Kensington Gardens, London: Hours, Address, Kensington Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens
4.5
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
About
Separated from Hyde Park by the Serpentine, a lake used by boaters and swimmers, this park is calmer and more peaceful than its neighbor, and features many attractions including a statue of Peter Pan, Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Art Gallery.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Lancaster Gate • 8 min walk
- Queensway • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
8,909 within 3 miles

Bel Canto Restaurant
1,240
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Nipa Thai Restaurant
880
0.4 mi$$$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly

Sheila's Cafe
293
0.4 mi$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly

Publiq.
76
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Gastropub

Coda Restaurant by Eric Chavot
625
0.4 mi$$$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Swan, Hyde Park
1,840
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub

Halepi
894
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Grill

The Mitre in Lancaster Gate
1,068
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Grill

The Elgar Room Brasserie
649
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Grill

Leinster Arms
634
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Grill
Attractions
2,080 within 6 miles

Physical Energy Statue
9
217 ftMonuments & Statues

Peter Pan Statue
160
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Skates and Ladders
217
0.3 miSports Camps & Clinics

Hyde Park
22,266
0.6 miParks

Italian Gardens
147
0.3 miGardens

Serpentine Galleries
414
0.3 miArt Galleries

V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum
32,394
0.8 miArt Museums

Kensington
162
0.3 miNeighborhoods

Natural History Museum
37,315
0.7 miNatural History Museums • History Museums

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
776
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,468 reviews
Excellent
2,911
Very good
1,362
Average
174
Poor
14
Terrible
8
Joe P
Inverness, UK8 contributions
We were staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and, with Hyde Park nearby, we decided to walk towards Kensington Palace. We didn't go inside the palace but were able to see the outdoor gardens and grab a small bite to eat which was expensive but filled a hole. I'm not sure how much tickets are to go inside or what you actually see but it seemed quite popular so I would imagine it's worth doing if you have the time.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicola D
Hessle, UK3,123 contributions
We walked all over exploring Kensington Gardens! We were impressed by how well maintained all the gardens were.
The last time we visited, the Princess of Wales playground was under construction! Now it is well loved & used. The trees and bushes have matured and shield it from prying eyes but you can hear the happy children playing inside.
The attractive Italian gardens are just inside the Lancaster Gate (also public toilets). The Italian Gardens contain fountains and the bronze statue of Edward Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccine.
The Serpentine Lake is in the gardens, also Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales memorial fountain and also the magical Peter Pan statue. Don’t miss the impressively HUGE Albert Memorial at the far end of the park opposite the Royal Albert Hall.
We spent a couple of very happy hours here on a glorious September day.
The last time we visited, the Princess of Wales playground was under construction! Now it is well loved & used. The trees and bushes have matured and shield it from prying eyes but you can hear the happy children playing inside.
The attractive Italian gardens are just inside the Lancaster Gate (also public toilets). The Italian Gardens contain fountains and the bronze statue of Edward Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccine.
The Serpentine Lake is in the gardens, also Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales memorial fountain and also the magical Peter Pan statue. Don’t miss the impressively HUGE Albert Memorial at the far end of the park opposite the Royal Albert Hall.
We spent a couple of very happy hours here on a glorious September day.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland25,432 contributions
Kensington Gardens is a huge park. It covers 265 acres and is located on the west side of Hyde Park.
It is the home of the Serpentine Galleries, the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, and the Diana Memorial Gardens. In the middle of the park is a round pond with swans and geese.
You can wander in the open air, visit the cafe near the Diana Memorial Playground or enjoy a picnic lunch.
It is the home of the Serpentine Galleries, the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, and the Diana Memorial Gardens. In the middle of the park is a round pond with swans and geese.
You can wander in the open air, visit the cafe near the Diana Memorial Playground or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SavvyReeder
Tucson, AZ142 contributions
An absolutely gorgeous garden to wander around. The statues are fun to go find, the Italian Garden is beautiful, and the overall energy is very calm and serene. There are plenty of people with their children or dogs out, and it's a nice place to wander around.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yss97
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,472 contributions
Couples
The gardens overall are lovely to walk round it. The highlight was the new Diana’s statue in its own garden. We are all not allowed into the Diana garden or near the statue. You can walk around it and admire the statue and gardens through gaps in the hedge around it.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ian C
London, UK23,970 contributions
Kensington Gardens must have the poshest ice-cream vans in London, including one which has the body of a classic Rolls Royce!!
We had been to visit the Palace, now it has reopened, and took the opportunity to walk through the Gardens. It is astonishing how you can find new things, even though I have walked through the Gardens many times, but on different routes.
The Gardens were originally the western end of Hyde Park and were used as a hunting ground by Henry VIII. It was separated from Hyde Park in 1726 and re-landscaped around the new Serpentine Lake (also known as the Long Water) which runs up to the Italian Garden commissioned by Queen Victoria. For some reason, the Italian Garden is watched over a statue of Edward Jenner who invented the smallpox vaccine.
The Gardens many features include the obelisk-memorial to John Hanning Speke who discovered the source of the Nile, the powerful statue 'Physical Energy' (1907) by George Frederick Watts and the 1912 bronze statue of Peter Pan by George Frampton with characters from the book bursting out from its base. Across on the other side of the Serpentine is Henry Moore's statue 'The Arch'.
The largest memorial is of course the stunning High Gothic Albert Memorial opened in 1872 opposite the Royal Albert Hall, where he looks down at his achievements in South Kensington.
The Gardens were obviously very popular from families with children to groups taking exercise. We are indeed fortunate to have these and the other Royal parks in Central London.
We had been to visit the Palace, now it has reopened, and took the opportunity to walk through the Gardens. It is astonishing how you can find new things, even though I have walked through the Gardens many times, but on different routes.
The Gardens were originally the western end of Hyde Park and were used as a hunting ground by Henry VIII. It was separated from Hyde Park in 1726 and re-landscaped around the new Serpentine Lake (also known as the Long Water) which runs up to the Italian Garden commissioned by Queen Victoria. For some reason, the Italian Garden is watched over a statue of Edward Jenner who invented the smallpox vaccine.
The Gardens many features include the obelisk-memorial to John Hanning Speke who discovered the source of the Nile, the powerful statue 'Physical Energy' (1907) by George Frederick Watts and the 1912 bronze statue of Peter Pan by George Frampton with characters from the book bursting out from its base. Across on the other side of the Serpentine is Henry Moore's statue 'The Arch'.
The largest memorial is of course the stunning High Gothic Albert Memorial opened in 1872 opposite the Royal Albert Hall, where he looks down at his achievements in South Kensington.
The Gardens were obviously very popular from families with children to groups taking exercise. We are indeed fortunate to have these and the other Royal parks in Central London.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Davies Fam
Port Talbot, UK19 contributions
Couples
We walked from Lancaster Gate through Kensington Gardens taking in the sights of the Diana memorial park, Kensington palace, the water fountains and the Italian gardens. We ended up by the Albert Memorial, the new Diana memorial statue is free to view and there is a lovely place you can have afternoon tea right next to this.
The gardens were well maintained and seeing the parakeets were great very friendly and even had one eating from my hand. Great for leisurely stroll
The gardens were well maintained and seeing the parakeets were great very friendly and even had one eating from my hand. Great for leisurely stroll
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sheepygold
london5,073 contributions
Couples
The best time to see the gardens is probably at the weekend when the locals come out for a walk. There is a lot to see. The highlights are probably Kensington Palace, seeing the ducks at the small round pond, the Diana playground, the Italian gardens (good cafe here), the Serpentine, the Albert Memorial, the flower gardens...You can easily spend an hour or two before heading next door to Hyde Park.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
welshgirlSouthWales
Wales, UK306 contributions
Couples
We chose to visit the park as we wanted to see and feed the parakeets. We manged to find them by asking people and they didn't disappoint.
If you find the Peter pan stature and walk to your left (face the stature first) you'll then come to where the park opens up again. On your right there will be a wooden fence they are usually in the trees around here.
We took some apples to hold out for them. It was such an experience just having them on our hands feeding.
If you find the Peter pan stature and walk to your left (face the stature first) you'll then come to where the park opens up again. On your right there will be a wooden fence they are usually in the trees around here.
We took some apples to hold out for them. It was such an experience just having them on our hands feeding.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Milla
1 contribution
I have basically grown up going here living very close. I love it here particularly around the pound and watching the birds. It’s so beautiful going around the palace and have a connection to nature. For younger kids, the Princess Diana Playground is perfect, however almost always busy so you must keep a very close eye of your child. For anyone, I would really recommend a trip if you live in London or staying here. You can also find many facilities around the park like one of my fave the ice skating rink in the winter then a nice walk in the park!
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Are picnics allowed in the gardens? I'm visiting the natural history museum and would love to stop after and have a picnic with my son and husband.
P L
United Kingdom4 contributions
Yes no problems. It's a very large garden or park about 10 kilometres in perimeter if counting the attached Hyde Park and many parts are also wild.. Best wishes. P.
Amy C
London, UK348 contributions
ÃŒdo they have concessions for people with their disabilities and their carers?
sheepygold
london5,073 contributions
There is no entrance fee to Kensington Gardens. If you mean Kensington Palace as far as I can see there is no reduction for disabled people but carers are free however you must email them beforehand - email address on their website.
enjoytravelling_10
Townsville, Australia80 contributions
Are Kensington gardens the Kensington palace gardens?
VacaJill
Manhattan Beach, CA87 contributions
Yes
Mark G
2 contributions
Can we park there
Guillermo C
Rosario, Argentina36 contributions
Payed car park. Tube or bus is the best way to get there.
sutherm06
Birmingham, UK
Hi I am visiting on 16th June 2018 will the Diana exhibition still be open ?
Joan H
Santa Barbara, CA117 contributions
The Diana Exhibition is on thru the end of the year. But many dates are already sold out. Check with the Kensington Palace website to purchse tickets as soon as possible in advance. There also seem to be some last minute tickets released each day if you are willing to take a chance & line up for them. Good luck - looks like a splendid show & well worth the price. The Palace itself is magnificent & you won’t want to miss it esp in Royal Wedding season!
Sandra H
Lacombe, Canada39 contributions
Are the Gardens still in bloom the first 2 weeks of September?
Juan Carlos Fernández Alemán @GoJuanca
Pompano Beach, FL849 contributions
Indeed
ChipNewton
Eunice, LA116 contributions
I am told the Princess Diana Exhibit is sold out for the summer. We will be going end of July. Is there a combination tour or some other avenue to get tickets, and do the entrance ticket to Kensington allow you to see exhibit? thanks,
pja817
Elmhurst, IL25 contributions
We had the LondonPass and it gave us free entrance to Kensington Palace including the Diana exhibit. We did not buy the tickets in advance, we just walked up to the door. Went on a Friday in early June. Diana exhibit was breathtaking!
vickilh2
Chapel Hill, NC17 contributions
Are dogs allowed?
srosenb567_aol
San Antonio, TX24 contributions
Absolutely!! It seems everyone has a dog on a lease
QiRe C
San Francisco 5 contributions
Just want to clarify: we are focused on the gardens rather than the palace itself, and might even enjoy a picnic lunch from Marks and Spencer nearby. I believe the gardens are free to visit and that picnicking is also permitted. (How convenient and lucky to also take in the roof garden at M&S the same day!)
QiRe Ching
Reba25
Warrington, UK118 contributions
Yes it's free to go into the gardens, and there is lots to see. Enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kensington Gardens
- Kensington Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 7:45 PM
- We recommend booking Kensington Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 16 Kensington Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kensington Gardens:
- The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea (From $109.47)
- Tootbus Must See London: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise (From $46.74)
- London Royal Parks Bike Tour including Hyde Park (From $34.44)
- Private Custom Tour: Day Tour of London (From $347.49)
- 3 Hour Private Downton Abbey London Locations Walking Tour (From $196.81)
- Hotels near Kensington Gardens:
- (0.15 mi) Lovely central apartment in Queens Gate, South Kensington, London
- (0.40 mi) Royal Lancaster London
- (0.41 mi) Cheval Thorney Court
- (0.46 mi) The Milestone Hotel and Residences
- (0.35 mi) Number 63 Guest House
- Restaurants near Kensington Gardens:
- (0.33 mi) Bel Canto Restaurant
- (0.38 mi) Nipa Thai Restaurant
- (0.43 mi) Publiq.
- (0.38 mi) Sheila's Cafe
- (0.42 mi) Coda Restaurant by Eric Chavot
- Attractions near Kensington Gardens:
- (0.04 mi) Physical Energy Statue
- (0.18 mi) Peter Pan Statue
- (0.34 mi) Skates and Ladders
- (0.59 mi) Hyde Park
- (0.31 mi) Italian Gardens