Kensington Gardens Tours and Activities

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


Top Kensington Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Central Park Hotel

Central Park Hotel

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

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London 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 Kensington Gardens, where you can enjoy stunning art, catch a theatre performance, and indulge in shopping. Don't miss the picturesque photo stops for memorable snapshots, and consider taking a leisurely city trip to soak in the sights. You can also unwind at a leisure centre, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration in this iconic London locale.

Shopping

Kensington Gardens offers delightful shopping experiences. Harrods, just 1.4km away, is perfect for luxury gifts. Portobello Road Market, 1.3km away, is great for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 3.2km away, features a wide variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at Wembley Stadium, just 8.0km away, where you can soak up the sporting atmosphere. For a tranquil escape, head to Hampstead Heath, located 6.4km away, offering peaceful walks and relaxation. Alternatively, indulge in luxury vibes at the Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 8.0km distant.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car gondola offering stunning views, located 14.5km from Kensington Gardens. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 4.8km away, provides an exhilarating indoor climbing experience. Don’t miss the adventure at Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km away, for an adrenaline rush.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at Eventim Apollo, a cultural theatre 3.2km away, perfect for family entertainment. Alternatively, catch a flick at Curzon Mayfair, only 1.6km from Kensington Gardens, offering a romantic cinema vibe. Don’t miss the London Palladium Theatre, also 3.2km away, for unforgettable performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Gardens

As a tourist in Kensington Gardens, you'll find a delightful mix of urban parks, squares, and cultural experiences. Explore the beautiful Kensington Gardens and its nearby attractions, including the historic Kensington Palace and its surrounding hotels. This area is perfect for families seeking leisure or culture, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation in London.

  • Hyde Park: This expansive urban park offers a serene escape with lush greenery, picturesque walking paths, and tranquil lakes. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Hyde Park is a hub of activity where you can enjoy picnics, boating, or simply soak in the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Buckingham Palace: As the iconic residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace exudes historical grandeur and cultural significance. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the opulent State Rooms, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the royal family.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A bustling hub of activity, Piccadilly Circus is famous for its bright lights and vibrant energy. Enjoy street performances, explore nearby shops, and indulge in local cuisine while experiencing the lively pulse of London’s city life.

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 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 travelling between January and March when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Sundays, the cheapest day to stay. Use the search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. For transport, take advantage of London’s public transport system or explore on foot to enjoy the gardens without extra costs. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also help you snag better deals.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Kensington Gardens about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Kensington Gardens hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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