Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens showing autumn leaves and a garden as well as an individual male
Kensington Gardens which includes a garden
Kensington Gardens featuring flowers, a park and wild flowers
Kensington Gardens featuring a garden and autumn leaves as well as a small group of people
Kensington Gardens showing a park as well as a large group of people


The former gardens of Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born, continue to provide a picturesque area of trees and lakes in the centre of the city.

Kensington Gardens is one of the Royal Parks of London that used to belong to a palace. Now, the gardens cover an area of 242 acres (98 hectares) in the city. Along with several other large parks, Kensington Gardens adds a scenic and tranquil quality to the heart of the city. It has large trees, well-kept lawns, sports areas and lakes. There is a memorial to Princess Diana that serves as a playground for children. Queen Victoria was born in the palace designed by a famous architect.

Take a look at Kensington Palace. It was commissioned by King William III and designed by the famous architect Christopher Wren, who also masterminded St. Paul’s Cathedral. It has a rich history entwined with the monarchy and is the birthplace of Britain’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Victoria. It was also the official residence of Princess Diana until her death in 1997.

Take the kids to the late princess’ memorial playground. It features a giant wooden pirate ship, a climbing frame and a sandpit. Have breakfast or lunch at The Orangery restaurant in the palace against a backdrop of charming gardens.

Have a picnic on the lawn with a view of the swans in the pond. Cycle around the vast grounds. Expect to find many walkers, joggers and commuters on the paths. Watch or join in on an informal game of cricket or soccer on the spacious fields.

Walk across a large chunk of the city of London via its parks, beginning with Kensington Gardens in the west. Traipse across Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James’s Park on your scenic route through the city. See Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral along the way.

The park was designed early in the 18th century in the western portion of Hyde Park. It opens to the public daily from dawn until late in the afternoon. Entry is free.

Kensington Gardens is based in Kensington in the west of London. Due to the park’s large size, there are many London Underground stations situated around it, such as High Street Kensington, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge. There are also numerous bus stations.

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Things to do near Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens presents a myriad of activities, from exploring art galleries and enjoying theatrical performances to indulging in shopping experiences. Visitors can embark on an autumn adventure, soaking in the vibrant foliage, or take part in city trips that showcase the area's rich history. For those seeking city adventures, the gardens serve as a perfect starting point to discover the lively surroundings of London.

Shopping

Kensington Gardens offers delightful shopping experiences close by. Harrods is a renowned store only 1.4km away, while Portobello Road Market, just 1.3km away, showcases unique treasures. Westfield London Shopping Centre, situated 3.2km from the gardens, provides a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 8.0km from Kensington Gardens. For a peaceful retreat, visit Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, where you can unwind amidst nature. Experience luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 8.0km distant, perfect for a refined leisure day.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning views 14.5km from Kensington Gardens. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, located 4.8km away, provides an exciting challenge. Additionally, the Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km distant, promises exhilarating karting adventures.

Nightlife

In Kensington Gardens, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Eventim Apollo and London Palladium Theatre, both 3.2km away, offer captivating performances, while Curzon Mayfair, just 1.6km away, presents the latest films. Enjoy the cultural and romantic vibes that enhance your evening in this vibrant area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens offers a delightful array of attractions, including vibrant streets, picturesque squares, and lush urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and family-friendly experiences that this enchanting area provides. Whether you're exploring the artistic heritage or enjoying a leisurely stroll, Kensington Gardens caters to all, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of London.

  • Hyde Park: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of London’s largest parks, where you can enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and boating on the Serpentine. It’s an ideal spot for family outings and outdoor activities, all set against a backdrop of beautiful greenery.
  • Buckingham Palace: Delve into British history at the official residence of the monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning State Rooms during the summer months, offering a glimpse into royal life and culture.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Immerse yourself in the bustling heart of London, where neon lights and vibrant crowds create an exhilarating atmosphere. This iconic junction is perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking up the energetic city vibe.

Best time to go to Kensington Gardens

The best time to visit Kensington Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kensington Gardens

For a budget-friendly trip to Kensington Gardens, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel around a month in advance, or check last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Sundays are the most economical days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-certified hotels and arrange your travel package to save more. Additionally, look for flexible cancellation options and consider booking directly for better deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kensington Gardens are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kensington Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kensington Gardens is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Kensington Gardens is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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