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Out & About in South Kensington

South Kensington has plenty of great attractions for you to visit outside from boating on the Serpentine, walking tours around Albertopolis, Queen Caroline's temple, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, ice cream in Kensington Gardens, a trip to Princess Diana's Memorial Playground and so much more....

Albert Memorial

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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Located in Kensington Gardens, it is one of London's most ornate ornaments. Unveiled in 1872, The Albert Memorial commemorates the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, who died of typhoid fever at the age of 42. Public tours are available.

Boating on the Serpentine

Daily except Nov- March (Wed - Sun)
From 10am (closing times vary)
Hyde Park
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Head to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen to hire a boat over the summer. Recognised as one of the most famous boating spots in London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take in the scenery, enjoy an ice cream and float down the Serpentine in the middle of the park.

Kensington Garden cafes

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Broadwalk Cafe and Playcafe serves a great range of pizza, salads, wraps and sweet treats as well as a children's menu.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Daily
During winter/spring 6am-7:45pm
Kensington Gardens
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Explore and have a great adventure in the playground with a huge wooden pirate ship which is the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.

Discovering Britain: Albertopolis Walk

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Take a self-guided tour and explore how London’s quarter for the arts and sciences was created. Discover more about it's great institutions and magnificent buildings.

Queen Carolines Temple

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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Explore Queen Caroline's Temple which is a classical style summer house overlooking the Long Water, east of Lancaster Walk, Hyde Park.

Princess Diana Memorial walk

Daily
Hyde Park
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The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk takes visitors through four of the most beautiful parks in the world, including Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.

Princess Diana Memorial fountain

Daily
Hyde Park
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A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.

The Italian Gardens

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.

Royal Albert Hall Café Terrace

Open show days
Open from 9 am
Royal Albert Hall
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Soak up the sunshine and take in spectacular views of a London landmark. The Royal Albert Terrace is now open to all visitors during the day, and is the perfect place to relax with a coffee, beer or light bite from their Door 12 Café Bar. Walk-ins welcome.

Kensington Palace Sunken Garden

Wed - Sun
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
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Walk in the footsteps of royalty in the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace. The historic Sunken Garden is resplendent with white and pastel flowers to provide a picturesque setting for a new statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, unveiled to commemorate her 60th birthday.

Hyde Park Self Guided Walks

All Year Round
Hyde Park
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Discover the magic of Hyde Park and head on a self-guided walk. All of the activities are guaranteed to get you walking and discovering interesting things about the history, wildlife and horticulture around you.

Get active: Take a stroll around 'Albertopolis'

Online
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Explore this cultural district and discover the history of the area with this free walking tour from Go Jauntly, curated by the Royal Geographical Society as part of the programme for Kensington + Chelsea Art Week.

Get active: New cycle route and walking tour

Online
Footways
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Footways London map highlights quiet and characterful walking routes so you can explore Kensington at a different pace. The paper maps are available at some Central Network Rail stations or plan your quiet route via the new interactive map with geolocation

Hop on a Santander bike

Santander Bikes
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Why not hop on a Santander bike and explore South Kensington - take a ride through the Parks, pass Kensington Palace, around the Serpentine and arrive at the Museums.

Discovery Days: Hair-Raising Halloween

24th-26th Oct
11am-3:30pm
Hyde Park
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It's spooky season! Join the Royal Pakrs this Halloween to take part in a host of free creepy crawly Halloween-themed activities.

Quiet and Scenic Walking Routes Around South Ken

South Ken
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If you’re planning your trip to South Kensington, why not take a look at our brand new walking map, created in collaboration with Footways. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.

Write & Shine with The Royal Parks

23rd Sept - 4th Nov
7:30am-9am
The Royal Parks
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Start your day with a burst of creativity! Join Write & Shine for a series of early morning writing workshops in The Royal Parks this Autumn.

Photo Walk: Kensington Gardens

1st Oct
12pm-2pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Kensington Gardens is wonderful in autumn, a real destination for landscape photography at a time when the trees are changing colour.

Nature Overheard

Dates and times vary
Natural History Museum
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Join this new mass community science project investigating the impact of noise pollution on insects near roads. Nature Overheard is an exciting and innovative programme of activities, co-created by school students and scientists at the Museum.

Serpentine Pavilion 2023 by Lina Ghotmeh

June- October 2023
Serpentine
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Last chance to see the Serpentine Pavilion: À table, designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh, derives from the aspiration to create a sustainable kinship with the land through food and our primal relationship to the Earth.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Online
Natural History Museum
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Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.

2023 Royal Parks Half Marathon

8th Oct (Register by August)
The Royal Parks
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Why not run and fundraise for The Royal Parks charity through the most scenic half marathon! This stunning 13.1 mile race takes place in the capital's world famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of the Royal Parks - Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James's Park and Kensington Gardens.

Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken

Discover South Kensington
Map
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If you’re planning your trip to South Ken, take a look at our new walking map, created with Footways, where you can discover a range of wonderful routes to take a quiet stroll & discover our extraordinary history. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.