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....
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.
The Broadwalk Cafe and Playcafe serves a great range of pizza, salads, wraps and sweet treats as well as a children's menu.
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.
Explore Queen Caroline's Temple which is a classical style summer house overlooking the Long Water, east of Lancaster Walk, Hyde Park.
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.
A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu presents a new public art mural in the garden at Serpentine North. The work emphasises the importance of communities and unity among humans and other living species.
The Play Pavilion is a public art project that invites visitors of all ages to explore the creative possibilities of play.
The Serpentine Pavilion 2025, A Capsule in Time, designed by Bangladeshi architect and educator Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), is now open with Goldman Sachs supporting the annual project for the 11th consecutive year.
Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.
The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London's most iconic 'open water' swimming location. The Lido is open for public swimming on weekends from mid-May, and every day between June and Mid-September.
One of the greatest city parks in the world covering 142 hectares with over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow and further ornamental flower gardens, all here in the home of London’s arts and science district.
Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover a quiet and alternative side to London.
Formal avenues, magnificent trees, ornamental flower beds, and wildflower meadows outside Kensington Palace make this a stunning end to our trail as well as home to the Princess Diana Playground, the Italian Water Gardens and the Albert Memorial.
The Natural History Museum is set to transform five-acres of London gardens into the country’s urban nature ‘epicentre’ as national biodiversity programme is announced. Sir David Attenborough says the Urban Nature Project will allow young people to “fall in love with the nature on their doorsteps.”
The beautiful Sunken Garden was planted in 1908, transforming part of the gardens previously occupied by potting sheds into a tranquil ornamental garden. Today, the garden continues the tradition of rotational flower displays in the spring and summer.
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.
Say hello to a full-size Diplodocus grazing in a Jurassic garden, come face-to-face with the earliest mammals and walk in the footsteps of our earliest ancestors. As you explore the grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, experience how nature can thrive in urban spaces. Booking not necessary.
After major conservation work, the 18th-century Orangery at Kensington Palace has reopened its doors. Visit the iconic restaurant in a stunning setting for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.
