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Kensington Gardens once formed
the grounds of Kensington Palace. These attractive gardens
were one of the reasons that William III and Mary II bought
the house when they came to the throne in 1689.
In the early-18th century the
gardens were laid out in a Dutch style, bit now the gardens,
which became a public park in 1841, have a more natural appearance. Although
Kensington Gardens merge into Hyde Park to the east they have
a different mood and are particularly good for children.
Just east of the palace is the
Round Pond, created in 1728, and a favourite with model boat
enthusiasts. Occasionally the Round Pond is fit for
skating in the winter.
Close to the Long Water, which
is a continuation of the Serpentine stands the famous 'Peter
Pan' statue, created by Sir George Frampton in 1912.
Ornamental fountains and statues lie to the north of here,
including Jacob Epstein's 'Rima''. Henry Moore's 'Arch'
dates from 1979.
To the south stands a statue
of a horse and rider, known as 'Physical Energy', by the Victorian
artist George Frederick Watts, and nearby is the summer house
designed by William Kent in 1735.
In the north near Lancaster Gate
is a dogs' cemetery, which was started in 1880 by the Duke
of Cambridge while mourning one of his pets.
Features of the gardens include
a sunken garden, the Orangery café, the Serpentine Gallery
and the Albert Memorial.
There are two playgrounds, kite
flying, a flower walk and puppet shows in the summer, all
for children..
Admission free
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