As one of London’s wealthiest areas, you might expect that there isn’t a lot to see and do in Kensington but, rather surprisingly, it is home to some of the city’s best museums and open spaces which are completely free to enter. There are, of course, slightly more upmarket attractions to be found here as well but there is certainly plenty to keep everyone occupied whether you are visiting London on a budget or have cash to splash.
Some of our favorite things to do in Kensington include:
The Museum Quarter
In South Kensington, you will find three of London’s best free museums making it the perfect destination for families and adults alike. These museums are the Victoria & Albert Museum which is home to art, design and textiles from the last 3,000 years, the Natural History Museum which can boast an impressive collection of artefacts all relating to the Natural World and the Science Museum which takes an interactive and in-depth look at science and technology throughout the ages. If you are staying in one of the hotels in Hammersmith London then you will be well placed to arrive at the museum of your choice at opening time, when it is likely to be quieter and you will have more time to explore the exhibits.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
If beautiful open space is what you crave then you can’t go wrong with a visit to either Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. These two royal parks cover over 600 acres between them and it isn’t just the stunning flower beds, magnificent avenues of trees or wildlife on offer here; there are a number of other attractions too including the Serpentine Lake, the Serpentine Galleries, Speaker’s Corner, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground and plenty of memorials, statues and fountains as well. Kensington Gardens is also home to the well-known Kensington Palace, the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. It is possible to explore some parts of Kensington Palace and in particular, there are a number of exhibits which focus on the life of Queen Victoria which are well worth exploring.
The Royal Albert Hall
If you are staying at the LUMA hotel central London and looking to inject some culture into your trip to London, then the nearby Royal Albert Hall could be just the thing. The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps most well known as being the venue for the BBC Proms concerts which take place each year but you can find a wide programme of events at other times too including classical performances, contemporary music performances, ballet, opera and even tennis on occasion too.
Kensington Roof Gardens
For a stunning look, over the borough of Kensington and Chelsea you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Kensington Roof Gardens. The Roof Gardens consist of various themed gardens, an award-winning restaurant and a private members’ club to boot. It is possible for members of the public to visit the Roof Gardens all year round, providing there isn’t a private function taking place and it is certainly an interesting place to explore with some pretty amazing views over the city as well.