The ultimate guide to Kensington, London
TheHub@Druce- •
- 13 Mar 2025
The ultimate guide to Kensington, London
Discovering Kensington: London’s Prestigious Borough
Kensington is one of London's most exclusive neighbourhoods, known for its regal charm, cultural landmarks, and high-end living. From world-class museums and royal residences to Michelin-starred dining and lush green spaces, this historic borough attracts discerning residents and visitors alike.
Fun Facts About Kensington
Home to Famous Residents
Kensington has been home to some of history’s most notable figures, including Sir Winston Churchill, T.S. Eliot, Freddie Mercury, and Sir Mick Jagger.
The UK’s Most Expensive Real Estate
Phillimore Gardens in Kensington boasts the highest property prices in the UK, with homes averaging an astonishing £35 million.
Royal Connections
Kensington Palace is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, as well as Princess Eugenie and her husband.
Types of Properties in Kensington
Residents have a variety of luxurious housing options, including:
- Georgian Townhouses: Featuring brown or white stuccoed facades, terraces, and up to six stories.
- Red-Brick Mansion Blocks: Elegant and historically significant properties with spacious interiors.
- Modern Luxury Developments: New builds designed for contemporary urban living.
- Detached Homes & Mews Houses: Formerly servant quarters, mews homes are now among the most sought-after residences.
Where to Eat & Drink in Kensington?
The Builder’s Arms
Originally built in the 1800s for Kensington’s builders, this historic pub is now a local landmark. With a well-stocked bar and a menu featuring hearty pies and fresh British produce, it’s a go-to spot for residents and visitors alike.
Located in Michelin’s former London HQ, this two Michelin-starred restaurant is a must-visit for French cuisine enthusiasts. Diners can enjoy seasonal dishes prepared in an open kitchen beneath the venue’s iconic stained-glass window.
A favorite among celebrities like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, this authentic Spanish tapas restaurant sources its ingredients directly from Spain.
A vibrant Italian eatery with an ornate interior, including a ‘disco loo,’ Jacuzzi serves high-end Italian classics made with premium ingredients.
A hidden gem, this Danish cafe is known for its exceptional coffee and freshly baked sourdough rye bread sandwiches, drawing food lovers from all over London.
Things to Do in Kensington
Kensington Palace
Explore the historic home of British royalty, featuring tours of the King and Queen’s State Apartments, special exhibitions, and beautifully manicured gardens.
Natural History Museum
A fascinating attraction housing 80 million specimens, including real dinosaur fossils and a 25-meter-long blue whale skeleton named Hope.
V&A Museum
One of the world’s leading museums of art and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum showcases fashion, jewelry, mosaics, and ancient sculptures spanning five millennia.
Kyoto Garden
A serene Japanese garden in Holland Park, featuring traditional stone lanterns, koi ponds, and an Instagram-famous waterfall.
Royal Albert Hall
Since 1871, this legendary concert venue has hosted performances by The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jay-Z, and Adele, among others.
Transport Links in Kensington
Kensington offers excellent transport connectivity, with multiple underground stations providing quick access across London:
- High Street Kensington, Gloucester Road & South Kensington Stations: Served by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines.
- Paddington Station: Just 5 minutes away, offering the Heathrow Express for quick airport access.
- Covent Garden: Reachable in 11 minutes via the Piccadilly Line from South Kensington.
- King’s Cross & St Pancras International: 11 minutes away via the Piccadilly and Victoria lines for domestic and international train travel.
- Taxis & Cycle Hire: Readily available for convenient travel within the borough.
Top Schools in Kensington
Families in Kensington have access to some of London’s top-rated schools, including:
- St. Mary Abbots
- Fox Primary School
- Kensington Primary Academy
- St Barnabas and St Philip’s
- The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
- Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
- Imperial College London (one of the world’s top universities for science, engineering, business, and medicine)
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London’s property market offers international buyers a wide range of opportunities, whether you're seeking a long-term investment, a high rental yield, a family home, or a second residence. With its stable market, high rental demand, world-class education system, business opportunities, and unmatched lifestyle.
