London - Water Features in Kensington Park, Gardens and Hyde Park

Recently, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a week in London, England.  We spent the time strolling Kensington Park and Hyde Park.  The majority of the Parks' area is dedicated to wide boulevards and expansive lawns.  Several lovely water features including The Fountains of the Italian Garden, Serpentine Lake and the Diane, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fountain, were available for the enjoyment of the Parks' many visitors. 

The Diane, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fountain drew many visitors, especially families with small children.  The parents lounged along the side of the meandering fountain's course or on the green while their children frolicked in the water.  One elderly gentleman also joined in the fun, immersing himself in the flowing stream.  I wasn't certain his attire and position in society lent itself to such escapades, but no one else seemed to give a second glance.  So,....

The Fountains of the Italian Garden were amazing, consisting of a small central fountain and four octagonal cut-stone, oblong pools, each sporting its own fountain, water lilies, and various other water plants, as well as fish and ducklings.

 

Above is the Queen Victoria Statue and pool which stands before the entrance to Kensington Palace along the boulevard in Kensington Park.

 The Kensington Palace formal gardens boast a wide array of meticulously maintained plantings surrounding a long rectangular pool bordered by broad natural stone paths.

Here, in July of 2013, the nearly placid waters of the pool reflect the clear sky and Kensington Palace and the planters and plants along its edge.

 

I look forward to soon sharing some of the stunning gardens and architecture we enjoyed in our too-short time in London.