What To Do And See In Kensington London

In and around this wealthy area of London is a vibrant colourful culture and an incredible range of historical sites. It is traditionally known for its shops, cafés and bars that gather on the upmarket high streets, however there is far more to experience in Kensington, starting with these five highlights.

The Mineral Room at The Natural History Museum

1. The Natural History Museum

Building, Museum

It would be impossible not to mention one of Kensington’s most illustrious museums. The Natural History Museum is without a doubt the most expansive and astonishingly decorative preserver of our ancient and modern history. The sheer size and presence of the building is enough to keep you entertained without even entering the door. It’s a necessity to take a selfie with Darwin and explore the dinosaur exhibitions, but the minerals room is the true hidden gem. It is filled with endless rows of cabinets housing an array of magical colours from many different places that may change your perception of the world around you.

2. Leighton House Museum

Museum, Building

Arab Hall at Leighton House Museum, London

Featuring an abundance of beautifully intricate artwork splashed on every wall, Leighton House Museum is a unique remnant of Kensington’s artistic heyday. From ancient Islamic tiles to a golden dome to a vast collection of paintings, the museum is an incredibly inspiring space. It is the former home to Victorian artist Lord Leighton and became his ‘palace of art’, and is undoubtedly a highlight of a visit to the area.

3. The Churchill Arms

Pub, Thai

The Churchill Arms is a quirky traditional pub in the heart of Kensington, littered with a cocktail of colourful hanging flowerpots all over its exterior. The array of bright colours makes you stand still and appreciate the hundreds of flowers brightening the area. The inside is very original and warming but is also intensely decorative and historically rich, with pictures of Winston hanging on every wall. However it’s not just decoration that makes this place a must see, their deeply satisfying Thai food completes the extravagant experience.

4. Janet’s Bar

Bar, Russian

Whoever Janet is, she takes quirky to a new level with her tiny bar. Hidden away near the South Kensington tube station, its cute interior includes antique British decoration which creates a jolly and friendly atmosphere. They open late with a good selection of cocktails, including their White Russian which is particularly well executed. Their friendly and attentive staff ensure that you thoroughly enjoy your evening.

5. Maggie Jones’s

Restaurant, British

Maggie Jones’s is beyond rustic with church pews and miss-matching chairs to perch on. The traditional farm and agriculture theme is incredibly charming as you sit amongst the cluttered decoration hanging from ceilings, filling corners and even adorning your table. The informal layout allows you find a quiet spot in their candle-lit venue to enjoy a romantic evening and some high quality food. The restaurant is hidden in a cul-de-sac near Kensington High Street station and is well worth the visit.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.