London – Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

London has several parks and green spaces to enjoy that provide a nice break away from city life. If it’s a nice day you’ll see tons of people out enjoying a picnic, riding bikes or having a nice read under a shaded tree.

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Palace sits right on the edge of Hyde Park and was the former home of Princess Diana of Wales prior to her death in 1997. This year marks the 20th anniversary of her passing, and to mark the occasion a temporary garden exhibit entitled the “The White Garden” was planted at her former home. The garden contains some of her favorite flowers including white roses, lilies, gladioli and cosmos flowers; and the design was inspired by her life and style. Kensington Palace is currently the home of William and Kate, as well as Prince Harry who has his own cottage on the estate.

Getting there

  • The closest tube stops are High Street Kensington (6 minute walk), Queensway (7 minute walk) and Notting Hill Gate (9 minute walk)

Entrance fee

  • The gardens are free! Unfortunately the Princess Diana Memorial is a limited exhibit and will only be open to the public through September 2017.

Opening Hours

  • 6:00 am until dusk

Hyde Park

There are eight Royal Parks in London with Hyde Park being the largest and most famous. It was a relatively nice day when we visited, so we decided to rent bikes and ride around the park. The great thing about these bikes is you can pick them up from one location and drop them off at another.

Getting there

  • The closest tube stations are Knightsbridge (9 minute walk), Lancaster Gate (10 minute walk), and Marble Arch (10 minute walk)

Bike cost

  • $2.72 to access the bike for 24 hours, the first 30 minutes are free and then its $2.72 per 30 minutes after.

Opening hours

  • 5:00 am until midnight all year

Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum Cafe

Depending on where you end up in Hyde Park, it’s about a 10-20 minutes walk to the V&A museum. I’d seen pictures of the cafe online and knew I had to check it out. Just look at those stained glassed windows and detailed columns! It was amazing. I didn’t get to explore the inside of the museum due to lack of time, but it’s definitely on my to-do list when I return.

Getting there

  • The closest tube stops are South Kensington (4 minute walk), Gloucester Road (9 minute walk), and Knightsbridge (12 minute walk)

Entrance fee

  • Free! Most museums in London have free admission which is really great.

Opening hours

  • Daily: 10.00 – 17.45
  • Friday: 10.00 – 22.00

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One Comment Add yours

  1. Julie says:

    Amazing sites! Since I just watched the royal wedding, this is so much more practical! I feel like I know the people who live here – NOT!

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