Travel
Neighbourhood Guide to Earl’s Court
Looking for a friendly neighbourhood guide on the best things to do in Earl’s Court?
Earl’s Court is one of west London’s most underrated areas, where many people simply change trains without exploring the many attractions just outside the station. Earl’s Court combines the best parts of some of London’s prettiest and most exciting neighbourhoods, such as the gardens of Kensington, picturesque mews of Notting Hill and quirky coffee shops and restaurants of Victoria.
We have some amazing short-term rentals in Earl’s Court, such as The Carlyle where you can book a luxurious and relaxing stay in the heart of the city. Earl’s Court is the perfect central London neighbourhood in which to base yourself to explore everything the capital has to offer.
So, if you’re staying in Earl’s Court, you won’t be short of interesting things to do as the area is full of great restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and plenty of cultural activities.
Best Things to do in Earl’s Court
Earl’s Court has more than enough attractions to keep you fully occupied, with a particularly great range of museums and outdoor spaces.
Whether you stay in the immediate area or take a short stroll to nearby Kensington, there’s a whole host of interesting places to explore.
This guide won’t just suggest tourist attractions you’re probably already aware of, but it will offer things to do in and around West London that aren’t your traditional attractions.
Without further ado, read on for our neighbourhood guide of the best things to do in Earl’s Court.
The Design Museum
In between Kensington and Earl’s Court is the fascinating Design Museum, which you can now explore in its new modern home. From the history of design where you can discover the minds behind inventions such as the telephone, iPod and even a paperclip; to one-off exhibitions such as Football: Designing the Beautiful Game (which is actually on at the moment), you’ll find a variety of immersive displays that will fascinate both kids and adults – perfect for a rainy day!
Brompton Cemetery
Perhaps not the first place that springs to mind, but Brompton Cemetery is a beautiful place to take a stroll in summer. It’s one of the oldest garden cemeteries in the country and is the resting place of many famous historical names including Emmeline Pankhurst, a leader of the suffragettes.
Over the summer months, you may also find it playing host to outdoor cinema showings of popular and current films in the evenings. The best part? The cemetery is just a few steps away from Earl’s Court.
Holland Park
A little further but still within walking distance, Holland Park is one of London’s most stunning outdoor spaces. There are lots of woodlands to explore, a children’s play area, and a tranquil Japanese garden complete with a waterfall for a peaceful day out in nature. It’s the ideal place to head for a picnic on a warm day in London after a day of sightseeing.
But that’s not all…you won’t just find outdoor spaces; Earl’s Court offers a variety of other fun attractions!
Stamford Bridge
Just a short hop, skip, and a jump from Earl’s Court, on the other side of Brompton Cemetery lies Stamford Bridge, the home of the world-famous football club Chelsea FC.
You can take a tour around the stadium where you’ll get to see the pitch, and locker rooms, and learn all about the history of the game and its players. Plus, you can also buy lots of souvenirs for any true-blue fans you might be travelling with!
Billionaire’s Row
If you want to get a taste of the high life, you can go for a walk down so-called Billionaire’s Row, London’s most affluent street. The houses here are towering, beautiful mansions which are fun to admire and are just off Kensington High Street, where you can enjoy great shopping and restaurants.
Kensington Palace
For a dose of history, Kensington Palace is a day trip that everyone will enjoy. The palace has been the official residence of William, Kate and Harry, but has also been home to a huge list of monarchs from Princess Diana to George I.
You’ll be able to explore the royal staterooms along with the extensive manicured gardens, including a special Jubilee flower display.
The best West London rentals
Nestor offers several stylish, family-friendly locations in and around Earl’s Court, Kensington and West London. Every location in our portfolio has been carefully selected to put you and your family at the heart of the area’s action, with plenty of family activities on your doorstep.
To take advantage of our best rates, book one of our properties directly on our site for your perfect Earl’s Court stay.
Nestor’s Carlyle Apartments And Knaresborough Studios
The Carlyle apartments in Earl’s Court offer unrivalled living quality, with spacious and airy two and three-bedroom apartments in the heart of Kensington.
The Knaresborough provides stylish Kensington studios, where sleek modernity serves as the perfect base for visitors.
Each studio is fitted with ultra-comfortable double beds, kitted-out kitchenettes, and spacious ensuite bathrooms.
Where to eat and drink
Did you know that if you happen to be a guest at Nestor, we offer a great breakfast menu, which can be delivered straight to your door? So, if you’re booked in or looking to book a weekend escape at one of our charming Nestor properties, you can book by 5pm to enjoy breakfast the following morning. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Or if you’d prefer to head out, there are plenty of fantastic cafés and restaurants in and around Earl’s Court – we’ve put our heads together and handpicked our favourites. You won’t have to venture too far to find a pub, café or restaurant that takes your fancy, no matter what cuisine you’re in the mood for.
The best restaurants in Earl’s Court
Located on Old Brompton Road, Flora Indica is regularly praised as the area’s best Indian restaurant. You’ll find a range of authentic mains such as Rogan Josh and Venison Biryani, perfect for dinner time, or you can enjoy their affordable two-course lunch menu.
For some alternative and exotic flavours from the Far East, head for Addie’s Thai, an unassuming café which is famous for its signature papaya salad, as well as excellent Pad Thai, and other Thai classics.
Just around the corner from Earl’s Court Station, Kappa is considered the best Japanese restaurant in the area. Don’t be fooled by its small and cosy setting, as the food is divine and of the highest standard. If you’re familiar with the Nobu name, you’ll certainly have experienced such an adventurous culinary journey that each bite, and each dish, taste as grandiose as they sound on paper.
And the makings of Kappa’s chef are no exception, having previously worked at the world-famous Nobu in the past. And yet despite this esteemed reputation, Kappa is surprisingly affordable and serves a great range of sushi and sashimi all day long, as well as offering takeaway for when you just need a comfy night in.
The Ivy Brasserie – Kensington
The Ivy has iconic status in London and provides some of the best casual yet sophisticated dinings you can find. With a wide selection of foods split across different menus, there is something for everyone. You can even dine like the Queen and enjoy their afternoon tea menu, where you will enjoy a variety of sweet and savoury treats along with a selection of teas and coffees.
Bone Daddies – Whole Foods Market, Kensington High St
A lover of Ramen and Japanese food? Look no further than Bone Daddies. This is no doubt some of the best Ramen you’ll find outside of Japan and only a short trip from where you are staying! Find Bone Daddies in Whole Foods market alongside some other great eateries, boasting food from around the world.
Dishoom boasts fantastic food and beautiful decor, reminiscent of 1930s Bombay, guaranteed to provide you with a wonderful dining experience. It’s also great for vegetarian options – we highly recommend the House Black Daal, a personal favourite of the vegetarians in our team.
Masala Zone – Earl’s Court Road
Rated as one of London’s top six Indian restaurants, if you’re a lover of Indian cuisine this is a must-try! They have taken a contemporary twist on traditional cuisine to provide you with a menu of the finest foods. They alternate chefs from different regions of India so the menu is always refreshed, stimulating and divine! Some say the food is as authentic as dining in India itself.
Cambio de Tercio – Old Brompton Road
With a wide range of modern and traditional tapas dishes and the largest selection of Spanish wines in London, this is highly regarded as one of the best Spanish restaurants around.
If the restaurant vibe isn’t what you’re after, they also have a gin bar on the same road where you can enjoy an extensive selection of gins. Or, alternatively pop into their ham and sherry bar, also on the same road, there’s definitely something for everyone with these guys!
The best bars and pubs in Earl’s Court
A list of eateries in Earl’s Court wouldn’t be complete without including the Troubador, a café-music venue famous for hosting the world’s most famous artists, from Jimmy Hendrix to Led Zeppelin. They serve all-day brunch as well as a classic British dinner menu where you can enjoy delicious food while listening to live music or poetry.
For a more immersive drinking experience, Evans & Peel Detective Agency makes for a fun night out. The themed speakeasy-style bar has a range of interestingly named drinks, including a range named after notorious, old-school gangsters Al Capone and Thomas Shelby.
For an authentic but laid-back British pub experience, the cute Lillie Langtry is located in a pretty Georgian townhouse, which not only serves great pub food and beer but also features a stylish upstairs cocktail bar.
Best cafés in Earl’s Court
Hands down, this is a Nestor favourite! Over Under Coffee is one of Earl’s Court’s must-visit coffee shops right next to the station (pretty convenient if you ask us), serving an excellent range of drinks to keep you caffeinated.
And what’s more, this hole-in-the-wall also turns into a fun cocktail bar every evening if you happen to be looking for a nightcap and something a little stronger. We heard the negroni is a winner 😉 Coffee shop by day, a cocktail bar by night.
Over Under is a must-try.
If you plan to visit the cemetery, Café North Lodge which is on the premises not only serves great coffee and pastries but also has a quiet al-fresco dining area where you can enjoy some of their fresh produce.
To transport your taste buds to France, Bonjour Brioche is the best place to get hold of a fresh cup of coffee, an array of sweet treats and some staple breakfast dishes – such as brioche eggs benedict or a melted gruyere sandwich.
Perfect on a mid-week hangover too!
Public Transport in Earl’s Court
We recommend using public transport as much as possible when staying in London. London is renowned for having some of the best transport links in the world, which are all well-signed and equipped with helpful staff to help you along your journey.
The closest station to The Carlyle is Earl’s Court station, a short three-minute walk from the property.
This has great links to Central London and Heathrow airport via District line & Victoria Line tube services.
There are also bus stops all around the Earl’s Court area, which can get you to multiple destinations.
If travelling into Central London by bus (we recommend the tube for speed of journey), hop on a 74 which will take you to Knightsbridge and other locations.
Please use this link to plan journeys as this is a useful tool when getting around via public transport.
By foot
Earl’s Court is great to walk around. There is an abundance of cafés and restaurants you can find just by wandering the streets (though depending on the time of year don’t forget to pack an umbrella!).
By taxi
Uber is available in London and is relatively cheap in comparison to the famous London black taxis. Other taxi apps are available alongside local taxi services that you can call to book. Prices vary depending on the time of day and where you are travelling to.
Also, note with Uber you can schedule rides for a specific time through the app which may be useful for your check-out or travelling to attractions at certain times.
Wellness
Every location has been carefully selected to put you at the heart of the area’s action, with plenty of these fitness activities on your doorstep.
Book massage, beauty, physiotherapy, fitness and more, at home and online through our partner Urban.
They have an amazing range of flexible wellness options for you to choose from, whether you’re looking for a beauty treatment in your apartment or a personal trainer session in Hyde Park.
Nestor customers get £15 off their first booking when they use code NESTOR15!
We also offer on-site fitness experts! Connect with your inner peace and discover yourself with our inspired Yogini, Alena. Or perhaps you’re looking to get lean? Our dedicated PT, Tariq, is ready to whip you into shape at the nearby @marriotthotels gym.
All you need to do is book a stay with us and you’ll have exclusive access to any of these activities. Already staying in one of our properties?
No problem, simply click the link below and fill in this form to book.
Looking for more ideas for things to do while you’re in London? Check out our local guides which are tailored for your arrival, or drop us a message – we’d love to hear from you!