You are here: Home > Kensington and South Kensington > Best things to do in Kensington

19 best things to do in Kensington

Discover Kensington's world-famous museums, gorgeous architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, cosy pubs and hidden corners with this guide to the best things to do in Kensington.

Located south of Notting Hill, north of Chelsea and west of Hyde Park, Kensington (which includes South Kensington) is one of London's most elegant neighbourhoods.

Discover the best things to do in Kensington, featuring fantastic museums, stunning parks, pretty mews, bustling shopping streets, cosy pubs and more.

Best things to do in Kensington

Close up of a dinosaur skeleton at the Natural History Museum in London's Kensington.

  1. See dinosaurs, creepy crawlies and a huge blue whale at the Natural History Museum: Examine geological fossils, minerals and rocks in the Earth Lab and discover the epic forces that shape our planet in the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Darwin Centre, too, where millions of insect and plant specimens are kept.
  2. Be amazed at the Science Museum: Packed with interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational, it's a great place to visit with the family. Children can learn all about the major scientific achievements of the past 300 years and take a peek into life in the future. Families can also catch a film about space exploration in the museum's IMAX 3D Cinema.
  3. Get inspired at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London's leading museum of art and design: The V&A is home to 3,000 years' worth of amazing artefacts from around the world.
  4. Venture beyond the royal doors of Kensington Palace: Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and immerse yourself in more than three centuries of history.

Unusual and fun things to do in Kensington

A woman dressed in a black coat and a red hat standing in front of Kynance Mews in Kensington, with red flowers hanging from the archway.

  1. Stroll around one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in London: Explore picturesque mews, including Kynance Mews and Osten Mews, and spot colourful houses and elegant architecture, as you get lost in Kensington's gorgeous cobblestone streets and hidden corners.
  2. Uncover the London life of rock legends on a Queen London Walking Tour of Kensington: Hear anecdotes, snap photos at plaques and memorials, stop outside Freddie Mercury’s beloved Garden Lodge and more.
  3. Step back in time at the Leighton House Museum: Spot extraordinary period interiors including the unusual Arab Hall inside the former studio-house of the great Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton.
  4. Have some outdoor fun on the water: Hire a rowing boat or pedalo on The Serpentine lake in nearby Hyde Park.
  5. Looking for a shopping fix? Check out High Street Kensington's fabulous shops: As well as famous brands including Urban Outfitters and Oliver Bonas, don't miss the huge Whole Foods Market housed in a former department store.
  6. Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich and diverse culture at Japan House London: Catch fascinating exhibitions, tuck into delicious treats and browse top-quality Japanese products all in one place.

Free things to do in Kensington

Queen Victoria statue in Kensington Gardens, with tree with autumn leaves, and Kensington Palace in the background

  1. Discover the designs that have helped shape our cultural landscape at the Design Museum: Explore the leading museum devoted to design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics and product design.
  2. Explore the tranquil surroundings and cultural landmarks of Kensington Gardens: This is where you’ll find Kensington Palace, the Serpentine Galleries, the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial and the Diana Memorial Gardens.
  3. Visit the free Serpentine Galleries: Make the most of its seasonal exhibitions programme and don't miss the architecture-focused Serpentine Pavilion in the summer months.
  4. Kids in tow? Take them to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens: Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, this magical playground has a huge wooden pirate ship as its centrepiece. There is also plenty of seating so you can relax while the kids embark on an exciting adventure!
  5. Venture west of the borough to Holland Park for scenic park strolls: Wander through the formal gardens, let children enjoy the adventure playground or immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna of the woodland areas.

Things to do in Kensington at night

The exterior of The Churchill Arms, which is covered in hanging baskets, shrubs and flowers, with a pub sign showing Winston Churchill's face.

  1. Sit back and enjoy a pint at some of the cosiest pubs in London: Check out The Anglesea Arms, with its wood-panelled bar and warming fire, or The Churchill Arms, famously decked out in hanging flower baskets and known for its cosy interior and quirky Churchill memorabilia.
  2. Treat yourself to a memorable meal: Tuck into tasty British dishes inside the beautiful old Vanderbilt family mansion at Scoff and Banter, or enjoy flavourful Middle Eastern mezze at Ceru.
  3. Or chow down on some indulgent eats: Choose from Byron Burgers or Honest Burgers for burgers, Dishoom for Indian delights or My Old Dutch for piles of pancakes.
  4. See a show at the Royal Albert Hall: One of the best things to do in Kensington, this iconic concert hall is not only an architectural marvel but is unrivalled when it comes to the incredible entertainment that is hosted under the spectacular domed roof.

Discover more London itineraries to help plan your visit to the capital, including how to spend a week in the capital or the top things to do in Regent's Park. 

Explore by category