To reach Kensington Gardens exit at the Tube stations of Queensway, Lancaster Gate or Knightsbridge.
King William III bought Kensington Gardens
in 1689, it became a pubblic park in 1841. Kensington Gardens covers 111 hectares and was
originally part of Hyde Park. It was Queen Caroline, wife of George II, who in 1728
moulded the gardens to their present form by creating the Serpentine and the Long Water
from the Westbourne stream. In a long series of improvements Queen Victoria commissioned
the Italian Gardens and the Albert Memorial.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk,
Kensington Gardens, London.The Diana, Princess of Wales
Memorial Playground and a seven-mile Memorial Walk, which also goes through Hyde Park,
Green Park and St James's Park, were both opened in 2000.
Italian Gardens, Kensington Gardens,
London. Photo by Niccolò.
Physical Energy statue by George Frederick
Watts. Kensington Gardens, London. Photo by Niccolò.
Kensington Gardens, London. Photo by Niccolò.
Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens,
London. Photo by Niccolò. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's
husband, died of typhoid fever at the age of 42. Soon after his death it was determined
that a national memorial be created to recognise the British public's deep sense of loss.
HIDE PARK
To reach Hide Park exit at the Tube
stations of Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate or Knightsbridge.
Hyde Park is one of London's largest parks
and covers 140 hectares. The park is contiguous with Kensington Gardens. Henry VIII
acquired Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster Abbey in 1536. It remained a private
hunting ground until James I came to the throne and permitted limited access. Charles I
changed the nature of the park completely, he created the Ring and in 1637 opened the park
to the general public.
Completely refurbished in 2006, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel
reopens as a first class boutique hotel. Located in the very heart of Knightsbridge just
off Sloane Street and Cadogan Gardens.
