The 10 Best Things To See and Do in Kensington, London

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.

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.

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.

Directly across from the Natural History Museum, pop along to the iconic V&A Museum where you can find the largest collection of arts, design and decorative arts in the world. Housing 2.8 million incredible pieces that can be enjoyed by visitors and travellers from across the world.

Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.

Located on the beautiful High Street of Kensington, the Design Museum is one for the contemporary architecture buffs out there who want to indulge in all things contemporary design. From product, industrial, graphic, fashion, and architectural design, the museum showcases the leading work in this space.

Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.

If you’re thirsty for a break in your day of adventure, you can find this gem on the pretty Queens Gate Mews and enjoy a mix of cask ales, bottled beers and delicious hearty food. This pub is beautiful and quaint, a picturesque setting for a delicious lunch and a true Kensington experience.

Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.

For a memorable shopping experience, antique lovers might want to trawl Kensington Church Street. It’s the perfect location for a spree of pretty good charity shops for designer bargains and unique finds.

Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.

End the day with a performance at the glorious Grade I-listed Royal Albert Hall. From Wagner to Pink Floyd, the hall has hosted a variety of concerts, and now it’s not just music you can listen to. Visitors can now watch live tennis, enjoy the ballet and Cirque du Soleil, or even watch live orchestral screenings of popular films from Harry Potter to Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.

It’s no surprise that this iconic museum is one of London’s biggest tourist attractions and its based in the picturesque South Kensington. The Science Museum is a space where the curious mind can wander, learn and expand in new ways. Offering incredible exhibitions and interactive workshops all year round, be sure to check out what’s on during your visit to Kensington. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.

Kitchen W8 prides itself on being the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. In 2011 they were awarded with their Michelin star and have been able to retain it, as well as their prices, every year since. The menu consists of a combination of modern English cuisine with a ‘French soul’, with dishes such as ox tongue with barbecued beetroots, spiced carrots, sunflower and rye, and bresse pigeon with Norfolk asparagus, bulgur wheat, mousserons, hazelnut, and parfait. The quality of the ingredients used is important to Kitchen W8, so you know you’re not only getting professionally prepared food, but food that has been grown with the highest level of care. Their menu changes with the season to include light, simple foods in the warmer months, and complex, hearty dishes in the colder ones, all of which encompass a wide range to suit everyone. Recommended by Charlotte Luxford.