After West Kensington station, cross the main road and take the first left.
Glendwr Gardens
The air raids that took place on the night of 20 February 1944, had a devastating impact on the Gunter Estate in West Kensington. Recognising the significant loss of life caused by the bombings, the Gunter Estate took a poignant step in 1948.
In remembrance of those who had lost their lives in that fateful night and other air raids, the Gunter Estate generously donated an area of land that had previously been tennis courts to Fulham Council. This act of goodwill allowed for the establishment of a memorial to honour the fallen.
The council took charge of developing the donated land into a small park, spanning just under an acre. The project was made possible through the funding provided by Mr. R. G. Gunter, who was associated with the Gunter Estate. In July 1948, the park was officially opened as Gwendwr Garden, serving as a lasting tribute not only to the victims of the air raids but also as a nod to the Gunter family’s Welsh heritage.
Back to the main road and cross back to the West Kensington side of the road.
West Cromwell Road
To travel from West Kensington to Earl’s Court, we must brave the A4, also known as West Cromwell Road in this area. While navigating through the traffic and trying to minimize deep breaths, the walk over the elevated road offers an intriguing experience, crossing over the railway tracks that serve Earl’s Court to the south. This location is a convergence point for two Tube lines, namely the District and Piccadilly lines. The panoramic view from this vantage point is impressive.
Opposite is the first 24 hours supermarket I ever did see (albeit from the road)
Earl’s Court Road
Turn right into Earl’s Court Road. The traffic is still horrible but we’ll turn almost immediately into…
Philbeach Gardens
However, respite from the hustle and bustle is swift. As one turns off the road and enters the peaceful crescent of Philbeach Gardens, the solidly built terraces help muffle the clamour of traffic, reducing it to a gentle background rumble. Nestled in the northwest corner of the crescent are two notable buildings: the ultra-modern Adshel Centre and the imposing red-brick Gothic architecture of St Cuthbert’s Church. The crescent itself is adorned with shade-providing trees, creating an oasis-like atmosphere despite its close proximity to Earl’s Court. It is worth mentioning that the Philbeach Hotel, one of London’s longstanding gay hotels, can also be found here, harking back to the days when Earl’s Court held the title of London’s gay capital, while Soho was still primarily associated with less refined forms of entertainment.
A mere stone’s throw away from the end of the crescent lies Earl’s Court station, with its Warwick Road entrance situated opposite the former entrance to the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre. The station underwent reconstruction between 1936 and 1937.