Living in Kensington

About Kensington

Kensington offers a postcard-perfect view of London, with its smart townhouses, royal connections, great museums and leafy garden squares. While Kensington High Street runs through the heart of the neighbourhood, its high street shops and office blocks are contrast with the exclusivity of the surrounding areas.

To the south lies South Kensington, home to the city’s most famous museums. Kensington proper is bordered by Notting Hill to the north, Holland Park to the west and Hyde Park to the east, creating a triangle of culture, green space and luxury living.

Fact file

• Kensington Palace is home to several members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Eugenie. Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle at Nottingham Cottage, his Kensington Palace residence. Kensington is steeped in royal history and continues to be a symbol of British heritage and prestige.
• Architecture and property 
  The area is defined by its architectural grandeur. From a wonderful array of period Victorian properties to Georgian terraces to red-brick mansion blocks, the area offers a wide range of luxury homes.
• Kensington Square is a prime example of Georgian elegance, with townhouses overlooking a central garden. Colourful cottages and stucco-fronted residences add charm to the streetscape, while modern developments cater to the high-end market with premium specifications and amenities.
• Kensington attracts celebrities, diplomats and affluent individuals from around the world, making it one of London’s most exclusive residential areas.

Going out

Kensington’s dining scene is refined and varied. Local favourite Jacuzzi is as extravagant as they come, serving classic Italian food done well. For modern Indian cuisine, Zaika offers elegant dining overlooking Kensington Gardens. If it’s Michelin stars you’re after, head to Kitchen W8, which pulls off the rare trick of blending fine dining with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

The Churchill Arms on Kensington Church Street is famous for its floral exterior, cask ales and affordable Thai menu. The Scarsdale Tavern offers gastropub classics on the terrace of Edwardes Square, while The Hansom Cab serves craft beers and hip bar snacks.

The Design Museum celebrates innovation in everything from furniture to fashion. 18 Stafford Terrace, preserved by the Victorian Society, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and design. Kensington is also home to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, all within walking distance.

Local amenities

Kensington offers a seamless blend of high street convenience and refined indulgence. Kensington High Street is home to large branches of popular retailers, including Waitrose and London’s largest Whole Foods Market, making it a go-to destination for everyday essentials and gourmet groceries alike.

For more niche shopping, Kensington Church Street is lined with independent boutiques and specialist stores. Just moments away, Kensington Palace is still home to several members of the royal family and opens its doors to the public with regular exhibitions and guided tours.

The Orangery provides one of London’s most elegant settings for a leisurely lunch or traditional afternoon tea, offering baroque grandeur and serene garden views that perfectly reflect Kensington’s timeless charm.

Green spaces

Kensington Gardens is one of London’s Royal Parks and spans 265 acres, featuring the Albert Memorial and the Diana Memorial Playground. To the west of Kensington is Holland Park, offering a tranquil escape with its Japanese garden, woodland trails and cafe.