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.

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.

Ways to explore

Prince Albert’s untimely death in 1861 was deeply mourned by the British public, prompting Queen Victoria to observe a period of mourning for the remainder of her life. In tribute to her husband, the Queen commissioned a grand monument in honor of the Prince Consort. Designed by architect George Gilbert Scott and featuring a gilded bronze sculpture by John Henry Foley, it is a strikingly opulent attraction in Kensington Gardens.

The Albert Memorial can be glimpsed on numerous London tours, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, royal walking tours, and private sightseeing tours. It’s also easy to visit independently.

Accessibility

Kensington Gardens is mostly wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps available at most key locations. The gardens have three accessible restrooms, including one just north of the monument.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, umbrella if needed

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Feeding the wildlife, cycling on non-designated paths, climbing on the memorial

Amenities

Kensington Gardens has paid public toilets, shops, cafés, water fountains, playgrounds

Address

The Albert Memorial is in Kensington Gardens, adjacent to Hyde Park. It’s across from Royal Albert Hall and a block or so from some of the city’s best museums: the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum. Get there by walking, public transit, or taxi.

Driving

While driving to the Albert Memorial is possible, navigating and parking in central London is tiresome, expensive, and limited. Private parking services are your best bet—well, second to public transit and taxis, that is.

Public transportation

Take the Circle, District, or Piccadilly line to South Kensington—the memorial is an 8-minute walk from the station. Many bus routes serve the area, including the 9, 10, 52, 70, 360, and 452.

Best times to visit

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. For great photos, visit on a sunny morning when Albert’s golden statue appears to glow.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are typically quieter, especially if you plan to combine your sightseeing with a trip to the nearby museums, too—the family-friendly Science Museum and Natural History Museum are typically hectic on weekends and throughout school holiday periods.

Best months to visit

March to May and September to November typically offer mild weather and fewer tourists.

Special events

Occasional guided tours allow visitors inside the railings for a closer look at the memorial—upcoming tours are listed and bookable via the Royal Parks website.