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London Walks: South Kensington

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Gates of Kensington Palace as seen on a London free walking tour.
Gates of Kensington Palace

Just outside the hubbub of Central London lies the genteel neighborhood of South Kensington. The area is brimming with museums, parks, and palaces. Strolling the district’s Victorian townhouses and Georgian mews (stable houses), makes for one of the prettiest London walks. Follow our self-guided London free walking tour to take in the best things to do in Kensington London.

Laura getting in Taxi at 100 Queens Gate in South Kensington London, UK travel
Laura getting in taxi at 100 Queens Gate

Highlights of the Kensington walk include the Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington Palace, Harrods, and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. The trek can also be combined with a bike ride through Hyde Park.

"Percy" the Water Dog in Kensington Gardens | London Walks & UK Travel
"Percy" the Water Dog in Kensington Gardens
London Walks: South Kensington At A Glance
Neighborhood Townhouses in South Kensington London
Neighborhood Townhouses

WHERE IS SOUTH KENSINGTON

Kensington is an affluent neighborhood in London in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The area sits about 2.9 miles (4.6km) from the hustle of Central London. South Kensington, where our walk begins, is home to the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Royal Albert Hall. In Kensington you will find fashionable addresses, high end stores, and chic restaurants as well as many cultural landmarks, gardens, embassies, and colleges. Walking Kensington is one of the best things to do in London England.

Queens Gate Entry to Kensington Park | Things to do in Kensington London
Queens Gate Entry to Kensington Park

LONDON WALKS: ROUTE DETAILS

Walk Distance: 3.5miles (5.6km)


The walking route is triangular beginning at the Natural History Museum and ending at Harrods Department Store. To complete the walk with confidence, use a street map or map app on your phone to guide you from stop to stop. This London walk works well as a full-day or half-day outing.

Kensington Mews | London free walking tour | UK Travel Blog
Kensington Mews

Full-day: At the walk’s starting point visit either the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, or Science Museum (all free). Then, rent bikes in Kensington Park and take in the park’s monuments. At the end of the walk do some shopping at Harrod’s and enjoy afternoon tea at Harrods Tea Rooms.

Kensington Candy Apple Red Coupe | London Walks | UK Travel
Kensington Candy Apple Red Coupe

Half-day: Bundle your South Kensington walk with a Kensington tour or London tour:

Flower Stall in Kensington London | Kensington Walks
Flower Stall

KENSINGTON HOTELS

South Kensington is beautiful area to stay in on a London visit. It is close to major attractions, but in a quieter part of the city. Here are some well-reviewed accommodations to choose from:

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London (We have stayed in this hotel, and loved it)

100 Queens Gate Hotel London | Kensington Walk
100 Queens Gate Hotel London

LONDON WALKS: SOUTH KENSINGTON MAP

Google Map: South Kensington Walk | Things to do in Kensington London
Google Map: South Kensington Walk

WALKING ROUTE: THINGS TO DO IN KENSINGTON LONDON

Library at Victoria and Albert Museum
Library at Victoria and Albert Museum

Stop 1: Exhibition Road Museums

Begin your South Kensington walk at the corner of Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road. From here you can see three of London’s premiere museums: The Victorian and Albert Museum, The Museum of Natural History, and the Science Museum. All of the museums are free. Pick one to explore for a few hours:


  • Victoria and Albert Museum: We loved visiting this eclectic museum dedicated to art, design, and antiques. See halls devoted to fashion, tapestries, furniture, sculpture, and more. Tours of this institution include a Self-Guided Audio Tour and a 3 hour private guided tour.

  • The Museum of Natural History: This museum houses scientific and historical exhibits. The complex boasts many specimens from the collection of Charles Darwin. See the skeleton of a Blue Whale, dinosaur exhibits, and the remains of endangered species.

  • The Science Museum: The perfect interactive museum for kids of all ages. Highlights include the Apollo 10 landing module, a full size steam locomotive, and learning how computers work.

Natural History Museum | Things to do in Kensington London
Natural History Museum

Stop 2: Anglesea Arms 

Distance: .6 miles; Address: 15 Selwood Terrace, South Kensington, London SW7 3QG, UK


Along this leg of our Kensington walk, trek past Thurloe Square and Onslow Square. Both of these communities feature typical Kensington gardens, townhouses, and mews. Then, on a tree-lined street find the Anglesea Arms Pub. The traditional gastropub has a loyal local following, and a reputation for being one of the best pubs in London. Stop for a drink and a snack before continuing on.

Anglesea Arms Pub | London Walks in South Kensington
Angelsea Arms Pub

Stop 3: Royal Albert Hall and The Albert Memorial

Distance: .8 miles; Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK


Walk along the leafy Queens Gate Avenue on your way to Royal Albert Hall. The 5,272 seat concert hall is a world class venue that first opened in 1872. Queen Victoria built the hall in remembrance of her beloved Albert. From here it is a short trek across the street into Kensington Gardens for a view of The Albert Memorial, another tribute of Queen Victoria to her late husband.


If you are interested in viewing the inside of the concert hall, try a Royal Albert Hall 1 Hour Guided Tour.

The Albert Memorial as seen on a South Kensington Walk.
The Albert Memorial

Stop 5-10: Attractions of Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens are part of the largest green space in the city, Hyde Park. On any given day the lawns will be full of strollers, bikers, joggers, and picnickers. Inside Kensington Gardens there are a number of cultural attractions to explore. For detailed information on park attractions, purchase a Kensington and Hyde Park Self-Guided mobile App Tour.

Relaxing in Kensington Gardens | London free walking tour
Relaxing in Kensington Gardens

You can walk this leg of the trip, but we suggest jumping on a Santander Cycle (London’s self-service cycle hire) like we did. We found a docking station near the Albert Memorial, and rode bikes around the park. Rates are affordable and the park’s wide paved paths are free of motorized traffic. There is signage in the park, but we suggest following your maps app to navigate from site to site.

Randy on Santander bike Rental in Kensington London.
Randy on Santander Bike Rental

Stop 5: Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has an esteemed royal history. It has been a royal residence since the 1600s, and was the birthplace of Queen Victoria. At one time it was the home of Diana, Princess of Wales, and later, Princess Kate. Today, it is the official residence of several royals. At certain time of the year, the palace is open for tours:

Kensington Palace | Things to do in Kensington London
Kensington Palace

Stop 6: Queen Victoria Statue

A short distance from Kensington Palace (but still on palace grounds), a statue of Queen Victoria looks out into Kensington Gardens. The white marble statue depicts an 18 year old Victoria in her coronation regalia.

Queen Victoria Statue at Kensington Palace | London Walks
Queen Victoria Statue

Stop 7: Diana Memorial Playground

The lushly landscaped playground, which is dedicated to the memory of Princess Diana, features an enormous pirate ship, playground equipment, teepees, and sensory trails. There is also a café and restrooms onsite.

Entry Diana Memorial Playground | Things to do in Kensington London
Entry Diana Memorial Playground

Stop 8: Round Pond and Peter Pan Statue

The man-made round pond was commissioned by George II in 1730. The pond is home to swan, ducks, and geese. You are apt to see remote control model yachts zipping around the water. If you are a fan of Peter Pan, take a brief detour here to find the original Peter Pan statue (to the west of Long Water).

Round Pond Kensington Gardens | London Walks
Round Pond Kensington Gardens

Stop 9: Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

The sprawling fountain is constructed of Cornish granite. From the fountain, two structures flow in separate paths into a still pool. There are three bridges to cross, and visitors are invited to dip their toes in the water.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain | South Kensington London
Diana Memorial Fountain

Stop 10: Wellington Arch

It is a bit of a trek (or pedal) from the Diana Fountain to the Wellington Arch (1 mile). Located in the heart of Central London, the arch sits at the intersection of Kensington, Hyde, and Green parks. It was first erected as the entrance to Buckingham Palace. Later, it became a Victory arch commemorating Wellington’s win over Napolean. At the top of the arch there is a bronze sculpture of the Angle of Peace. For a small fee, climb to the arch’s balconies for incredible city views. Click here to buy a Wellington Arch ticket.


If you rented a bike, drop it off at the Wellington Arch docking station.

The Wellington Arch as seen on a London free walking tour in South Kensington.
The Wellington Arch

Stop 11: Harrods Department Store

Distance: .6miles; Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK


Harrods is a famous luxury department store set on a swanky retail street. The “store” is really a complex of shops that includes fashion, footwear, jewelry, beauty products, hair salons, luxury accessories, and more. The Harrods Tea Rooms serve afternoon tea replete with tea, champagne, tea cakes and a whole lot more. The perfect way to relax after our walk exploring Kensington London.

Cycling in Kensington Park | London Walks
Cycling in Kensington Park

Sip, sip, hooray! It's tea time, Laura and Randy

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