Kensington – London’s Romantic Getaway

 

Hyde Park in London

Located right in the heart of London, the Kensington can easily be called the museum hub and a perfect getaway spot for locals. From bustling market places to serene gardens to top-notch museums, there is a lot that you can do here with your special someone.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Highlights of Kensington

Stroll through the Kensington Gardens to the Hyde Park

If you and your partner love being out in the nature and are up for a romantic stroll, then this something that you must do. Kensington has a ton of green space, so make the most of it and get going through the Kensington Gardens, which has become a popular tourist spot for many. As it is counted as one of the eight Royal Parks of the UK capital, you’ll easily some majestic structures and find yourself relaxing in the vast green pastures.

The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In-fact Londoners often visit Hyde Park and stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London. Hyde Park is full of adventure and a nice outing spot for your all-day.

How to Get There?

·         Notting Hill Gate Station (20-25 minutes walk)

·         Queensway station (10 minutes)

·         High Street Kensington station (10 minute walk)

A Musical Evening at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is an immaculate spot for live music and professional artists. Built in 1871 by Queen Victoria, this hall has come a long way from showcasing live opera shows to now permitting a number of different musical genres. Enjoy the vintage vibes of  the old architecture, tall ceilings with classic music playing in the background, and spend a romantic evening with your spouse.

How to Get There?

Underground tubestations near High Street Kensington and South Kensington are the quickest ways to get to the Albert Hall and take about 10-15 minutes.

Shop at the Kensington High Street

Looking for ways to spoil your spouse and spend a little on yourself too? Then head to the Kensington High Street for a some good old retail therapy. Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, you will see heavy discounts and amazing deals on your favorite brands. Apart from shopping you can also find a selection of chic restaurants here. So do not miss out on this one!

How to Get There?

·         By train: Chiltern railways, Great Western Railway

·         By tube: Circle

Visit the Portobello Market

Visit the vibrant Portobello Market and immerse in its hustle and bustle. This place is the best to refresh yourselves from the mundane lives and revitalize yourselves with great food, fresh produce, and lots of thrift shopping. Not only will you find classic British cuisine here, you will also come across many Indian and Chinese delicacies that are made on the spot and are popular for its unique taste. Moreover, you will also stumble upon some extraordinary street performers that will put in awe with their talents and tricks. Portobello Market is the must visit place which can be easily accessible from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington hotel in central London.

How to Get There?

From Nottinghill gate take the District (green), Circle (yellow), Central (red) lines.

Conclusion

With so many things listed to do, you and your loved one will definitely have a great time in Kensington. Think no more and plan a day trip today!

 

 

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The Ultimate Hyde Park Guide

Hyde Park in London

One of London’s most renowned park, the Hyde Park, is almost on every traveler’s itinerary. As deserving as it is, many do not know about its history and how it formed. Let’s begin with a little background story

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

About Hyde Park  

Initially, Hyde Park was a hunting ground owned by King Henry VIII. It was made open to the public in 1637 by King Charles I. After his reign, the park was completely renovated by Queen Caroline in the 1730s, some of its ground works still stand still today. The Queen also constructed The Serpentine, that marks the boundaries of the Kensington gardens and Hyde Park today.

The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In-fact Londoners often visit Hyde Park and stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London. Hyde Park is full of adventure and a nice outing spot for your all-day.

Highlights of the Park

Hyde Park is a place for all. Whether a group of friends, a whole family or a solo soul, everyone can find their sweet spot here.It is also a great picnic place if bring a good company with refreshing snacks!With that being said, the park is packed full of events and activities all year around. Some of them are mentioned below:

Speaker’s Corner

This area catches the attention of almost every single person passing by. This is a traditional spot for speeches and debates since the 1800s. As this is a public park, this spot is open to anyone who may wish to express their thoughts out aloud. Many notable personalities such as George Orwell, Vladimir Lenin, and Karl Marx have shared this space.

The Queen Elizabeth Gate

Taken as the pride of the Hyde Park, the Queen Elizabeth Gate was installed to commemorate the Queen’s 90^th birthday. The gate was designed by Giuseppe Lund who laid out the design of the forged steel in manner that reflected Queen Mother’s admiration for flowers. These gates were officially opened in 1993 by Queen Elizabeth II. If you feel like visiting the royal palace after admiring this beautiful structure, head towards the Westminster end of the park and visit the Buckingham Palace.

The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden was opened to the public in 1994, and was designed by architects Moggridge and Colvin. This charming spot of Hyde Park not only has blooming roses but also a variety of other floral species. Visit this spot in the mid-summer to witness the true beauty of the roses. Bring along a picnic basket and enjoy your peaceful time amidst these beautiful creations.

How to Get to Hyde Park

Due to its location, Hyde Park is high accessible by all public transports. You can either travel by train, bus or tubes, getting here is extremely easy. You can get an easy access to Hyde Park from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via London Tube

By train: London Paddington (10 minutes’ walk-away)

By bus: Almost all buses have a stop here and would cost you a flat rate of £15.5

By tube: One of the fastest ways to get here is the tube. If you’re near the Piccadilly, then hop on to the (blue) line that will drop you off at Knightsbridge or the Hyde Park Corner. Another tube that goes around here is the red line that moves from Central London to Marble Arch Station or Lancaster Gate.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve listed ways to get here, and also pointed out some of the park’s best spots; this place is perfect to visit with your friends and family for a quick getaway.  

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The Famous Parks of London

 

Hyde Park, London

London is known for its large, relaxing parks, and these must be a part of your itinerary! Each one of these parks is unique in its own way and should be experienced one at a time. Here is a list of London’s most eminent parks, which you should visit at least once.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Hyde Park

Making it to the first position in this list is London’s historic Hyde Park. The Park covers 142 hectares of land and has over 4,000 varieties of admirable flora. It has a lake with paddle boats and even some horses to ride on. Located in the heart of London, this park cannot be missed. The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In-fact Londoners often visit Hyde Park and stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London. Hyde Park is full of adventure and a nice outing spot for your all-day.

Entry fee: Free

Hampstead Heath

Located only four miles away from Trafalgar Square, Hampstead Heath is a beautiful countryside park of 800 acres. Since it is easy to reach and not far from commercial areas; you will spot many employees relaxing after a tiring day at work. This Park has meadows, ponds, woodland, and trees that are thousands of years old – nature in pure sense.

Entry fee: Free

Alexandra Park and Palace 

This 80-hectare, Green heritage winning green landscape in London is every child’s delight. Not only is the Alexandra Park and Palace a great relaxing place but it also has a ton of entertainment options for children. From a children’s café, to a skate park and a play area for toddlers, the park comes to live during spring and summer holidays. You can also play elite sports such as golf while enjoying the panoramic views of London’s clear skyline.

Entry fee: Free

St. James Park

Being one of the royal parks, the St. James Park in London is a famous tourist attraction and holds multiple royal events that are a treat to watch. Throughout the year, royal celebrations and events like Trooping the Color, Changing the Guard, and Beating the Retreat take place attracting many locals and tourists. The park also holds great significance due the monuments, memorials and statues installed in it such as the Queen Victoria Memorial, King George VI Memorial, Captain Cook Statue, The Tiffany Fountain and many more. The park is also rich in flora and has beautiful flower beds laid out in semi-circle design as a  memorial to Queen Victoria.

Entry fee: Free

Regents Park

Covering over 166 hectares (410 acres) the Regents Park is a rose heaven! This Park holds more than 30,000 roses of 500 varieties. This is also a popular spot for people practicing sports as the sports facilities cover 100 acres of this park. Regents Park is very close to Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via London tube to relish the recreation time in London.

Entry fee: Free

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of London’s largest parks with 1000 hectares and is the humble abode of nearly 650 freely roaming deer. Designated as National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) the park has large fresh water reserves where you can spot migratory birds during specific months in the year.

Entry fee: Free

 

 

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A Day at Hyde Park, London

Hyde Park in London

 

Ranked in the list of royal gardens and being among the largest central parks in London, Hyde Park enjoys the status of being a popular park in the UK. The Park covers 380 acres and is known for having a history of protests and marches. It has even been a favorite spot for artists and musicians for concerts and gigs.

Hyde Park also serves as a getaway for Londoners as it puts a break to the city’s fast life and allows everyone to unwind and calm down in its relaxing environment. The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Things to do in Hyde Park now

Witness the Holiday season in its full swing in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland this year. The royal garden transforms into a dreamy yet fun space with food, drinks, games, rides, and a whole lot more that will get you into the holiday spirit. Hyde Park is the place to visit in December due to Winter Wonderland which is the most fascinating festival to watch when you are in London. In-fact Londoners waited long for this festival and often stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London during this festive season.

Picnicking in English Rose Garden

Just like the picnic scenes in Bridgerton (Netflix series), picnic amidst a park full of roses has its own charm. Experience the same at Hyde Park’s Rose Garden located at the southeast side.  Not only is this part rich in roses but also has beautiful pergolas and a few 19th-century fountains. The place is nearby Rotten-Row which, in the past, was a well-known horse-riding track for elite Britons.

Relax by the Serpentine Boathouse

The Serpentine Boathouse is one place, every couple should visit. The calm running water and the serene surroundings create a magical vibe overall. Between October and March, the lake offers paddling activities, where you and your partner can spend some quality time together. The place also offers deckchairs available for hire which is perfect to throw a picnic mat on.

Entertainment at the Speakers Corner

Sometimes you require more than just quiet time, and for moments like these, you must visit the Speakers Corner in Hyde Park. The Sunday sessions at the Speakers Corner is a great spot to see some vocal personalities speak their heart out. The Parade Ground behind the Speakers’ Corner is a vast open space where you can spread your picnic mat, relax and listen to the session. This Corner has seen noteworthy orators such as George Orwell, Karl Marx, and many more. If you’re fond of discussions and debates you’ll surely love this experience.

Some Quiet Time at the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

Every one of us needs to stop, rethink and refocus; for that, the Princess of Wale Memorial Fountain is the place to go. The design of the stream-like fountain depicts the warm and welcoming nature of the Queen and is located near restaurants and cafes. Hyde Park is the most fascinating place for the tourist come to stay in London. The Park City Grand Plaza Kensington is providing an easy access to Hyde Park and most famous attractions nearby.

Now, that you've learned about Hyde Park in depth, observe the change in your perspective of the Park.

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One-Day Self-Guided Walking Tour in London

  

Walking tour of London

If you're arranging a whistle-stop visit to London, have confidence you can get around a fair lump of the primary vacation destinations. Truth be told, why not pack your comfiest shoes and investigate the city by walking? Notwithstanding the tremendousness of the English capital, large numbers of the key attractions are inside strolling distance of each other. Therefore, we've organized this one-day London schedule that you can follow by walking. On the off chance that you are beginning your one day in London from Park Fantastic London Heathrow, you can ride the Piccadilly Line to Hyde Park Corner and start there.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Highlights

Hyde Park

Commence your day in the city's head green space. The recreation area contains strolling regions, a sailing lake, a craftsmanship exhibition, and a dissipating of nurseries and landmarks. Londoners accumulate at Speaker's Corner on Sundays to share their political and social insights. During summer, you can swim in the Serpentine lido. 

Hyde Park is the place to visit in November due to Winter Wonderland which is the most fascinating festival to watch when you are in London. Infact Londoners waited long for this festival and often stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London during this festive season.

If you're remaining in a nearby inn, the Recreation area Great London Paddington,Hyde Park is close to home. We suggest you enter through the north finish of the recreation area where the Italian Nurseries are found.

Leave the recreation area at the southeaster corner, cross underneath the Wellington Curve, and follow Constitution Slope to your next objective, Green Park.

Photography of the veneer is gladly received, yet you can visit the State Lofts throughout the mid-year season - late July through the finish of September. In addition, the Top-down restructuring function happens a few mornings during the week and is allowed to watch.

St James' Park

Proceed with onwards through quite possibly London's prettiest park. Note the pelicans and other birds living on the lake and post for rushing squirrels.

Get over the scaffold and note the perspective on Buckingham Castle peeping through the foliage.

Involving a quiet road between St James' Park and Whitehall, 10 Bringing down Road is the home and office of the English State leader. Unfortunately, you can't head inside; however, it's an excellent photograph stop.

 

Places to Visit Nearby

Parliament Square

Whitehall conveys you to Parliament Square, where you can recognize the Castle of Westminster, Large Ben, and Westminster Convent. Large Ben (formally, the Elizabeth Pinnacle), as of late, disclosed another clock face following quite a long while of rebuilding.

Assuming you have time, you should step inside Westminster Convent and see the site where Sovereign Elizabeth II was coroneted, and various illustrious weddings have occurred. Advance booking is suggested at the end of the week and during summer and English school occasions. You can buy tickets safely via the internet using free Wi-Fi from The Recreation area Terrific London Paddington.

If not, you can see the value outside and drop by Victoria Pinnacle Gardens South for a great viewpoint of the parliament building.

Leave the recreation area at the southeaster corner, cross underneath the Wellington Curve, and follow Constitution Slope to your next objective, Green Park.

Leicester Square elements a few stalls where you can make last-minute arrangements to get a show. All the famous squares including Trafalgar Square are in close proximity to Park City Grand Plaza Kensington hotel in central London.

South Bank

Stroll across Westminster Extension and make a beeline for the London Eye. London South Bank is likewise the setting for the London Prison, Ocean LIFE Centre London Aquarium, and the Public Theatre. You can visit every one of the attractions during one day in London, so think about it ahead of time, assuming you wish to remember one for your schedule. Once more, you should hold tickets online to stay away from long lines.

South Bank has regular outdoor markets and occasional pop-ups like the yearly Christmas market. You will want to get lunch at the end-of-the-week food marketplace or at one of the innumerable riverside eateries. If you're visiting the area for business, South Bank is a fabulous breakout space from the nearby meeting rooms in West London.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a little business and diversion centre point close to Trafalgar Square. The piazza is inundated with stores, high road shops, and markets where you can buy carefully assembled knickknacks and keepsakes. There could be no more excellent spot to get a few gifts or snatch a reward.

Covent Garden joins with Leicester Square, and these two regions structure the core of the West End Theatre Locale. You should get passes to a show and satisfy a regular list of must-dos things! If you have the brain to watch a particular creation, buy tickets online before your visit. Visitors of Park Excellent London Heathrow can undoubtedly interface with Covent Nursery and Leicester Square using the Piccadilly Line - so seeing a musical play is feasible.

Soho

It's been a drawn-out day and a ton of strolling, so you can now rest in London's nightlife spot. Soho is brimming with cafés, wine bars, and customary English bars where you can get a feast or a beverage before going to the theatre or back to your inn.

Corporate voyagers with occasions at meeting rooms in Paddington can think about visiting Soho while the working day closes for a systems administration meeting in a relaxed setting.

Do not forget to stroll down these places if you plan a one-day walking tour of London.

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7 World-Famous Landmarks that Symbolize London’s Tradition

 

Hyde Park In London

London is home to some of the most beautiful landmarks. Such is the city of London.

London maybe has more renowned structures than some other city in Europe and conceivably on the planet, as it was the point of convergence of a colossal realm that once spanned across landmasses and went on for quite a long time.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Here is a rundown of the most famous landmarks of London that must not be missed by a tourist visiting the city.

1.       Hyde Park

The historical backdrop of this park returned to the sixteenth century when Henry VIII made it his confidential hunting grounds.

 It was subsequently switched over to public space and underwent a few phases of changes throughout the long term. Because of its area, visitors of the Hyde Park Lodging can undoubtedly visit a couple of other eminent locales, like Kensington Royal residence and Kensington Nurseries. Hyde Park is the place to visit in November due to Winter Wonderland which is the most fascinating festival to watch when you are in London. Infact Londoners waited long for this festival and often stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London during this festive season.

·        Tickets & age restriction, if any: Children under 16 have to accompany by a parent. Otherwise, there will be no entry. Kids of 2 years old have a ticket to be free. Hyde Park is free for public in all seasons.

·         Opening time: 05:00am-12:00am.

·         Nearby attractions: London Eye, Royal Albert Hall, The West End, Oxford Street

 

2.       The Big Ben

Big Ben is a giant clock housed in a pinnacle over 300 ft. tall and includes enormous 23 ft. clock dials that are obviously apparent from a remote place. Underlying 1859 by the famous draftsman Augustus Pugin, Big Ben is a nuanced portrayal of the neo-gothic style that began in England.

Tickets & age restriction, if any: There is no age restriction. However, tickets are free of charge, but now, different packages, such as adventure tours, guided tours, etc., range between $20 to $60.

·         Opening time: Although Big Ben used to be open 24/7, now it is temporarily closed due to covid-19.

·         Nearby attractions: Westminster Abbey, Westminster Bridge, Churchill War Rooms, Household Cavalry Museum.

 

3.        Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is available to vehicular and person on foot traffic, yet it likewise fills in as a Victorian-period exhibition hall under the open skies.

·         Tickets & age restriction, if any: There is no ticket price to visit the tower bridge. However, considering age restrictions, children under 15 must be accompanied by their parents.

·         Opening time: 07:00am-07:00pm, Monday to Friday

·         Nearby attractions: Tower Gateway DLR Station, The London Bridge Station

 

4.       St. Paul’s Cathedral

Situated on the Ludgate Slope, ignoring focal London, St Paul’s Church building is another famous milestone that most UK-based and, surprisingly, unfamiliar travelers experience no difficulty perceiving.

The site has been involved persistently by strict designs since the mid-seventh hundred years, while the extravagant structure that presently bears this name was underlying the seventeenth 100 years.

·         Tickets & age restriction, if any: Free tickets for children under 6. Tickets price differ from package to package.

·         Opening time: Travelers can visit the church from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the house of prayer is just open for administration. Visitors can see St Paul’s from 12 PM to 4:30 PM from Monday to Saturday.

·         Nearby attractions: Churchill War Rooms, National Gallery

 

5.       The Buckingham Palace

Among the numerous castles generally utilized as illustrious residencies, this is the one that fills in as the home of the Sovereign and her loved ones.

Initially worked for the Duke of Buckingham in the mid-eighteenth 100 years, it was bought by George III and, in this manner, extended. The East Front of the royal residence was one of the recently constructed wings. Today, it addresses the most famous face of the structure since it contains the well-known overhang that rulers use to manage individuals.

 

·         Nearby attractions: St. James’s Palace

 

6. Trafalgar Square

Named for the famous English maritime triumph over Napoleon’s armada, this public square in Westminster is embellished with a significant landmark called Nelson’s Section. The segment is almost 170 ft. furthermore, it is topped by the sculpture of the adored chief of naval operations whose name it conveys and encompasses four lions. All the famous squares is easily reachable from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington which is relished amongst the Londoners for affordable stays in central London.

The landmark was worked during the 1840s. However, it was revamped in 2006 to reestablish its full brilliance.

·         Tickets & age restriction and opening time: Since Trafalgar Square is a public space, you can go there whenever of the day or night to partake in its sculptures and wellsprings. That likewise implies visiting won’t cost you a penny! It is also free, consistently open from 10:00 to 18:00 and until 21:00 on Fridays.

·         Nearby attractions: Nelson’s Column

 

7. The British Museum

One more of the central images of London, the English Historical center is effectively accessible to visitors remaining at Park Stupendous Paddington Court and another nearby inn.

This establishment is certainly too huge to even consider visiting on a solitary day. However, it’s coordinated into various offices committed to a particular locale or subject, permitting visitors to investigate just those assortments they are keen on.

·         Tickets & age restriction, if any: Tickets and permanent collection are free.

·         Opening time: Daily: 10.00–17.00 (Fridays: 20.30)
Last entry: 16.00 (Fridays: 19.30)

·         Nearby attractions: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and the Steam Dreams Rail Co.

 

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It’s That Time of the Year Again for London - Wait, Isn’t It Too Early?

December has yet to roll in, but London had already brought in the big guns to celebrate an early festive season! If you feel like advancing your clocks a month ahead as well, the British capital is the perfect place to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Just book a stay at Park Grand Kensington Hotel and peek at the huge variety of attractions they have in store for you.

If you want that pinch of fantasy in your festive season, go to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. From circuses, ice castles, giant forests, medieval villages--even Santa Land!--this storybook-like setting lets you enjoy a world away from the bustling cities. There are also attractions such as UK’s largest ice rink, a rollercoaster, and rides to keep you active and entertained. Open from November 23 to January 6.

Within walking distance of Hyde Park is London’s most famous shop, Harrods, and this mall never cease to go all out when Christmas is coming. Admire the wonderful Christmas decorations while shopping for presents to give to your loved ones. There are also restaurants to stop by if you feel like taking a bite.

Once Christmastime gets near, the area of 7 Dials starts to bloom in lights. Stand in the middle of Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street and absorb all of the beautiful Christmas lights they have put in display. The area of Carnaby also offers a themed display to give the usual decor a bit of spice. Open until January 4.

After all those dynamic attractions, you might want some peace and quiet. Head over to Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland, where they open a captivating winter woodland in the rounds of the Duke of Northumberland’s London home. Take a stroll along the garden paths, where the trees are adorned in lustrous, colorful light, and the crystal-clear lake that reflects the night sky. After that, hunker down and enjoy some barbecue and mulled wine at the Refectory in the Garden Centre. Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 9 to 25.

You can also read: Where to Have Afternoon Tea in London?

The Kew Gardens--which is actually just nearby--also has some colorful sights of its own. The Laser Garden and the Fire Garden provide a unique experience to spice up your holiday experience. They also have a special winter trail filled with thousands of lights to truly make your evening magical. Open from November 22 to January 5.

Even after Christmas, there’s still more events to celebrate the post-holiday season. Lumiere London is a light festival that runs in January where artists both in and out the country revamp the city into a wonderful art exhibition. Watch how creativity turns light into such beautiful works of art in this free event.

Christmas is still far from our reach, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have our fun. London offers many attractions to keep us entertained over the holiday season. To ensure that you will be able to make the most out of your visit, you should consider renting hotels in Central London as this will place you right in the center of the city.

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