4 Parks & 2 Royal Palaces Walk - 1 Minute Walks: London

http://www.1minutewalks.com - For the map and more information Free self- guided walking tours that you can preview in one minute. Start: Queensway Station End St James's Park Station Locations: Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Wellington Arch, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, The Mall, St Jame’s Park Start: Queensway, Central Line (Red - On the tube map). End: St. James Park, District & Circle (Green & Yellow) 5.6 Miles - 9Km - Fast Walk - 1h 40 Queensway Tube Station: A Exit the station turn right and cross the Bayswater Road into Kensington Gardens. Turn right and then left Lady Diana Memorial Playground If you have small children this playground is a gem in the heart of London. It’s designed around a Peter Pan theme. At the security gate adults have to be accompanied by at least one child. See the Website for details Website - www.royalparks.org.uk Follow my walking route in Kensington Gardens; it takes you past, The Speke Monument that was erected in 1866. Continue to the beautiful Italian Garden. Continue the walk along The Long Water. The Statue of Peter Pan: B J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan’s creator lived in Kensington and used these Gardens for inspiration. If you have a child with you, give them your smart phone and they can swipe it on a plaque to get a call back from Peter Pan. Continue for about 100 metres and then turn right to the extraordinary Physical Energy Statue. People either love or hate it. Continue west until Kensington Palace. If you have already completed the High Street Kensington to Knightsbridge 1 Minute Walk you will have seen Kensington Palace, The Albert Memorial and The Albert Hall. You can continue to straight to The Serpentine Gallery but try and take in as much of Kensington Gardens as you can. Kensington Palace: C Royal Fashion exhibitions, featuring the dresses of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana are always very popular. Website - www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace Exit the Palace and walk clockwise around the pond then turn south and head for the Albert Memorial. Albert Memorial: D This stunning and impressive monument dominates the south side of Hyde Park. It’s dedicated to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's beloved husband, who died of typhoid age 42. Cross the road to the Albert Hall. Royal Albert Hall The concert hall opened in 1871 and it’s one of London’s premier concert venues. It is a very magical venue to see all kinds of music performed. Website - www.royalalberthall.com/ Return to the Albert Memorial - head north and turn right to The Serpentine Gallery. Serpentine Gallery – Free Admission These small galleries are very popular with modern art lovers throughout year. But in the summer a temporary summer pavilion is erected by one of the world’s leading architects. Website - www.serpentinegalleries.org/ Head northeast then turn right and cross the road into Hyde Park and The Lady Diana Memorial Fountain. Continue along the Serpentine until the end, turn left after 150 meters and you are rewarded with The Holocaust Memorial Gardens, a beautiful and peaceful place. Exit the park at Hyde Park Corner and cross the road. Wellington Arch: E The Wellington Arch celebrates the General’s victory at Waterloo in 1815. There are spectacular views from the top. It’s a great place to see The Horse Guards on their way to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard. They pass around 10.45 Monday to Saturday and 9.45 on Sunday. Website - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wellington-arch/ Exit the arch and head east into Green Park. Green Park is loved for its beautiful trees and lawns. There are no flowers. Buckingham Palace: F The Queen’s London home is one of the capital’s top rated attractions. Most people come for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 11.00am Monday to Saturday and 10.00am on Sunday. The palace staterooms, gallery and gardens are open to the public for visits & tours during the summer months. See the website for opening and admission details. Website - www.royalcollection.org.uk Walk east towards The Mall. This is the UK’s ceremonial boulevard. During state visits, the Queen and the visiting head of state are escorted in a state carriage up The Mall, accompanied by The Horse Guards and lots of military. On Sundays The Mall is closed to traffic and the temptation to walk down the middle of the road is irresistible. St James Park Spend as much time as you can in this park. It’s beautiful. You can get a great picture of Buckingham Palace from the bridge. Exit the park on Birdcage walk join Queen Anne’s Gate to arrive at St James Park Tube Station: G If you enjoyed this 1 Minute Walk please like, share and subscribe to my YouTube Channel - 1 Minute Walks – Thanks. © 1 Minute Walks Ltd.