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About the Park William III bought what was originally part of Hyde Park in 1689. An asthma sufferer, the king found the location quiet and the air salubrious and so he commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to design the redbrick building that is Kensington Palace. Queen Anne enlarged the Palace Gardens by 'transferring' 30 acres from Hyde Park and was responsible for the creation of the Orangery in 1704. The Gardens are particularly popular for sunbathing and picnics in fine weather. It is also popular as a healthy walking route to work for commuters. The paths are used extensively by joggers and runners. Cycling is allowed on the designated path linking the Queen's Gate to West Carriage Drive, Mount Gate to the Broadwalk and the broadwalk itself from Black Lion Gate to Palace Gate. Informal games do take place in the Gardens but are discouraged in view of the importance of the historic landscape and the desire to maintain their primary role as a peaceful refuge for people living, working or visiting Central London. The Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground is a fantastic adventure for kids up to the age of 12. Over 70,000 youngsters enjoy the playground each year. Information line: +44 (0)20 7298 2141
Opening hours:
The park is open from 6am to dusk all year round. Click here here for closing times Getting there: Tube: Lancaster Gate & Queensway - Central Line Bayswater - District Line High Street Kensington - Circle and District Lines Bus: 9 Aldwych - Hammersmith 10 Hammersmith - Kings Cross 27 Chalk Farm -Turnham Green 28 Harrow Road (Prince of Wales) - Wandsworth 31 Notting Hill Gate - Camden Town 49 Shepherd's Bush - Wandsworth 52 Victoria - Willesden 70 South Kensington - Acton 94 Piccadilly Circus- Acton Green 148 Victoria - Shepherd's Bush 274 Angel Islington - Lancaster Gate 360 Elephant and Castle - Royal Albert Hall 390 Notting Hill Gate - Archway Parking is available for disabled drivers at Queen's Gate or along West Carriage Drive in the designated bays. Picnics in the Park: Many people enjoy picnics in the parks. We have put together a document to help you plan your picnic in the park, please click here. Contact: Kensington Gardens Office, The Magazine Storeyard, Magazine Gate, Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH Tel +44 (0)20 7298 2000 Fax +44 (0)20 7724 2826 Email: kensington@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Contacting Police:
In an emergency phone 999
A non-emergency within the Royal Parks call 020 7706 7272 You can also report a crime online at www.online.met.police.uk |
Wildlife
Bird records for Kensington Gardens go back more than a hundred years and 178 species have so far been identified. Green Woodpeckers nest in the Gardens - a rare occurrence in Central London.
The Round Pond is the home of three-spined sticklebacks, roach, gudgeon and eels. |
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