Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park, Central London

1 Day walk (10 July 2013). High-end, upscale, classy living and shopping areas.

Start: Hyde Park Corner tube station.

Finish: Hyde Park Corner tube station.

5 km. (3.7 mile) circular walk.

Exit the Hyde Park Corner tube station and turn left. Go along Knightsbridge Rd. Enter Welseley Hotel on your left side.

Turn first left to the Old Barrack Yard: depots, neglected yards.

Left - Wilton Row.

Right - Wilton Crescent.

Right - Wilton Place. Before turning, on your left - St. Paul Church. Built 1840-1843. One of the most beautiful Victorian churches in London. Nice series of brown-white ceramic tiles.

Left - Kinnerton Street. Walk until the end of the street.

Left - Motocomb Street. Note the Terrace Cafe with its modern sculpture.

Cross Lowndes Street. Do not enter the Cadogan Place Road ahead of you.

Walk left along Sloane Street. Note the Sculptures in the private gardens on your right.

Right through Hans Street, turn right around Hans Place and take the 2nd right turn to Hans Road. Walk until the end of Hans Road. Note the Harrods Department Store.

Allow 1-2 hours to stroll into the legendary Harrods departments:

Right - Brompton Road. Note Harrods Showcases.

Left - Lancelot Place Rd.

Go around Trevor Square (from right to left or from South-East to NW) to a small alley leading to Trevor Place.

Pass through Montpellier Square and continue to Montpellier Terrace and later to Montpellier Walk. Pass Rutland St. on your right:

Right - Fairholt St. and right (again another part of) Rutland St.

Go through the opening in the wall to Rutland Mews East and...

Left - Ennismore Street.

Continue along Ennismore Gardens Mews.  Note on your left (might be a side short visit) - the Brompton Oratory and the Victoria & Albert Museum roof and a bit further - the Brompton Square:

This Brompton Oratory is right next door to the V & A Museum and Gallery so it is very convenient to visit. It is rare to find such beautiful Catholic church in central London. Outstanding architecture and the perfect place to rest and meditate for a few quiet moments:

Left - Prince's Gardens Road. Note: The Imperial College buildings and premises. Enter the Imperial College to enjoy its architecture and vibrant athmosphere.

Tip: Have Lunch in the main cafeteria of the Imperial College. Cheap and delicious. Non-students customers are welcomed as well.

Exit the Imperial College into the Exhibition Road.

Walk along the Exhibition Road. In the intersection with Kensington Gore Rd. - Note David Livingstone and Shackleton statues.

Cross Kensington Road and enter Kensington Gardens (through Alexandra Gate).

Continue along the West Carriage Drive.

Turn left (300 m.) - to the Albert Memorial.

Opposite to the Albert Memorial - the Albert Hall.

Return to the West Carriage Drive. Continue in this road. On your left the Serpentine Gallery (from May 2013 with the Sou Fujimoto's sculpture). No photos allowed in this gallery. Free admission.

Opposite the Gallery another sculpture: "Rock on top of another Rock".

Exit Kensington Gardens, cross the bridge (seperating Kensington Gardens and the Hyde Park) over the Serpentine. Go left and search the steps leading to the Northern Bank of the Hyde Park. 

Walk along the North bank of the Serpentine. Note, on your right, on the South bank, the Pelican or Isis Sculpture, the Lido restaurant, the Princess Diana Memorial site - all close to the water.

Continue along the North bank until you arrive to the Serpentine restaurant.

Continue along the path until you arrive to Flower gardens and beds:

Continue (soutward) in the direction of statue of Achilles (tribute to the Duke of Wellington). Note, behind the statue the golden Queen Elizabeth Gates.

Turn a bit right and exit the Hyde Park by the Apsley Gate. On your right you see the Hyde Park Information Center. The Hyde Park Corner tube station is hidden beyond this lodge.