South Kensington

London
Victoria and Albert Museum which includes heritage elements
Some of the best free museum exhibitions in London, a world-famous concert hall and delightful pockets of greenery await in this upmarket neighborhood.

Home to museums dedicated to art, natural history and science, South Kensington is one of London’s busiest areas. Refined and architecturally impressive South Kensington was born in the 1850s, when Prince Albert had a vision to establish a district for the arts and education. Visit South Kensington to browse superb free exhibitions, attend a concert and relax in pretty parks.

Tourists and locals alike flock to the Natural History Museum, which celebrates Earth’s fascinating biology and geology. Discover dinosaur skeletons, experience an earthquake and observe taxidermy displays of curious creatures. See an 82-feet (25-meter) long whale skeleton and a 1,400-pound (635-kilogram) meteorite. Outside, thousands of native animal, insect and plant species thrive in the Wildlife Garden.

The hands-on and educational exhibits of the Science Museum cater to visitors of all ages. Witness a simulated rocket launch, see revolutionary aircraft, automobiles and locomotives and find an interactive play area geared toward children under the age of 5. Over 5,000 years of worldwide art and design are on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Highlights range from paintings by Botticelli and Raphael to Alexander McQueen dresses and ancient Chinese ceramics.

Book tickets for classical recitals, ballets, operas, jazz, pop and rock concerts at the resplendent Victorian-era Royal Albert Hall. Music legends the Beatles, Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd have all graced the stage. Guided tours takes you behind-the-scenes of this iconic concert hall. Uncover emerging artists via exhibitions at the Royal College of Art.

A varied culinary scene comes to life at the fast food joints and restaurants on Old Brompton Road. Sample Argentine steaks, gourmet burgers, Lebanese mezze dishes and Italian flatbread sandwiches.

Green spaces are never far away from the area’s attractions. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are two of London’s glorious eight Royal Parks.

South Kensington is part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in central London. Travel here by taking the London Underground to the Gloucester Road and South Kensington stations. Belgravia, Chelsea and Knightsbridge are some nearby districts.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in South Kensington

Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington
Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington
4 out of 5
4-18 Harrington Gardens, London, England
The price is €123 per night from 5 May to 6 May
€123
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,534 reviews)
"Good central location"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington
Park International Hotel
Park International Hotel
4 out of 5
117 - 129 Cromwell Road, London, England
The price is €143 per night from 12 May to 13 May
€143
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,512 reviews)
"The mgr gave us a room upgrade for our second night stay. Hotel is old, tired as in whole carpet, grout gone, but near hop on off bus stop."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Park International Hotel
The Rembrandt
The Rembrandt
4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
The price is €215 per night from 5 May to 6 May
€215
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,682 reviews)
"I had a most pleasant stay at the hotel. The room was spacious, large beautiful bathroom, comfortable bed. Nice, friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

The Rembrandt
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road, London, England
The price is €215 per night from 27 May to 28 May
€215
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,538 reviews)
"Stayed here 2 nights. Staff were amazing. The room I booked was smaller than I expected especially the bathroom."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
The Resident Kensington
The Resident Kensington
4 out of 5
25 Courtfield Gardens, London, England
The price is €162 per night from 12 May to 13 May
€162
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Unique and quaint hotel with lovely service. Incredibly convenient to get where ever you need. Great bakery and affordable restaurants near bay as well. I would definitely stay here again, I would just recommend spend g a bit more on a bigger room, something that doesn’t have construction outside ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

The Resident Kensington
The Ampersand Hotel
The Ampersand Hotel
5 out of 5
10 Harrington Road, London, England
The price is €296 per night from 12 May to 13 May
€296
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy breakfast, 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Very modern, clean and good hotel. Check in and out were a breeze. The afternoon science tea we had was absolutely perfection."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

The Ampersand Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Kensington

Kensington Roof Gardens featuring a park

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Known for its fascinating museums and beautiful gardens, there's plenty to explore in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Check out top attractions like Natural History Museum and Kensington High Street, and jump on the metro at South Kensington Underground Station or Gloucester Road Underground Station to see more of the city.

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington Gardens featuring a park

Kensington

4.5/5(1,515 area reviews)

Hyde Park and Kensington High Street are a few top attractions in Kensington. Hop around the city on the metro at High Street Kensington Station or Notting Hill Gate Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, beautiful gardens and charming cafes.

Kensington
Big Ben featuring a city, heritage architecture and a monument

Victoria

5/5(6 area reviews)

The interesting museums and stunning river views are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Victoria Palace Theatre or Apollo Victoria Theatre while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Victoria Underground Station to get around town.

Victoria
Paddington showing a city and a square or plaza

Paddington

The Grosvenor Victoria Casino London and Queensway are top sights in Paddington, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Paddington Underground Station or Edgware Road (Bakerloo) Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Paddington
Admiralty Arch showing heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(2,564 area reviews)

Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster
Mayfair

Mayfair

Travellers love Mayfair for its popular shops, and you can see more of London by jumping on the metro at Bond Street Underground Station or Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Oxford Street and Berkeley Square.

Mayfair


South Kensington

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