Kensington Gardens

Neighbour to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens has over 270 acres of beautiful landscape and hidden gems. Locals and tourists alike flock to this garden in the summer to catch some rays and flight kites or enjoy crafting a snowman in the winter months. The gardens are shared by our beautiful K&C borough, as well as with the famous Westminster borough. The park also exhibits the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace, the Princess Diana Memorial Walk and Diana Memorial Playground, the Peter Pan statue and an allotment.

Italian Gardens

The Italian Gardens is located in the northern section of Kensington Gardens and nearest to Lancaster Gate tube station. Designed as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria in 1860, the extravagant marble work and detailed stone statues seem to whisper the tale of true love and romance. The Pump House on the edge of the gardens exhibits Albert and Victoria’s initials and use to house an old steam engine, which was used to operate the fountains.

The Albert Memorial

Designed by George Gilbert Scott and unveiled in 1872, the Albert Memorial pays tribute to Prince Albert who died from typhoid fever at the young age of 42. The statues surrounding the main piece represent Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The entire design celebrates Prince Albert’s passion for the arts, as well as Victorian achievement.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Gardens is home of Wills, Kate, and Prince George’s official residence – Kensington Palace. In fact, the gardens itself used to be private gardens for the palace back in 1689 when William III bought the land. It is said that he suffered terribly from asthma but found the land to be quiet and have breathable air. He commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to enlarge the property that was already there – Nottingham House – to what is now known as Kensington Palace. During the rebuild, his wife, Mary II, sadly died of smallpox, so the project was put on hold for sometime after.

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk & Diana Memorial Playground

Paying tribute to the beloved Diana Princess of Wales who died tragically at the age of 36, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk guides you through London’s beautiful parks as a remembrance to our beautiful Princess. The walk is guided by specially designed plaques leading visitors through St. James’ Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and, of course, Kensington Gardens. The pathway in Kensington Gardens is particularly exceptional with colourful flowers and flourishing trees at every turn.

Kensington Gardens has also dedicated a children’s play area to Princess Diana given her love for all children. The play area features a pirate ship surrounded by a beach, a trail with Native American Indian teepees and various toys to keep your little ones entertained.

The Peter Pan Statue

Kensington Gardens has many a secret treasure, such as the Peter Pan statue to the west of the “Long Water” (a part of the Serpentine nearest to Kensington Gardens). This statue was created in honour of Peter Pan’s author, J.M. Barrie, who lived in the area and used the gardens as inspiration for his tales.

The statue was designed by Sir George Frampton and first presented in the gardens in 1912. It is located in the exact spot where J.M. Barrie describes Peter landing near the “Long Water” in his tale of the Little White Bird, also known as the Adventures in Kensington Gardens.

The Allotment

Hidden behind the Serpentine Sackler Gallery "Magazine" cafe, the Allotment in Kensington Gardens is a wonderful place for children and adults alike to learn about growing fruits and vegetables in an urban environment. They often have presentations and workshops on how to grow and maintain plants. The Allotment is open daily from 9:30am to 4pm along Buckhill Walk.