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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.

Grazie Enzo: Contemporary Responses to Enzo Mari

29th March - Feb 2025
10am - 6pm
Design Museum Kensington
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Accompanying the retrospective exhibition 'Enzo Mari Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli', this free display will showcase the work of 14 London-based designers, studios and collectives whose work shares an affinity with Mari's work.

The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2024

2nd Feb - 15th April
10am - 6pm
Design Museum Kensington
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The third year of the Design Musuem's annual prize in partnership with the Saltzman Family Foundation celebrating emerging product designers in recognition of Ralph Saltzman’s design legacy.

Polar Silk Road

Until 24th Nov
10am - 6pm
Natural History Museum
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Gregor Sailer's photography exhibition The Polar Silk Road explores the existing, potential, and unexpected impacts of this new global trade route and documents this fast-changing region at a pivotal moment in its history.

Go behind the scenes of Hyde Park’s Plant Nursery

19th April
11am - 2pm
Hyde Park
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Enjoy a tour of the Hyde Park's brand new plant nursery, learning about its history, the sustainable building and practices that help the team grow over 1,400 varieties of plants. Plus, enjoy a tasty lunch before creating your own hanging baskets similar to those hung in the Royal Parks to take home.

Discovery Days: Spring Surprises

2nd - 4th April
11am - 3pm
Hyde Park
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Join Royal Parks for another series of Free Discovery Days. A celebration of the fact Spring has finally sprung at the Hyde Park Learning Centre.

Discovery Days: Marvellous Mammals

9th - 11th April
11am - 3pm
Hyde Park
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Join Royal Parks for another series of Free Discovery Days and learn about the different mammals that live in the Park.

Discovery Days: Spring Surprises

2nd - 4th April
11am - 3pm
Hyde Park
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Why not pop into Hyde Park and get involved with one of Royal Park's free family Discovery Days this Spring. Drop in to take part in a variety of activities including pond dipping sessions, exploring their wildlife garden and an interactive game.

Hidden Stories of Hyde Park Walking Tour

19th April
11am - 12.30pm
Hyde Park
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From the notorious criminals that met their untimely end at the Tyburn Tree to Peter Pan’s first adventure – there's a lot to learn about one of London's most iconic and well-known green spaces. Register for our guided tour and uncover the history of Hyde Park!

Hidden Stories of Kensington Gardens Walking Tour

26th April
11am - 12.30pm
Kensington Gardens
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Discover the beautiful Kensington Gardens as it comes into full bloom in the first week of spring. Join the walking to explore the hidden stories behind its famous statues including a behind the railings experience of the Albert Memorial and get a close-up view of the stunning Frieze of Parnassus.