The smart, definitive guide to Kensington, London

About Kensington

Kensington, located in West London, is renowned for its wealthy neighbourhoods and cultural offerings. From Exhibition Road and the Victoria and Albert, Natural History and Science museums, to the Kensington Palace the area is full of places to see and explore.  Kensington is south of Notting Hill and West of Knightsbridge and is one of London’s most affluent districts.

What's on in Kensington

Kensington’s cultural scene is embodied by the iconic Royal Albert Hall which has hosted an impressive roster and variety of musical performances, Kensington Palace and the museums on Exhibition Road. Beyond Kensington’s cultural offerings in the form of museums and palaces, Kensington has a number of famous shopping districts and is home to the department store Harrods and near the popular street market on Portobello Road. 

The district also encompasses Hyde Park which is a popular location for outdoor activities.

Kensington Venues

• Royal Albert Hall
  Best for: The BBC Proms, stunning acoustics, classical and popular music and amazing architecture if amazing music isn’t enough.
• London Natural History Museum
  Best for: Evolution, crazy insects, biodiversity, space-travel… oh who are we trying to kid.  This place is best for dinosaurs.
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
  Best for: 11 acres of art, fashion, design, culture and world heritage in one of the most famous and renowned exhibition spaces in the western world.
• Kensington Palace
  Best for: Stately grounds, ornate interior design, and a glimpse at the home of Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales.
• Kensington Roof Gardens
  Best for: A high possibility of rejection if you’re not on the guest list, a chance to hobnob with the glamour crowd of upper class Kensington if you are.
• London Science Museum
  Best for: Something for every family member from technical innovations to medical science.  Avoid the top two floors if you’re squeamish.

Kensington Facts

Tube Stops: High Street Kensington, Gloucester Road, South Kensington
Borough: The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea