London area of Kensington guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Kensington neighbourhood

The streets of Kensington may not be paved with gold but, in terms of real estate, they might as well be. The most desirable area, where you’ll find many a multi-million pound residence, is between Kensington High Street, up and over to Notting Hill Gate. The Royal Borough (given ‘Royal’ status in 1901) has been home to the monarchy since 1689. Their well tended gardens at Kensington Palace are open to the public, as are those of Holland Park. When it comes to shopping, Kensington High Street has every high street brand you can think of with the landmark Barkers building reminding us of the street’s history in retail supremacy. With popular parks, museums and shops in easy reach and a crowd of competing hotels nearby, Kensington is brilliant for tourists wanting to be that little way out of the centre. There’s also a history of putting on fairs and exhibitions: the Olympia’s pretty glass covered main hall was originally called the National Agricultural Hall. Opening its doors on Boxing Day 1886, the Paris Hippodrome Circus started a tradition in entertainment on the grounds with around 400 performers, 300 horses and six elephants.

See our recommended nearby Kensington Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.