London Flights - London's Sights - Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace & Kensington Gardens

The birth place of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace has been home to royalty for a very long time. The Palace has not only been home to Queen Victoria and those that came before her, but also to Princess Diana and is still used as a Royal residence today. There are also many areas of the Palace that are open to the public, including the State Apartments.

When visiting Kensington Palace there are some things that visitors should definitely take the time to see. One such display would be the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. This is a collection of gowns that have been worn by royal family members dating back to the Eighteenth century. Some of the most expansive collections within this collection came from Queen Elizabeth II, of which there are over 70 of her hats and handbags displayed.

The Red Saloon is also a great place to visit, and is located on the Garden Floor. This is a place of interest because it was the location of Queen Victoria’s first Privy Council in the summer of 1837. The Red Saloon is interesting because it has been restored so that it looks like it would have in the days of Queen Victoria.

The King’s Apartments are interesting and contain many paintings and art pieces from the Royal Collection. Visitors can actually see Victoria’s bedroom. The rooms are furnished with period items and many of Victoria’s and Albert’s items are in place, as well. The Queen’s Apartments are also accessible to the public, which were built for Queen Mary II in the seventeenth century and still have some of the original furniture and accessories such as family portraits.

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens are an impressive sight, indeed. The gardens were built and lovingly watched over by Queen Caroline, the wife of George II. The Gardens join up with Hyde Park with a total land mass of 637 acres of beautifully manicured lands. Serpentine Lake attracts many from both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens as it is open to boating and birds can be observed as well. Many visitors enjoy the mile walk around the lake where they can feed ducks and sail model boats for fun.

Italian inspired fountains and quiet paths are found all around the gardens, but there are open areas as well where visitors fly kites and rollerblade, run, and walk. For those that enjoy sculptures, a circa 1912 Peter Pan statue is bound to impress. There is also an Elfin Oak that dates back to the same time that was carved with characters out of fairytales and is very impressive. Visitors can also observe the memorial to Diana, the Princess of Wales. This area is usually covered in flowers, even several years after her tragic death.

The famed Albert Hall, located just south of Kensington Gardens, is also a great place to visit. The hall dates back to 1871 and was built as a memorial to the Queen’s consort. It is decorated with an iron and glass domed roof and can seat more than 5,000 people for concerts and such. This is a great place to take a load off your feet after walking around the gardens all day long.

Take the tube to High Street Kensington and you'll be within five minutes walk of Kensington Gardens entrance.