One of a series of free walks from the Westminster Guides supported by Inside Out to celebrate open-air arts and culture in Westminster!

This walk skirts along the borderlands between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Please meet at Lancaster Gate Station Exit, on Bayswater Rd (the only exit/ W2 2UE). Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. We will finish here as well.

This circular walk led by City of Westminster Guide Elizabeth Chase takes in two Royal Parks and peels back the layers of time over half a millennium, to reveal the story of the Bayswater Road and the Serpentine. Discover how kings and queens left their mark on the landscape and how it was developed for and by the public. Where does Hugh Grant fit in? Or vaccinations? Or . . . the congestion charge? And who first found fairies in the Park? See the familiar sights in a whole new light, and discover new ones, on this updated version of the inaugural walk for the Lord Mayor in 2025.

This is one of 25 "A Wander through Westminster" Walks offered by the City of Westminster Guides in conjunction with the Inside Out Programme that celebrates open-air art and culture in Westminster. Why not join in other Inside Out activities on offer: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/experience-inside-out-westminsters-free-outdoor-arts-festival?

Some Practical Details:

We will take advantage of available shade and seating. But please wear light, breathable attire and sunglasses, and bring sunscreen, fan, and a small bottle of water. Better than a sunhat is an anti-UV mini-umbrella, as it is also showerproof. Wear sensible shoes or sandals and carry a bottle of water with you.

All walks are lead by trained City of Westminster Guides who love to share their knowledge of the borough with residents and visitors. Please respect their time and efforts by cancelling your place should you not be able to attend to allow someone else to join.

Description supplied by the event organiser.