Kensington Area Guide

The Royal Borough of Kensington with its opulent buildings, historic castles and picturesque parks is the perfect place to situate yourself whilst visiting London. 

 

Known for its sophisticated architecture, the area is dotted with charming mews where you can discover hidden gems, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

 

Kensington is home to some of London’s best cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars. Whether you opt for an up-market dining experience or are simply interested in wandering around to appreciate the rich history of the area, Kensington offers an abundance of options. 

 

From lavish venues to cosy, tucked away spots, this neighbourhood provides a diverse and vibrant atmosphere. There’s no doubt that Kensington is the perfect place to stay and explore, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone who visits.

Highlights

Kensington Palace Gardens

These impressive sprawling gardens near the entrance of Hyde Park are absolutely gorgeous. And at its centre is Kensington Palace, the magnificent London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Holland Park

One of London’s  most iconic parks, Holland Park is a perfect place to relax and let the day go by. It’s a park full of wonder with waterfalls, gardens and even peacocks wandering around.

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the finest concert halls in the world and towers of the surrounding area. The Hall is a stunning piece of architecture and regularly puts on amazing performances

Transport Links

Earls Court – 0.3m

Gloucester Road – 0.4m

South Kensington – 0.5m

 

With many public transport options located nearby, including the well-connected Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations, you can conveniently reach London’s iconic landmarks. West Brompton is also a 10 minute walk away, providing access to the District Line and London Overground.

 

Kensington high street has seen a number of changes to make it more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.

Eating 

Kensington is at the heart of London’s lively food scene, with amazing cafes and restaurants on your doorstep. Some of our favourite cafes include Farm Girl  Hjem Cafe, Jumo, Gail’s, Sip & Rise, and Cafe De Nata (pictured). For matcha enthusiasts, Japan House is a must-visit. 

Kensington also boasts a variety of well-regarded restaurants, from relaxed eateries to Michelin-starred spots. Our up-market favourites include Wright Brothers (pictured), Maria G’s, Zuaya, and Margaux. For a more casual meal, try Dishoom, Coco Momo, or Chucs.

 

Drinking

Like many London neighbourhoods, Kensington is known for its vibrant nightlife. If you prefer a laid-back drink at one of the many pubs this area has to offer, the Churchill Arms, Duke of Clarence, or Anglesea Arms are a great choice. 

If you want to treat yourself for a more classy night out head to K Bar or Amaro Bar, for some of the best cocktails in London.

Attractions

Kensington offers a wealth of both natural and cultural attractions to enjoy during your stay, from world-class museums to bustling yet beautiful green spaces. The Royal Albert Hall is a wonderful place to take in a show while the nearby Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Design Museum will satisfy any curious minds.

 

London can get quite busy at times so to escape the hustle and bustle of city life we recommend heading to Holland Park. Or you could explore Kensington Palace for a rich cultural experience and have a picnic while soaking up the gardens’ beauty.

 

Shopping

For avid shoppers, you are in luck as Kensington is home to one of the best shopping areas in London. From charming boutiques to antique stores, you’ll find everything you could dream of. 

 

Kensington also has a variety of organic grocers and supermarkets. Bayley & Sage and Whole Foods are worth visiting, where you’ll find some of the freshest produce in London and high quality wines to enjoy in your well-equipped kitchenette. Nearby Knightsbridge has even more shopping on offer crowned by the spectacular Harrods.

 

Summary

Kensington is a stunning place to live, visit or simply get lost in. There is so much incredible culture, food and shopping to experience that you can’t hope to do it in a day. If you want to make the most of this fantastic location, then you need an extended stay. 

 

With Stayprime’s Kensington serviced apartments, you can fully immerse yourself in one of London’s most spectacular areas while enjoying world class amenities and comfort.