Discover the magnificence of four of London’s Royal Parks

This walk will be at a gentle pace and will meander through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park, taking in all the magnificent sights along the way.

There is much to see, including Kensington Palace and its gardens, The Albert Memorial and Albert Hall, The Italian Gardens, The Serpentine Galleries, The Diana Memorial Playground and Fountain, Buckingham Palace, memorials and monuments and much, much more.

A lot of the sights and scenery is very spectacular, and guests are encouraged to bring a camera to capture and save these beautiful memories.

The walk will cover a distance of just under six and a-half miles and include two breaks for rest and refreshments. I would also encourage guests to bring a packed lunch as the cafés and kiosks within the parks are very expensive. There are frequent toilets en route during our walk through Kensington Gardens but less so in the remaining parks. Public toilets cost 20p to use.

The duration of the walk is estimated to be around five hours and may be a little tiring for some.

For any guests who cannot stay with the walk for its full duration, there are convenient exit points at The Italian Gardens (for Lancaster Gate tube and bus services along Bayswater Rd), and also at Hyde Park Corner (for Hyde Park Corner tube and bus services along Knightsbridge/Park Lane/Piccadilly).

The walk will be entirely outdoors and in the open. Should the weather not be suitable, the walk will be cancelled no later than than the evening before.

Guests will each be asked for a fee of £3 to cover administrative costs.

Meet and Social

11:00 We will first meet-up at Kensington Garden Black Lion Gate (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.510193,-0.187871,3a,75y,168.19h,85.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sFWsoAx6HqWZwUlPLFb871A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1) for introductions and to allow 20 minutes for all guests to arrive.

The gates are directly opposite a pedestrian crossing on the Bayswater Road just a few yards from Queensway Station (Central line) and in front of the Hilton Hotel.

There are also bus stops close by for bus routes 70, 94, 148 and 390.

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I will also take this opportunity to collect the £3 fee from each guest.

Kensington Gardens (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/about-kensington-gardens)

11:20 We start our walk at the Black Lion Gate in Kensington Gardens, first walking around the Diana Memorial Playground (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/diana-memorial-playground). This children's wonderland was opened in June 2000 and is visited by over 750,00 children each year. The playground is set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants, with a huge wooden pirate ship as its centrepiece surrounded by a sandy beach with a sensory trail and teepees.

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Alongside the Diana Memorial Playground is the Elfin Oak (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/elfin-oak), a sculpture designed by Ivor Innes in 1930 and made from the hollow trunk of an oak tree, carved with figures of fairies, elves and animals. It was given to The Royal Parks by Lady Fortescue in response to an appeal to improve facilities in the Royal Parks. In 1996, Spike Milligan raised money for its restoration and in 1997 it was Grade II listed.

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We next veer toward the Round Pond and along its bank toward to the Queen Victoria Statue (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/queen-victoria-statue) and the grounds of Kensington Palace (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/kensington-palace), the birthplace of Queen Victoria and her residence until 1837. Refreshments and souvenirs can be bought inside the Palace at the shop, and toilets are also located inside the Palace next to the café.

Originally Nottingham House (a Jacobean country mansion built in about 1605), the building was acquired by William III (William III of Orange) and Mary II in 1689 (the same year William became King of Great Britain and Ireland) who commissioned Christopher Wren to turn into a palace. The conversion was completed in six months, and William and Mary moved in on Christmas Eve of that year. King William and Queen Mary added the gallery, the Queen's Apartments and a new entrance during the next few years of their residency. The palace has been a royal residence ever since and is currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Diana Princess of Wales also had an apartment at the palace from 1981-1997.

Next we meander along the “Wiggly Walk” and into the beautiful Sunken Garden; added to the Kensington Palace landscape in 1909 and modelled on a similar garden at Hampton Court Palace.

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We leave the garden and stroll to the South Gate of Kensington Palace, the site where mourners left a sea of flowers in tribute to Princess Diana following her death. Inside the gates stands the King William III Statue (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/king-william-iii-statue), designed by H. Bauke in 1907 and presented to King Edward VII by his nephew, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.

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We will then walk toward the Albert Memorial (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/the-albert-memorial), passing the Bandstand along the way.

The Albert Memorial stands across from the Royal Albert Hall (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Albert_Hall). It was designed by George Gilbert Scott and unveiled in 1872 to commemorate the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, who died of typhoid fever at the age of 42. At each corner of the memorial stand marble figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa and America, and higher up are figures representing manufacture, commerce, agriculture and engineering. Near the top are gilded bronze statues of the angels and virtues. Around the base of the memorial the Parnassus frieze depicts celebrated painters, poets sculptors, musicians and architects, reflecting Albert's enthusiasm for the arts. There are 187 carved figures in the frieze.

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We leave the Memorial to briefly visit the Serpentine Gallery (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/serpentine-galleries) (if no queues). The Gallery is free to enter but a £1 donation is suggested (there are toilet facilities inside). It was originally built in 1934 as a tea-room, replacing an earlier refreshment house that had been added in 1855. The Gallery opened in 1970, and artist exhibited here have included Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Rachel Whiteread and Damien Hirst.

We next head toward the Diana Memorial Fountain (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/diana-memorial-fountain). This memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 6th July 2004. It contains 545 pieces of Cornish granite, each shaped by the latest computer-controlled machinery and pieced together using traditional skills.

Next to the fountain is the magnificent bronze sculpture Isis (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/isis), designed by Simon Gudgeon and inspired by the Egyptian goddess of nature. It was donated by Halcyon Gallery and installed in 2009 as part of an ambitious appeal to raise funds towards the Isis Education Centre.

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We next walk briefly along the south bank of the Serpentine and under the Serpentine Bridge and then toward the Queen Caroline’s Temple (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/queen-carolines-temple). This temple is a classical style summer house designed for Queen Caroline in 1734-5 (for whom also the Long Water was created), and is attributed to William Kent. Some of the graffiti inside the temple dates back to 1821 when the park was first opened daily to visitors. It was converted into a park keeper's home, but restored in 1976.

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We continue across the grass to the bronze Physical Energy Statue (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/physical-energy-statue) of a man on horseback commemorating Sir Cecil Rhodes, the diamond miner and founder of Rhodesia. The statue was installed in 1907 by George Frederick Watts.

Then next we head to The Speke Monument (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/speke-monument), a red granite statue installed in 1866 and dedicated to John Hanning Speke, the explorer who discovered Lake Victoria and led expeditions to the source of the Nile. The Monument was designed by Philip Hardwick and funded by public subscription.

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Next we head back toward the west bank of Long Water and along the path to The Peter Pan statue (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/the-peter-pan-statue). The statue features squirrels, rabbits, mice and fairies climbing up to Peter, who is stood at the top of this bronze statue. J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, commissioned Sir George Frampton to build the statue in 1902. It was erected in Kensington Gardens in 1912.

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A short walk from The Peter Pan statue is the beautiful Italian Gardens (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/gardens-and-landscapes/italian-gardens), a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate.

We should arrive at the gardens around 1:30pm about two hours or so after the start of our walk. Here we will take our first break of 30 minutes or so and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. There are public toilets nearby as well as vendors selling various refreshments. There is also a mini grocery store across the Bayswater Road, where prices will be far more reasonable that the kiosks within the park.

The gardens were designed by James Pennethorne and included many of the features of the Osborne garden on the Isle of Wight. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.

Next to the gardens is Queen Anne’s Alcove (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/queen-annes-alcove), made in 1705 by Sir Christopher Wren, originally for the southern boundary of the queen's formal south garden, and moved to its present position in 1867. Queen Anne's coat of arms can be seen just below the roof.

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Following our break we will walk along the east bank of the Long Water to The Arch (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/the-arch-by-henry-moore) sculpture by the artist Henry Moore. The Arch is a six-metre high Roman travertine sculpture made from seven travertine stones weighing a total of 37 tonnes. It is positioned on the north bank of Long Water and was presented to the nation in 1980 by Henry Moore, for siting in Kensington Gardens.

Next we head to the newly opened Serpentine Sackler Gallery (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/serpentine-galleries) for a brief viewing. The gallery was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and was formerly a 1805 gunpowder store. It is free to enter and has toilet facilities at the rear.

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Hyde Park (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/about-hyde-park)

We return to Long Water and again walk under The Serpentine Bridge into Hyde Park, continuing our stroll along the north bank of The Serpentine with views to the lido on the opposite bank and the many boats and birds enjoying the lake between.

At the end of the Serpentine we pass over Dell Bridge with its picturesque views back across The Serpentine on one side, and The Dell on the other.

Near by we find the Queen Caroline Memorial (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/queen-caroline-memorial), a stone urn mounted on a plinth unveiled by the Queen in 1990. From 1726 - 1730, Queen Caroline (the wife of King George II) created both the Serpentine the Long Water lakes.

We next visit the Holocaust Memorial (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/holocaust-memorial), Britain's first memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The Memorial is a garden of boulders surrounded by white-stemmed birch trees. It was designed by Richard Seifert and Derek Lovejoy and Partners, and constructed in 1983.

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We leave the Holocaust Memorial and enter into The Rose Garden (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park/things-to-see-and-do/gardens-and-landscapes/the-rose-garden). Here we take our second break, sitting on the grass lawn close to the beautiful flowerbeds with their collection of roses, shrubs and herbaceous plants with vibrant colour all year round.There are public toilets nearby.

After our break we continue through the Rose Garden, past The Huntress Fountain (https://oneyearinhydepark.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/diana-the-huntress/) with the bronze figure of the Greek goddess, Artemis, shooting an arrow. The fountain was installed in 1906 and designed by Countess Feodora Gleichen, the first woman member of the Royal society of British Sculptors.

A few yard further on is the marble Boy and Dolphin Fountain (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/boy-and-dolphin-fountain), made in 1862 by Alexander Munro, a friend of the author Lewis Carroll. This fountain originally stood in a Victorian sunken garden that was demolished when Park Lane was widened (and which is now the site of the Joy of Life fountain).

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We leave the Rose Garden and next walk to the 7 July Memorial (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/7-july-memorial). This memorial, to honour the 52 killed in the 7 July 2005 London Bombings, was unveiled on the fourth anniversary by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

The memorial comprises 52 stainless steel pillars representing each of the victims, grouped together in four clusters reflecting the four locations of the incidents. A plaque listing the names of the victims is sited on the grass bank at the head end of the memorial.

Finally we head to the exit of Hyde Park passing the Statue of Achilles (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/statue-of-achilles) (the Greek hero of the Trojan War). This 18ft statue commemorates Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. The head is based on the Duke himself.

The statue was made by Sir Richard Westmacott using 33 tonnes of bronze from canons captured in Wellington's campaigns in France. It was installed by order of King George III and unveiled on 18 June 1822. Originally nude, a small fig leaf had to be added soon after, to quell the outrage.

We exit Hyde Park through the Decimus Burton's Ionic Screen (http://www.castlehillsberwick.com/burtonexhibition/index%20BURTON_files/Page417.htm) and cross Knightsbridge to the Hyde Park Corner Island and its many memorials.

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Hyde Park Corner Island (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyde_Park_Corner)

During our stroll around the island we will see several memorials and monuments commemorating events of the 19th and 20th centuries and those involved.

The bronze Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrian_statue_of_the_Duke_of_Wellington,_Hyde_Park_Corner), stands facing his old home, Apsley House, and showing the Iron Duke mounted on his horse, Copenhagen. The monument was designed by Sir J. E. Boehm and constructed between 1884-88, and unveiled in 1888.

The Royal Artillery Monument (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Artillery_Memorial) was designed by Charles Sergeant Jagger (who served with the Regiment) and Lionel Pearson, and features a giant sculpture of a Mk I howitzer upon a large plinth, with stone reliefs depicting scenes from the conflict. It was built between 1921-25 in commemoration of the casualties of the Royal Regiment of Artillery during WWI.

The triumphal Wellington Arch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellington_Arch) built in 1826-29, was designed by Decimus Burton. The bronze sculpture on top, ‘Peace descending on the Quadriga of War’ (by Adrian Jones) was added in 1912, replacing a statue of Wellington which was unpopular. The arch was originally sited directly opposite Burton's Ionic Screen but was moved in 1883 to alleviate traffic congestion.

The Machine Gun Corps Memorial (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_Gun_Corps_Memorial) (also known as The Boy David) commemorates the casualties of the Machine Gun Corps in the First World War. The memorial was originally located next to Grosvenor Place and unveiled on 10 May 1925 by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. Some interpreted the statue, with its accompanying Vickers guns and reference to the slaying hundreds and thousands, as glorifying war. The memorial was dismantled in 1945 due to roadworks, and reinstalled in its present location in 1963.

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The New Zealand War Memorial (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_War_Memorial,_London) unveiled in 2006, is a memorial to those New Zealanders who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial (officially named "Southern Stand") was designed by architect John Hardwick-Smith and sculptor Paul Dibble, both from New Zealand. The memorial comprises 16 bronze "standards" adorned with different texts, patterns and small sculptures, all symbolic of New Zealand. The girders project from the ground at an angle intended to resemble the posture of warriors performing the haka. The ends are cut off at a diagonal to resemble cross-like grave markers from a distance.

The Australian War Memorial (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_War_Memorial,_London) was dedicated in 2003 to the 102,000 Australian dead of the two World Wars. It is a wave-like curve of green granite designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects and artist Janet Laurence. Across the wall are inscribed the place names of the Australian service men and women, and these merge to form the names of battle sites. Water runs down over the names, intended to evoke "memories of service, suffering and sacrifice". The memorial is constructed of a green granitic rock called Laguna Green provided by the town of Jerramungup in south Western Australia.

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Green Park (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park/about-green-park)

We next cross Duke of Wellington Place into The Green Park, first passing by the pillars of The Memorial Gates (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/memorial-gates), inaugurated by the Queen in 2002. The Gates are dedicated to the five million people from the Indian Sub-Continent, Africa and the Caribbean, who served or lost their lives in the two World Wars.

A short distance away is the very impressive Bomber Command Memorial (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/bomber-command-memorial) which commemorates the 55,573 who died while serving in the Bomber Command during the Second World War. The Memorial was designed by architect Liam O'Connor and was built using Portland stone.

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We continue through Green Park to the Canada Memorial (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/canada-memorial), designed by the Quebec artist, Pierre Granche and unveiled by the Queen in 1994. The memorial remembers the one million Canadians who served with British forces during the two World Wars. The narrow walkway, dividing the memorial in two, faces the direction of the Canadian port of Halifax from where many Canadian service personnel sailed for Europe. The bronze leaves embedded in the granite are maple, the national symbol of Canada.

Finally, we exit Green Park by the Canada Gates (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/canada-gate), installed in the early years of the 20th century as part of the memorial to Queen Victoria.

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Buckingham Palace (http://www.royal.gov.uk/theroyalresidences/buckinghampalace/buckinghampalace.aspx)

We next cross over Constitution Hill and walk to the gates of Buckingham Palace. This Palace was originally built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham and has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. It is the Queen's official London residence and is used to receive and entertain guests on state, ceremonial and official occasions. The Palace measures 108 metres in length, 120 metres deep, and 24 metres high. There are 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

In front of the Palace gates is The Victoria Memorial (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Memorial,_London), a monument to Queen Victoria, designed by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock. The monument was unveiled on 16 May 1911, though it was not completed until 1924.

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St James's Park (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park/about-st-jamess-park)

The final leg of our walk takes us through St James's Park, the oldest Royal Park in London. The park is arguably the most picturesque of the four parks visited, with a beautiful lake at its centre that is home to a wide range of bird life.

We will walk along the north side of the St James's Park Lake then cross the lake at the Blue Bride where we will briefly pause for the spectacular views across the lake to Buckingham Palace to the west, and Horse Guards Parade, Big Ben and the London Eye towards the east.

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We then continue along the south side of the lake to complete our walk.

For those who wish to continue socialising we will take a very short walk to the Two Chairmen pub on Dartmouth Street. The pub is only a stone’s throw from St James’s Park tube station (Circle and District lines) and Victoria Street for bus services. Victoria Station is a about a 12 minute walk from the pub.