Earl’s Court in West London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has a fascinating history. This busy inner-city district gained its name from the Earl of Warwick, the local lord at the time. It’s hard to imagine now, but the area was once farmland. It wasn’t until the 19th century, and developments like the introduction of the Metropolitan District Railway, that urbanisation came to the area.
The opening of the Earl’s Court Exhibition Grounds in 1887 brought more people to the area as it hosted various events. Earl’s Court was also an event hub in the 20th century as the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre opened in 1937. This became a noted venue for exhibitions, events, and concerts from major bands and artists, including David Bowie, Oasis, and Michael Jackson. Sadly, the venue was demolished in 2014.
The area has had many famous residents over the years, including Princess Diana (before she married into the royal family), Queen singer Freddie Mercury, director Alfred Hitchcock, The Clash vocalist Joe Strummer, actor Alec Guinness, and many more. In the mid-20th century, the area was popular with expats and immigrants, including those from Poland, Australia and New Zealand.
Earl’s Court remains a thriving part of London and is known for its diverse community, cultural scene, and nightlife. That means there is plenty to keep you entertained here. To help you make the most of your visit we’ve compiled a selection of some of the best things to do and places to go in and around the area.
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Troubadour
This iconic live music venue, café, and restaurant has previously played host to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Adele. The Troubadour opened its doors in 1954 and is London’s last independent live music venue from the coffee-house era. It still hosts live music events most nights of the week, so check the listings and book your tickets for what’s sure to be a fun evening. The venue mostly focuses on up-and-coming talents, so you might just catch the next big thing. This is a great place to dine too, with its cosy restaurant serving up tasty British food with a French gourmet twist. On Sunday nights, The Troubadour hosts live jazz performers, with advance table reservations available for diners, as well as space for walk-ins.
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Kensington Gardens
There are few better places to escape London’s busy streets than the beautiful Kensington Gardens. This 265-acre space is one of eight royal parks in London and was originally part of the private grounds of Kensington Palace. Today, it is free to enter and open to all. Kensington Gardens has an interesting past and there are numerous statues, monuments and fountains to admire as you explore. Don’t miss the gorgeous Italian Gardens on the north side of the park, near Lancaster Gate. This beautiful ornamental water garden was created in the 1860s and is thought to have been a gift to Queen Victoria from her husband Albert. For many, Kensington Gardens brings to mind memories of Princess Diana who lived at Kensington Palace. The Diana Memorial Playground, next to her former home, is an incredible place for children to play. It features a wooden pirate ship at its centre, a sensory trail, and plenty of seating for adults.
Art lovers will feel right at home here too, as Kensington Gardens has two famous contemporary art galleries – Serpentine Gallery North and South. Of course, the gardens are also a wonderful place to walk, run, meet friends, picnic, or simply relax.
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Kensington Palace
British royals have been living at Kensington Palace, set in Kensington Gardens, for more than 300 years. Princess Diana and King Charles lived in apartment 9 and raised William and Harry there. The palace is still used by the royal family, but many areas are open for visitors to explore, giving you the chance to follow in the footsteps of royalty.
The admission fee includes access to the grand King’s State Apartments, the Jewel Room featuring gems commissioned for Queen Victoria, the Queen’s State Apartments, the King’s Gallery, and more. As you might expect, many of the rooms are spectacularly furnished and feature grand paintings, and there is plenty of opportunity to learn about the palace’s history. No ticket is required to enter the Palace Gardens, including the Sunken Garden with its statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.
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Museums
Several of London’s best museums are within easy reach of Earl’s Court. The Design Museum is along Kensington High Street near Holland Park, just a 15-minute walk away from Earl’s Court Underground Station. The Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Science Museum in South Kensington can also be reached on foot in around 20 minutes, or even faster by tube. Best of all, entry to these museums is free, although some exhibitions may require payment, making for a fun and budget-friendly day out for visitors and locals alike.
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Brompton Cemetery
Grade II-listed Brompton Cemetery was established in 1840 and is one of the UK’s oldest garden cemeteries. It’s considered one of London’s Magnificent Seven cemeteries, covers more than 39 acres, and is the resting place of more than 200,000 people. Among them are many notable people, including explorer Richard Francis Burton, pioneering doctor John Snow, and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. Many of the memorials here are grand, and this is a serene place to wander with its paths lined with lime trees. Brompton is also a haven for wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and bats. At the north end of the cemetery, you’ll find an information centre to help you make the most of your time here. There’s also a café, which is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a hot drink or a bite to eat in relaxing surroundings.
These are just a few of the many and varied things to do in and around Earl’s Court. With major redevelopment plans in place for the district over the years ahead, now is exactly the right time to go and see for yourself what this part of London has to offer.
