/ London Guide/ London Food/ London Attractions/ London Shopping
November 22, 2022
London is full of beautiful neighbourhoods, but if you’re keen to be in the heart of the action, yet surrounded by peace and quiet, a wealth of shops and eateries and easy access to the city’s best attractions, then Kensington is the place for you. Kensington is part of the beautiful Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which is home to London’s biggest and best museums, not to mention pretty gardens and spacious parks, and some of the best shopping in the city.
These are just a few of the amazing things to see and do in London’s best neighbourhood.
Kensington Palace
While staying in Kensington, you can’t miss the beautiful and historic Kensington Palace and its gardens. The palace was the childhood home of Queen Victoria, and has been home to a number of other famous royals, such as the now King Charles and Princess Diana. It’s possible to get tickets for the palace, to enjoy a tour of the lavish state rooms and apartments, and learn about its history. Just outside the palace is the 260-acre Kensington Palace Gardens. This is a beautiful place to explore in the sunshine, and you can stroll through the Italian and Memorial Gardens within, and visit the iconic Albert Memorial which stands in the centre of the park. Kensington Palace is the best place to see the royalty and you don’t need to spend any penny on transportation when you have excellent budget accommodation in Kensington just a few steps away from the palace.
Museums
South Kensington is home to four of the most amazing museums in London, if not the world. The most famous of these is the incredible Natural History Museum, with its breathtaking façade, and its extensive rooms and exhibitions inside where you can see full-size dinosaur skeletons, prehistoric animals, and a collection of precious gems. Just around the corner is the impressive Science Museum, which is a must-see for families and children. Learn about the science of outer space, climb inside a volcano and discover where humans first came from. There are endless new workshops and activities to explore here, which will keep you entertained on a rainy day.
For art and design lovers, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum are both in Kensington and offer thousands of years’ worth of fascinating displays. The V&A houses ancient sculptures and artwork, and has unique exhibitions on topics such as the history of fashion. The Design Museum is equally intriguing, showcasing hundreds of design inventions, such as how the lightbulb was made and the evolution of the iPod.
Shopping on Kensington High Street
Oxford Street and Regent Street may be the most famous place to hit the shops in London, but you’ll find far less crowds and a more authentic experience if you visit Kensington High Street. The High Street is home to a great variety of clothes, cosmetics and souvenir shops, as well as local supermarkets and well-known brands. You will also find lots of local and unique boutiques, some great restaurants serving worldwide cuisines, and a number of excellent little cafes where you can enjoy a freshly made coffee and a pastry to keep you going while you explore.
Where to stay
Kensington is one of the most exclusive and luxury areas of London, and is away from the main hustle and bustle of the West End. Book a stay at the Park City Grand Plaza Kensington for a comfortable and high-end stay right in the heart of the capital. Just a stone’s throw from all of the top attractions, and only five minutes’ walk from everything Kensington has to offer, you can enjoy great food and a spacious room after a long day of sightseeing.
Getting there: Kensington is easily accessed by taking the tube via the Circle or District Lines to South Kensington. A number of buses also run to the area, and it is less than 15 minutes from Victoria Station, which has connections to the rest of the UK and major airports such as London Gatwick and Heathrow.
