Kensington Gardens

Flowers Abound in Kensington Gardens

London is in bloom!

…so K and I decided to wander around Kensington Gardens to enjoy the fresh air, the vibrant colors and the extra hour of daylight.

Tiptoeing through the tulips

Once part of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens became the private gardens to Kensington Palace in the late 1600s.  Over time, the Gardens opened to the public and the 275 acres have become a popular retreat for many Londoners and visitors alike.  The avenues of trees, abundant flower beds and the serene surroundings offer the same relaxing vibe as the other wonderful green spaces in this city do (see Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath and Battersea Park).  It’s a great place to just be.

Some of the Gardens’s attractions include:

Physical Energy Statue

Physical Energy Statue:  One of George Frederick Watt’s most famous and ambitious sculptures.  Watts described it as, “a symbol of that restless physical impulse to seek the still unachieved in the domain of material things.”

Sky Mirror by Anish Kapoor

Sky Mirror:  Sculpture, Anish Kapoor, has several of his stainless steel works on display throughout the park—offering a strong contrast to the natural world that surrounds them.

Prince Albert Memorial

Prince Albert Memorial:  (Husband of Queen Victoria)  The memorial symbolizes the Prince’s passions and interests, especially in the arts.  It is known as one of London’s most ornate monuments.

Italian Gardens

The Italian Gardens:  As Prince Albert’s brainchild, these elaborate water gardens were created in 1860-1.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace:  Located on the western edge of the Gardens, the palace was home to Princess Diana and several monarchs throughout the years.  The palace still functions as a royal residence but also welcomes visitors to tour its many rooms.

Kensington Gardens provided the perfect place for us to ring in the new season…finally, it’s spring.