The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a real delight. Packed with museums, eateries, parks, attractions and historic buildings, this is the place to be for a spot of London culture. If you fancy putting on your walking shoes and exploring this part of the world by foot, here are some of Kensington’s most charming streets.
Gloucester Road
When you think of London you might think of famous landmarks such as Big Ben or the Houses of Parliament. But by foot you’ll see a host of quirky and hidden sites. London’s Gloucester road is home to some wonderful architecture and a mishmash of buildings repaired following World War II bomb damage. Famous novelist and playwright J.M Barrie even lived here opposite Hereford Square, but the blue plaque was given to his house in Bayswater.
Stop by Little India, our Gloucester Road Indian restaurant, for an array of authentic dishes. After a spot of sightseeing, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Kensington Church Walk
Eccentrically posh and lined with beautiful hanging flowers, Kensington Church Walk is a secret passageway with an abundance of charm. It’s the street people walk up when looking for Notting Hill Gate or walk down to find High Street Kensington. The lane will also take you by St. Mary Abbots Gardens, behind St. Mary Abbots Church and up a narrow passage lined with shops. Rumour has it that Madonna even lived in Kensington Church Walk, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Victoria Grove
Victoria Grove is an attractive, tree-lined and one-way street that runs between Gloucester Road – the street with the India house and authentic cuisine menu – and Launceston Place. The street is mentioned in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot as the home of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer.
Kynance Mews
The average tourist will never come across Kynance Mews, but it’s this that makes it special. The Mews is one of the prettiest areas in London and is a must-see when you’re in the area. From spring wisteria garlanding the facades to Virginia creeper cascading down the doors in the colder months, the street offers an abundance of beauty all year round.
Drayson Mews and Phillimore Walk
Drayson Mews offers painted facades and is a great starting point for a meander down to Phillimore Walk – a long road off Phillimore Gardens. The Mews is part of the ‘Kensington’ Conservation Area, covering 130-acres in total and is home to three and four story properties that are truly a sight to behold. From painted brickwork to a mixture of different roof styles, this is a great place for a photo.
The more you walk around Kensington, the more you’ll see. It’s a truly iconic part of the city – and our Indian in Gloucester Road is a great spot when hunger strikes. Try a range of authentic and freshly prepared dishes in-house or order the takeaway of your choice.
