For those planning a day out in London, the main tourist spots are usually first on the list. And while the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are all worth a visit, there are plenty of other places to explore. Kensington is best known for its museums, with over 2.5 million people visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum each year. However, there is more to this district than these attractions. Renowned for its stunning architecture, upmarket shopping venues, boutique art galleries and cultural attractions, Kensington is a gem that merits some additional exploring. Here’s what makes it so special.
A Rich History
Dating back to the 17th Century, Kensington was once a rural area. Mass expansion of the city in the 19th Century meant the district became a hub of urban development, and it now boasts some of the grandest and most beautiful properties in the capital. In fact, between the mews, cottages, Victorian houses, Edwardian houses and modern houses you are literally spoilt for choice. You’ll find lots of private gardens and beautiful churches too.
Kensington has been a go-to place of residence for artists, writers and musicians for many years. Most notably, Garden Lodge is the former Neo-Georgian home of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and is reportedly valued at £30 million. Other former Kensington and Chelsea residents include Stella McCartnery, Rowan Atkinson, Eric Clapton, Madonna, JK Rowling, and Roman Ambramovich.
Attractions and Sights
Kensington is home to an array of fascinating attractions including Kensington Palace, which was once the home of Princess Diana. The palace is surrounded by Kensington Gardens, a haven of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Other attractions in the area include The Natural History Museum, which houses 80 million objects from the world’s most important natural history collection, as well as the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Lesser known museums include the Sewing Machine Museum and Royal Air Force Museum, while art galleries include Old Brompton Gallery and Thackeray Gallery.
Shopping and Dining
If you’re looking for a high-end shopping experience, don’t miss Kensington High Street. Here, you’ll discover a wide range of quality products from clothes and jewellery to electronics and home goods. Kensington is also just a stone’s throw from one of London’s most famous markets – Portobello. On Fridays, you’ll find clothes and bric-a-brac sellers, while on Saturdays there’s the world-famous antiques market. The food market takes place over the weekend.
There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink either. Whether you want a coffee and a pastry, a relaxed lunch with family, or authentic Indian cuisine in London, you’re sure to find something to tempt you.
One of the best places to find Indian in Kensington is at Little India. We serve a wide range of authentic dishes and chef’s specials, with the option to dine in or grab a takeaway to eat at one of the local parks. Pop into our Indian cuisine restaurant after a day’s exploring to satisfy your hunger.
