South Kensington

London

London Natural History Museum showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and interior views
Victoria and Albert Museum which includes heritage elements
Victoria and Albert Museum showing heritage architecture
Victoria and Albert Museum showing interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture
London Natural History Museum showing interior views, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Some of the best free museum exhibitions in London, a world-famous concert hall and delightful pockets of greenery await in this upmarket neighbourhood.

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-metre) 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

The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €214 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€214
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,044 reviews)
"I love staying at the Rembrandt. It is so convenient for the underground and it is right opposite my favourite museum the V&A. The staff are friendly and helpful, the room I had this time was perfect for me. The breakfast caters well for vegan and gluten free. It has its own gluten free stand with ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

The Rembrandt
Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Stay at this 4-star B&B in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hyde Park and Kensington High Street ...
7.2/10 Good! (322 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful and accommodating! We had an issue with the toilet flush, and it was addressed properly. The meal ticket was also adjusted to include both my cousin and me. That was very much appreciated! Everyone was very kind and the room was very comfortable! Excellent location! Thank ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Princes Gardens
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road, London, England
The price is €212 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€212
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,088 reviews)
"Comfortable room. High standard of cleanliness. Could do with a shelf by bed for book, phone, glasses.."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
The Exhibitionist Hotel

The Exhibitionist Hotel

5 out of 5
8-10 Queensberry Place, South Kensington, London, England
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Stayed at The Exhibitionist Hotel and really enjoyed it. The room had a super quirky, fun design that made it feel unique compared to standard hotels. The bed was super comfy, big enough to stretch out in, and came with plenty of extra pillows — perfect after a day of exploring. Amenities were pretty ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

The Exhibitionist Hotel
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
The price is €197 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€197
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (897 reviews)
"Lovely hotel. Staff so kind and professional. I look forward to returning every year."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

4 out of 5
68-86 Cromwell Road, London, England
The price is €163 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€163
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Short trip
"Nice hotel in superb location very safe area. Numerous museums nearby. Lovely building lovely bed and linen slept well"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
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

Chelsea showing heritage architecture

Chelsea

4.5/5(132 area reviews)

Museums, theatres and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Chelsea. Sights like Royal Hospital Chelsea and Saatchi Gallery are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater London area at Sloane Square Underground Station.

Chelsea
Kensington Gardens showing a park

Kensington

4.5/5(1,515 area reviews)

Kensington High Street and Kensington Church 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
Paddington which includes a square or plaza and a city

Paddington

Paddington Central and The Grosvenor Victoria Casino London 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 featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(2,564 area reviews)

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square 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 Bond Street.

Mayfair
Victoria - Westminster featuring a city and heritage architecture

Westminster

While you're in Westminster, take in top sights like Big Ben and jump on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station to see more of the city.

Westminster


South Kensington

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