Only in London Itinerary: Kensington

A Morning at Kensington Palace

Start your morning with a visit to Kensington Palace, where both Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales lived.

Here, you can admire some of Diana's most famous dresses, and explore Queen Victoria's bedroom, where a young Victoria woke on the morning of 20 June 1837 to discover that she had become Queen.

Pretty Kensington Gardens was once a private garden surrounding the palace. Wander around the park and you'll come to the splendid Albert Memorial, regarded as one of the grandest memorial monuments in the UK.

Look out for the Diana Fountain, a contemporary water feature commemorating Diana's life, and the charming Peter Pan statue, commissioned by the book's author, JM Barrie.

Peter Pan returns to his spiritual home in Kensington Gardens this summer, in a magical theatre show performed in a pavilion in the park.

Exit Kensington Gardens through Queen's Gate, and walk past the Royal Albert Hall, home to the annual Proms concerts. The venue has hosted gigs by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, and featured in films such as Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Ipcress File and Spiceworld.

Lunch at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Head to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) for lunch in the world's first purpose-built museum restaurant.

The stunning V&A Café is located in the original refreshment rooms, which were built in 1857 as a showpiece of modern design, craftsmanship and manufacturing.

An Afternoon at the V&A and Harrods

After lunch, take a look around the V&A, one of the world's greatest museums of decorative arts and design.

The V&A was the first museum in the world to use gas lighting in the galleries, to allow evening opening. These days you can enjoy late-night opening every Friday, and special events and activities on the last Friday of the month at Friday Late.

Other highlights include Antonio Canova's Three Graces sculpture; the Great Bed of Ware, an enormous wooden bed built around 1590; and an amazing chandelier by Dale Chihuly in the entrance foyer.

Once you've got your cultural fix, walk along Brompton Road to the world-famous Harrods. One of the world's largest department stores, Harrods sells everything from gourmet food to high fashion.

Harrods has many claims to fame: author AA Milne found the original Winnie-the-Pooh for his son Christopher Robin in Harrods' toy department, the fifth-floor Urban Retreat is Europe's largest health and beauty salon and, in 1898, Harrods installed the world's first escalator.

Dinner at Bibendum

Finish your day in style with dinner at Bibendum in the quirky Michelin House.

Commissioned by the Michelin Tyre Company in 1909, the building has become a London landmark. You can still see references to the Michelin Man woven into the fabric of the floors, walls and windows.

Treat yourself to classic French food in the glamorous restaurant, or enjoy a more informal meal in the ground floor oyster bar.

Download the Only in London: Kensington Itinerary

Download the Only in London: Kensington Itinerary [PDF 2.6MB] and take it with you on your unique day out!