Image shared for Hyde Park Serpentine and Kensington Gardens Circuit
Park / Green space Circular

Hyde Park Serpentine and Kensington Gardens Circuit

Greater London

Distance
3.0 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start just inside Marlborough Gate, opposite Lancaster Gate station, beside the Italian Gardens. This walk links the Long Water, Peter Pan statue, Albert Memorial and the Serpentine on established park paths. Allow about two to two and a half hours with stops by the water and time for refreshments.

Follow the western side of the Long Water south past Peter Pan, then continue towards the paths beside the Serpentine Gallery and Albert Memorial. From the memorial, take the park paths east and cross West Carriage Drive carefully at the path connection. Continue beside the Serpentine, staying outside the Diana Memorial Fountain enclosure, and pass the Lido. Round the eastern end of the lake over Dell Bridge, then follow the northern shore west. At the western end, head north through the park paths, cross West Carriage Drive back into Kensington Gardens and follow the eastern side of the Long Water towards the Italian Gardens and Marlborough Gate.

The route uses mostly paved and firm paths with gentle slopes, plus a short sandy section near West Carriage Drive. Take care at water edges, road crossings and shared cycle paths, particularly around the busy lakefront. Give horses room on shared paths. Waterfront cafes and public toilets provide useful stopping places, subject to opening hours. Swimming is restricted to the managed Lido arrangements, not the wider lake.

Walk in daylight and finish before Kensington Gardens closes, which is earlier than Hyde Park. Check current notices and gate boards before setting off. As checked on 3 October 2026, The Royal Parks reports a water-system fault at the Diana Memorial Fountain; do not rely on the fountain being open or running. The half marathon on 11 October also brings road and cycle-route closures, so choose another day or check the event notices.

Access, maps and current notices: The Royal Parks, https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park and https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/kensington-gardens

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Park / Green space
Distance
3.0 mi (4.8 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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