KENSINGTON

KENSINGTON

I have been to Kensington - at least thrice over the past six years of visiting Central London, on 2003, 2011 and 2007.

Kensington is a district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, West London, England. The district's commercial heart is Kensington High Street, running on an east-west axis. The north east is Kensington Gardens, including Albert Memorial, Serpentine Gallery and Speke's monument. South Kensington is home to Imperial College London, the Royal college of Music and the Royal Albert Hall. The area is also home to many European embassies.

HYDE PARK

I have been twice to Hyde Park on December 2011 and 2007.

Hyde Park once belonged to the manor of Hyde, the property of Westminster Abbey, but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries Henry VIII turned it into a deer park. In 1635, it was opened to the public and it became a fashionable place to be seen in, though later it became the haunt of robbers and many duels were fought here.

HYDE PART - - XMAS MOOD

Running along the south of the park is a mile-long horse-riding track called Rotten Row. It is possible to hire boats on the Serpentine, an artificial lake created in the 18^th century by damning Westbourne stream.

KENSINGTON PALACE

On the west of the park becomes Kensington Gardens, which was once a private park of Kensington Palace. The gardens with their avenues of trees, were originally laid out by Charles Bridgeman in 1728. Just west, is Kensington Palace – originally built for the first Earl of Nottingham – it was bough in 1689 by William III, who needed to live away from Whitehall for his health. However, for the Kensington Gardens & Palace – I was able to view from afar in 2003 when I signed up for the Hip Hop Bus – and could not get a good photograph of these place.

HARROD'S DEPARTMENTAL STORE

The Harrod's Department Store was the most stylish boutique and stores founded in 1849 as a small grocery shop by Henry Harrod. The store has now become synonymous with luxury and is famous for tis range of goods and services, including a pet shop, restaurants and the famous Food Stalls. It is located at the elegant shopping area of Knightsbridge, in Kensington. I have been there twice in 2007 and 2010.