History is alive and well in Kensington, one of the finest neighborhoods in
London. Home to the iconic Natural History Museum, the grand Royal Albert Hall, and the stunning Kensington Palace, the district gives a peak into the beautiful and fascinating past of one the world's most important city. And that's just one side to it too! The other side is an affluent area where elites reside. From members of the British Royal Family and prominent aristocrats to A-list celebrities and the wealthiest residents, Kensington, London is one of those places that define the city's luxury and prosperity.
Where is Kensington in London?
Kensington is located in its eponymous
London borough around 2.9 miles west of central London. It's near the heart of the city, bordered by other popular districts like Chelsea, Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, and Earl's Court. Its easily accessible location makes it a covetable address for anyone
moving to London. Even more so since Kensington is relatively peaceful and extremely affluent. The area enjoys a level of exclusivity that allows its residents to enjoy a silent oasis in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities. It's also worth mentioning that Kensington is right beside Hyde Park, the most beloved green space in the city.
What's The Vibe in The Kensington, London Area?
History and the haute lifestyle define Kensington in London. Its stately Victorian buildings, foreign embassies, centuries-long palaces, and popular museums make it one of the most important
neighborhoods of London, one that draws in both locals and tourists alike. It does get lively here every once and a while, but for the most part, Kensington stands out for its largely serene ambiance. It helps that its residential areas are largely exclusive, mostly reserved for the rich and famous who reside in the British capital. Some of them are even members of the British aristocracy.
Is it Safe in Kensington, London?
As already mentioned, Kensington is an affluent area and largely exclusive neighborhood near the center of the city. Thanks to this, it's also one of London's safer parts. This isn't to say that the district is crime-free, especially since
London's crime rates are relatively high, but it's far from the most dangerous parts of the city. During the day, you can easily walk around and stay safe throughout, but come nightfall, it's wiser to stay aware of your surroundings when you go out. South Kensington, in particular, is widely considered one of the safest neighborhoods in London.
What to Do in Kensington, London
As stately and sophisticated as Kensington, London seems, it's far from a boring neighborhood. The area never fails to draw in tourists with its historic Kensington Palace, its educational Natural History Museum, its fascinating Science Museum, and the beautiful Hyde Park. Head to Kensington Church Street too and check out its lively trip of traditional pubs, charming cafes, and lovely tea rooms. A major highlight is The Churchill Arms pub and its famous flower-filled facade. Are you a fan of antiques too? If you are, look no further than Kensington Church Street, a breathtaking strip of antique shops that offer the rarest finds. And to end your day right, watch a show at the Royal Albert Hall!
What is Kensington, London Known for?
London's history and class are best seen in Kensington. Its stately Kensington Palace is a lovely peak into the city's past, one when kings and queens reigned supreme and opulent elegance was the name of the game. The embassies located here uphold the area's regality, keeping it a place where a certain level of decorum is required in most parts. At the same time, Kensington stands out with its lush greenery. From the nearby Hyde Park to the many trees that dot its lovely streets, the area practically served as a fabulous oasis of botanical bliss in the middle of the city.
Kensington, London's Best Restaurants
Parts of Kensington, namely those that are nearer to Chelsea, are famous for their upscale hotspots. From some of London's best Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional pubs serving local food, this is one of the best places to eat. While the cuisines here are relatively diverse, the ambiance remains the same—high class! Though there are still a few pubs where you can relax, eat, and hang out with friends, most of the restaurants in Kensington are sophisticated spaces that call for proper dining etiquette and cost more than a pretty penny. Here are some of the best places to eat in Kensington.
- Côte Kensington at 47 Kensington Court
- The Ivy Kensington Brasserie at 96 Kensington High St.
- Zuaya London at 35B Kensington High St.
- Jacuzzi at 94 Kensington High St.
- Grato at 9 Kensington Square
- Dishoom Kensington at 4 Derry St.
- La Terrazza Kensington at 160 Cromwell Road
- Ognisko Restaurant at 55 Exhibition Road
- Coco Momo at 25 Gloucester Road
What to Know About Kensington, London Apartments?
Kensington's real estate scene is pretty diverse. The area has some of the most
luxurious apartments to rent in London and they range from studios and one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom penthouses and elegant mews homes. Seemingly, this many types of rentals would make you think that some parts of Kensington would be relatively affordable, possibly the smaller flats. However, the average monthly rent in Kensington is about £3,520.00, comparatively higher than the city-wide average, which is £2,121.00 per month. Hence, there's no doubt that it's expensive to live in Kensington, regardless of whether you're renting a studio or you're buying a townhouse here.
Elegance reigns supreme at Kensington in London. With its Georgian homes and stately mansions, it's no surprise that this is one of the most covetable addresses in the British capital. Get to know more about it.
