Kensington Gardens, London
Established in 1689 under the direction of William III, who entrusted Sir Christopher Wren with the task of constructing Kensington Palace, these gardens serve as a formal counterpart to the nearby Hyde Park and were opened to the public in 1841. They exude quite a delightful atmosphere, beginning with the 1912 statue of Peter Pan, a fictional character created by J. M. Barrie, who is depicted playing his pipes for the bronze fairies and animals clinging to the column below. The Diana Memorial Playground, also designed with inspiration from Barrie's book, provides another magical experience for children.
A noteworthy attraction within the gardens is the Elfin Oak, a 900-year-old tree trunk adorned with numerous intricate carvings of elves, fairies, and other imaginative creations, all painstakingly added during the 1920s. Additionally, the Italian Gardens, a decorative water garden commissioned by Prince Albert in 1860, comprises several ornamental ponds and fountains, complete with a charming on-site café, while the Round Pond, constructed in 1728, is often bustling with model boats, operated by enthusiasts of all ages.
Lastly, in the northern region near Lancaster Gate, you'll discover a dogs' cemetery established in 1880 by the then Duke of Cambridge.
A noteworthy attraction within the gardens is the Elfin Oak, a 900-year-old tree trunk adorned with numerous intricate carvings of elves, fairies, and other imaginative creations, all painstakingly added during the 1920s. Additionally, the Italian Gardens, a decorative water garden commissioned by Prince Albert in 1860, comprises several ornamental ponds and fountains, complete with a charming on-site café, while the Round Pond, constructed in 1728, is often bustling with model boats, operated by enthusiasts of all ages.
Lastly, in the northern region near Lancaster Gate, you'll discover a dogs' cemetery established in 1880 by the then Duke of Cambridge.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Kensington Gardens on Map
Sight Name: Kensington Gardens
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
Perhaps one of the most famed and influential bands of all time, whose music has transcended generations, The Beatles continues to be a source of entertainment many decades after the group was formed (1960) and split up (1970).
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is also colloquially known as the Square Mile, for being just 1.12 sq mi in area. Situated on top of the original Roman center of commerce, called Londinium, established in 43 AD, this neighborhood is the historic and financial heart of the British capital. It has been a major meeting point for international business... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Bridges of London
Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Jane Austen’s London
The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham’s elopement in “Pride & Prejudice.”
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...