the home of science, arts and inspiration

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
Map
Visit Website

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

April-31st Oct
12pm- 8pm (July & Aug), 7pm (Sept)
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

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
Map
Visit Website

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
Map
Visit Website

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)
Map
Visit Website

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
Map
Visit Website

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
Map
Visit Website

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
Map
Visit Website

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

The Italian Gardens

Daily
Kensington Gardens
Map
Visit Website

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
Map
Visit Website

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.

Hyde Park Self Guided Walks

All Year Round
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

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)
Map
Visit Website

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
Visit Website

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
Visit Website

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.

Registrations open for the Great Exhibition Road Festival

17 & 18 June
Great Exhibition Road Festival
Map
Visit Website

The Great Exhibition Road Festival returns to South Kensington! Register now to come along for a great weekend of free events for all ages celebrating how awe and wonder can spark innovation in science and the arts. Check out the first events we've released for a taste of what's on this summer.

2023 Royal Parks Half Marathon

8th Oct (Register by August)
The Royal Parks
Map
Visit Website

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.

Serpentine Swim

16th Sept (Register by August)
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

Fundraise for The Royal Parks charity by swimming in Hyde Park’s famous Serpentine Lake.

Hidden Stories of Kensington Gardens

28th April
12pm-1:30pm
Kensington Gardens
Map
Visit Website

Discover hidden stories behind it's famous statues, including the beloved Peter Pan, and a statue thrown out of Trafalgar Square. Go behind the railings of the Albert Memorial and get a close-up view of the stunning Frieze of Parnassus.

Bat Walk

27th April
8:15-9:45pm
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

Use bat tracking equipment to learn about the different bat species that call Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens home.

Discovery Days: Marvellous Mammals

11th-13th April
11am-3pm
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

Celebrate the changing of the season with the family and get outdoors to enjoy fun nature-inspired activities suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

Discovery Days: Spring Surprises

4th-6th April
11am-3pm
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

Celebrate the changing of the season with the family and get outdoors to enjoy fun nature-inspired activities suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken

Discover South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

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.

Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show

13th &17th Feb, 5th & 12th April
Times vary
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Delve into the Jurassic and meet the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside Dippy in this fantastic animal handling show. Meet incredible creatures, including snakes, lizards and tarantulas, and learn more about them in this 45-minute, ethical experience.

The Web(s) of Life

19th Jun-17th Oct
Serpentine
Map
Visit Website

From June to September 2023 Serpentine will present The Web(s) of Life, a major new exhibition by artist and researcher Tomás Saraceno. The exhibition will present a series of artworks, activities & experiences that explore the ways life forms, weather systems and climate change are connected.