Not only does this monument stand in memory of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, but it is a nod to Victorian achievement on the grandest and most extravagant scale.

After Prince Albert died of typhoid fever aged 42, the national memorial was created to acknowledge the public's loss. Its design is clearly influenced by other high-Victorian Gothic statues, as well as Prince Albert's passions and interests. The sheer opulence and scale of the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens alone makes it one of the grandest Victorian monuments ever created.

Officially titled the Prince Consort National Memorial, it is split into levels with marble figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa and America at each corner. Further up figures represent manufacture, commerce, agriculture and engineering and above this are gilded bronze statues of angels and virtues.

The base of the memorial celebrates Albert's love of the arts with 187 intricately carved figures of painters, poets, sculptors, musicians and architects.

Guided tours are available to the public on the first Sunday of the month from March to December at 2pm and 3pm for about 45 minutes. Tickets are £6. Meet directly in front of the memorial.

Groups are required to book ahead.