KENSINGTON GARDENS

KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Gardens were formed following the creation of Kensington Palace in 1689 by William and Mary with land taken from Hyde Park. The original gardens were modest in size but were extended in the early 18th century to a design by Charles Bridgeman which still gives the gardens their main structure today. This has been overlaid by Victorian influences, the most notable of which are the Italian Gardens (recently refurbished) and the Albert Memorial (currently swathed in scaffolding and polythene awaiting repair).A number of features have been added in the 20th century which have added to the impression of the Gardens as a genteel environment associated with children and passive recreation.Amenities * Orangery (restaurant in summer) * Serpentine Gallery * Sailing model boats on Round Pond * Kite-flying * Playgrounds (2) * Puppet shows (twice daily for four weeks in summer)Park office Telephone: 0207-298 2100Postal address: Park Manager, Magazine Storeyard, Magazine Gate, Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH