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Palaces and Protests Self Guided Tour of Kensington and Hyde

4.78

( 4 reviews )

$5.99

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Stroll through Kensington and Hyde Park to uncover royal landmarks, hidden gardens, and stories that bring London’s green heart to life

Highlights 


  • Discover how the Marble Arch went from a royal gateway to a standalone monument. 

  • Stand on the very spot where Karl Marx and George Orwell gave their speeches 

  • Walk past the royal residence inhabited by Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. 

  • Visit the captivating Peter Pan statue at the site that inspired its creation. 

  • Browse without internet using a smartphone app and explore at your own pace. 

Preview Stop

Reformer's Tree
00:00 / 01:04
The third stop on our walking tour is the site of the Reformers' Tree, a powerful symbol of political activism and public assembly in Hyde Park's history. Originally an oak tree, it became a focal point for demonstrations during a tumultuous period in the late nineteenth century, particularly the Reform League protests of eighteen sixty-six. These protests were part of a broader movement advocating for the extension of voting rights. The tree's significance was magnified when it was set on fire during one of these protests, leaving only a charred stump. This stump subsequently turned into a notice board and a gathering point for political demonstrations, embodying the spirit of protest and public discourse. The Reformers' Tree thus played a crucial role in the establishment of Speakers' Corner as a recognized area for free speech and assembly. In two thousand, a mosaic was unveiled to commemorate the Reformers' Tree. This artwork, made from black and white pebbles and created by Harry Gray, is situated at the convergence of nine different footpaths in Hyde Park. The mosaic marks the spot where the original tree once stood and serves as a reminder of the tree's historical significance.
About this activity 

Free Cancellation 

  • Cancel up to 2 hours in advance for a full refund 

Valid 365 days 

  • Tour is valid for 1 year and can be used multiple times 

Language Options  

  • English | French | German | Spanish | Italian | Dutch | Polish | Russian | Portuguese

Duration  

  • 1 hour and 30 minutes

Starting point

Marble Arch- google maps - Google maps

Itinerary
Marble Arch
Start at the iconic Marble Arch, where prisoners took "one for the road" before a journey no one returned from.
Speakers Corner
Stand on the very spot where Karl Marx and George Orwell gave their speeches and view the site of the Reformers' Tree.
Hyde Park
Discover the hidden gems of Hyde park like the Norwegian War Memorial, and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, a gunpowder store reborn under a roof designed by Zaha Hadid.
Serpentine Boating Lake
Walk the shore where London once restaged Trafalga.
Kensington Palace
Spot the white statue of Victoria gazing back at the childhood home she never forgot.
Kensington Gardens
Question why a rectangular lake earned the name "Round Pond" and take in the Italian Water Gardens, a gift from Prince Albert to his queen.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
Trace the water in two directions and notice where both paths finally meet.
Peter Pan Statue
Find the bronze that appeared overnight, placed in secret.

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Top Reviews

Full Description
Go beyond the natural beauty and uncover places of political and historical significance in two Royal Parks. You will discover the spot where Karl Marx and George Orwell delivered speeches, see what inspired Peter Pan and get a glimpse of the life of the Royal family on this tour.
Important Information 


  • Instructions with link to app and how to access the tour will be sent to your email post checkout  

  • You can gain instant access to the tour by downloading the app and buying the tour on the app. 

Frequently asked questions

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