The Dutch Garden
The Flower Walk
The Italian (Water) Gardens
The Dutch Garden
The Flower Walk
The Italian (Water) Gardens
Kensington Gardens, W2, lies between Hyde Park on its east, and Kensington Palace to its west. It is bounded on the north by Bayswater Road, and on the south by Kensington Road / Kensington Gore. It is a major park, and apart from Regent's Park, it is probably the most peaceful and restful of the central London Royal Parks. It covers 110 hectares.
Kensington Gardens is almost contiguous with, and lies to the west of Hyde Park. Much of it was taken from Hyde Park in the 18th century by Queen Caroline, to form the private estate of Kensington Palace. It is still considered to be part of Hyde Park by many people. Unlike Hyde Park however, it is not used for organised sports, and it is rarely used for any major events.The park is based around Kensington Palace, which stands near the western boundary of the park. Avenues and vistas lined by trees are a major feature of the park. These include the Broad Walk that runs north-south in front of Kensington Palace. There are also avenues of plane trees alongside the South Carriage Road by the Albert Memorial.
The Long Water, a part of the Serpentine Lake, extends into the park from Hyde Park. The other notable lake is the Round Pond, a large lake in front of the Palace, which forms a focal point for many of the views within the landscape. Both of these date from Queen Caroline's time.There are several distinct gardens. They include the Italianate Gardens, which are formal water gardens with fountains, at the northern end of the Long Water.
In addition, there are several gardens by Kensington Palace itself. These include especially the picturesque and beautiful little Dutch Garden, which although not open to the public, can be viewed from its perimeter hedge of pleached lime.Near the southern boundary, by Kensington Gore, is the Flower Walk, comprising a long series of borders, with herbaceous plantings and bedding in front of tended shrubs and trees.
There are a number of old trees in Kensington Gardens, including some less common species.The park is quieter than Hyde Park and is increasingly important for wildlife. Numerous species of birds have been recorded. The Long Water is closed to boating, and because of this it is well used by waterfowl. Both it and the Round Pond hold a variety of fish.
Kensington Palace itself is a private building used by some members of the Royal Family. However, parts of it may be open at times for exhibitions. Some gardens by the palace are not open to the public, but most can be viewed from outside.
The park has a large collection of monuments, including the grandiose structure of the Albert Memorial. Other more modest monuments are many, perhaps the best-known is the statue of Peter Pan.Other important features are the Serpentine Gallery, an art gallery, near Princes Gate in the southeast. To the south of the Round Pond is a bandstand. There are many ornamental gates into the park, including particularly the Queen's Gate.
Kensington Palace, which is on the western boundary of the modern Kensington Gardens, was acquired by William III in 1690. At the time, the palace had relatively modest grounds.
The original estate were designed by Charles Bridgeman in the 17th century, and it was extended later. The Dutch Garden, and some of the avenues and vistas focussing on the palace date from this point.Most of the park was orginally part of Hyde Park. It was removed from Hyde Park to extend the gardens of Kensington Palace, on its western boundary, by Queeen Caroline, wife of George II.