What Is There to See at Kensington Gardens?
Kensington Gardens is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. Situated adjacent to Hyde Park, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The round pond is a particular highlight, and visitors can often be seen feeding the ducks and swans that make their home there. Other notable attractions include the Albert Memorial, the Italian Gardens, and Kensington Palace. With so much to see and do, Kensington Gardens is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a historic royal residence in Kensington, London. Queen Victoria was born and raised at the palace, and it was also the home of the late Princess of Wales, Diana. Today, the palace is open to the public and houses a number of museums and tourist attractions.
The Queen’s State Apartments are some of the most popular attractions, as they offer a rare glimpse into the private lives of the royals. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens, which feature a number of sculptures and fountains. With so much to see and do, Kensington Palace is a must-visit for anyone interested in British royalty.
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens
Located in the Gardens is the statue of Peter Pan, erected in 1912. The statue is of a young boy flying high above the ground, with his arms outstretched and a mischievous grin on his face. Peter Pan is a popular figure in British folklore and literature, and the statue is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Story
The gardens around Kensington are also featured in J. M. Barrie’s novel about the famous Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. In the story, Peter is a seven-day-old infant who, “like all infants”, used to be part bird. Because Peter has complete confidence in his flying abilities, he is able to flee out of the window of his London home and return to Kensington Gardens after hearing about his adult life.
Peter feels terrible for leaving his home and contemplates returning to his mother. He contemplates leaving the Gardens, but first goes back there to say his final goodbyes. Peter lingers in the gardens for too long and, upon returning home permanently, is devastated to discover that while he was away, his mother in his absence, his mother has given birth to another boy she can love. That leads Peter to return to Kensington, his heart broken.
Peter later meets a little girl named Maimie Mannering, a literary predecessor to the character Wendy Darling, who is lost in the Gardens. Peter and Maimie become quick friends, and Peter asks her to marry him. Maimie almost decides to stay with him, but she understands how worried her mother must be about her, so she rushes home to see her family again. However, even after years have passed, Maimie keeps Peter in mind and makes gifts and letters for him.
Things to Know When You Visit Kensington
If you’re planning a trip to Kensington, there are a few things you should know in order to make the most of your visit.
- First, be sure to pack comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking! Kensington is home to numerous historical landmarks and world-famous museums, so there’s plenty to see and do.
- Secondly, be aware that many of the area’s attractions are located within close proximity to each other, so it’s easy to hit multiple sights in one day. Finally, remember that Kensington can be crowded during peak tourist season, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for the off-season.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring all that Kensington has to offer.
If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kensington Gardens is the perfect spot. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored here. From exploring the stunning gardens to visiting the beautiful palace, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re looking for a day out, be sure to head to Kensington Gardens.
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