Welcome to Kensington Gardens
Once upon a time, this park was the private playground of the nobility.
Key information
Discover Kensington Gardens at your leisure
Kensington Gardens was originally part of Hyde Park but was annexed by King William III and his wife to create a beautiful garden for their new London home, Kensington Palace. Whether you love art or history, wildlife or formal gardens, Kensington Gardens has something for everyone to enjoy. Despite its many impressive monuments, memorials and mansions, Kensington is, at its heart, a peaceful, green oasis. A place to keep fit and active, reconnect with nature, and restore your sense of wellbeing.
Walking, running and cycling in Kensington Gardens
Discover the secret histories of the park with a self-guided walk, or join one of our guided walking tours. Many local runners and cyclists commute through the park – it’s a great way to unwind after work and stay fit. If you are cycling through, please do respect other park users – and the wildlife – who share the paths and trails. If you are ready for a longer adventure on foot, try the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk.
If you enjoy team sports and organised activities, head over to Hyde Park, where you can book a game of tennis, padel, cricket or rugby. Park Sports Hyde Park has excellent sports facilities, courts and pitches on the south side of the park.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk covers seven miles, and takes in four Royal Parks, three palaces and two mansions, all of which were special to Princess Diana at different times in her life. Follow the 90 bronze plaques embedded along the route.
The Princess and the Palace
Princess Diana lived at Kensington Palace, one of the most intimate royal palaces, for much of her married life, and you can tour the State Apartments, and stroll through the formal gardens, designed in the Dutch style by Queen Mary, wife of King William III.
Book your tickets to visit Kensington Palace here.
Art in the park
Serpentine Gallery North and South are two of London’s most high profile contemporary art spaces. The galleries, in the heart of Kensington Gardens, showcase world class talent in art, design and architecture. If you’re visiting us during the summer, don’t miss the annual Pavilion, commissioned from a different prominent architect each year and an important event in the capital’s arts calendar.
-
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Located next to her Kensington Palace home, The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground opened in 2000 in memory of the late Princess Diana.
-
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
Find out more about the seven-mile-long Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk and download the map to plan your route through the central parks.
-
Kensington Palace
The palace is the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
-
Serpentine galleries
Serpentine North and Serpentine South are two art galleries in Kensington Gardens offering an expanded programme of contemporary art and architecture.
-
Park deck chairs
Deck chairs are available for hire within the Royal Parks from March through to October. Find out about prices and book online.