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Our ultimate guide of things to do Kensington
Wondering where to stay in central London? Choose Kensington for amazing art, culture, shopping and food!
Kensington is one of London’s most exclusive areas, and with amazing food, drinks and attractions, it’s one of the best places to stay in central London!
We have some amazing London short term rentals in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, that will make the perfect base for those wanting to experience everything this fantastic neighbourhood has to offer!
Book one of our chic Kensington studios at The Knaresborough or one of our luxury Earl’s Court apartments at The Carlyle.
If you’re choosing to stay in Kensington, we’ve put together our ultimate guide of things to do in Kensington. From cultural activities to restaurants to cocktail bars, you’ll never be stuck for fun activities in Kensington.
Best things to do in Kensington
Kensington has more than its fair share of cultural attractions, making it a great place to stay in London if you’re looking for some cool, family friendly activities.
All you have to do is hop off the tube at South Kensington and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice by 3 of London’s best museums. Enjoy free entry to their permanent collections or treat yourself to one of their world renowned exhibitions.
You could lose days making your way through the Natural History Museum’s amazing collections, learning all about the natural world. However, for Londoners, it’s sometimes best known as the dinosaur museum due to its great collection of fossils, dinosaur skeletons and the lifelike roaring T-rex. Great for kids and adults alike!
As the UKs largest collection of applied arts, decorative arts and design, the V&A is the best place in London to enjoy beautiful objects and arts from throughout history. They’ve had some really special exhibitions in the past, including some dedicated to icons such as David Bowie and Frida Kahlo.
The Science Museum, devoted to all things scientific, is a really exciting, interactive museum to visit with the family. Check out their interesting collections, learn something new and make sure to drop by the Wonderlab, an interactive experience that’s bound to ignite your curiosity.
Just down the road on Kensington High Street you’ll also find the Design Museum, a beautifully designed building in itself, with great exhibitions exploring and celebrating the best of modern design and architecture.
But it’s not all museums and galleries, there’s plenty of other fun things to do in Kensington to suit everyone!
- Catch an independent film at the Ciné Lumière
Kensington is the French capital of London, with a huge number of French expats. The Ciné Lumière is an art deco cinema in the French Institute screening (mostly french speaking, but not always!) art films, new releases and classics.
- Wander Kensington Gardens
Connected to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens are a beautiful place to wander on a sunny day. There’s so much to see, including Kensington Palace, the Serpentine Galleries and the Albert Memorial. Or why not just grab a coffee at the Italian Gardens cafe and do some good old people watching?
- Go for a dip in the Serpentine Lido
Not for the faint of heart, a dip in the unheated water of the Serpentine lake will be sure to energise you. Swim club members and wild swimming fans go all year round, but it’s a popular spot for the general public on a hot summer’s day!
- Find some hidden treasures on Portobello road market
Portobello road is a street in Notting Hill, in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, known for its quirky market selling vintage and second hand clothes, antiques and collectibles (plus loads of great street food!). Drop by on a Saturday when the market is in full swing and rummage for some treasures!
Where to eat and drink in Kensington
The area has more than its fair share of fantastic eateries, so we’ve rounded up our picks for the best restaurants in Kensington. The London food scene is really dynamic and multicultural, so whatever cuisine you fancy, you’ll be able to find your dream dinner in Kensington.
We’re big foodies here at Nestor, so we’ve put our heads together to compile our ultimate list of the best restaurants, bars, pubs and cafés in Kensington for you to try during your stay!
The best restaurants in Kensington:
This rustic little French restaurant has been a favourite for Kensington residents and visitors alike for many years. Serving lovely traditional food in a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, Maggie Jones is ideal for a romantic dinner or a meal between friends.
Inspired by the old Bombay Irani Cafés, Dishoom restaurants have become well known across the UK for their sophisticated Art Deco atmosphere and the deliciously authentic food of Bombay. The Kensington branch is no different, expect fantastic food in a glamorous setting!
Cambio de Tercio is often cited as one of London’s best Tapas bars for good reason, and it is sometimes frequented by A-list stars! The menu is outstanding and they have a great wine list for a fun evening in a Spanish inspired setting.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, Sichuan PoPo in Earl’s Court will delight your taste buds! Experience the punchy flavours of the Sichuan region in China with a bowl of noodles, authentic street food or even dim sum.
The best pubs and bars in Kensington:
This elegant pub with a lovely sunny terrace is what drinking in Kensington is all about! Expect a chic atmosphere, fantastic beer and wine menu and some top quality British dining – we recommend heading down on a Sunday for a delicious roast dinner!
You won’t miss this fantastic Kensington pub- it’s facade is covered in beautiful flower displays and the interior boasts plenty of quirky Winston Churchill memorabilia. If the atmosphere wasn’t enough, the pub serves a delicious selection of beers and ales and some really delicious Thai food.
Nocturne is a basement cocktail bar inspired by the prohibition era. Sip on some of the best cocktails around in the sleek, 1920s style lounge. Ideal for a romantic evening or a sophisticated drink amongst friends.
Zuaya is a Latin American inspired bar in the heart of Kensington. It attracts a cool crowd with its green foliage, velvet accents and statement green bar. Sip on a delicious cocktail and sway to ambient music selected by their resident DJ.
Lovely Kensington cafés:
This cute Kensington café boasts chic interiors, great coffee and a tasty breakfast menu. It’s a must try while staying in the neighbourhood!
The charming floral facade in this local favourite café is enough to entice any visitor in! Stop by for a coffee and cake, a perfect pastel coloured macaron or even a light lunch.
This Danish inspired café does minimalist design, incredible coffee and healthy snacks, pastries and sweet treats so well! Hjem means home in Danish, and you’ll feel all the comforts of home in this lovely café.
We are Nestor, a London-based short term rental provider bringing guests beautiful handpicked homes in amazing central neighbourhoods. Book your stay in Kensington with us now.