Kensington Gardens Tours and Activities

Kensington Gardens showing autumn colours and a park as well as an individual male
Kensington Gardens showing a garden
Kensington Gardens showing flowers, a park and wild flowers
Kensington Gardens which includes autumn colours and a park as well as a small group of people
Kensington Gardens featuring a park 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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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
Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

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

The Columbia

3 out of 5
95-99 Lancaster Gate, London, England
The Columbia
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
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
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 with a variety of activities, including scenic walking tours that highlight the area’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Don't miss the chance to indulge in shopping and entertainment options nearby, showcasing London's diverse culture. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or experiencing the local theatre scene, Kensington Gardens offers a delightful blend of relaxation and excitement for every visitor.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Kensington Gardens, visit Harrods, located 1.4km away, or explore the vibrant Portobello Road Market just 1.3km away. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre is 3.2km from the gardens, offering a wide range of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Explore Hampstead Heath, a serene spot perfect for relaxation and leisurely walks amidst nature. For sports enthusiasts, Wembley Stadium offers an electrifying atmosphere, while Wimbledon Tennis Club provides a taste of luxury and world-class tennis vibes. Each venue ensures a rejuvenating experience during your visit.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 14.5km from Kensington Gardens, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 4.8km away, presents challenging outdoor climbs. Enjoy thrilling karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 4.8km away, perfect for adventure seekers!

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at the London Palladium Theatre for an unforgettable show, just 3.2km from Kensington Gardens. For a more relaxed vibe, catch a film at the Electric Cinema, located 1.6km away. If you're feeling lucky, visit the Park Tower Casino, also 1.6km away, for some thrilling entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens offers a delightful mix of street life, urban parks, and squares, making it a perfect spot for culture lovers and families alike. Explore iconic attractions such as Kensington Palace and the nearby Kensington Castle. With its beautiful landscapes and rich history, Kensington Gardens in London promises an enjoyable experience for every visitor looking to immerse themselves in the local charm.

  • Hyde Park: A spectacular urban park, Hyde Park offers a refreshing escape with its lush greenery and serene lakes, located only 966m from Kensington Gardens. Enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor events, and the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll through this iconic space.
  • Buckingham Palace: A symbol of British royalty, Buckingham Palace, situated 3.2km away, immerses you in rich culture and history. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture of this historic palace.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Just 3.2km from Kensington Gardens, Piccadilly Circus buzzes with energy. Famous for its neon lights and bustling crowds, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the vibrant city vibes.

Best time to go to Kensington Gardens

Visitor numbers around Kensington Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 on your visit to Kensington Gardens, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like Hyde Park and Big Ben. Travel during the off-peak months of January to March for lower accommodation rates, and consider booking your hotel about a month in advance. Mondays typically offer the best hotel prices, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to find great deals by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • 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 June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Kensington Gardens about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kensington Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Kensington Gardens is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kensington Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.