a fantastic place to take children. The space is designed to help inspire young minds with a range of physical, social and creative pursuits.
Peter Pan Statue
The Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens is dedicated to perhaps the area’s most famous fictitious resident, who touches down here in one of J.M Barrie’s tales. The statue has stood in the same spot since 1912. It is immensely popular with visitors, surrounded by bronze rendered wildlife and fairies, ideal for indulging in a bit of childlike magic during your stay at the Park Grand London Kensington.
Italian Gardens
Founded during the 1860s, this beautiful Italian-inspired water garden is considered a site of importance by Historic England, who gave it a Grade II listing. Undergoing a restoration in 2011, the original stonework and fountain are now back gleaming as they would have been in the garden’s early days.
Elfin Oak Sculpture
This impressive sculpture was designed from the trunk of an ancient oak tree in 1930, and subsequently gifted to the park. It has appeared in numerous pop culture references including being used as an album cover – and has its own Grade II classification.
