London Parks Kensington GardensKensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens covers 111 hectares (275 acres) and is planted with formal avenues of magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds. It is a perfect setting for Kensington Palace, extensive Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan statue and the Serpentine Gallery.
William III bought what was originally part of Hyde Park in 1689. An asthma sufferer, the king found the location quiet and the atmosphere refreshing, so he commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to design Kensington Palace. Queen Anne enlarged the Palace Gardens by 'transferring' 30 acres from Hyde Park and was responsible for the creation of the Orangery in 1704. Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace and lived there until she became queen in 1837.
One of the best loved features in Kensington Gardens is the bronze statue of Peter Pan. It features Peter Pan standing on a pedestal covered with climbing squirrels, rabbits and mice. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground and a seven-mile Memorial Walk, which also goes through Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park, were both opened in 2000. The Elfin Oak is a gnarled, partially hollow, stump, originally from Richmond Park. It is carved with the figures of fairies, elves and various small animals following the contours of the wood.
Outside Kensington Palace stands a statue of Queen Victoria sculpted by her daughter, Princess Louise, to celebrate 50 years of her mother's reign.
The park is open from 6am to dusk all year round.
Nearest Tube:
Lancaster Gate & Queensway - Central Line
Bayswater - District Line
High Street Kensington - Circle and District Lines
