If you are visiting London for the first time, the sheer number and scale of things to see and do can be pretty overwhelming. Thankfully for those of us who like to take a little time out from city life, there is much more to this metropolis than you might imagine – with plentiful green space making up a significant portion of the city. One of the most popular destinations for visitors who want to commune with nature, Kensington Gardens provides lots of great sights. Here’s our quick guide for first-timers!
What are Kensington Gardens?
The area now known as Kensington Gardens was once the private garden space of Kensington Palace. Now opened to the public, they surround the palace itself, and provide 275 acres of natural beauty within easy reach of Montcalm Marble Arch.
The Serpentine
This large, 28-acre lake was man-made to provide a water feature which catered to both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. It has been the site of many different incarnations, first created for Queen Carolina (wife of George II) as a place for her to indulge her love of boats. Today, you can rent boats or simply enjoy the wildlife which gathers around the area.
The Serpentine Galleries
Located close to the Serpentine Lake, these two galleries hold an array of contemporary and traditional art which will appeal to established art fans and newbies alike. They are a mere five minutes apart, meaning it is only a short distance to visit both during your stroll through Kensington Gardens before enjoying a meal at the Montcalm Restaurant.
The Albert Memorial
Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, this memorial to Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, was unveiled in 1872. Standing at 182-feet, it is surrounded by marble figures from history, providing an intriguing walk through England’s past for first-time visitors to Kensington Gardens.
Peter Pan Statue
This statue is one of the major attractions for visitors to Kensington Gardens, providing a tribute to novelist JM Barrie’s most famous creation. Cast from bronze, it is an impressive sight and will delight both young and old due to the enduring popularity of the character. Whether you are heading off to explore the rest of the city or staying at the Montcalm to make the most of our spa deals in London, visiting the statue is a great addition to your trip.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground
This delightful play area for children is in commemoration of Princess Diana, who was one of the most famous residents of the local area. If you travel with younger guests, this is a great way to keep them entertained during your visit to the city, and it was specifically designed to allow children of all abilities to play together. There is lots of room in the surrounding area for adults to relax and grab a coffee or a bite to eat, making this a great space to spend some time during the warmer months.
