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Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind of outdoor pursuit takes place within its 625 acres all year round. Horse-riding, rollerblading, swimming, boating, tennis, cycling, bowling and putting are just some of the formal activities catered for, while informal games of cricket, football, rugby and rounders regularly sprout up in the ‘Sports Field’ on the south side of the park. A number of famous London attractions are also housed within this central space. Hyde Park boasts the Speaker's Corner and the Serpentine lake, lido and art gallery, while Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, Albert Memorial and Diana Memorial Playground characterise Kensington Gardens. Both spaces have strong royal associations. In 1536, as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Henry VIII recalled Hyde Park back from the monks of Westminster Abbey, and began using it for hunting. In 1728, George II’s wife Queen Caroline engineered the introduction of water to the park by channelling a stream to create the Long Water and Serpentine. Public use of the park was banned in the 18th century and then only introduced years later to a contingent of “respectably dressed” folk. The situation now couldn’t be more different. From formally dressed horse-riders to scantily clad sunbathers, this area attracts and welcomes everyone. Its central location means it lures in folk from every walk of life and, as a result, is one of the most colourful, dynamic and fascinating green spaces in London. A full complement of events including free guided walks, concerts, workshops and entertainments complete the picture.
Best for:
Sunbathing and swimming, horse-riding and rollerblading, ducks, deckchairs, monuments and galleries.
Did you know?
Kensington Gardens hold bird records that date back more than a hundred years. |
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Alternative
Parks and Gardens Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Hyde Park |
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The Park Manager,
The Ranger's Lodge,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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0 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind ...More...
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Kensington Roof Gardens |
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99
Kensington High Street,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London,
W8
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28 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Unique rooftop garden in Kensington.
Now more a clubbing and “event” venue, these extraordinary roof gardens are still accessible to the general public during the day ...More...
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Local
Sights and Attractions Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Speakers' Corner |
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Hyde Park,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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0 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Area in Hyde Park designated for public speaking.
Not strictly classed “entertainment”, this bastion of British free public speech and free assembly can prove one of ...More...
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Princess Diana Memorial Fountain |
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Hyde Park,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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0 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| A year in the construction, this £3.6 million attraction opened in a blaze of farcical incompetence, as the architects discovered two shocking things: kids play ...More...
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Local
Hotels Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Hotels |
| The Cumberland |
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Great Cumberland Place,
Westminster,
London,
W1H7DL
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12 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| With artworks dotted around the hotel and a huge, bright, modern reception filled with sculptures and stark, overhead pools of lighting, first impressions are more ...More...
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| London Hotels |
| Thistle Marble Arch |
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Bryanston Street,
Westminster,
London,
W1A
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12 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Located at one end of Oxford Street, one of London's most famous shopping districts, with Bond Street not far and Hyde Park opposite, this Art ...More...
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Local
Event Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Event |
| Smoke |
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Pacha London,
Terminus Place,
Westminster,
London,
SW1V
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28 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Pacha's mission to recreate the glamorous Ibiza vibe in London means this is a beautiful nightclub, designed like a ballroom, with baroque decoration and plenty ...More...
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| London Event |
| Prom 48: Mahler's Fifth Symphony |
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Royal Albert Hall,
Kensington Gore,
Westminster,
London,
SW7
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15 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Prom 48 has a strong claim to offering the most hardcore first half of any concert performed this year in London. It opens with Mahler's ...More...
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Local
Shopping Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Shopping |
| The Spa at Mandarin Oriental |
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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park,
66
Knightsbridge,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London,
SW1X
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9 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| The vitality plunge pool, amethyst crystal steam room and zen colour therapy relaxation area are all part of the experience at the Spa at the ...More...
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| London Shopping |
| Cutler and Gross |
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16
Knightsbridge Green,
Westminster,
London,
SW1X
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10 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| If you're feeling flush and flashy then Cutler & Gross in Knightsbridge is a very exclusive place to invest in eyewear. They stock a selection ...More...
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Local
Dining Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Dining |
| The Park Terrace (Mandarin Oriental Hotel) |
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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park,
66
Knightsbridge,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London,
SW1X7LA
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9 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Quintessentially English, this pretty al fresco spot, attached to the Mandarin Oriental hotel and overlooking Hyde Park, offers a real summer treat. Enjoy a light ...More...
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| London Dining |
| Zuma |
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5
Raphael Street,
Westminster,
London,
SW7
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10 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| The most stylish of London's upmarket Japanese restaurants, Zuma is all dimly lit lamps and sunken tables sectioned off by dark wood screens. The service ...More...
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Local
Leisure Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Leisure |
| Hyde Park |
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The Park Manager,
The Ranger's Lodge,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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0 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind ...More...
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| London Leisure |
| Serpentine Boating Lake |
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The Boat House,
Serpentine Road,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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0 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Fed by a pure underground spring, and set in the heart of London's gorgeous Royal Parks, the Serpentine is one of the most pleasant places ...More...
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Local
Pubs Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Pubs |
| Victoria |
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10a
Strathearn Place,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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12 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| High up on a wall, behind the counter of this opulent, smart Victorian pub is a clock dated 1864. A framed copy of the Sun ...More...
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| London Pubs |
| The Duke of Kendall |
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38
Connaught Street,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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12 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| Sunday nights at the Duke of Kendal are not for the shy or retiring. If you're planning on coming by for a quiet pint you'll ...More...
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Local
Business Near Kensington Gardens |
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| London Business |
| The Dell, Hyde Park |
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Eastern side of the Serpentine,
Westminster,
London,
W2
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1 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| ...More...
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| London Business |
| Kent House Knightsbridge |
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Rutland Gardens,
Westminster,
London,
SW7
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9 minutes distance from Kensington Gardens
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| ...More...
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