Kensington Gardens sits within one of West London’s most exclusive areas and has a rich and storied history as a playground for monarchs. Nevertheless, it’s maze of pathways, water features and monuments are free for all to access and explore. Read on for our guide to Kensington Gardens and some of the best new build developments nearby.
Where is Kensington Gardens?
Kensington Gardens’ 265-acres of sprawling gardens and parkland sits to the west of Hyde Park, divided only by the winding West Carriage Drive. On its three other sides, the park borders Kensington, Notting Hill and the bustling communities surrounding Paddington, Queensway and Bayswater.
The Gardens occupy an exclusive slice of West London real estate, beside Kensington Palace Gardens, known as ‘London’s most expensive street‘. Kensington Palace sits within its grounds, with the iconic Royal Albert Hall opposite its southern edge. The surrounding streets and neighbourhoods provide some of London’s most exclusive addresses.
From royal playground to beloved public park
Like many other London parks including Regent’s Park and neighbouring Hyde Park, the land that now forms Kensington Gardens was once a private hunting ground for Henry VIII. Having seized the land from Westminster Abbey, the king would use the areas now covered by Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for his extravagant deer hunts.
Queen Mary and her husband William bought the gardens along with the neighbouring palace in 1869. Queen Mary set about transforming the park into a huge palace garden, with many of the features of that era remaining today.
There have, though, been numerous changes to the Gardens since then, with new features created such as the Round Pond and the beautiful Italian Gardens. The park is a network of pathways and avenues through mature woodland and parkland, and the space is littered with monuments and notable features.
There is plenty to do in the park, which features a café and the Diana Memorial Playground. You can also find events and exhibitions at the Serpentine Gallery, alongside several famous landmarks, such as The Albert Memorial. The many paths and routes through the park provide an ideal setting for a relaxing walk.
Where to live near Kensington Gardens
The streets surrounding Kensington gardens provide some of London’s most sought-after addresses. To the south lies the grandeur of South Kensington, with its townhouses, embassies and museums. To the north, the mansion blocks of Queensway and Bayswater provide vibrant, diverse living on the edge of Central London.
On the park’s western edge lie two of West London’s most beloved neighbourhoods. Notting Hill and Kensington provide row upon row of handsome townhouses and charming garden squares. Kensington High Street is a bustling centre with high street shops and various eateries. Meanwhile arty Notting Hill offers the boho chic of Portobello Road, with its famous market and boutique shops.
Understandably for an area with such an elevated reputation, property around Kensington Gardens doesn’t come cheap. South Kensington’s average property price clocks in at around £2,600,000, according to data from Zoopla. Notting Hill offers a more diverse and extensive choice of housing options, but still averages almost £2,300,000.
The Paddington area to the north of Kensington Gardens offers a slightly more affordable option. However, its prices are still considerably above the London average. A property in Paddington will set you back an average of almost £1,097,000. Pockets within this area do offer some value though, with Queensway, right on the park’s doorstep, averaging £800,000.
Best new build developments near Kensington Gardens
So, what are the best new homes near Kensington Gardens? The surrounding area is steeped in history, with some of the city’s most iconic architecture, but there are also plenty of new developments to choose from. Take a look below at the highest-rated new build developments in the area, according to the reviews of verified residents.
Would you like to find more property developments near Kensington Gardens and the surrounding area? Take a look at our area guide for West London below. It includes details of the most popular new build developments in this leafy part of the capital.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
