Hyde Park is perhaps the most famous park in London, and one of the most famous in the world. It’s a huge site, and carries with it heavy links to the Victorian era. The area in and around Hyde Park is rich with Victorian influence and some of the most pivotal moments of Queen Victoria’s life took place there.
With this in mind, let’s look at some of the sites you need to check out in the area. You’re not far away in your Montcalm Hotel London, and some stunning Victorian history awaits.
Abutting Hyde Park and separated from it by The Serpentine lake, Kensington Palace was one of Queen Victoria’s most cherished getaways.
As a child, Victoria spent much of her younger years playing in the palace and attendant gardens, no idea that one day she would be one of the most powerful monarchs to ever live. You won’t have far to go from any of our London boutique hotels to enjoy the splendour of the palace and grounds.
It was also here that Victoria first met Albert, and the encounter blossomed into the ageless love story that we all know. Nearby is the Albert Memorial, another important piece of Victorian history. It stands a full 180-feet tall and is carved from solid granite. Queen Victoria unveiled it herself and it remains today as a testament to the unshakeable bond between the queen and her departed husband.
Following the Great Exhibition held in London in 1851, Prince Albert wanted to create a permanent home for exhibiting the latest technology and advancements of the day. Sadly, Albert died before this dream was realised, but Queen Victoria kept the idea alive and laid the foundation stone herself in 1867.
Now one of the most famous concert venues in the country, The Royal Albert Hall is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture at its most grand. It’s just across the road from the Albert Memorial, so you can cover a great deal from your base at your Montcalm Hotel London.
Victorians were all about progress and the new, and the Science Museum is another example of their obsession. Founded in 1857, it’s a magnificent example of Victorian architecture, with grand columns and huge windows.
It’s a suitably impressive venue and also a great place to see the latest advancements in technology, all the while knowing that it was those forward-looking Victorians who built it. It’s very close to Hyde Park and easily accessible from our London boutique hotels.
Another of Prince Albert’s ideas, the Imperial College was envisioned by the prince as sitting alongside the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum, creating a sort of dedicated area in London for science and advancement.
Unfortunately, it was another project Albert didn’t live to see realised, but was instead pushed forward by Queen Victoria, who again laid the foundation stone, this time in 1888.
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