Kensington Gardens Tours

Kensington Gardens featuring fall colors and a garden as well as an individual male
Kensington Gardens showing a park
Kensington Gardens featuring a park, wildflowers and flowers
Kensington Gardens featuring autumn leaves and a park 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 center 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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Best Lodging Options Near Kensington Gardens

Central Park Hotel

Central Park Hotel

3 out of 5
49/67 Queensborough Terrace, London, England
Central Park Hotel
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

4 out of 5
68-86 Cromwell Road, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
Mitre House Hotel

Mitre House Hotel

3 out of 5
178-186 Sussex Gardens, London, England
Mitre House Hotel
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Caesar Hotel

The Caesar Hotel

4 out of 5
26-33 Queens Gardens, Hyde Park, London, England
The Caesar Hotel
Grand Royale Hyde Park

Grand Royale Hyde Park

4 out of 5
1-9 Inverness Terrace, London, England
Grand Royale Hyde Park
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kensington Gardens

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Kensington Gardens, where you can enjoy live entertainment, indulge in shopping at unique boutiques, and take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Hyde Park. This picturesque area offers a perfect blend of art, theater, and outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable visit filled with culture and relaxation.

Shopping

Kensington Gardens offers great shopping options. Harrods, only 0.9 miles away, features luxury goods. Portobello Road Market, 0.8 miles away, is perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 2 miles away, provides a wide range of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For a serene escape, Hampstead Heath offers tranquil walking paths and lush greenery, perfect for relaxation. Indulge in luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, where you can unwind in an elegant setting while enjoying world-class tennis.

Adventure

Experience a thrilling ride at the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9 miles from Kensington Gardens, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, the Castle Climbing Centre, 6 miles away, has exciting routes. Additionally, enjoy exhilarating water sports with Back of Beyond Adventures, 7 miles from the gardens.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Kensington Gardens. Catch a show at the Eventim Apollo or the London Palladium Theatre for a cultural evening. For a romantic movie night, visit Curzon Mayfair, where you can enjoy the latest films in a charming atmosphere.

*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 in London is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a blend of culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of nearby streets and squares, and don’t miss iconic attractions like Kensington Palace. This urban park offers a serene escape while being close to the city's rich history and attractions.

  • Hyde Park: Explore this vast urban park, only 0.6 miles from Kensington Gardens. Enjoy family-friendly activities, serene outdoor spaces, and vibrant city vibes as you stroll through beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and open fields perfect for picnics.
  • Buckingham Palace: Discover the historic grandeur of Buckingham Palace, located 2 miles away. Immerse yourself in British culture as you witness the Changing of the Guard and admire the stunning architecture and lush gardens surrounding this iconic royal residence.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the energetic atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, also 2 miles from Kensington Gardens. This bustling street is famous for its neon lights and lively ambiance, making it a perfect spot for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

Best time to go to Kensington Gardens

The best time to visit Kensington Gardens is dependent 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

To save money during your visit to Kensington Gardens, consider traveling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance and check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Sundays, which are the cheapest nights. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and find the best prices. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts. For transportation, take advantage of London’s public transport system, which is affordable and efficient, or explore the gardens and nearby attractions on foot for free.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package with Expedia that combines your hotel stay at Kensington Gardens with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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