Space to Visit

Kensington Gardens covers 111 hectares (275 acres) and was originally part of Hyde Park. These gardens once formed the grounds of Kensington Palace and were one of the reasons that William III and Mary II bought the house when they came to the throne in 1689. In the early 18th century the gardens were laid out in a Dutch style, but since becoming a public park in 1841, they have developed a more natural appearance. Although Kensington Gardens merge into Hyde Park to the east, the two parks have a different mood and the gardens are particularly good for children. Just east of the palace is the Round Pond, created in 1728, and a favourite with model boat enthusiasts. Occasionally the Round Pond is used for skating in the winter.Close to the Long Water, which is a continuation of the Serpentine, stands the famous Peter Pan statue, created by Sir George Frampton in 1912. Ornamental fountains and statues lie to the north of here, including Jacob Epstein’s Rima. Henry Moore’s Arch dates from 1979. Features of the gardens include a sunken garden, the Orangery café, the Serpentine Gallery and the Albert Memorial.