Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens was opened in June 1922 as a natural extension to the popular esplanade. Its infrastructure remains largely intact and includes facilities that are typical of design thinking of the time, including oriental influences that inspired the Japanese Garden.

The gardens can be entered from either Kirkley Cliff Road or the promenade and while it is perhaps difficult to appreciate how the gardens were first laid out, the basic elements still remain, though in part hidden under a canopy of mature evergreen oaks.

Upon entering the gardens from its most southerly end, there are well-kept bowling greens amongst borders of colourful shrubs and floral bedding displays. To one side, newly refurbished tennis facilities are located and an on-site tearoom allows the spectator to sit and enjoy these pastimes in pleasant surroundings.

Passing the tearoom, the path leads through the centre of these landscaped gardens, the Japanese element particularly emphasised in the form of a rockery, albeit hidden by trees. Descending the various steps and crossing the small pond by way of a bridge, one can forget how close the gardens are to the sea and particularly in winter this area can provide protection from the elements.

On the other side of the rockery, the steps lead out to a large boating pond and whether a youngster with a home made boat or practised engineer, this makes an ideal launching site. Beyond the pond and towards the promenade, there is a well laid out herbaceous border and further seasonal floral displays to interest the visitor.

Leisure Facilities:

Both bowling and tennis facilities are available and operate on a ‘pay and play’ basis. They are open from 10am until dusk from May to September inclusive.

Open all year