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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London Calling: Tour Like a Local

 

Natural History Museum in Kensington, London

Nothing compares to touring London like a local. Away from taxis and bougie hotel breakfast, seeing the real London like a native is truly an experience to cherish for a lifetime. Gear up for some cheap thrills and goofy city adventures as we have picked a few tips and tricks to explore the British Capital.   

You can also read: Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

Free Museums

What's best than kicking off the local trip with some freebies? London's majestic museums are a treat to watch, explore and learn its history. Natural History Museum is a delight to watch specially the dinosaurs section of the free gallery include enormous installations of T-Rex, Triceratops, and many more fascinate everyone in the museum.You can get easy access to Natural History Museum through the budget hotels in Kensington High Street famous amongst the Londoners for affordable stays in London. Whether it is art, archaeology, or architecture there are a number of cultural attractions that are absolutely free to visit.

Tube Through London

Skip the expensive taxis, and Ubers and travel like local Londoners do. UK's public transportation especially its tube network is one the largest systematic transportation networks in the world. Get an Oyster card made as it helps you quit the long queues for single-fare tickets and is far cheaper. Use the tube maps to navigate through the network and the stations.

Explore the ‘Hidden London’

There's always more to a city than advertised; similar is the case with London. The big city is more than its royal buildings, the massive river, and Big Ben. In fact, so much of it is unexplored that there is a special tour called the "Hidden London" operated by London Transport Museum. This tour takes you through London's unknown areas that are equally interesting as the others. You will get to see the lost stations of the Euston stations, the subterranean shelter located at the Clapham South station, the city's first-ever skyscraper on 55 Broadway, and Churchill's secret station.

Eat a Traditional Lunch

The Brits love spending their Sundays eating a traditional roast at a local pub. You can easily stop by any local pub and have their traditional roast consisting of meat of your choice, steamed vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding, and stuffing. The roast is typically accompanied by horseradish sauce, mint sauce, English mustard, cranberry sauce, and bread sauce. It is said that the tradition came to prominence during King Henry VII's era and is still cherished and eaten every week without a hitch.

Sunset on the Primrose Hill

Fancy a cute evening with some hot chocolate, a BLT, and a gorgeous skyline to gaze at? Then do it like the locals and head to Primrose Hill. This hilltop is 62 meters above sea level and gives an uninterrupted view across the skyline, and is apparently one of the six "protected views" in the city. So, grab your picnic basket and hike up to the hill to enjoy a quiet evening under the sky. Primrose Hill is the place where you have to be before sunset for the ravishing view of sunset and what’s best? When your accommodation is very near like Park City Grand Plaza Kensington is very close to the Primrose Hill sunset point.

Taste London’s Craft Breweries

The brewery scene in London is thriving and popping! London's craft beers are a must-have for beer lovers and first-timers. The aesthetic and Instagram-friendly rooftops are a cool place to chill, hang out, and interact with the locals.

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A List of Must-Visit London Squares in Queen's Realm

Trafalgar Square, London

Known for its rich royal history and architectural grandeur, London is truly an eye candy for tourists around the world. This metropolis presents an interesting mix of preserved and modern culture through its buildings, streets, monuments, and squares.

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

Being the royal city, London proudly boasts its majestic squares that have roots and history within the royal family of England. These charming London squares were created by the city planners as open spaces for the public to socialize and relax. Rightfully serving its purposes, these public squares have become a must-visit tourist and meeting spot for commoners and visitors.

Listed below are the top 7 London Squares that you shouldn’t miss out on while in the Queen’s realm;

1.    Leicester Square

Situated at the heart of London’s cinema scene, Leicester Square is always lit up with the hustle and bustle of cinema-goers. This is a popular hangout place for Londoners and tourists alike, as you get to see a lot of London’s stranger folk. Do not miss out on the William Shakespeare statue, which is the center of attraction in this square. You can enjoy visiting London’s famous square by booking a budget stay in one of the hotels in Kensington known for budget accommodation in Central London.  

2.    Trafalgar Square

Easily one of the most famous and widely recognized spots in London, Trafalgar Square is a beauty. This is a focal spot to mark all significant London affairs and events. For example, this square hosted the awarding ceremony of the 2012 Olympics and is a prime spot for grand Christmas and New Year celebrations. You must stop by the four bronze lions and Nelson's Columns for memorable photos. Trafalgar Square is the nearest square from Buckingham Palace.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.

3.    Parliament Square

Parliament Square is a favorite for protesters and news reporters as this lush green lawn is right outside the Houses of Parliament. You can ride your bike to this place and unwind with a few sandwiches and a cooler.Catch a glimpse of the day-to-day political activities and politicians trying to pose for the cameras. 

4.    Grosvenor Square

An American touch in the very-British city, the Grosvenor Square is dominated by the US Embassy and its security. Nevertheless, the relaxing park holds fascinating American memorials of former US presidents along with a graciously designed unfortunate 9/11's remembrance garden.

5.    Berkeley Square

Located amidst London's Mayfair Street, Berkeley Square is a green oasis surrounded by luxury retailers and foreign embassies. Filled with many roadside cafes and well-known restaurants, the area serves as a prime lunchtime spot for Bond Street shoppers.

6.    Sloane Square

The Sloane Square, more accurately labeled as the 'posh' square, is oval-shaped and has paved slabs. Located in the high-class part of London, this spot is excellent to stop by and grab a quick bite and watch models pose for shoots in their designer outfits (quite a norm).

7.    Soho Square

Known for its nightlife and popular pubs, Soho Square is lively and perfect for you to absorb London’s true beauty in a glimpse. This square also houses the Football Association and the British Board of Film. If you're lucky, you might spot some celebrities and known faces lurking around the square.

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Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

 

Kyoto Garden London

Japanese gardens are known to be a thing of beauty. The lush and charming greenery in these gardens can transcend us on a visual as well as a psychological journey.

Nature has been a source of tranquility and serenity for years and years. Nothing beats the feelings we get from outdoors, especially in a garden. The intricate aesthetics that a garden designer puts together to create a natural landscape of contemplation is pure art. But, if you live in a hustling and bustling city like London, where can you find such a place?

The answer to that is the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. This beautiful Japanese Park is a must-go if you are on the look for some quiet me-time. The park's design evokes a sense of wonder and calmness, which is difficult for us to capture in our daily lives. Kyoto Garden is famous amongst the Londoners as a picnic spot where they enjoy their precious time and often book a stay in one of the budget hotels in Kensington High Street for easy access to Kyoto Garden.

You can also read: Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

Thinking of visiting Kyoto Park? Here are a few things that you must know before going.

The Story Behind Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Let’s begin with the history of this place. Kyoto Garden is situated in Holland Park, formerly known as Cope Castle – a space where diplomats and their families would live in. The castle was destroyed in 1940, and the lands were bought twelve years after by London Country Council. It now serves as a huge park, including many other gardens, eateries, sports, and entertainment facilities.

Kyoto Garden was formed in 1991 as a symbol of remembrance and celebration of the friendship between Great Britain and Japan.

What Will I See at the Kyoto Garden?

Well, let’s put it like that; Kyoto Garden is your quick getaway to Japan. This place is a treat for West Londoners looking for a break from chaotic city life to breathe in some fresh air. Here you can find;

• Beautiful Asian koi carp in waters that flows all around the garden
•  Freely roaming peacocks that might put on a show for you and display their gorgeous feathers
• Adorable squirrels carelessly running around, enjoying their natural habitat
•  An Ecology Center, where you can learn about the flora that you see in the garden
• Huge, impressive maple trees that give you an impression of the real Japan

Londoners frequently book a stay at Park City Grand Plaza Kensington to enjoy their staycation time in London.

Where Is It and How Do I Get There?

Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is at Ilchester PI, London W8 6LU, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. As there is limited or no parking, you might want to hop on a Tube to Holland Park, Kensington High Street, or Notting Hill Gate.

Plus, point if you're a cycler! Because there's a London Cycle Hire docking station right at the corner of the park's entrance.

Things to Remember When Visiting Kyoto Garden

·         Leave your furry friend at home because this is not a pet-friendly garden

·         There is no entry fee. However, the entry fee of Opera Holland Park ranges from £17 to £70 (adults)

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your picnic essentials and find your zen at the beautiful Kyoto Garden.

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10 Fun And Frolic Festivals In London Which Reflect The Country’s Celebrations At Its Best!

Feasting in London 

London is known for many things- Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, London Tower Bridge, and countless museums. London is known around the world for politics, history, music, fashion, and theatre. But aside from the aforementioned, London also has a lot of festivals to boast about. These festivals take place year-round and feature and celebrate British culture at its finest. The following are some of the most famous festivals in London:

1. Citadel Festival

Citadel Festival is an annual music festival held in London since 2015. This year’s edition is slated to take place on  July 14, 2022, in Gunnersby Park, London.

2. British Summer Time

British Summer Time, also known as BST, is an annual music festival held in Hyde Park, London. The festival spans over 10 days full of music and entertainment headlined by legendary musicians and performers. This year, the industry’s biggest names like Bruce Springsteen and E Park will be headlining this legendary festival. British Summer Time 2022 is set on July 14.

3. South West Four

South West Four is an award-nominated EDM Festival held in Clapham Commons, London annually. Like the previous years, this year’s edition is set to take place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend from August 26 to 28.

4. Four Tet All-Dayer

Set this year on the 13th of August, Four Tet All-Dayer is an electronic music festival featuring the biggest names in the genre right now. This year’s festival is in Finsbury Park. You can pick the accommodation in one of the budget hotels in Kensington High Street to enjoy this festival at the fullest.

5. Wireless Festival

Attended by thousands every year, Wireless Festival is one of the grandest music festivals in London. The Wireless Festival has been held in several locations around the city. But this year, it is held in Finsbury Park, London. The line-up spawns from different genres with names like James Blunt, Drake, Avicii, The Who, Kanye West, Jay Z, and David Guetta headlining it in the past few years.

6. Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival has almost become a tradition for Londoners as it has been held for over 50 years by the West Indian Community. Every year, those of British-Caribbean descent come together adorned in beautiful, colorful attires to hold a parade and food festival in Notting Hill, London. This year, the carnival is scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30. This is the most awaited festival as there is dance, celebration and feast. Park City Grand Plaza Kensington is just a tube away from Notting Hill Carnival. So, celebrate the festival with saving on commute and accommodation means no breaking the bank.

7. London Jazz Festival

London Jazz Festival is one of the biggest festivals showcasing jazz music around the world. It has been held for over twenty years and attracts jazz lovers from all over the world. This year, the festival is set to take place from  November 11 to 20.

8. The Great British Beer Festival

Organized by Campaign For Real Ale, the Great British Beer Festival is a great tourist attraction in the City of London. The festival showcases different kinds of beer which attracts millions of beer enthusiasts around the world. The 2022 Great British Beer Festival will take place in Olympia, London from  August 4 to 8.

9.Taste of London

Another festival perfect for foodies, Taste of London is dubbed as one of the biggest food festivals in the world. Attracting thousands of people every year, the festival first started in June 2018. This year’s edition is set to take place in Tobacco Dock.

10. Meatopia

Meatopia is London’s very own cook-off where chefs from all over the city will cook dishes using sustainable materials and ethically-sourced ingredients. The event is set to take place in Tobbaco Dock, Tobbaco Quay from September 2 to 4. 

 

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Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

 

Nothing beats getting outside and appreciating any of London's lovely parks or landscapes whenever the weather is clear.

The fact that London has so many green places is wonderful. The city provides plenty of locations to park for a picnic, from large parks to small areas, beautiful gardens to broad commons.

Having a picnic is also a terrific way to experience the outdoors, and when the weather warms up in the spring, there will be more options for picnics. Regardless of where you are in the city, you won't have to drive far to enjoy your meal while admiring the scenery. You'll be building moments with friends and relatives while having fantastic appetizing food and beverage drinks and breathtaking views of London picnic sites, whether you're spending time on sunny hillsides or shaded riverbanks.

You can also read: SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT BRENT CROSS

 

Here are top London picnic areas that you will surely enjoy:

1.     Hyde Park

Witness pedalos and birds fly past the beautiful river in Hyde Park, or find a hidden spot in the charming rose garden. If you don't want to carry your baskets, there are lots of shops serving snacks and desserts.

Hyde Park is perfect for picnics and is easily accessible from Hyde Park Corner Tube Station. It is also within a short walk of the posh boutiques of Knightsbridge. Because of its vastness, it is usually simpler to locate a calmer spot. This is the perfect time to plan your picnic in London and what’s best when your accommodation Park City Grand Plaza Kensington London is near your favourite picnic spots. In fact, in some parts of Hyde Park, you might easily imagine yourself in the countryside rather than in the heart of London. It makes the Hyde Park perfect spot for your picnic holiday.

2.     Greenwich Park

Climb the slope in Greenwich Park to reach the Royal Observation deck, which offers magnificent scenery of the Thames and central London. The following tube stations are the closest to Greenwich Park: Greenwich (follow signs to the Park), Maze Hill (for the play area), and Blackheath (for Deer Park, Flower Garden & Rose Garden).

3.     St. James Park

The 90-acre park, London's oldest Royal Park, includes a big lake that serves as a wildlife reserve for swans, birds, ducks, and even gulls.It is easily accessible from St James's Park Tube Station and is within a short walk of Buckingham Palace to the west and the Houses of Parliament to the southeast.

4.     Richmond Park

Richmond Parks, a UK Conservation Area and the biggest Royal Park in London, is a local favorite with plenty of green spaces great for a picnic. Enjoy your meal beneath the shadow of old trees, surrounded by the natural scenery of hills and forests.

To get to Richmond Park, take the Richmond rail from Waterloo and get out at Kingston's Norbiton station. Directly out of the station, one street left, or follow the road and ask people. Save on accommodation by booking your stay in one of the budget hotels in Kensington. The preferred location for the Londoners comes to stay in London during this time in summer holidays.

If you take the tube station to Richmond, you should take a bus or cab to the Richmond entrance on Richmond Hill.

5.     Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill, situated on the northern edge of Regent's Park, offers spectacular panoramic views as you eat snacks. Enjoy the summertime, and take in the natural scenery.

Take the Chalk Farm Station to get there. Turn right at the crossing, walk down the street to the right, and then turn left at the Bridge Approach. Cross the bridge and keep heading up the hill.

Conclusion

Despite its reputation as a large metropolis, London offers several green spots where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. Whether it's a garden or a park, you may choose a peaceful area, pack a picnic lunch with delicious picnic meals, bring your loved ones, and enjoy the great weather outdoors.

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