Known as a culturally heavyweight area, South Kensington is a district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. With over 155,000 people in the borough itself, it’s not an overstatement to call it popular. South Kensington itself, although not properly defined, is believed to occupy the area below Hyde Park, whilst being enclosed by other popular districts like Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Earl’s Court and West Kensington.
What makes it so appealing and a continually popular area is its upscale and high-end feel, which isn’t surprising given that it is in one of the wealthiest areas in the whole of London. The SW7 postcode, that all locals have, is a sign of envy from all those that want to lead the London high life.
Another factor is the sweeping attractions that grace the streets, including Kensington High Street, Harrods, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. With high sale commerce, history and scientific institutions all over the place, locals and guests feel like they’re in the perfect spot for the ultimate London experience.
Then, of course, there are the luxury dining restaurants that fill up the shopping streets, serving a collection of cuisines from across the world. But not to a messy standard. The foods here are cooked to the highest of peaks, so the wealthy and important clientele can indulge as the real world turns around them. From the best of British to French finesse and other remarkable and popular dishes, any guest of business or leisure will be able to select the right spot to fill and satisfy their rambunctious appetite.
History of South Kensington
Like most English towns and cities, the first of mention of South Kensington came from the Domesday Book from the 11th century. However, while it was known, the area itself didn’t start to become the spot that we all know and love until the 17th century.
While it had prominence, most historians and locals would agree that the Great Exhibition of 1851 really kicked the area into the stratosphere. This event involved vivid displays of innovation and achievements in Britain’s industries, and where the present success could take the nation in the far future. As the first international exhibition of its kind, it was very popular. This led organisers to buy the land south of the massive Hyde Park to build what we all know now to the huge museums down Exhibition Road. As the area is renowned for these spectacles today, it’s fair to say that maybe the historians were right when it came to 1851.
After that, it became the cultural quarter of the city of London, and thus many other establishments sprang into fruition. Educational and entertainment venues added a much-needed boost of morale to the late Victorian period. With smoky skylines and poverty prevalent, opulent stores and inspiring exhibitions granted the perfect getaway from reality.
This history leads us right into its present where weekdays and weekends are filled with tourists and Londoners exploring the new displays and finding a source of enrichment from the venues. Expensive stores like Harrods lead its consumer culture while Hyde Park has become one of the key summer music venues in the city itself.
Business Life in South Kensington
London is an epicentre of business and financial transactions. Sitting alongside New York as one of the main cities to do business, it is not hard to see why so many corporate travellers come to the city every year to do business, set up networking events or hang out with clients in the very best restaurants in the city.
South Kensington, as a business neighbourhood, is a remarkable choice for those that want to live in style and luxury while on their short or long term trip to the esteemed UK capital. With its divine shopping streets and a plethora of restaurants to choose from to take clients to seal the deal, the business life takes a whole new meaning in South Kensington. And when they want a few off from commuting to the offices and organises their schedules, business guests can take full advantage of the landmarks and areas of interest like the V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Kensington High Street.
It is worth noting that South Kensington’s population enjoys higher salaries than most, and there are around 18,000 businesses here. Each business benefits from a local economy which is almost six times the European average and a GDP that’s almost double other parts of Europe.
Plus, businesses have the support of the Kensington & Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, an independent business network that promotes and supports the services of local trade. With support like this and a boosting local economy, it’s no surprise that so many corporate travellers and business people come and stay in South Kensington’s serviced apartments.
Where to Stay in South Kensington
South Kensington is renowned as one of the most desirable and affluent areas of London, with a host of fine restaurants, art galleries and iconic architecture. Its myriad cultural opportunities and pleasant streets give South Kensington a distinctly pleasing atmosphere, making the area hugely popular with visitors from all over the world. However, despite its affluent reputation, the area also offers a range of more modest options when it comes to accommodation, with a degree of price variation within the neighbourhood itself.
The format of accommodation will, of course, depend on the nature of a given trip. However, a luxury serviced apartment offers the ultimate South Kensington experience - especially if it is located anywhere along Queen’s Gate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find small, self-contained studios, which are often the more suitable option for anyone with budgetary constraints. Whatever the type of accommodation, anywhere along Exhibition Road will be within easy walking distance of the local points of interest.
Facts about South Kensington
Famously one of London’s most exclusive areas and London’s museum district, Kensington is a haven for culture lovers and those looking to enjoy an evening out on the town. However, the area is also notable for having grown alongside its institutes for arts and science - making it a truly unique location. The following are some other interesting facts about South Kensington:
- Kensington Palace has been home to royalty since the 17th century, including Prince William, Prince Harry and the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.
- Exhibition Road was named after The Great Exhibition of 1851 which took place in Hyde Park.
- Bruce Roberts began planning The Great Train Robbery in a pub called The Anglesea Arms which is on Selwood Terrace in South Kensington.
- South Kensington has historic links to literary giants, with former residents including Oscar Wilde, Beatrix Potter and Virginia Woolf.
- South Kensington is home to a fifth of London’s and the UK’s most visited attractions.
- St Mary’s Abbots Church in Kensington has the tallest church spire in London.
Things to Do in South Kensington
South Kensington is a centre of culture and unofficially known as London’s museum district. As such, it offers a huge amount of options when it comes to days out. In fact, many of London’s top attractions are within the borough or located within walking distance, meaning anyone staying locally will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do in South Kensington.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in South Kensington?
Inevitably, South Kensington’s museums are by far the most popular places to visit in the area. Showcasing everything from fine art to natural history, visitors will find they can spend several days exploring the world-class museums - some of which also offer evening entertainments such as concerts and movie screenings.
Q. What are some free things to do in South Kensington?
Once again, many of the world-class museums in Kensington offer free admission, so it is one of the best places to be to enjoy London on a budget. For those looking to spend more time outside, South Kensington is just a short walk from London’s notorious Hyde Park, with its 142 hectares of greenery, trees and lakes.
Q. What is there to do in the evening in South Kensington?
As one of London’s most visited areas, South Kensington provides a wealth of entertainment when the sun goes down. From its chic bars and restaurants to its traditional pubs, the area is great for socialising and the area also boasts several theatres and cinemas for further entertainment.
Places to Visit in South Kensington
There is certainly no shortage of cultural activities in South Kensington. The Natural History Museum is housed in a stunning romanesque building that is an architectural marvel in itself, not to mention home to a huge collection of exhibits dedicated to the history of life on earth. Just a short walk away is the Science Museum, which has a fantastic array of interactive exhibits and displays. Then there’s the V&A - Victoria and Albert - the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, with a collection of over 2.3 million objects. Anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors will find Hyde Park just a short walk away - arguably London’s most famous and popular green space, and one of the largest.
- 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.
- 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.
- Harrods - Iconic department store, known for its sumptuous interior and wealth of luxury brands.
- The Saatchi Gallery - Modern art gallery founded by advertising mogul Charles Saatchi, also hosts temporary exhibits of international treasures.
Places to Eat in South Kensington
London is also famous for its incredible range of restaurants and eateries - and South Kensington is no exception. The area boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Kitchen W8, and Zaika. There are also plenty of other fine dining restaurants across the district, with some notable establishments being Margaux, Town House Kensington, Coda Restaurant by Eric Chavot and Apero Restaraunt.
However, South Kensington isn’t all fine dining. There are also plenty of more low-key restaurants that offer equally delicious menus. These include modern British venues, such as Bumpkin South Kensington and Muriel’s Kitchen, as well as plenty of international cuisines, such as Casa Brindisa, Raison D’etre and Khan’s of Kensington, which serve Spanish, French and Indian foods respectively.
Shopping in South Kensington
South Kensington is not known as a top shopping destination, however, visitors will find that the area has a traditional high street which has everything one may expect - grocery stores, a book shop, charity stores and several speciality shops. However, visitors will not have to travel far to find some top retail therapy, as neighbouring Knightsbridge has one of the most famous department stores in the world: Harrods. There are also several other high streets in the surrounding areas of Chelsea, Pimlico and Hammersmith.
There are also several large shopping malls within easy reach of South Kensington, including:
- Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush (The capital’s largest shopping centre)
- Kings Mall Shopping Centre
- Kensington Arcade
- W12 Shopping Centre
- Broadway Shopping Centre
Transportation in South Kensington
South Kensington itself is an easy place to navigate on foot. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas and the charming architecture making it a fantastic place to enjoy a stroll. However, there are also numerous options for public transport. There are also numerous bus routes servicing the area, with the 14, 49, 74 and 360 being some of the main routes during the day and the N74 and N97 running overnight. However, for most, the tube is the easiest way of getting in and out of the area and to the rest of the city. South Kensington is served predominantly by the Piccadilly and Circle and District Lines and has several stations in its vicinity. These include:
- South Kensington
- Kensington Olympia
- High Street Kensington
- Gloucester Road
- West Kensington
- Earl’s Court
South Kensington is also a fantastic area to explore by bicycle, with Santander Cycles offering a hire scheme close to the tube station. Lastly, anyone wanting to make a short journey can easily hail a black cab, though these can be inefficient during peak traffic hours.
The most cost-effective way of paying for public transport is to make use of London’s Oyster card payment system. This is particularly true for those planning to make regular trips around the city - a single trip to zone 1-2 will cost £2.40 whilst the equivalent single ticket is £4.90. Similarly, a zone 1 - 4 Travelcard will cost £13.10, whilst the Oyster is capped at £10.10.
Weather in South Kensington
South Kensington experiences the same weather conditions as the rest of London. Whilst all UK weather has a tendency to be unpredictable, London has fairly distinct seasons. Winters are usually fairly cold, with freezing temperatures possible in December, January and February. However, by contrast, London weather in July is usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching average highs of 24 degrees. Whilst August can be a little hotter, typically the city doesn’t experience temperatures high enough to make it uncomfortable. British summers are notoriously unpredictable, however, so wet-weather clothing is essential packing at any time of year. The month of September is often a good time to visit, as the temperature is usually still warm, whilst being a little cooler than August in the evenings, making for a more comfortable stay.
