Kensington Gardens

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

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Central Park Hotel

Central Park Hotel

3 out of 5
49/67 Queensborough Terrace, London, England
Central Park Hotel
Mitre House Hotel

Mitre House Hotel

3 out of 5
178-186 Sussex Gardens, London, England
Mitre House Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

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

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The Rembrandt
Grand Royale Hyde Park

Grand Royale Hyde Park

4 out of 5
1-9 Inverness Terrace, London, England
Grand Royale Hyde Park
The Caesar Hotel

The Caesar Hotel

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

The Columbia

3 out of 5
95-99 Lancaster Gate, London, England
The Columbia
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, England
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
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 array of activities, including exploring art galleries, enjoying theatre performances, and indulging in shopping at nearby boutiques. It's an ideal spot for a city trip, allowing visitors to soak in the beauty of the gardens while also providing a perfect London getaway. Don't miss the chance to visit its charming attractions and relax amidst the scenic surroundings.

Shopping

Kensington Gardens offers excellent shopping options nearby. Harrods, a luxury store, is only 1.4km away. Portobello Road Market, renowned for its vintage finds, is 1.3km from the gardens. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, located 3.2km away, boasts a diverse retail experience.

Recreation

Wembley Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers thrilling experiences for sports enthusiasts. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath is perfect for relaxation amidst nature. Meanwhile, Wimbledon Tennis Club provides a luxurious atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a sophisticated wellness escape in a prestigious setting.

Adventure

The IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station offers thrilling views as you glide above the Thames in a cable car, perfect for adventurous families. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill provides a challenging indoor climbing experience. Meanwhile, the Oasis Go-Kart Track delivers exhilarating races for adrenaline seekers.

Nightlife

Kensington Gardens offers a vibrant nightlife with cultural experiences at nearby theatres. Eventim Apollo, London Palladium, and Apollo Victoria Theatre, all within 3.2km, promise enchanting performances, romantic atmospheres, and family-friendly entertainment, making for memorable evenings in the heart of London.

*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 in London offers a delightful mix of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful Kensington Palace, stroll through the picturesque gardens, and relax in the serene Kensington Park. The area features charming squares and vibrant streets, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the splendid surroundings of Kensington Garden Square during your visit.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hyde Park offers a delightful blend of greenery and lively city atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, or boating on the Serpentine, making it perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a stunning example of royal architecture. Immerse yourself in British culture by witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony and exploring the beautiful surrounding gardens.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A vibrant hub of activity, Piccadilly Circus is famed for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for shopping, dining, and experiencing London's lively nightlife, making it a must-visit for any tourist.

Best time to go to Kensington Gardens

The best time to visit Kensington Gardens is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 on your visit to Kensington Gardens, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Sundays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider eco-certified hotels for both savings and sustainability. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities may also offer better deals, ensuring a cost-effective trip.

  • 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: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Kensington Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.