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Home > Areas We Cover > South Kensington

Area Guide
South Kensington

South Kensington in Zone 1 bordered by both Knightsbridge and Chelsea is a lively international hub. Home to world-renowned cultural attractions like The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the beautiful, world-famous Royal Albert Hall. Residential homes in South Kensington are primarily characterised by six and seven-story terraces of large houses whereby many have been converted into lateral space homes.

Living in South Kensington is opulent, artistic and royal. The surrounding area features many continental-style cafes and restaurants, most famously located on Exhibition Road.

Shopping in South Kensington

For a fantastic shopping experience in South Kensington,  one of the absolute must-visit spots is Exhibition Road. This street is a cultural gem, graced with breathtaking architecture and steeped in history. It's a picturesque, tree-lined haven for shoppers, offering a diverse array of unique establishments. You'll find charming bookstores, stylish boutique fashion outlets like The Shop at the Royal College of Art, and exquisite jewellery shops such as Mappin & Webb.

For even more upscale shopping, head to the southern part of South Kensington, where you'll discover Brompton Road, leading all the way from South Kensington to Knightsbridge. This bustling hub is renowned for its high-end boutiques and luxury shopping options. Fashion enthusiasts will be delighted by the iconic collections on display, including those from renowned designers like Chanel and Harrods.

If you have a passion for fine watches, don't miss the boutiques like Watches of Switzerland. And for unique home decor finds, The Conran Shop is a must-visit. South Kensington truly offers a world-class shopping experience that caters to every taste and style preference.

Eating & drinking in South Kensington

For a premium dining experience, Bibendum in South Kensington is a must visit.  Housed in the iconic Michelin House, is a renowned London institution that has been serving fine French cuisine for 30 years. The art deco building is a visual marvel, and the restaurant's interior boasts grey leather banquettes, exquisite art, and Michelin Man-stained glass windows, creating a picturesque dining setting.Today, Bibendum is under the culinary stewardship of Claude Bosi, a highly regarded French fine dining chef. His cuisine is a blend of classical and intricate techniques, earning him two Michelin stars at his previous restaurant, Hibiscus in Mayfair. Bosi's return to Bibendum is a significant event for London's food enthusiasts.

Min Jiang in South Kensington, located on the tenth floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, offers stunning daytime views of Kensington Gardens, making it a unique Chinese dining destination. The restaurant boasts a serene yet welcoming ambiance with a glassy main dining room and attentive staff. Don't miss their signature dish, the Beijing duck, which is a must-try for first-time visitors. The menu also includes Sichuan classics like double-cooked pork with celery and spicy clay pot venison, as well as luxurious options such as lobster and abalone.

Tendido Cero in South Kensington is part of a tapas trio on Old Brompton Road. It offers a balance between informal and formal dining. For wine enthusiasts and lovers of Spanish food, Tendido Cero is worth checking out with its innovative yet traditional menu. The restaurant's bright pink and sandy decor, complemented by open-front seating when the weather allows, creates an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. The extensive wine list is organised by region and accompanied by a map of the Iberian peninsula.

Green spaces in South Kensington

Holland Park: Holland Park offers a delightful touch of wilderness in the heart of the city. Take a stroll or jog through its serene, forest-like paths. The park features a sports field for leisure activities, tennis courts, golf practice areas, a charming café, playgrounds for kids, an open-air theatre hosting Opera Holland Park in the summer, and the exquisite Kyoto Gardens. It's also a convenient route for walking between Kensington High Street and Holland Park.

Kensington Gardens: One of London's most renowned and expansive parks, spans 275 acres. This picturesque park is an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating workout. Its vast expanse ensures that you'll always discover a peaceful enclave. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Round Pond with its diverse wildlife, including ducks, coots, and swans, as well as the enchanting Sunken Garden adjacent to Kensington Palace. For a delightful afternoon tea experience, consider a visit to the charming Orangery. And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, remember that Kensington Gardens seamlessly transforms into Hyde Park beyond the Serpentine, extending your green oasis experience even further.

Properties in South Kensington

Residential homes in South Kensington are primarily characterised by six and seven-story terraces of large houses whereby many have been converted into lateral space homes. Following the 1851 Great Exhibition, South Kensington witnessed a proliferation of grand Italianate stucco mansions. While some of these stately structures have since been transformed into apartments, they retain their graceful and imposing presence in the real estate landscape. Diverging from the opulent Victorian architectural style, the area also boasts a collection of renowned red brick houses, with the most enchanting examples clustered around Cadogan Square in the adjacent Chelsea neighbourhood. South Kensington further offers purpose-built mansion blocks, alongside delightful mews houses along Elvaston Mews and Queen's Gate Place Mews. For those in pursuit of the grandest and most opulent dwellings in London, look no further than Queensberry Place and Montpelier Square. Additionally, terraced housing surrounds the local station, providing diverse housing options to suit various preferences.

Schools & education in South Kensington

Glendower Preparatory Girls School

Independent day school

Glendower is a historic Independent Preparatory Day School for girls aged 3 to 11. Since 1895, dedicated to empowering bright young girls. Their goal is to uncover and nurture each girl's individual talents, fostering socially aware, inclusive, capable, and courageous citizens. Their vision is to empower everyone in the community to realise their full potential by approaching academics and pastoral care with purpose, resilience, kindness, and a sense of humour.

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle

French co-educational primary and secondary independent day school

For over a century, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington has consistently provided an exceptional educational experience, fostering a vibrant and dedicated community of educators and learners. Our school thrives in a stimulating environment that embraces both French and British cultures, welcoming students from 41 diverse national backgrounds. Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle  established by the French Ministry of Education, offers a comprehensive educational foundation from nursery to the prestigious Baccalauréat. Additionally, they provide the official British Education curriculum, beginning from Year 10 (3GCSE) and extending through Year 13 (TAL). This dual approach ensures that students benefit from a well-rounded education that combines the best of both French and British systems, preparing them for a world of opportunities.

Imperial College London, University

Situated in the heart of London in South Kensington, Imperial College London achieved independence from the University of London in 2007, marking the centenary of its founding. Imperial College London, consistently ranked among the world's top universities, is a key member of the prestigious 'Golden Triangle,' which includes Oxford and Cambridge. While renowned for its world-class science, engineering, and medicine programs, Imperial College has also gained acclaim for its Business School and Humanities department in recent years. Part of the esteemed Russell Group, Imperial holds the 5th position in the latest Times Good University Guide rankings in the UK. Globally, it frequently secures a spot among the top ten universities (QS World Rankings). The university is known for groundbreaking research, with an impressive track record of 14 Nobel Prizes and 81 Fellowships from the Medical Sciences awarded in the past.

History of South Kensington

In the 19th century, South Kensington emerged as a tranquil, rural area situated on the outskirts of London. This was a time when London was rapidly expanding, driven by the Industrial Revolution and the growth of the British Empire. The allure of South Kensington was its strategic location, nestled close to Hyde Park and within reasonable proximity to the bustling city centre.

One of the most pivotal moments in South Kensington's history was the hosting of the Great Exhibition of 1851. This international spectacle took place within the sprawling expanse of Hyde Park. The brainchild of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, this exhibition was a grand showcase of the industrial and technological marvels of the era. What set this event apart was the construction of the magnificent Crystal Palace, a splendid glass structure designed by the renowned architect Joseph Paxton. Situated precisely in what is now South Kensington, this architectural marvel garnered worldwide attention and played an instrumental role in catapulting the area into the limelight of development and culture. Following the resounding success of the Great Exhibition, South Kensington underwent a profound transformation. It evolved into a cultural and educational epicentre. Several prestigious institutions were established in the vicinity, most notably the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. These institutions became magnets for scholars, artists, and curious minds from across the globe. This solidified South Kensington's reputation as a paramount hub for arts, science, and culture.

What else can I do in South Kensington?

The Great Exhibition Road Festival: In June, South Kensington comes alive with the Great Exhibition Road Festival, a fantastic annual extravaganza celebrating the fusion of science and the arts. An unforgettable weekend filled with free science and arts experiences suitable for all ages.Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops, captivating talks, dynamic performances, and intriguing installations brought to you by renowned institutions such as Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, and many others.

As you explore this cultural and intellectual feast, tantalise your taste buds with culinary delights from around the globe. And don't miss out on the eclectic performances presented by the talented artists from the Royal College of Music and the iconic Royal Albert Hall. It's a June event you won't want to miss!

Free Museums you don’t want to miss!: In the winter months, don't miss the opportunity to glide on the ice at the Natural History Museum's ice rink.

The Victoria and Albert Museum showcases an extensive collection spanning 3,000 years of art and design. Discover a rich array of items including ceramics, furniture, fashion, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles, and paintings.

For families, the Science Museum is a must-visit. It caters to kids of all ages, with its interactive Garden area designed for the youngest visitors and the engaging Launchpad gallery perfect for teenagers.

Right next door awaits London's Natural History Museum, where you can come face-to-face with a giant T-rex and immerse yourself in the Power Within zone, simulating the experience of an earthquake. South Kensington's cultural treasures await your exploration!

Visit the Royal Albert Hall: The Royal Albert Hall is a versatile venue capable of accommodating a wide range of events, from concerts, conferences, and gala dinners to sports events like boxing and wrestling matches. The Hall can accommodate up to 7,272 seats when arranged for opera and ballet performances. For concerts, the capacity expands to accommodate 8,000 attendees. Notably, the largest concert ever held at the venue saw an audience of over 10,000 people in attendance.

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