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.

Plan a trip to see Kensington Gardens

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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
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Princes Gardens
Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel
The Caesar Hotel

The Caesar Hotel

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

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
Mitre House Hotel

Mitre House Hotel

3 out of 5
178-186 Sussex Gardens, London, England
Mitre House 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
Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens

Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens

4 out of 5
104 Bayswater Road, London, England
Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens
Royal Cambridge Hotel

Royal Cambridge Hotel

3 out of 5
124-126 Sussex Gardens, London, England
Royal Cambridge Hotel
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

Kensington Gardens offers a delightful mix of activities for tourists, from exploring the lush greenery to indulging in nearby shopping and arts. Stroll through the gardens and discover the iconic Albert Memorial, or enjoy a visit to the Serpentine Gallery. The area boasts excellent shopping options, with boutiques and high-street stores just a stone's throw away, making it perfect for a leisurely day of sightseeing and retail therapy.

Shopping

For shopping near Kensington Gardens, visit Harrods, just 1.4km away, for luxury gifts. Portobello Road Market, 1.3km away, offers unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Westfield London Shopping Centre, 3.2km away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Wembley Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, only 8.0km from Kensington Gardens. For a touch of music, visit Shepherd's Bush Empire, 3.2km away, to enjoy live performances. Alternatively, relax at Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, where nature rejuvenates your spirit.

Adventure

At IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, experience breathtaking views of London while gliding over the Thames on a thrilling cable car ride, located 14.5km away. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, only 4.8km away, offers exhilarating indoor climbing challenges suitable for all skill levels.

For a high-speed thrill, head to the Oasis Go-Kart Track, just 4.8km from Kensington Gardens, where you can race against mates in a fun-filled, adrenaline-pumping karting experience.

Nightlife

Experience an enchanting evening in Kensington Gardens with a visit to the London Palladium Theatre for a spectacular show, or catch a romantic film at Curzon Mayfair. For more live performances, Eventim Apollo offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family and cultural entertainment.

*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 offers a delightful mix of culture, family-friendly activities, and urban parks for travellers to explore. Key attractions include the iconic Kensington Palace and the surrounding picturesque streets and squares. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a cultural experience, this vibrant area has something for everyone, making it a perfect spot for a memorable visit in London.

  • Hyde Park: Located only 966m from Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park is an expansive urban oasis perfect for families and outdoor lovers. You can enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and even boating on the Serpentine, all while soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Big Ben: Approximately 3.2km away, Big Ben is not just a clock tower; it's an iconic symbol of London. Its majestic architecture and impressive chimes encapsulate the cultural essence of the city, making it a must-see landmark.
  • Buckingham Palace: Also 3.2km from Kensington Gardens, Buckingham Palace is a historic royal residence. Witness the Changing of the Guard and marvel at the stunning architecture, all while immersing yourself in British culture and history.

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 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 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 LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kensington Gardens

For a budget-friendly visit to Kensington Gardens, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Booking a month in advance often yields the best rates, especially on Sundays, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities in a package deal can also save you money. Don't forget to explore the park’s free attractions and utilise public transport options for economical travel around London.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can organise your results to display hotel prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Gardens with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package deal.