Just three miles north west from the sumptuously epic sweep of London’s famous Hyde Park lies an agreeably contrasting green haven: Kensington Memorial Park. This small, intimate space is the epitome of a much-cherished community hub, providing respite from the urban sprawl, and a whole lot more - both for in-the-know locals and visitors from further afield. There is something for everyone: peaceful gardens, sports facilities, play areas, thriving events. Here is our in-depth guide to one of London’s best city parks.
EARLY HISTORY
Kensington Memorial Park was established in the early 20th century as a public recreational space for local residents, as part of a wider drive to provide green relief in urban areas of London that were becoming increasingly densely populated. It came as a welcome boost at the time. The park was named ‘Kensington Memorial Park’ to honour and remember local residents who had lost their lives in World War I (between 1914-18), and was also an important place of remembrance. It’s also worth knowing this: to locals, ‘Kensington Memorial Park’ might draw a blank expression. To them, it’s always been known as St Mark’s Park - quite simply because its eastern entrance is on Saint Marks Road.
LOCATION
They say location is everything when it comes to property; if something similar is applicable to urban parks, then Kensington Memorial Park is highly prized. It is close to central London, but more locally, it's just near Notting Hill, which is famous far and wide for a multitude of reasons: the vibrant Portobello Road Market, a rich artistic and cultural scene, pastel-coloured period properties, an eponymous Hollywood film, and of course the Notting Hill Carnival. The proximity of Kensington Memorial Park to all of this gives it a genuine lustre, while it is also easily accessible by public transport: Ladbroke Grove Underground station is nearby, and it is served by several bus routes.
FACILITIES
Kensington Memorial Park is a staffed park with a broad range of facilities, including a well-maintained children’s playground, an outdoor gym, and more. There are also spaces for tennis, football, and junior cricket, while formally landscaped areas with shrubs and flower beds are ideal backdrops for leisurely strolls. As with many parks in London, it really comes alive in the summer months. A hugely enticing aspect of the park is the much-loved and impressively comprehensive waterplay facility, which pulls in hundreds of revellers on hot days. The family-led atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and children in particular love the splash pad, which has a variety of water jets, fountains, and spray features, with a number of stimulating interactive elements (such as sprays activated by step-on sensors). In short, it’s an amazing place to frolic and cool off when the summer heat reaches its peak. There is also a well-stocked cafe selling drinks, snacks and ice creams, while there is a nice seating and picnic area nearby, where parents can keep a close eye and enjoy their food. The wet play section is part of a larger play area, which also includes traditional playground equipment like swings, slides, and climbing frames. Recent improvements to the park have been made with long-term sustainability in mind: refurbishment of the sports changing rooms has seen a ‘Living Green Roof’ built on top, while a solar PV roof is providing electricity to the new café building, which also benefits from a new air source heat pump.
EVENTS
Most months are packed with lively, stimulating events. A broad range of cultural festivals are common, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the various local communities in North Kensington and beyond. Live music fills the air, food stalls abound, as do arts and crafts sessions. Towards the end of August, the park is also sometimes used as an auxiliary site for the Notting Hill Carnival - quite an experience, given it is one of the largest and most famous street festivals in the world, and a grand celebration of Caribbean culture. Summer also welcomes family fun days, where inflatable slides, face painting and small fairground rides provide excellent entertainment. Other events include environmental and educational workshops, with gardening and nature sessions aimed at promoting awareness and stewardship of the area. Often these have developed into tree planting ceremonies with local schools, enhancing both the park’s natural beauty and people’s emotional connection with it. Other events include youth sports tournaments - tennis is a particular passion here - and the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies are a change of tone altogether, involving poignant wreath-laying, moments of silence, and reflections on the sacrifices made by those in the community during both World Wars.
NEARBY
If you want to make a full day of it, beyond a trip to Kensington Memorial Park, visiting this corner of west London is deeply rewarding. One of London’s most famous attractions, Portobello Road Market, is only a short walk away. Brimming with antiques, fashion, home decor, and food stalls, it draws in huge crowds pretty much every day of the week. Golborne Road, nearby, is also a magnetic hub: an eclectic mix of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants - and take note, Notting Hill is a well-established foodie paradise, boasting Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, sophisticated brunch spots, and everything in between. The bars and pubs of Notting Hill are vibrant, reflecting its multiculturalism and a social diversity that is genuinely distinct. And for those seeking a refuge from the crowds, why not dive into a film for a while: The Electric Cinema is independent and full of character.
With peaceful walks, lively events, a family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful landscaping, and a joyous wet play area in which to enjoy the summer heat, Kensington Memorial Park still serves its original purpose - a valuable sanctuary in which to enjoy nature and space.
This charming public park has attracted visitors for a century and, protected by local authorities and loved by its community, it should continue to do so for a long time to come.
