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Kensington Garden & Hyde Park
Once the royal hunting grounds of HenryVIII, there is more than 600 acres of green spaces, a man-made lake, fountains, gardens, and memorials to enjoy in the heart of the city.
Your journey today begins at Lancaster Tube. Exit the station, cross Bayswater Road and enter the park through the Lancaster Gate. Walking along the western edge of the Serpentine, enjoying the fountains, ponds, and statues along the way. To your right, the sweet Two Bears Hugging Fountain was originally presented in 1939. Stolen in 1970, this Statue of two embracing bears originally placed in 1939 to commemorate 80 years of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association. The current fountain is a replica installed in 2003.
To your left is the Italian Gardens. Created in the 1860s, the gardens are believed to be a gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria.
Continue on the path to the Peter Pan Statue. Author J.M. Barrie, lived nearby, spending much time in the park where he met the two young boys who would inspire Barrie to create the Peter Pan character. Legend suggests the statue sits at the very point that Peters boat landed “in the Never Never Land of the child’s mind.”
Walking the Italian Water Gardens at Kensington Gardens.
Continue walking lakeside, veering tight to the Serpentine Gallery. The park’s very own gallery is located just south of the lake and just west from the main road. With temporary exhibitions of contemporary art the gallery is open daily at no charge.
In this conversation, artist Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg and Serpentine Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist discuss the Pollinator Pathmaker project, including how it began and how you can create your own edition of the work.
Passing the gallery follow the signs to Flower Walk to admire the Albert Memorial. The monument for Queen Victoria’s husband Albert was designed by George Gilbert Scott in 1863. It is decorated 178 figures representing the continents, arts, industry, and science. The mosaics are by artists Clayton & Bell. Prince Albert is depicted holding a copy of the catalogue of the Great 1851 Exhibition.
In the background you will see the Victorian Royal Albert Hall.
Backtrack and follow the signs to Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Turn right at the lake, cross the road, and continue to the memorial. A refreshing spot for a warm day where children enjoy playing in the shallow moving water.
The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain opened to honour the “People’s Princess” in 2004. It was designed to express Diana’s love and spirit of children.
At the end of the lake stroll down to Rotten Row. Enjoy the rose garden then walk back along Serpentine Road to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk.
This would be a good time to stop for a refreshment at the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. The eatery serves a variety of foods, desserts, and beverages to be enjoyed lakeside.
Once rested, head north to Speaker’s Corner. The history of this oratory location goes back to when the gallows stood here and the criminal was allowed to speak his mind before execution.
Exit through the northeast corner and continue to Oxford Street where your adventure ends at the Marble Arch Tube Station.
Celebrate!
City of London – In the heart of London, The City is an adventure in architecture with some very modern skyscrapers among structures several centuries old.
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens – Easily accessible from the Kew Gardens tube station, this World Heritage Site offers a full day of discovery.
Chinatown & Old Compton – Explore the tastes and cultures of these London neighborhoods.
Marylebone – A visit to one of London’s most charming shopping neighborhoods is on the agenda for today. Whether you opt to shop or window shop a day out in Marylebone is a pleasure!
Barbican – An interesting walk with some historical landmarks, plenty of architecture, and a few surprises along the way.
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