Area Guide | Kensington

Overview

Kensington, situated just three miles west of central London, is one of the most sought-after places to live in the city. Recognisable for its elegant, stucco-fronted white properties alongside rows of distinctive and ornate red-brick mansion blocks, Kensington is one of the most immaculately kept places in London. 

Both tourists and locals flock to the area’s many attractions all year round, meaning it’s rarely quiet on the main streets of Kensington. However, you don’t have to wander far from the beaten track to find yourself surrounded by peaceful residential nooks and more intimate parks and green spaces.  

The area is probably best known for its royal links, being home to Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and currently serving as a royal residence. If you’re looking to do some celebrity spotting, Kensington could also be your best bet, as many famous faces either live in the area or visit the array of exclusive boutiques and restaurants there.  

Property types 

Many of the buildings you see as you walk through Kensington have a similar iconic elegance that you only really find in this part of London on such scale. The vast majority of homes were built before the 1900s, and many of them still serve as stunning and spacious houses. Others have been converted into flats and maisonettes, which can make ideal rental homes.  

You’ll also find distinctive townhouses nestled down quaint, cobbled side streets, which are arguably one of the most characterful property types available. And of course, newer properties have been built over the years, too, with plenty of luxurious new-builds on the market for those who prefer a more modern style.  

Kensington is one of the most expensive places to buy or rent property in London. Kensington Palace Gardens, a stone’s throw from the palace and also known as “Billionaire’s Row”, is the most exclusive and priciest street in the area. 

Living in Kensington

Being such a popular spot for tourists, it goes without saying that you could never be bored in Kensington. Many of the top attractions are free to visit, making it completely inclusive for anyone who wants to see the sights. 

The top free attractions are the museums - the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. You can also take a stroll through Kensington Gardens to view the palace, the Princess Diana statue and her memorial garden, the Royal Albert Hall and the Serpentine Gallery.  

There are limitless options for places to eat and drink across Kensington, from fine dining at Launceston Place, Margaux and Bombay Brasserie, through to a multitude of classic British pubs for a more down-to-earth experience; look up The Builder’s Arms, The Queen’s Arms and The Elephant and Castle.  

A lot of families live in Kensington, attracted by some of the best schools in London. Coupled with the fact that you’ve got so many amenities and entertainment options on your doorstep, it’s easy to see why people of all ages are drawn there. 

Thanks to the relatively high concentration of flats, it is also a fantastic place to live for professionals, too, with easy transport links into central London - or you could even walk the scenic route via Hyde Park all the way into town.