Kensington Gardens

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

Explore the vibrant offerings near Kensington Gardens, where you can indulge in art galleries, enjoy captivating theatre performances, and indulge in a spot of shopping. The area is a delightful blend of culture and leisure, perfect for a leisurely day out. Wander through the picturesque gardens, take in the stunning surroundings, and immerse yourself in the local charm that London has to offer.

Shopping

For shopping near Kensington Gardens, visit Harrods, just 559m away, for luxury gifts, or explore Portobello Road Market, 497m away, for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 1.2km away, offers a vast selection of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Wembley Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for active enthusiasts. Enjoy live music at Shepherd's Bush Empire, where the entertainment vibe uplifts your spirit. Finally, relax at Hampstead Heath, a tranquil haven ideal for rejuvenation and leisurely strolls amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience a thrilling ride at the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning aerial views, located 5.6km from Kensington Gardens. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, only 1.9km away, provides an exhilarating climbing experience. Alternatively, enjoy the excitement of racing at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 1.9km away.

Nightlife

Kensington Gardens offers a delightful nightlife with the London Palladium Theatre and Eventim Apollo, both showcasing vibrant performances just 1.2km away. For a more intimate experience, enjoy a romantic film at the Electric Cinema, conveniently located 621m from the gardens.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens offers a delightful blend of urban parks and cultural attractions for visitors. Highlights include the stunning Kensington Palace, the charming gardens of London, and various family-friendly activities. Whether you're exploring the picturesque piazzas or enjoying the serene streets, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the historical significance of Kensington Castle and the beautiful surroundings that make this locale a must-visit destination.

  • Hyde Park: A vast urban oasis, Hyde Park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, or boating on the Serpentine, all while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Big Ben: This iconic clock tower stands as a symbol of British culture and history. Marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture and listen to the chimes that resonate throughout the city, marking the passage of time.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, this historic palace offers a glimpse into royal life. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the beautiful gardens that surround this emblem of culture.

Best time to go to Kensington Gardens

The best time to visit Kensington Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kensington Gardens falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kensington Gardens falls in January, 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kensington Gardens

To save money during your visit to Kensington Gardens, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can secure better deals, and last-minute offers on sites like Expedia may yield discounts. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Enjoy free activities in the gardens, and take advantage of London’s affordable public transport options.

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in Kensington Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.