The park was separated from Hyde Park by Queen Caroline in 1728 to create formal gardens for the palace.
The Italian Gardens were a gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria.
The Peter Pan statue was commissioned by J.M. Barrie and placed in the park overnight in 1912 as a surprise for children.
Kensington Gardens houses the Elfin Oak, a 900-year-old hollowed oak stump carved with figures of fairies and animals.
The Albert Memorial is one of London's most ornate Victorian monuments, featuring a gilded bronze statue of Prince Albert under a gothic canopy.
The Round Pond is only five feet deep at its center, despite its name and size.
Kensington Gardens is a 265-acre Royal Park located on the western boundary of Hyde Park in London. Originally the private gardens of Kensington Palace, the grounds were opened to the public in the mid-19th century. The landscape features the Round Pond, the Italian Gardens, and the Albert Memorial. It is home to the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, which host contemporary art exhibitions. The park is managed by The Royal Parks charity. The Long Water, an extension of the Serpentine lake, serves as the boundary between Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Visitors can access various memorials, including the Peter Pan Statue located near the Long Water. The grounds are maintained as a Grade I listed site on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The view looking down the Long Water toward the bridge separating the gardens from Hyde Park.
Walk the perimeter of the Round Pond for the best views of Kensington Palace.
Explore the Diana Memorial Playground if you are visiting with children under 12.
Bring binoculars to spot the wide variety of bird species found around the Long Water.
Feeding the waterfowl, which is discouraged by park management to maintain the health of the ecosystem.
Open daily from dawn until dusk; specific garden sections may occasionally close for private events or grounds maintenance.
Stay on marked paths in garden areas to protect flower beds; cycling is prohibited in most parts of the gardens.
