Video Tour of Kensington and Chelsea in London (6:02)

In our previous London video tour, we explored London’s bustling West End. In this video tour, we’ll head out to Kensington and Chelsea: two thriving districts in London with great shopping and culture. Together, the districts of Kensington and Chelsea make up the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, which is the most densely populated borough in the UK and one of the wealthiest. The borough stretches approximately from Harrow Road in the north of London to the banks of the Thames in the south, and from Finborough road in the west to Hyde Park in the east.

In this article, we’ll expand on our video tour of Kensington and Chelsea, where we show you the best shopping spots in the area, as well as museums such as the Natural History Museum and parks such as the Kensington Gardens!

Shopping in Kensington and Chelsea

Picture of Harrods in Kensington, London
Harrods is one of the most famous warehouses in London
The tour of Kensington and Chelsea starts with the best shopping streets in the area. Before you head out for an afternoon of shopping, it’s best to decide up front what kind of stores you want to visit. If you want to hit chain stores such as H&M, Marks & Spencer, Zara and Topshop, Kensington High Street is the place for you. If small stores and boutiques are more to your liking, pay a visit to King’s Road in Chelsea. If you’re set on high fashion stores such as Gucci, Christian Dior and Prada, make your way east to Sloane Street. Harrods, which can be found north of Sloane Street at Knightsbridge, is a great blend of the three types. This is echoed in the store’s motta, which is “All Things for All People, Everywhere”. If you only have time to visit one store in Kensington, visit Harrods.

Culture & Famous Museums in Kensington & Chelsea

Image of the Natural History Museum in London
The Dinosaurs exhibition in London’s Natural History Museum
London’s own museum mile is located right in Kensington. The Natural History Museum is an absolute must-see, and also great for kids. The Dinosaurs exhibition is one of the most impressive in the world. To learn more about the Natural History Museum and other great places to visit with kids, see Free Things to Do with Kids in London. Culture-wise, Kensington is also a very attractive area. The Royal Albert Hall is absolutely unique in its design, and it is well worth catching a concert here. In summer, Kensington also boasts many cultural festivals. One of these is the Opera Holland Park, which takes place during the summer months right in Holland Park.

Picture of a London vacation rental apartment
A comfortable vacation rental apartment in London
After a busy day of shopping, museum hopping and indulging in other cultural activities, it’s great to be able to come home to an apartment where you can relax and recharge for the next day. We have many vacation rental apartments available in London where you can stay during your holiday to London. Have a look and pick out a vacation rental in your favorite neighborhood: Kensington, Chelsea or Notting Hill, we have apartments available in all of these areas!

Notting Hill and the Portobello Market

Image of houses at Notting Hill’s Portobello Road
The famous colored houses at Portobello Road in Notting Hill
In the movie Notting Hill, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts stroll through all the famous places in the neighborhood Notting Hill, and you can do the same! The well-known antique market at Portobello Road is always held on a Saturday, so if you want to scout for antiques and second-hand clothing, be sure to go on a Saturday afternoon!

If, however, you prefer to explore the street with the colored houses at your own leisure and without the crowds, then try and visit on a weekday. Without the crowded market and the many tourists, the neighborhood will have a completely different charm.

Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace

Picture of the Kensington Palace in London
Kensington Palace in London’s Kensington Gardens
To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city entirely, visit Kensington Gardens on a sunny afternoon. Rent one of the striped deck chairs or stretch out on one of the perfectly-kept lawns for a day of relaxation. You can keep the kids occupied all afternoon at the Diana Memorial Playground, which is located in the northwest section of the park. The playground was inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, and even features a huge pirate ship!

For the adults, the Albert Memorial is one of the highlights of the park. Kensington Gardens is also one of the Royal Parks in London, and houses the Kensington Palace. This palace is inhabited by members of the Royal family, and was also the home of Diana, Princess of Wales. To read more about Kensington Palace, check out Kensington Palace, the historic future home of William and Kate.

High Tea & Restaurants in Kensington and Chelsea

Image of a high tea in Kensington’s Orangery
A high tea at the Orangery in Kensington Gardens
After an afternoon in the park, visit the Orangery in the heart of Kensington Gardens. Have a British afternoon tea in the beautiful building with a view of the gardens, and feel miles away from the busy city life.

If you find yourself in a different part of London and craving a good pot of tea with scones, have a look at our Foursquare list of Tea Spots in London! And if you would like to go out for dinner somewhere in Kensington or Chelsea, you’ll have a fantastic number of options. You can find great pubs and restaurants along King’s Road and along Fulham Road in Chelsea.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of Kensington and Chelsea in London! What’s your favorite shopping destination in the area?