Albert Memorial
The basics
Prince Albert’s untimely death in 1861 was mourned by the British public, and caused Queen Victoria to enter a period of mourning for the rest of her life. In tribute to her husband, the Queen commissioned a grand monument to the Prince Consort. Designed by architect George Gilbert Scott—who created other major London landmarks, including St. Pancras Station—and featuring a gilded bronze sculpture by John Henry Foley; the monument is strikingly opulent, and one of Kensington Gardens’ top attractions.
The Albert Memorial can be glimpsed on numerous tours of London, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, royal walking tours, and private sightseeing tours of London. It’s also easy to visit independently.
Things to know before you go
- The Albert Memorial is free for all to view.
- Look out for the Frieze of Parnassus—a collection of sculptures of notable artists and musicians throughout history.
- The memorial was restored in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and is now looking its photogenic best.
- This landmark is a popular stop for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
- The Albert Memorial’s tower stands a striking 177 feet (54 meters) tall.
How to get there
The Albert Memorial is located on the southern edge of Kensington Gardens, directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall. To travel via public transportation, use the #9, #23, #52, #70, #360, or #452 buses. Lancaster Gate station (served by the Central line), Knightsbridge station (served by the Piccadilly line) and South Kensington station (served by the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines) are all within a 20-minute walking distance. The landmark can also be reached on foot, by bike, or by car.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Kensington Gardens is usually open daily from dawn to dusk; if you want to get up close, be sure to time your visit to the Albert Memorial within daylight hours. That said, the landmark can still be viewed from beyond the park boundaries if you happen to be in the neighborhood after dark.
Other Kensington Garden Highlights
Planning a trip to the Albert Memorial? Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Kensington Gardens, including Kensington Palace (where Prince William and Kate Middleton reside), the Serpentine Gallery, and the Italian Gardens.
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