Kensington Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks in the UK capital and Park Avenue J Hotel guests have a formal landscaped garden surrounded by some of the city’s best tourist attractions right on their doorstep. Kensington Gardens is a hotspot for tourism even though it is often overshadowed by its festival hosting, Marble Arched neighbour. The park is an especially vital visit for anyone interested in the royal history of the city.
Kensington Gardens’ long history interweaves with that of Hyde Park but its story and landmarks contrast greatly with its big sister. Any nature-loving guests at accommodation near Hyde Park London will be able to see the distinct differences between the two. This blog will outline some of the aspects of Hyde Park and Kensington Garden that make them such different tourist experiences, all whilst highlighting some of the reasons they are both worth a visit.
The Geography
When it comes to the architecture of the garden, both are easily differentiated. Hyde Park consists of walkways, fields and woodland trails, all amounting to a slightly wilder terrain that evokes its proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Kensington Gardens however, was originally designed to be a private garden so reflects the serenity and stillness that its original owners originally wished for. We’ll get on to the private owners of Kensington Gardens in a moment, but its formal flower beds, landscaped gardens and beautiful ponds all have a little more of a royal air about them.
How Hyde Park Gave Birth To Kensington Gardens
Originally opened in 1536, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens were once a single park that was used as private hunting grounds for Henry VIII. Originally built on land that the famous Tudor king had usurped from Westminster Abbey during the dissolution of the monasteries in the same year, Hyde Park was private for a good 101 years before it was opened to the public. During the proceeding 90 years, Hyde Park and its western extent, now Kensington Gardens, was used for public parades, leisure activities and sometimes even duels. It wasn’t until 1728 that the western side was cordoned off at the request of Queen Caroline, wife to George II to be used as a private garden for the recently built Kensington Palace close by before it was made public in the 19th century.
The Serpentine River
Created at the birth of Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine was built from dammed water from the now subterranean River Westbourne. Known as the Long Water, the Serpentine separates Kensington Gardens from Hyde Park, with the Serpentine Bridge acting as a road and foot crossing for both parks.
Hyde Park’s Visiting Festivals
Guests at the Park Avenue J Hotel Hyde Park will also find that Hyde Park has a more public role in the modern day. Thanks to its large expanses of field, Hyde Park is home to some of the most popular music and seasonal festivals in the city. British Summer Time and Proms in the Park take over large swathes of the green space during the summer, whilst Winter Wonderland, a seasonal Christmas Market and amusement park takes over from November through January.
Also Read: Best Kept Secrets Of Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens – A Place For Peace
Due to its initial use as a private garden, Kensington Garden is a more peaceful and serene park than its neighbour. From English afternoon tea rooms to being the inspiration for Peter Pan, Kensington Gardens promotes a more peaceful experience for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
