Italian Gardens

Kensington & Hyde Park


The elegant, ornamental Italian Gardens, believed to be a gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria, sit at the head of the Long Water, connecting Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Come here in spring for a glorious collection of tulips and photo ops galore among the fountains. The large statue overlooking the ponds is of Edward Jenner, creator of the smallpox vaccine. A cafe stands just north of the water gardens, by Queen Anne’s Alcove.

Transportation

  • underground: Lancaster Gate

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kensington & Hyde Park attractions

1. Peter Pan Statue

0.14 MILES

This is sculptor George Frampton’s celebrated statue; close to the Long Water. Kensington Gardens were an inspiration for JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan,…

2. The Arch

0.21 MILES

Fashioned in stone from northern Italy, this 37-tonne travertine statue by Henry Moore provides phenomenal views of Kensington Palace.

3. Serpentine Sackler Gallery

0.31 MILES

This exhibition space is part of the Serpentine Galleries, located within the Magazine, a former Palladian villa–style gunpowder depot dating to 1805,…

4. Kensington Gardens

0.35 MILES

A delightful collection of manicured lawns, tree-shaded avenues and basins immediately west of Hyde Park, the picturesque expanse of Kensington Gardens is…

6. Serpentine Gallery

0.42 MILES

This gallery is one of London’s most important contemporary-art galleries. Damien Hirst, Andreas Gursky, Louise Bourgeois, Gabriel Orozco, Tomoko…

7. Hyde Park

0.46 MILES

One of London’s best parks, Hyde Park spreads itself over 142 hectares of neat gardens, wild expanses of overgrown grass and glorious trees. As well as…

8. Tyburn Convent

0.54 MILES

A convent was established here in 1903, near the site of the Tyburn Tree gallows, and a closed order of Benedictine sisters still forms a community here…

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