Kensington Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks in London, featuring formal gardens, water features, and 265 acres of parkland. Despite being open to the public, it feels intimate, likely due to its connection to Kensington Palace, home to many Royal Family members.

I explored Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace to discover all the attractions. Here’s a guide on what to see and do during your visit to London.

Kensington Gardens seamlessly connects with Hyde Park, forming one large green space divided only by The Serpentine and West Carriage Drive. King William and Queen Mary purchased and expanded Kensington Palace in the late 17th century for a healthier residence than Whitehall Palace. Subsequent monarchs developed the gardens, with Queen Charlotte creating The Serpentine by damming a river.

Kensington Palace is home to many royals, offering privacy and security. It was once home to Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Kent live there, and William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have a large apartment within the palace. Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, originally lived in Nottingham Cottage. Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank also reside there.

Kensington Palace is where Queen Victoria grew up, sharing a bedroom with her mother until she became queen at 18. The romantic Italian gardens, commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, and the Albert Memorial, erected by Queen Victoria in his memory, are notable attractions.

Princess Diana loved the sunken gardens next to Kensington Palace. In 2017, the garden was planted with white flowers in her memory. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk are also popular.

There’s so much to see in Kensington Gardens that you could spend a whole day there. Visiting Kensington Palace alone could take a couple of hours. Start your walk from Kensington Palace, easily accessible from Kensington High Street tube, and explore the beautiful sunken gardens laid out in 1908. The gardens are enclosed by rose-covered arches and hedges, with a formal pond and fountains.

Next, head to the Round Pond, created by Queen Charlotte. It’s a great spot to see geese, ducks, and swans, although feeding them is not recommended. Continue to the south side of the park to see the impressive Albert Memorial, unveiled in 1872, with its ornate spire and golden figure of Prince Albert.

From the Albert Memorial, walk up West Carriage Drive to the Serpentine Gallery, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions and is free to visit. On the other side of the Serpentine Bridge is the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, also offering free contemporary art exhibitions.

Cross over West Carriage Drive to see the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. The circular watercourse, made from Cornish Granite, reflects Diana’s life with its varying water flows. Nearby, the Lido Cafe and Bar offers a pleasant spot to relax.

Follow the edge of the Long Water to see the Peter Pan statue, commissioned by J M Barrie, and the exotic green parakeets in the trees. On the other side of the Long Water, you’ll find The Arch, a sculpture by Henry Moore.

The Italian Gardens, created by Prince Albert in 1860, feature marble urns, formal pools, fountains, and geometric flower beds. The Italian Garden Cafe is a great place to sit and admire the gardens.

The Diana Memorial Playground, with its wooden pirate ship and play sculptures, is popular with children. The Broad Walk Cafe and the Elfin Oak, a charming sculpture of elves, are nearby.

Kensington Palace has strong connections with Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, reflected in its exhibitions. Highlights include the painted staircase by William Kent, the king’s art collection in the long gallery, and the collection of Diana’s dresses showing her evolving fashion style.

Queen Victoria’s childhood at Kensington Palace is also showcased, with intimate objects from her daily life and stunning tiaras and jewels. It’s cheaper to book tickets online, and the exhibition “Diana: Her Fashion Story” is especially popular.

Kensington Gardens is easily reached by public transport, with the closest tube stations being Kensington High Street, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge, and Hyde Park Corner.