Point 1

To get to this first point (if you have come by tube), exit the High Street Kensington station and cross the road. Head rightwards up the High Street a little and take the narrow walkway called Kensington Church (oppostie H&M and Marks and Spencer)

You will pass the peaceful Saint Mary Abbots Gardens – although a little early in the walk to be resting perhaps. Also note Saint Mary Abbots church (1872 although churches here since 12^th century foundation by the de Vere family) The present buiding is by Gilbert Scott with the tallest spire in London. One parishioner in early times was Sir Isaac Newton (window commemorating him inside)

Move on to walk pass small shops until reaching junction with 26 Holland Street. Turn right here. Walk to junction with main road (A4204) Cross and walk up a few yards to the entrance for York House Place. Walk forward until gates lead you into Studio Walk and the park beyond

Point 2

On your left you pass Kensington Palace. Currently this is occupied by Prince/Princess of Wales, and the Gloucester’s and the Kents. Some of it is open to the public.

It’s a Jacobean mansion dating back to 1689 and William III and was expanded by Christopher Wren. Queen Victoria was born there where she spent a lot of her childhood.

If you wander off route and  a little to the left you could visit the Princess Diana memorial garden.

Point 3

At the northern point of the walk you reach the Italian Gardens. Four fountains and some sculptures. Supposedly these were a water garden gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria in the 1860s. This and the Serpentine was created in the 18^th century by damming the outflow of the River Westbourne

Not marked on this map but just beyond the point before you cross the Serpentine Bridge you might wander into another Diana Memorial – this being a fountain.

Point 4

After crossing the bridge you might visit the (North) Serpentine Gallery (or at least its café which has a pleasant outdoors area also) for some contemporary art.  Admission to the main collection is free (donation encouraged). It was previously known as the Sackler Gallery but that name was dropped.  The authorities claim that this has nothing to do with the Sackler company’s ties to the controversial opioid epidemic. On the other side of the water is the South Gallery – also should be free.

Point 5

The Serpentine is a lake created on request by Queen Caroline (wife of George II) in 1730. The water is pumped in although originally was part of the River Westbourne which the Queen instructed to be dammed. Notorious for being where the poet Shelley’s wife was found drowned by suicide. There is a swimming competition every Christmas Day morning at 9am – the winner gets the Peter Pan cup (donated by J.M. Barrie).  Small boats can be hired to mess about on the water. Birds can be red (but shouldn’t be)

Point 6

The walk makes a slight detour into historic Rotten Row. It was originally a route for William III to travel comfortably from Kensington Palace to St James Palace. Later it became a fashionable place for horse riding. Some say the name comes from Route du Roi (French for “Kings Road”) and somehow the name mutated. If you want to halt the work you could detour here for Hyde Park Corner underground. Or go forward towards Westminster tube.  Also enjoying Green Park, Buckingham Palace Gates, St James Park and, finally, Downing Street (a slight detour)