Kensington Gardens, London, is a large central park west of Hyde Park, with palace grounds, garden features and open paths. From Paddington, you can walk to an entrance or take the Tube to a station near the gardens.
- Area: approximately 107 hectares.
- From Paddington: a 32-minute walk, passing the Lancaster Gate entrance.
- Usual opening pattern: Open daily
- Admission: the park is free; some areas and activities may require paid tickets and advance booking.
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens is west of Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace is one of its landmarks. The gardens were originally part of Hyde Park before King William III and his wife annexed the land to create a garden for the palace.
The Royal Parks describes the Italian Gardens, on the north side of the park, as an ornamental water garden with four main basins. Other sights include the Albert Memorial, Peter Pan statue, Round Pond and Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
The park’s perimeter is approximately 2.7 miles excluding the Long Water, or 3.3 miles including it. That gives a sense of its scale when planning a walk between sights.
How do you get from Paddington to Kensington Gardens?
The walk from Paddington to Kensington Gardens takes 32 minutes and passes the Lancaster Gate entrance.
For a Tube option, Lancaster Gate and Queensway are on the Central line, and Bayswater is on the Circle line. London Paddington is about 0.3 miles north of West Carriage Drive and is served by GWR, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line.
If you’re heading to Kensington Palace, Queensway Underground station is about 0.45 miles away, approximately a 10-minute walk from the palace entrance. The route enters the gardens via Black Lion Gate. Paddington station is also a 20-minute walk from the palace.
Bus routes can also serve the edges of the gardens: routes 94, 148 and 274 stop along Bayswater Road, while routes 9, 49, 52, 70 and 452 stop along Kensington High Street. Check Transport for London for current services before travelling.
Park sights and nearby stops
Pick a few landmarks to link together, then leave time for the paths and open spaces between them. The Italian Gardens make a natural stop on the north side, while the Round Pond, Peter Pan statue and Albert Memorial are among the park’s other sights. For a wider day around Paddington, see the guide to Marble Arch.
Kensington Palace sits within the gardens. Its exhibition rooms are open to the public, but you need a ticket to explore inside. The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is another park sight; check its access details before making it part of your plans.
Visit London suggests allowing two to three hours for a Kensington Gardens visit, including a break. A one-day London route from Paddington connects the outing with other parts of the city.
Access, opening times and seasonal notes
Kensington Gardens opens at 6am and closes at dusk each day, with the closing time changing through the year. Temporary closures may occur for events or maintenance, so check the official site before you go for current hours and public notices.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00–21:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission to the park is free, although some areas and activities may need paid tickets and advance booking. Cycling is allowed only on designated routes, including Broad Walk, Mount Walk, Studio Walk and Albert Approach Road; pedestrians have priority.
Before setting off, check Transport for London for current travel information and the Royal Parks for park access details. Pavilion Hotel, about an 8-minute walk from Paddington station, offers a Pavilion Double Room.
FAQs
How long does it take to walk from Paddington to Kensington Gardens?
The walk takes 32 minutes and passes the Lancaster Gate entrance. Paddington station is also a 20-minute walk from Kensington Palace.
Is Kensington Gardens free to enter?
Yes, the park is free to visit. Some areas and activities may require paid tickets and advance booking, and Kensington Palace requires a ticket for its exhibition rooms.
What are the main sights in Kensington Gardens?
Main sights include Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan statue, the Round Pond and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
What other London outing can I plan from Paddington?
A one-day London route from Paddington can connect a park visit with other parts of the city.