The Enchanting Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens

The bronze statue of Peter Pan is located in Kensington Gardens, adjacent to Hyde Park. The creator of the beloved character, J.M. Barrie, personally chose this location, inspired by his proximity to Kensington Gardens and his first publication of a Peter Pan story in 1902.

In Barrie’s tale, The Little White Bird, Peter Pan travels from his nursery and lands by the Long Water lake, precisely where the statue now stands. His journey to create this statue began in 1906, where he enlisted the help of six-year-old Michael Llewelyn Davies, the muse for Peter Pan, to pose in a special costume, aiding the sculptor in realizing Barrie’s vision.

By 1912, Barrie had found the sculptor, Sir George Frampton, and on May 1 of that year, the statue was installed in Kensington Gardens.

How to Find the Peter Pan Statue

The closest tube station is Lancaster Gate on the Central Line. To navigate efficiently, utilize the Journey Planner for your route via London’s public transport system.

Upon exiting the station, turn right onto Bayswater Road and proceed to the traffic lights. Carefully cross Bayswater Road—the main thoroughfare—and enter Kensington Gardens. The picturesque Italian Gardens will be directly ahead.

As you stroll past the Italian Gardens, on your right lies a whimsical fountain historically used for livestock that still supplies clean drinking water today.

Continue along the path adjacent to the Italian Gardens, which borders Long Water. A short walk down this path will lead you to the delightful Peter Pan statue on your right.

The Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens

The Italian Gardens were commissioned by Queen Victoria and are frequently chosen as filming locations for movies. Notably, they were featured in:

• Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
• Wimbledon (2004)

The Arrival of the Peter Pan Statue

The statue made its enchanting debut in Kensington Gardens during the night, appearing ‘magically’ on May 1, 1912. Notably, there was no advance publicity regarding the statue’s arrival. On that day, Barrie placed a delightful announcement in The Times, informing the public:

“There is a surprise in store for the children who go to Kensington Gardens to feed the ducks in the Serpentine this morning. Down by the little bay on the south-western side of the tail of the Serpentine, they will find a May-day gift from Mr. J.M. Barrie, a figure of Peter Pan blowing his pipe on the stump of a tree, surrounded by fairies, mice, and squirrels. This is the work of Sir George Frampton, and the bronze figure of the boy who would never grow up is delightfully conceived.”

Peter Pan Statue and Rabbits

This captivating bronze statue features Peter Pan standing atop a tree trunk adorned with playful squirrels, rabbits, and mice. The intricate details of the rabbits at the base of the sculpture are particularly delightful.

Peter Pan Statue and Fairies

Surrounded by whimsical animals of the English countryside, Peter Pan stands on his tree trunk, watched over by delicate winged fairies. This enchanting depiction highlights the magical essence that the Peter Pan statue embodies.