“Kensington is great for many reasons. Firstly, you can get some of the best curry in London. Head to Little India and enjoy mouthwatering delights and a memorable dining experience. Secondly, Kensington is a museum hotspot where you can view some of the most incredible artefacts and exhibits in the world. It’s the ideal place to learn new things, so here are the museums you won’t want to miss.
1. Natural History Museum
A trip to Kensington simply wouldn’t be complete without venturing to the Natural History Museum. But don’t just leave one or two hours to explore, as with so much to see and do you’ll need a whole day at least – or dip in and out over the course of a weekend. From the first T-Rex skeleton ever found to a full Triceratops skull, there’s plenty on display for dinosaur lovers. And you can even see a 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton suspended in the air. This first arrived at the museum in the 1880s and is the largest specimen in the Museum’s collection of more than 80 million objects from around the globe.
2. Victoria and Albert Museum
Next on the list is the V&A South Kensington, a global destination for art, design and performance. From ancient Chinese ceramics to Alexander McQueen evening dresses, the museum has an impressive array of online collections to view at your leisure. Visit in person and you’ll also discover paintings and sculptures, furnishings, clothing, jewellery and so much more. A highlight is certainly the Fashion collection which is the largest and most comprehensive collection of attire in the world. Key items in the collection include rare 17th century gowns, 18th century ‘mantua’ dresses, 1930s evening wear, 1960s daywear and post-war couture.
3. Science Museum
Another of Kensington’s treasures has to be the Science Museum. Located on Exhibition Road, you can discover a whole array of fascinating objects and fill your brain with super interesting facts. Head to Exploring Space to see the space suit of Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, who wore the suit on the eight-day mission to the Mir space station. You’ll also get to see the Black Arrow, a satellite launcher dating back to 1971. Or head to Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery to learn more about the science and maths that shape our everyday lives. From award-winning exhibitions to IMAX presentations and exciting science shows, the Science Museum has something for the whole family to enjoy.
4. Japan House
A lesser-known Kensington gem has to be Japan House. This presents the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology, providing guests with an authentic encounter with Japan. The Library hosts a permanent collection of hard-to-find Japanese books as well as dynamic displays covering a wide range of themes. There are also exhibitions throughout the year covering a range of topics.
Enjoy your day in Kensington and don’t forget to stop for a curry. Indian food is an ideal choice for any London day trip as it’s delicious, filling and a real treat. Little India, the curry house in South Kensington, is the place to be for all your favourite Indian dishes including butter chicken and a tandoori mixed grill.”
