It was a beautiful summer day at Hyde Park. There was a slight breeze, perfect for strolling and taking photographs. A lot of families found themselves a patch on the lawn or under the trees, having a picnic, a conversation, or simply a snooze. It was almost idyllic, as if a village green has been carved out right in the heart of London.
We came across the Italian Gardens, an ornamental garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. According to the blurb at the gate, it was created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria. I would have thought that the Prince had used the public coffers to create such a garden, rather than dipping into his own pocket. The Gardens have large raised terraces, four main basins each with a fountain, and beautifully tended geometric flower beds. At the southern end of the garden where it meets the Long Water, there is the beautiful Portland stone and white marble Tazza Fountain.
The Long Water is designated as a bird sanctuary. On the day, there were many types of waterfowls, busy preening themselves or feeding. There was even a twitcher who peered into his binoculars, oblivious of his surroundings.
On this trip, perhaps the biggest surprise is to come across the Serpentine Pavilion, a piece of architecture that has been turned into a cafe by the upmarket foodstore Fortnum & Mason. Modern architecture and food / picnic - what a novel combination!
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| The Italian Lakes, Hyde Park, London |
We came across the Italian Gardens, an ornamental garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. According to the blurb at the gate, it was created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria. I would have thought that the Prince had used the public coffers to create such a garden, rather than dipping into his own pocket. The Gardens have large raised terraces, four main basins each with a fountain, and beautifully tended geometric flower beds. At the southern end of the garden where it meets the Long Water, there is the beautiful Portland stone and white marble Tazza Fountain.
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| The Tazza Fountain, the Italian Gardens, Hyde Park |
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| Among the reeds in one of the basins, the Italian Gardens |
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| Waterfowls perched on stalks along the Long Water, Hyde Park |
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| Serpentine Pavilian, a piece of pop architecture used as a cafe |
