Located south of Notting Hill, upscale Kensington is full of colourful houses, pretty London mews, and elegant architecture. It also boasts an impressive shopping scene, anchored by Kensington High Street, a major thoroughfare running from Hammersmith straight through to Kensington Gardens.
This has long been a desirable part of London to live in, but the area’s transformation from a small rural village to much greater significance began with William III and Mary II’s decision to choose Kensington Palace as their residence in the late 17th century. This royal approval brought a new appeal to the area, and development followed.
Today, Elton John, Richard Branson, Bernie Ecclestone, Eric Clapton, Robbie Williams, JK Rowling, Rowan Atkinson, and many other famous figures own property here. And the likes of Agatha Christie, Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Marley, and Princess Diana have all lived in this part of England’s capital city in years gone by.
Below we take a look at a selection of the best things to do in Kensington so that you make the most of your time there.
Kensington Palace
This royal residence has a rich and storied history, making it the area’s best-known landmark and a real must-visit destination. Numerous royals have called Kensington Palace home over the last 300 years, including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, and it’s the current home of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Visitors are welcome to explore various areas of the palace, including the Jewel Room, the King’s Gallery, the Queen’s State Apartments, and the King’s State Apartments – all of which offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the British royal family, as well as fascinating insights into history.
Kensington Gardens
London is blessed with some wonderful green spaces. Kensington Gardens, which spans 265 acres, is among the very best. The gardens are free to enter and were once part of the private grounds of the adjacent Kensington Palace. That is reflected in the many interesting monuments, statues, and areas to explore within the grounds. It’s a wonderful place to take a walk, enjoy a picnic, go for a run, or simply relax.
The Italian Gardens on the park’s north side are a real highlight. This ornamental water garden, which dates to 1860, is said to have been created by Queen Victoria as a gift to her husband Albert.
Kensington Gardens is also home to the Serpentine Galleries, which features a variety of contemporary art. Meanwhile, those with children will find The Diana Memorial Playground has plenty to keep them entertained, including a wooden pirate ship and sensory trail. The playground is a fitting tribute to the Princess, who loved children and famously lived at Kensington Palace.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is arguably London’s most iconic venue. It was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria and named in tribute to her late husband, Prince Albert. Over the years it has played host to some of the biggest names in performing arts, from ballet and orchestras to pop music and stand-up comedy. It still hosts a varied schedule of performances and shows today, so it is well worth checking the listings to see what is on ahead of your visit to London. It’s also home to the Proms, a world-famous festival of classical music.
Visitors can take a tour of the venue most days. This is a superb way to see the Royal Albert Hall’s grand architecture and learn more about its history. Those wanting to delve even deeper should choose the behind-the-scenes tour.
Museums
South Kensington is home to a selection of fantastic museums, all conveniently located within a short distance of one another. The Science Museum covers areas from the history of medicine to space exploration, with a range of interactive displays to keep visitors of all ages entertained. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is the world’s largest decorative arts and design museum, with an extraordinary variety of objects showcasing thousands of years of human creativity. The Natural History Museum exhibits a range of specimens from the natural world, so it’s a wonderful place to learn about our planet. All three museums offer free admission, so be sure to add them to your London itinerary.
Another spot that is well worth visiting is The Design Museum, which is dedicated to all things contemporary design. Located close to Holland Park, it hosts an interesting range of ticketed exhibitions, as well as a free-to-view permanent collection and temporary displays.
Holland Park
Holland Park is best known for its leafy charm and grand Victorian architecture. One of the most impressive areas of this 54-acre park is Kyoto Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden. With a pond, waterfall, and expertly manicured plants, you will be transported to a place of tranquillity. Look out for peacocks wandering around while you’re here, as well as a variety of native birds. This is a great place to relax, and with an adventure playground for children, tennis courts, sculptures, and places to eat and drink you could easily find yourself spending most of the day in Holland Park.
With its remarkable history and exciting attractions, Kensington is one of London’s most interesting neighbourhoods. Visiting will make you feel a part of its history and prestige, with every step, shop, window, and walk providing a conversation point or sight to see. It demands your attention on a trip to the capital and does not disappoint even the most cultured traveller. If you’re looking for luxury London then Kensington is king.
