Located south of Notting Hill, upscale Kensington is full of colourful houses, pretty mews homes, 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.
Long a desirable part of London for the country’s ultra-high-net-worth community, 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 seal of approval brought a new appeal to the area, with development soon following.
Today, Elton John, Richard Branson, Bernie Ecclestone, Eric Clapton, JK Rowling, Rowan Atkinson and many other famous figures own property here. Previously, cultural icons such as Agatha Christie, Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Marley, and Princess Diana have all called this exclusive neighbourhood home.
Below, we take a look at a selection of the best things to do in Kensington.
Kensington Palace
This royal residence has a rich and storied history, making it the area’s best-known landmark and a must-visit destination. Numerous royals have called Kensington Palace home over the last 300 years, including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. It is also 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, as well as the King’s and Queen’s state apartments – all of which offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the British royal family, as well as fascinating insights into the history of one of the world’s most important island nations.
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Kensington Gardens
The area is blessed with some wonderful green spaces – ideal for those looking for property for sale in Kensington. 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 abundance of interesting monuments, statues, and areas to explore within the grounds. A wonderful place to take a walk, visitors can enjoy a picnic, go for a run, or simply relax in the verdant surroundings.
The Italian Gardens on the park’s north side are another particular highlight. This ornamental water garden, which dates back 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 that the (Princess) Diana Memorial Playground offers 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.
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Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is arguably London’s most iconic venue and a big draw for those who are interested in either buying or renting property in Kensington. It was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria and named in tribute to her late husband, Prince Albert. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in the 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 charming way to see the Royal Albert Hall’s grand architecture and learn more about its history. Those wanting to delve even deeper are welcome to choose the behind-the-scenes tour.
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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, functioning as 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 well worth visiting is The Design Museum, which is dedicated to all things within the world of 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.
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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 tranquil Japanese lawn. With a pond, waterfall, and expertly manicured flora, visitors are instantly transported to a place of tranquillity. Look out for peacocks wandering around while you’re here, as well as a variety of native birds. A great place to relax, the garden also affords an adventure playground for children, tennis courts, sculptures, and places to eat and drink. With all this on offer, you could easily find yourself spending most of the day in Holland Park.
With its remarkable history, exciting attractions, and abundance of high-end property such as these captivating flats, Kensington is one of London’s most interesting neighbourhoods. Some are increasingly choosing to take advantage of the area’s robust rental market. Visiting the area provides a sense of history and prestige, with a conversation starter in seemingly every direction. Demanding attention, your trip to one of the capital’s most iconic neighbourhoods will surely not disappoint.
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