Kensington has to be one of the most charming neighborhoods in London. Filled with white stucco townhouses, adorable mews streets, this is the London of romantic comedies like Four Weddings and a Funeral. It is also home to some of London’s top museums, a couple of stunning parks, some very famous social media spots, great shopping and much more.
1. Victoria and Albert Museum
Known locally as the V&A, this is one of London’s most popular museums. With a permanent collection of 2.8 million objects, it focusses on applied arts, decorative arts and design. The museum was founded in 1852 and as you may have guessed named after Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.
The V&A regularly holds some of the most popular exhibits in London. I recently visited the fantastic Chanel exhibition. General entrance to the museum is free but the you will need to pay to visit the exhibits and definitely book your tickets in advance. The museum is also known for its extremely beautiful cafe.
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2. Museum of Natural History
The focus of the Museum of Natural History is the life and earth sciences and it is one of London’s best. You’ll meet its famous dinosaur, Dippy, as soon as you enter this magnificent gothic building, and don’t miss the blue whale skeleton.
Like the V&A, general entry to the Natural History Museum is free but you will need to pay to attend exhibits and they are best booked in advance. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit is my personal annual favourite. The museum has recently opened its beautifully restored gardens and these are free to visit.
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3. The Science Museum
Founded in 1857, this London museum covers everything from early technology to space travel. Highlights are the Making the Modern World Gallery, the Flight Gallery and the Wonderlab. This is a particularly good place to visit if you are traveling with children. Like the other Kensington museums, entrance is free and there are charges for some temporary exhibits.
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4. Kensington Palace and Gardens
Kensington Palace was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. In more recent times it was the home of Princess Diana after her divorce and tributes to her are still on display. Visitors can also see the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, see the rooms where Queen Victoria was raised plus there are regular temporary exhibits. And the Orangery at Kensington Palace are one of the loveliest places to enjoy afternoon tea in London.
Entrance to Kensington Gardens is free, and it is a beautiful space. There is a statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden on the upper level.
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5. Leighton House
Leighton House was the studio and home of Victoria artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. Work began on the house in 1865 and Leighton collected items on his extensive travels to countries like Syria, Turkey and Egypt. I think the highlight of a visit to Leighton House is the stunning Arab Hall, which feels like it should be in Cairo. The Silk Room is also a must see.
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6. Holland Park
This is my favorite park in London. Tucked away in West London, it is most stunning in the spring when the many tulips bloom in the Dutch Garden. The park is spread over 54 acres of what used to be Cope Castle in the 17th century.
You’ll also want to see Sibirica Fountain and don’t miss Kyoto Gardens, which are the loveliest Japanese gardens in London. When you’ve finished exploring the park, head to Holland Park Cafe, now run by the wonderful Australian group Daisy Green.
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7. Royal Albert Hall Tour
Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria, this is the UK’s most iconic music venue and one of the most famous stages in the world. Of course, you can check the calendar and see what musical events are on at the Royal Albert Hall while you are in London. However, I would also recommend the fantastic Royal Albert Hall Tour. This is now one of my top London hidden gems. During the tour, you’ll not only see the beautiful staircases and corridors of the Hall, but you’ll also get to see the King’s rooms and get to hear whoever happens to be rehearsing that day.
The Royal Albert Hall also holds behind the scenes tours that include visits to dressing rooms, backstage etc. These are run less often so check their website for details.
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8. The Churchill Arms
This might be the most Instagrammed pub in London. It is well known for the almost extraordinary number of hanging baskets and flowers it manages to grow from its walls through hanging baskets and all types of things. But don’t be put off by its fame. Inside this is a fantastic pub that is filled with Winston Churchill memorabilia. The Churchill Arms also has a great thai restaurant.
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9. South Kensington Books
This super cute independent bookshop is tucked away behind South Kensington station. South Kensington Books has been part of the neighborhood since 1940. It is quite photogenic and it also sells some great books!
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10. Explore the Mews Streets
A mews is a street or courtyard originally built as a service area for large houses in the 18th and 19th centuries. Kensington had several grand houses during that time, so they now have many charming mews streets. The reason the mews are charming is that they tend to be traffic-free, often have cobblestone streets, and tend to have some cute colourful houses.
In Kensington check out Elvaston Mews, Queen’s Gate Mews and my favourite, Kyanance Mews.
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11. Japan House
Located on High Street Kensington next to the tube, Japan House is the cultural home of Japan in London. They hold events and exhibitions and have a stylish shop and a restaurant. Admission is free.
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12. The Design Museum
Founded in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran, the Design Museum moved to Kensington in 2016. The museum’s permanent collection is home to some of the key pieces of design that have shaped the modern world. In addition to the actual pieces the Design Museum displays related items like drawings, prototypes etc. The Museum also hosts some fantastic temporary exhibitions and has a great shop.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.