Corporate Accommodation in Belgravia
Serviced apartments in Belgravia are also ideal for those visiting London on business who are looking for accommodation that is conducive to a productive stay. Each corporate apartment offered by TheSqua.re provides business travellers with a flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, recreational space and all the usual comforts required for a comfortable stay. What’s more, the inclusion of full kitchen facilities means guests have the option to self-cater - which can be of huge benefit to those who may not have time to seek out restaurants for each mealtime. Finally, corporate accommodation in Belgravia is usually found close to local public transport links, making them ideal for those needing regular access to London’s financial districts.
Holiday Accommodation in Belgravia
Belgravia is one of London’s most stylish neighbourhoods, as well as being just a short distance from many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks. This is obviously a highly desirable combination and has resulted in Belgravia becoming a hugely popular location with holidaymakers and leisure travellers. When it comes to holiday accommodation in Belgravia, visitors have a huge amount of options, with the area offering an abundance of hotels and guesthouses. However, the advantage of private apartments is that they offer a genuine home-from-home environment, a chance for guests to enjoy one of the stunning residences for themselves. Each offers plenty of mod-cons, including home entertainment and high-speed Wi-Fi, along with a fully equipped kitchen. As such, serviced apartments in Belgravia offer a much more authentic and individualised experience of the neighbourhood.
Where to Stay in Belgravia
Belgravia itself covers a relatively small area and is easily walkable. In terms of where to stay in Belgravia, many of the most desirable properties are to be found around Belgrave Square Garden. In particular, the residences along Belgravia Place offer the perfect balance between access to local amenities and a relaxing atmosphere. Lowndes Street is also a popular spot for those wanting somewhere closer to the local shops, bars and eateries. However, as mentioned, any location in Belgravia is easily walkable from another, so choosing where to stay will predominantly come down to personal taste.
Facts About Belgravia
Known for its elegant houses and picturesque streets, Belgravia has long been seen as one of the most prestigious areas in London. However, the neighbourhood has a long and surprising past, having been an important location for several cultural, social and historic events. With this in mind, below are a few interesting facts about Belgravia:
- Belgravia hasn’t always been the exclusive location it is today. It was once a swampy marshland known as Five Fields, a popular spot for robbers and bandits targeting travellers heading into the city!
- The area has several connections to the James Bond movies. Writer Ian Fleming lived on Ebury Street, while actors Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore have also been residents of Belgravia in the past.
- Mozart wrote his first-ever symphony at 180 Ebury Street, at just eight years old.
- During World War 2, Belgrave Square was used as a tank park.
- Belgravia is named after Viscount Belgrave, who is better known as Gerald Grosvenor, the 6th Duke of Westminster.
Cost of Living in Belgravia
As Belgravia is one of the most affluent and desirable neighbourhoods in London, it will come of little surprise that the cost of living is higher than much of London and indeed the wider UK. Belgravia real estate is some of the most sought after in the country, which is of course reflected in the private rental market. Generally, those looking to stay in the area can expect to pay between £1000 - £15000 per week for a one-bedroom apartment, and potentially over £2000 per week for larger properties. However, whilst this price can seem excessive, it should be noted that guests can save money by booking into a serviced apartment, as these arrangements provide better cost-efficiency over longer stays.
Aside from rent, another cost to consider will be transport. Fortunately, this is fairly simple to budget for as most visitors to London will rely solely on public transport. A daily travel card for zones 1 - 2 will cost £12.70, increasing to £18.10 for those looking to make journeys further afield. Further savings can be made for those planning to stay in London a little longer, with a weekly travel card for zones 1 -2 priced at £35.10, or £64.20 for zones 1 - 6. It is also possible to pay for transport using the Oyster payment system, which is priced per journey but with a cap of £7.00 per day for journeys within the city centre (zones 1 - 2).
Finally, the other costs to consider will be linked to day to day living and entertainment. This is slightly more difficult to budget for, as costs will depend largely on individual lifestyle. However, the price of a meal for two in Belgravia will vary between £60 and £150 in a moderately priced restaurant, whilst a pint of beer or glass of wine in a local bar will cost upwards of £6. These are typical prices for London city centre, but prices tend to drop towards the periphery.
Tips for Visiting Belgravia
Belgravia is a popular area, close to many of London’s top attractions and benefitting from excellent public transport links. As such, visiting the area is a pleasurable experience with little to challenge travellers - even those visiting London for the first time. However, there are a few ways to really get the most out of a stay in Belgravia. Here are a few tips:
- Use an Oyster or Contactless card for getting around on the Underground.
- Be aware that a pint of beer or a glass of wine will be cheaper outside of Belgravia.
- It’s a good idea to avoid Victoria Station at rush hour!
- The Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly Lines operate for 24hrs on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Most of the museums are free to enter, but it is sensible to donate.
- Be sure to explore the south side of the river Thames - there are many hidden gems and cultural hotspots to be found here.
- Walking is a great way to explore the area’s picturesque streets.
- Hyde Park is the perfect place to enjoy sunny days.
Things to Do in Belgravia
Belgravia is right in the heart of the city, meaning those staying locally are never more than a few minutes away from many of London’s most famous attractions. As such, travellers are often spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Belgravia.
Q. What are the most popular things near Belgravia?
Many of London’s most popular attractions are within walking distance of Belgravia:
Q. What are some free things to do in Belgravia?
Despite its reputation as an expensive destination, Belgravia benefits from being close to many of London’s world-class museums - most of which are completely free to enter.
- The Natural History Museum.
- The V&A.
- The Science Museum.
- The British Museum.
- Tate Britain.
Q. What are some outdoor activities in Belgravia?
Belgravia is also the perfect place for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Both Hyde Park and St James’s Park border the neighbourhood and each offer stunning green spaces, water features and gardens. Belgravia has also had its fair share of famous former residents, so blue plaque-hunting is a great way to explore the local area.
Q. What is there to do in the evening in Belgravia?
Belgravia is a top destination for nightlife, with several of London’s most prestigious restaurants and bars within its boundaries. Those looking for more educational experiences should also check out the calendar of events of local museums, as many hold after-hours events.
Places to Visit in Belgravia
London has so many famous attractions and landmarks that it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, those staying in Belgravia will be perfectly placed to see many of the most iconic places the city has to offer. A few suggestions for places to visit in Belgravia and its surrounding area include:
- Marble Arch - one of London’s iconic landmarks, the triumphal arch greets visitors before they continue on to Oxford Street.
- Hyde Park - 350-acre park in the centre of London, offering a stunning landscape of lakes, woodland and gardens.
- The Natural History Museum - one of London’s most popular museums, dedicated to the history of the natural world and housed in a stunning Romanesque building.
- Kensington Palace - stunning royal residence, with highlights including Queen Victoria's childhood rooms, the King's State Apartments and the famous Sunken Garden.
- The Science Museum - another popular museum, charting the history of scientific endeavour and full of interactive exhibits.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum - the largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design in the world, founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- The Royal College of Music - London’s premier music training college also hosts regular concerts and performances for the public.
- The Saatchi Gallery - modern art gallery founded by advertising mogul Charles Saatchi, also hosts temporary exhibits of international treasures.
Places to Eat in Belgravia
Belgravia is one of the best places in London for fine dining, with numerous establishments within walking distance.
Some of the most popular fine dining restaurants in the area include:
- Mosimann’s.
- Boisdale of Belgravia.
- Noura.
- Petrus.
- Muse.
However, aside from the more upscale restaurant, Belgravia also boasts plenty of more casual eateries, such as:
- The Thomas Cubitt.
- The Alfred Tennyson.
- Amaya Grill.
- Zelman Meats.
- The English Grill.
Shopping in Belgravia
Belgravia is a great place to enjoy a little retail therapy. Elizabeth Street is lined with boutique stores and artisan design houses. There are also plenty of flagship designer stores on nearby Sloane Square and for more familiar high street brands, Victoria Station and its surrounding area offers a surprising amount of options. Of course, Belgravia is also just a few stops on the tube from London’s most famous shopping location: Oxford Street. There are also several other famous shopping malls and plazas within easy reach of Belgravia, including:
- West One.
- Kensington Arcade.
- Harrods.
- Westfield London.
- W12 Shopping Centre.
- Broadway Shopping Centre.
Transportation in Belgravia
Transportation in Belgravia is a simple affair thanks to the area being extremely well connected via London’s extensive public transport network. Victoria Station is one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs, connecting Belgravia to several other UK cities and offering services across Greater London. However, for shorter journeys within London city centre, the tube is usually most convenient. Belgravia benefits from having several underground stations nearby, including:
- Knightsbridge.
- Hyde Park Corner.
- Sloane Square.
- South Kensington.
- St James’s Park Station.
- Green Park Station.
Between these stations, those staying in Belgravia will find they have access to all of the major locations in the city. In addition to the London Underground, there are also several bus routes operating locally, with the C1 covering several of west London’s most important locations. Both buses and the Underground are covered by London’s Oyster payment card, which offers the simplest and most cost-effective means of paying for transport. Alternatively, a travelcard can provide better cost-efficiency for those planning to stay in Belgravia for a week or more.
Weather in Belgravia
Weather in Belgravia is the same as it is across London - broadly divided into four seasons and generally without extreme conditions. The summer months of July and August are often the most popular time to visit, as temperatures usually peak at a pleasant 30 degrees, perhaps edging slightly higher in August. This makes the summer ideal for enjoying the many rooftop terraces, open-air attractions and sprawling green spaces of the city. However, it should be noted that rainfall is always possible and even the hottest summers are likely to see a few showers. Winters can be cold in the city, with temperatures often dropping to a degree or two above freezing - even dipping below overnight. However, thanks to London’s abundance of indoor attractions and festive activities, December and January are also popular times to visit.
