Of all the negative things you can say about working in Kensington High Street (tourists, the circle line, the district line) they are outweighed by the impeccable beauty of Kensington Gardens. If you follow me on Instagram then you might have noticed more than a few posts taken during blissful lunch hours in the park.
The regal history of Kensington Palace; the colourful tranquillity of The Flower Walk; the stunning Albert Memorial: it’s all enough to convince me that even when I’m done with Kensington during my 9 to 5, I’ll still return to this place because, well, just look at it.
And now the gardens have taken on an altogether different spin thanks to the Serpentine Galleries’ Summer Pavilion.
I’m almost ashamed to say I’ve never been to this before. Each year – for 15 years now – a huge structure is designed by an incredible artist and erected outside the Serpentine Galleries for the public to enjoy.
This year’s installation is a psychedelic ‘crysalis’ by Spanish architects Selgas Cano. Being inside is like having your own personal Instagram filter for your eyes. The colours ‘pop’ by themselves – especially in the bright June sunshine – and it’s absolutely stunning. (Side note: there was no filter required for these indoor shots, by the way). The semi-transparent exterior makes everything it touches bright with every hue imaginable.
It’s probably the happiest place in London right now.
Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington or Knightsbridge
More information: www.serpentinegalleries.org
