The Grass is Always Greener: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

In addition to many of London’s most famous museums, the areas of greenery known as the Royal Parks are also free to the public. This is a group of 8 parks on lands still technically owned by the royal family but with permission for public usage. We visited two of these, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

These two parks are two of the more well known of the Royal Parks. In actuality, they are connected and could be considered part of the same nature area. Kensington Gardens just so happened to spend some time as the private park of Kensington Palace before becoming public again, hence the likely explanation for the separation of names. Both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are part of an expanse of greenery that more or less extends from Kengsinton Palace in the west all the way to Buckingham Palace in the east, ending with St. James Park and Green Park surrounding the royal residence.

Hyde Park definitely offered a welcomed reprieve from the gray facades and hustle and bustle of the streets. While only about half the size of Central Park in New York City, it seemed spacious. Quaint paths intertwined with each among a beautiful display of manicured flowers and foliage. Some interesting trees even had secret underworlds beneath there sheltering leaves. This was Brad’s favorite place in London. So peaceful with the sun peaking through the leaves and the green glow all around.

Situated inside Hyde Park is the Serpentine, a man-made recreational lake that offers a serene view from benches along its shores and a healthy supply of geese and ducks enjoying its waters. We took some time to appreciate this location by settling down to eat lunch at the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen located on the Serpentine’s eastern shore. The can’t-go-wrong pulled pork sandwich and french fries hit the spot. We also partook of some ice cream along it’s northern shore but we passed on the paddleboats.

The park was full of other park goers, running to be healthy, lying down to tan, and just enjoying the views. Definitely a highlight of London and we would spend a whole relaxing there if we ever make it back.

Kensington Gardens begins where the western Serpentine is transected by the Serpentine Bridge. The Gardens have a feeling of more privacy than Hyde Park with some fencing separating it from its surroundings. Afterall, they used to be private for the royal family. The west end of Kensinton Gardens provides a regal view of Kensington Palace and the Round Pond in its backyard.

This site was popular for park goers as well and the landscape was dotted with people staking out their spots to enjoy the sun. We spent some time appreciating the sparkling waters and some baby duck friends that paid us a visit!

Finally, we did venture into Kensington Palace at the end of our stroll through the gardens. It was included in our London Pass, but otherwise there is a 17.50 pounds cost. To be honest, if it had not been included in our London Pass, we would have skipped it. The inside is nice, but it has seen better times. Discounting its royal history, it’s just a mansion with big rooms and some ornate furniture to see. There is also a wing that is unavailable to tour where the royal family including Prince Harry still lives at times.

We spent no more than an hour and a half exploring the palace before heading off to the Victoria and Albert Museum!