One of the more prestigious and affluent areas of London, Kensington offers a charming blend of grand architecture, cultural landmarks, sophisticated shopping and exclusive bars and restaurants.

Boasting strong royal connections, world-renowned high-end shopping and some of the most exquisite parks in the UK, Kensington provides the best London lifestyle on offer with an eclectic mix of city life and peaceful green space.

Here, we delve deeper into why Kensington is top of the list when it comes to buying property in London.

Royal Connections

Kensington lies prominently within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and has deep-rooted royal connections that span centuries of British history. Kensington Palace has long been the favourite residence of successive British monarchs since the 17th century and is still actively used as a royal residence to this day. Until very recently, the Palace served as the main residence of Prince William and Princess Catherine.

A wealth of celebrities and high-net-worth individuals own property in Kensington because of the luxury lifestyle the area provides. In fact, Kensington is home to one of the most expensive residential streets in the world, Kensington Palace Gardens, which is often better known as “Billionaire’s Row”.

Since gaining Royal borough status in 1901, Kensington has become known as a key cultural hub and is a hotspot for those looking for prime central London property because of the wealth of things to do and the upmarket city lifestyle the area provides.

*Signage at the South Kensington Station dating back to 1868*

Things to do in Kensington

Kensington lies just less than three miles from the centre of London which means residents have easy access to the lively and diverse cultural, leisure and entertainment landscape across the capital.

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, there are a range of nearby exclusive members clubs which offer a sophisticated place to relax, network and socialise. South Kensington Members’ Club is one of the most impressive members’ club in London, set within a Georgian townhouse formerly home to Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood’s Harrington Club. It gives members exclusive access to a spa, fully quipped skylit gym, a high-quality restaurant, meeting rooms as well as a bar and social spaces perfect for networking.

High-end shopping in Kensington

Kensington offers some of the best shopping in the country, with Kensington High Street being one of the most exclusive and popular shopping destinations in West London for some time. The high street itself includes an abundance of retailers such as Massimo Dutti, as well as numerous other stores, including luxury brands, specialty shops, and smaller independent boutiques, providing a diverse shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.

Neighbouring Knightsbridge boasts two of the most exclusive department stores in the world: Harrods and Harvey Nichols, which both offer upmarket fashion, homeware, jewellery and much, much more. Adjoining Sloane Street houses renowned fashion houses such as Valentino, Gucci, Armani and Louis Vuitton to name just a few.

Wining and Dining in Kensington

Kensington offers a delightful array of dining and drinking options, serving diverse tastes and culinary preferences with an extensive variety of British and international flavours on offer.

Upmarket bars and cafes such as Kensington Garden Bar, The Ivy Kensington Brasserie and The Orangery at Kensington Palace provide a refined and sophisticated experience, making them ideal for special occasions, romantic evenings, or simply indulging in a luxurious dining experience.

The Churchill Arms is a local favourite and is one of the most recognisable pubs in the UK. Having been frequented by Churchill’s grandparents, today it serves traditional British ales, craft beers, an exclusive selection of wine and is renowned for its Thai food menu.

Kensington High Street provides upmarket grocery shopping with the likes of Whole Foods Market, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer providing an abundance of fresh produce, quality meats and freshly baked goods. There are also smaller independent grocery stores which provide international, organic and other speciality foods.

Green Space

Kensington features some of London’s most well-known parks including Hyde Park – the largest in the capital. Approximately 350 acres of green space, it is divided in two by the beautiful Serpentine Lake and is famous for its Speaker’s Corner and several other monuments scattered throughout. For sport enthusiasts, there is a tennis and sports facility which includes numerous tennis courts, a nine-hole putting green and bowling green.

Adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is a tranquil oasis connected to Kensington Palace covering around 265 acres. Explore the beautiful Italian Gardens, relax by the Long Water Lake, or visit the famous Diana Memorial Playground for some peace and quiet. You can also enjoy a cup of tea at the Orangery, a lovely Georgian building with stunning views of the gardens.

Located in the southern part of Kensington, Holland Park is a charming park known for housing the famous Kyoto Garden, a tranquil Japanese-style garden serving the perfect escape from the bustling city life.

Transport

Kensington is the ideal location for working professionals for its proximity to iconic attractions in the city, as well as its transport connections.

(From Kensington High Street)

Kensington Palace and Gardens: 4-minute drive

Natural History Museum: 5 -minute drive

Harrods: 7-minute drive

Sloane Street: 12-minute drive

Hyde Park Corner: 18-minute drive

Mayfair: 18-minute drive

*Maughan Library building, part of King's College*

Education

Kensington is home to several prestigious educational institutions, ranging from private primary and secondary schools to highly regarded universities, all of which are known for their academic excellence. This makes the area a top choice for families because of the areas diverse range of opportunities for students of all ages.

One of the world's leading universities, Imperial College London, has its main campus located in South Kensington. It specialises in science, engineering, medicine, and business. Imperial College consistently ranks among the top universities globally and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Kensington benefits from its proximity to other prestigious universities and higher education institutions in central London such as the University of London, University College London (UCL), and King's College London, among others.

Property for Sale in Kensington

Property for sale in Kensington is some of the most popular within the Prime Central London market, and for good reason. Aldersley London are proud to present a range of exquisite properties, including this stunning, newly refurbished mews house on South Kensington as well as this exceptional two bedroom apartment in the heart of South Kensington.

Discover all our Prime Central London properties for sale, here.

KENSINGTON AREA GUIDE