Thousands travel to London each year to catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace. It’s the home of Queen Elizabeth II, and therefore the seat of the royal family who reigns over 16 countries throughout the Commonwealth. Her home in Central London is arguably the most visited area of the nation’s capital, and its architecture, gardens and guards are instantly recognisable all over the world.
Once you’ve looked around and marvelled at the majesty of one of Britain’s most important buildings, you might find you have a little time to explore before returning to your room in one of the best 4 Star Hotels in Kensington London. If you do, take a look at our picks for some great sites within three stops of the Buckingham Palace Tube.
Serpentine Gallery
The perfect place to visit after a fabulous brunch at our Park Grand London Kensington restaurant, the Serpentine Gallery lies nestled in the heart of Hyde Park. Just a few Tube stops from Buckingham Palace, the Serpentine Gallery provides an idyllic backdrop to an afternoon walk and will ensure you see a rich mix of culture and artwork from around the world.
The Houses of Parliament
There are many reasons why the Houses of Parliament are well worth a visit. A quick walk around the area will take you past some of the most recognisable sites in London, including the Thames, 10 Downing Street, Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben. The area has been the seat of British politics since parliament in England was in its infancy, and as such, there’s lots to be seen here.
Parliament Square
Parliament Square contains a multitude of statues commemorating many of the UK and the world’s most influential men, including Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. That was, until 2018, when the first ever statue of a woman to be immortalised there was unveiled. Head out to see Millicent Fawcett, Suffragist and activist, who, though small in stature, sends a big message to all who visit her.
Westminster Abbey
The marriages, baptisms and burials that have taken place at Westminster Abbey over the centuries include some of the United Kingdom’s and, indeed, the world’s most significant figures. A visit to the famous Abbey, which is just two Tube stops from Buckingham Palace or a short walk from our Kensington Park Hotel, London, will allow you to walk in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate on their wedding day. You can also visit the tombs of such influential historical great as Queen Elizabeth I, Rudyard Kipling and Sir Isaac Newton.
St Margaret’s Church
Westminster Abbey stands opposite St Margaret’s church which holds an interesting curiosity that is easily missed: a bust of Charles I. Legend has it that when the bust was unveiled, a bird carrying prey flew overhead and a drop of blood landed on the neck of the figure, forming a line across it. A few months later the King was beheaded by Oliver Cromwell’s men. Though the story is largely thought to be a myth, it’s certainly a key to an interesting piece of England’s history and worth sharing.
